First ride in 20 years (aroberts)

[aroberts]

I've just bought a second hand GSX750. This morning I rode on the motorway to Ellerslie, back to the city and then rode back home tonight to Albany.

Last time I rode a bike I was knocked off in Rotorua about 20 years ago. I broke ribs, ankle, grazing etc. so I was a bit nervous to be back on the motorway today.

The ride in this morning was not too bad. I was surprised that a few drivers actually moved over. But the ride home in the dark was not so much fun. I guess they don't see you as easily when it is dark.

The cars also seemed to be a bit closer together at night so harder to lane split. Fortunately another rider came past me so I followed him for large part of the way. Thanks to whoever you were.

Going between the cars is OK but the cats-eyes make it a bit bumpy. I tried going down the right hand side for a while which was not bad. Does anyone know what my chances of getting pinged by the cops are for doing that?

The best part was definitely once I got away from any cars. Much more fun.

[Jantar]

Welcome back to the world of motorcycling. After such a long break i'd suggest that you join in a few of the more sedate group rides until you fully regain your confidence.

[gambit]

onya mate for getting back into riding and you can get pinged but they tend to ignore ya

[Toaster]

The 750 is a great bike.

Welcome back to the better life of bikers.

See you around Albany sometime.

[oldrider]

Forget about the ribs, ankle, grazing, etc, that's why we have a healing process.

Just focus on the good things biking gives us. Welcome back! :spudwave: Cheers John.

[gijoe1313]

Well done that man! On ya for getting back onto two wheels of freedom and taking it out for a ride!

[johnnyflash]

Welcome aroberts.. I bet it was a bit of a shock to the system after 20 years, in Akls traffic, just remember dont ride in anyones blind spots.. treat all cage drivers as if they are aiming for you and you will be good as gold :-) I tend not to split in the dark, as all cagers see in the mirror is just a sea of lights anyway, not a Bike.... ride safe, have fun... hope to see u on the hiways..

[Swoop]

Welcome to KB and another welcome back to two wheels after a short layoff...
Best to get back into the swing of things before trying too much filtering on our wonderfully clogged D'auckland motorways. There are some truly psycopathic cagers out there.

Stay safe!

[sels1]

Welcome aboard the site. Heaps of people on here fall into the "back on a bike after 20 years " catagory.

[KoroJ]

Hallelujah....another 'born again / prodigal biker' rejoins the fold.

May your rides be long and windy, (curvy like those on the MILF thread...not blowing like the wind around Palmy Nth) your gear warm and dry, and your latte at the end of the ride, hot and frothy. Cheers.

[Macktheknife]

Welcome back to biking and to KB, take it easy on the roads mate, things have changed a bit in the last 20 years! lol.
Try your hand at the thursday night ride or even the mentors night on Wednesday if you like, might be a bit basic for you but could still be useful.
All the best and enjoy the return to living to the full.

[MyGSXF:Me]

Welcome to KB & welcome back to 2 wheels of pure freedom!! (nice choice of bike btw... )

As some of the others have mentioned already though.. things have changed a LOT in the past 20 years.. so pleeeeeease take it easy for a while.. get used to being back in the saddle, & take some time to get to know your bike & what she can/can't do. Also, go out & find a quiet place & practice emergency stopping!! As mack mentioned, join up with the Thursday ride / Wed mentors ride, or get hold of one of your local mentors & go out for some 1 on 1..

Take care!!!!!! & stay upright!!

Jen

[aroberts]

Thanks for all of the thoughts and tips.

I went out this weekend (yesterday and today) for longish rides. The bike feels better each time I go out which is good. I am still taking it easy.

I do know another guy on the shore who has a bike and we have just started talking about going out for some long rides in the country next weekend.

Thanks again.

[shafty]

Thats really COOL Mate, - welcome back - it'll add years to your life, well done, enjoy!

[Edbear]

Welcome aboard the site. Heaps of people on here fall into the "back on a bike after 20 years " catagory.

So right! On our way back from Taupo today, ran into my Bro-in-Law and friends at Wairakei BP, (they were on their way back from the Cold Duck), and my wife commented that most of the bikers we meet on the road are in our age group and many have become MARB's, (Middle-aged-returning-bikers).

Trust your instincts, take your time and enjoy an ideal bike for NZ and returnees!