Hi all - from a car fanatic

[Grin-T]

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! 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]

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]

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.

[BIHB@0610]

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

[DarkLord]

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]

Cheers for the advices guys!

I'm 5'4, not 6'4 that I entered before! LOL. 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]

those long road trips seem to feel shorter and shorter everytime

[fatzx10r]

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

[James Deuce]

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]

Cheers for the advices guys!

I'm 5'4, not 6'4 that I entered before! LOL. 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?..

omg, here i was trying to imagine this tall guy on a. But you have a short wheel base.....cruiser would be more your style

[avgas]

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]

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......................................

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]

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

Welcome to the site

[1 Free Man]

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. and yes if you get bit real bad by the bug you will end up using it all the time

[1 Free Man]

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