Hi all - from a car fanatic [Archive]

Grin-T

11th August 2008, 20:56

I somehow figured now is the right time for me to make my first post after lurking for a good couple of weeks. As you can gather already, yes, I like cars. Yes I race cars. Legally that is. I used to go to Pukekohe open days pretty regularly and had attended some club day races at Taupo's A1GP track.

Anyhow, I've had my fun on four wheels and it got way too expensive just for a service (don't get my started on the cost of petrol) and decide that a bike might just be the thing to get me excited about something again.

Being a shorty at around 6' 4 though really limits me to a short list (pun intended) of 'fun' 250s I can buy.

I took a friend's 50cc Kawasaki NR50 (6 speed) on the road yesterday. It didn't take me that long to be able to get the gear changes correct and all that, but one thing that really annoyed me was the lack of respect/courtesy from drivers! :Oi: So much so that it almost puts me off the idea from sitting my learners and getting a 250cc..

What do you new riders think?

McJim

11th August 2008, 21:08

Don't expect respect from car drivers. End of story. There are some good c*nts out there on 4 wheels but always assume the worst. They are insulated with a ton of steel from the outside world and don't have to worry about things like balance and lateral traction in corners.

Get a bike, meet some good c*nts and have a ball. I did.

Trudes

11th August 2008, 21:48

You learned quickly what car dwellers can be like when you're on a bike, you feel quite vulnerable eh! Makes you a better more aware cage driver though. Good luck with the new bike interest and welcome to KB.:rockon:

BIHB@0610

11th August 2008, 22:04

Geez if you're that short (p/t) you might be able to get an exemption - means you can go straight to a bigger bike. Think Tank did it, maybe PM him? Or I might be mistaken :spanking:

DarkLord

12th August 2008, 15:29

The best way I've found to gain courtesy and respect from car drivers is to ride assertively - don't be submissive and sit at the very edge of the road like some scooter riders do. Sit right in the middle (or in the staggered formation if riding with others) and just ride with confidence - you have as much of a right to be in the middle of the road as any car driver.

I would say that having a bike is definitely worth it - cheap on gas, you meet a lot of good people and your transport becomes a big hobby! One aspect I really enjoy is the Biker Nod/Wave - when another biker comes in your direction on the other side of the road, and you nod/wave at each other. I don't see many car drivers doing that!

Welcome to the forum, as well. Hope you enjoy it here.

Grin-T

12th August 2008, 20:22

Cheers for the advices guys!

I'm 5'4, not 6'4 that I entered before! LOL. :laugh: I wasn't being sarcastic about the whole shorty comment.. I wish I am 6' 4...

So I take it that most of you all aren't that into cars?

Even if I get a bike, I really don't see myself using it all the time.. That might change, but long road trips bent over a sports bike isn't all that comfortable is it?..

hayd3n

12th August 2008, 20:27

those long road trips seem to feel shorter and shorter everytime

fatzx10r

12th August 2008, 20:32

welcome to the site, good luck getting yourself a bike. once you start clocking up the kay's you will be hooked:woohoo:

James Deuce

12th August 2008, 20:32

So I take it that most of you all aren't that into cars?

The clue is in the site title. Some are worse than others in that regard. I like my cars but can't afford the ones that give me the dynamic advantages of a bike, and I still marvel at reducing my commute from 45-60 minutes to 25 minutes tops.

Please remember that there are more bikes out there than sports bikes. Sports bikes are for the unimaginative and are most at home on a race track.

Bikes aren't for everyone and there's no shame in saying it isn't for you. What would be a minor fender bender at an intersection can kill a motorcyclist, so stay the fuck awake and you should be OK.

Rollestonchick

12th August 2008, 20:32

avgas

12th August 2008, 20:35

Welcome through the otherside of the looking glass.
The funny thing is most car drivers think that we are dangerous........the ironic thing is they have the weapon of murder.
How do you deal with someone that calls you crazy while waving a knife at you?

Subike

12th August 2008, 20:40

Cheers for the advices guys!

So I take it that most of you all aren't that into cars?

Even if I get a bike, I really don't see myself using it all the time.. That might change, but long road trips bent over a sports bike isn't all that comfortable is it?..

Once you do a road trip on a bike, a good bike, you will never want to do a road trip in a car again. Sports bike, tourer or custom.

There are a lot of us who have been into cars in the past , but have seen the light. I myself have had a few tidy modded cars that were either comphy or quick, but never as good as a bike for touring or having fun.
Car club events attract numbers of 10 - 30 depending upon the car type, some will argue more, but...... Bike events attract numbers from 100 - 3000, again some will argue more. Go to a car rally, what do you get, 100 cars lined up polished, sparkly and people sitting in little clicky groups.
Go to a Bike rally , what do you get, a sea of tents, bikes, elbow jostling at the packed out bar, loud bands, even louder burn out comps, lots of people interacting with each other and chatting about everything from tyres to mirrors. You could be a bum on a scooter, or a banker on a Fat Boy nobody cares if you ride a bike.
Thats the difference as I see it.
The world of cars is fun, rewarding, huge. But the world of Bikes and Bikers is just......................................:first:

So get a ride, or go as a pillion this summer and get involved in a big event, You car will then gather dust in the garage on weekends.

( Enter Scumdog with his collection of bling)

kiwifruit

12th August 2008, 20:51

Come along to a trackday, MotoTT has a KR150 and CBR400RR for hire

Welcome to the site :)

1 Free Man

12th August 2008, 20:59

Even if I get a bike, I really don't see myself using it all the time.. That might change, but long road trips bent over a sports bike isn't all that comfortable is it?..
Why don't you consider a crusier. Biking isn't all about the speed you know.:rolleyes: and yes if you get bit real bad by the bug you will end up using it all the time

1 Free Man

12th August 2008, 21:03

Please remember that there are more bikes out there than sports bikes. Sports bikes are for the unimaginative and are most at home on a race track.

Hear Hear !! well said JD:niceone:

Pedrostt500

12th August 2008, 21:33

Welcome to the site, get a bike and we wont Burn your car with the rest of the Infidels, nah only joking, you just have to figure out what sort of riding you want to do, then find a bike to suit.

Grin-T

13th August 2008, 22:02

I'm not saying I'll be getting a sports bike, I'm made that comment for the ones that own a sport bike. Then again, I wouldn't really know.

I might get hooked to riding, I might not.

Even before I tried the 50cc, I have full respect for you riders. And yes, I do use my mirrors to check if you are there. I would have thought that maybe some of you might be into cars too.

I don't know what a cruiser is, but I have a rather keen interest on the Honda Hornet with the twin headlight conversion currently on sale on trademe. I've also been told that Hornets are pretty big... And also, I shouldn't spend too much on a first bike as I will most likely drop it, which I think is a fair call.

Scorpios are pretty good learner bikes too? I can't make up my mind. Still trying to find a balance between price/performance. Would rather spend a bit more on a bike that I love to keep riding longer :scooter:

P.S - I'm not into scooters. Don't ask why..

Trudes

13th August 2008, 22:07

As a fellow short-arse, a word of advice, before you get all passionate about a particular bike, make sure you can reach the ground when you are sitting on the seat.:sunny:

Ragingrob

13th August 2008, 22:11

Spend money on gear and then see what ya have left to spend on your bike :)

There are a lot of opinions on here as to what bike to start on, my honest opinion is to just make sure you get someone to check the bike out with ya, because no matter what bike you get i.e. if you grow outta it (feels too slow) or just don't get along with it, you can almost always just sell it for about the same price. So there's no loss, but a gain in knowledge.

I started on a naked cheap slow bike (gn250) which was awesome to learn on, commute 100km each day so wanted something a bit faster, sold the gn for $100 more than I bought it, bought a cbr (one of the fastest 250s), had a blast, got my full, sold the cbr for $700 more than I bought it, bought a vfr400 and am content.

So yeah that's what I did, I've enjoyed every part of learning how to ride and how to pull a bike apart.

:2thumbsup Hope ya liked my story.

EDIT : PS, a cbr250 is one of (if not) the fastest 250 4-stroke around AND it has a really really low seat height. My gf of about your height can put her feet flat on the ground.

McJim

13th August 2008, 22:11

After you get used to bikes cars just stop being fun and start being boxes on wheels. Bear in mind that an average sportsbike will do 0-100 under 4 seconds. You would have to spend some serious money to get that kind of acceleration from a car.

Also driving a car through twisty roads is merely a case of turning a the steering wheel. Negotiating twisties on a bike successfully is hugely rewarding by comparison. There was a fella on her called Lou Girardin who said "Cornering on a bike is ballet where as cornering in most cars is hip-hop"

Neat quote wot I remembered.

Monie

14th August 2008, 08:13

I am 5.3 and when i am on the road i dont move for cars this is my road as well dont use that as an excuss just get hard and do it ... its worth it and fun ......

Grin-T

14th August 2008, 12:48

Meekey_Mouse

14th August 2008, 15:56

Hey Grin-T, welcome to KB.

There are quite a few biker mad people on here that do appreciate cars. I go out to the drift meets here in Taupo when I can, absolutely LOVE Mad mike's RX7. Although I hate riding on the track in the next few weeks after they've been out there cause drifters make it SO freakin slippery. My girly friends hate having coffee or walking down the street with me cause I instantly stop listening to them when a nice bike or car goes past :lol:

I'm about your height, my 2nd bike was a ZXR (cheaper and generally more thrashed version of CBR) they are slightly taller but I had no problems with it and that would be my 2nd favorite bike ever... After the 600 :love:

As far as long distance goes... You're open to the elements and no bike is extremely comfy... I find the gixxer is great cause it's a compact bike and although it's a sports bike, it fits me perfectly! On more cruisy/touring bikes I find they are made for taller people to stretch out on, therefore being too big and incredibly uncomfortable for me. Try different bikes out and find wht your style is :2thumbsup

Monie

14th August 2008, 17:00

and welcome to KB ....

CookMySock

15th August 2008, 08:19

before you get all passionate about a particular bike, make sure you can reach the ground when you are sitting on the seat.some bikes can be lowered without much trouble or expense, if you really have your heart set on them. Same applies for those that have horrid suspension - this can be cheaply modified.

DB

avgas

15th August 2008, 08:36

GN125 is where the fun is at
Nike - Just do it

Trudes

15th August 2008, 08:40

some bikes can be lowered without much trouble or expense, if you really have your heart set on them. Same applies for those that have horrid suspension - this can be cheaply modified.

DB

This is true, although mine cost me $2000 to get it right for me.

Grin-T

15th August 2008, 09:19

Awesome. Sounds like it'll be loads of fun.
I'll keep you all updated.
A bit more research, I'll try to sit on a few more bikes, and Bob's your uncle. :2thumbsup

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Freebird

15th August 2008, 09:39

Hi Grin-T,

I have to say when it come to bikes and cars I swing both ways :banana:, I have raced both and I am fanatical about both, so just do what makes you happy. But the bike is for sure a cheaper way of getting the adrenalin pumping if that’s what you’re into. :2thumbsup

Regards

Freebird

Ragingrob

15th August 2008, 10:16

Ragingrob - I've heard lots about them CBR250s. They seem rather huge in person, but you might be right about the low seat height. 19,000 rpm redline?

Monie - Do you ride an 08 250 Ninja? If so, can you flat foot both feet? They are out of my price range, but I'm curious. Ta!

It's just the fairings that make them look large, but once you're sitting on it they're nice and low and quite light too. Well mine was an MC19 which is the 87-90 model I think, I think that the later model MC22 may be a bit higher and also a sportier seating position. I found the MC19 to be very comfortable even for a day's riding.

19,000 rpm redline and both you and the bike will love it, that's what they're all about. 6 gears for making open road and motorway riding easy too.

I'm only 5'6" and could EASILY touch the ground with both feet flat and even slightly bent knees, they also have a nice low down centre of gravity which makes them stable.

Btw I got mine for $2,700, there are lotsa good deals out there you just gotta find them!

/cbr glorification over

I suggest you head to some bike shops just to literally have a sit on as many bikes as possible to see what feels right for you.

Matt Bleck

15th August 2008, 10:31

Don't expect respect from car drivers. End of story. There are some good c*nts out there on 4 wheels but always assume the worst. They are insulated with a ton of steel from the outside world and don't have to worry about things like balance and lateral traction in corners.

+1, They are all out to kill you!!

Welcome to the funny farm. :D

Monie

15th August 2008, 10:51

Awesome. Sounds like it'll be loads of fun.
I'll keep you all updated

Thanks for the warm welcome!
Ha i can put both feet on the ground ....

+1, They are all out to kill you!!
:D

too right ............lol

Flip

15th August 2008, 11:16

Hi and welcome.

You are not the only performance car nut here, my sports bike has 4 wheels, an air bag and air con, its just that you keep your head down when you are in the company of bikers.

Its important that as a biker you do adopt the mentality that every cage driver hasent seen you and is out to get you, its not personal they dont reconise you as a threat so dont see you. Take nothing for granted on the road, if you have the right of way take an extra second to double check before moving off also always look for and plan all the time an excape route.

Join a mc club so you know whats on and get some professional training its worth its weight in gold.

As a biker my car lines are 'better' well better planned than most car drivers. I did the MZ motor racing schools course here in chch and the trainer picked straight away I was a biker cause I was slow in fast out and kept my eyes up ie on the vanishing point when cornering, he sat in the car went around half the track and asked what kind of bike I ride, I was quite supprised, he was to then I said a Harley.

Good luck... see you on the road... summers comming....yay....