Why didn't I do this earlier?

**Skinon** · 4th March 2011, 19:47

Finally got my bike, been riding it solid for the last 2 days, looking for any excuse to go anywhere really... SO i have been wondering, why have i wasted all this time to finally get on a damn bike! im 27 this year, damn i wish i had being doin it since i was 20 haha, but instead spent all my time in modified cars instead, which i still have a passion for but right now... Its bikes!!

I found it was all so much easier then i thought it would be, the handling clutch work etc etc everything is easier then i thought it would be. Although i have been driving for so long i guess i dont have the stress of worrying about road rules as such...

Anyway got two track days booked and cant wait to do some longer rides with some fellow riders, looks like i have a lot of time left to devote to the cause!!
Ha been watching heaps of bike crash videos too, so that makes me a lot more careful about my surroundings. I think everyone should watch videos like these to see what potentially can go wrong if your not completely aware of your surroundings. Some of those people (mostly americans) wear nothing but shorts and singlets hooning round on R1's wtf!! Well i spose they come off once then either dont get back on a bike, or hopefully invest in some decent gear.

Also one gripe i have been thinking about, especially all this ACC bullshit, if they are thinking about making it mandatory to wear hi-vis shite, why isnt it mandatory to wear protective clothing if your riding a bike?? Just show how retarded our government actually is huh...

Anyway thanks for reading my incoherant ramblings, but yea hopefully might see some of you out and about on my travels!!

**trailblazer** · 4th March 2011, 20:00

i was the same i only brought my bike for my 30th birthday even though it was 7 months early. But i always wanted a bike from when i was a kid but my father was killed on a bike by a drunk driver when i was 2 years old so my family hates bikes well exept me. But in August 09 i went an sat my learners at lunch time then went across the road to the bike shop and ordered a new bike and have never looked back since but i do regret not getting one earlier but like you i wasted all my money on modified cars and motorsport. Have fun out there and keep safe.

**GPXchick** · 4th March 2011, 22:20

Turning 31 in May and have owned my boy for 2.5 weeks now. I invested in proper gear and ride anywhere and everywhere. I also regret not getting on a bike sooner. I know what you mean about the 'easier than i thought' bit. Not taking for granted the dangers that are out there. I was so worried about hand to clutch, back and front brakes etc etc. HOWEVER i personally think the actual driving of a bike is easier than a car, but you have to be more aware and less lazy on a bike which makes driving fun again instead of a chore. WOOOOO riders for life now

**trailblazer** · 4th March 2011, 23:13

thats what makes motorcycle riders better and more alert car drivers.

**White trash** · 5th March 2011, 06:56

I've been riding since I was 6 and 29 years later I'm beginning to wonder why the hell I got into it at all.

Weird old world really............

**Maha** · 5th March 2011, 07:26

Think of it as more, the years you have left to go riding, they will far outway the ones you have not.

**Fatt Max** · 5th March 2011, 18:46

Originally Posted by Maha

Think of it as more, the years you have left to go riding, they will far outway the ones you have not.

Yes, Maha muttered these wise words to me when I first met him in 2008. I was a very late starter myself, only ever had ridden a scooter previuosly.

I mean, who cares, its what we do, is part of who we are and makes us happy people. Unlike those that sit behind a desk all day stressing about how much money they are not making on their two bob financial deals or whatever.

As for the ACC thing, get educated as much as you want to, get on some rides of you can, form your opinion and follow the endless debate on this site.

The main thing is to ride safe and stay well.

My personal look on it all, I admire each and every person out there who fights for bikers rights in whatever their capacity, angle or organisation. But all I want for every person who pulls on their gear and starts their bike is for them to enjoy their ride, take in the amazing country that we are so lucky to be living in, relish and take comfort in those that ride with them and come home at night safe and sound to relive the memories, retiring to bed buzzing with excitement for when the next time the kick stand comes up and the wheels go round.

Peace xx

**Toaster** · 5th March 2011, 21:47

Originally Posted by Maha

Think of it as more, the years you have left to go riding, they will far outway the ones you have not.

Well said and very true. No matter what we did or didn't do in the past, it is what we do from here that matters.

**superman** · 5th March 2011, 21:54

Everyone wishes they had started earlier. I shoulda so started 3 and a half years ago when you're first allowed to get a motorcycle license

**Skinon** · 5th March 2011, 23:10

Haha some awesome replies! So true tho, im trying to learn guitar aswell, but it's time to blame the parents i reckon... they shoulda had me learning it when i was 3! same with go-kart racing, different languages, motorbiking etc etc spose the list could go on...

Anyway yea i have been telling myself id never ride when it rains, so whats happened the last two days? yep rain.... and im still riding its honestly addictive, just getting tired of putting the leathers on and off, although i guess i could just keep them on

**superman** · 5th March 2011, 23:19

Originally Posted by Skinon

Anyway yea i have been telling myself id never ride when it rains, so whats happened the last two days? yep rain.... and im still riding its honestly addictive, just getting tired of putting the leathers on and off, although i guess i could just keep them on

That comes and goes in phases. I sometimes just cbf'd with the gear but just force myself and as soon as I'm on the bike going it's all worth it.

Rain is a bit of a bitch, I never know quite what the bike can handle before slipping out and therefore play it safe. Least you know straight lines don't matter!

**Skinon** · 5th March 2011, 23:32

Haha yea putt around the corner avoiding painted lines like aids, then on the throttle while goin straight...

Also what do you guys do for rain visability, as in helmets dont have wipers... so can you put that rainx or whatever it's called on the visor?

**trailblazer** · 5th March 2011, 23:49

I use rain x on the outside of my visor and when it gets a bit much just turn my head just a bit to each side while im moving and it clears it off straight away. And for fogging on the inside i use Muc Off Premium anti fog treatment it seems to work just fine. I don't mind riding in the rain now that i have a good set of tyres on my bike but the standard tyres my bike came with were crap in the wet you slipped all over the place. What ever you do don't buy a set of shinko tyres they are crap.