advice needed from any Hells Angels on here

Tony Santara · 23-10-2007, 03:06 PM

I'm thinking i need something to get about on when we're on our travels.

I thought about having an A frame for the car.
But now i've been looking at motorcycles/scooters , there appears to be quite a lot of new Chinese machines about for not a lot of money.
Has anybody got any experiance of these or advice even
What would you do car or bike?

Papa Smurf · 23-10-2007, 03:32 PM

How confident are you that riding a scooter/bike will not make you feel vulnerable as you are used to being surrounded by a metal safe cell?

Do you already have a licence, or will you be on L plates? - there is a time limit on which you can ride as a learned before you have to PASS your test.

Bikes are enormous fun - I've had them on an off for the last 30 years, so my learning was done when it was a safer road environment than now.

Why do you want a bike? Cheaper? Easier to transport? Or, to go places, including shopping? Because you cannot carry a lot SAFELY on a bike - the days of shopping bags slung over the handlebars are (and should be ) long gone.

If it's for fun, and occassional travel, and you can satisfy your AND your partners peace of mind, go for it!

Oh, and "Hells Angel" is terribly un-PC! Try "member of a patched club"

Tony Santara · 23-10-2007, 04:09 PM

Hi Papasmurf
yes confidant enough
only looking at 125 cc not for shopping just to get about on
I will need to take a test
sorry about the Hells Angel thing no offence intended

Papa Smurf · 23-10-2007, 04:13 PM

(missing from my previous post)!

Please make sure that when you do go for your test, you go through a program of about 6 - 10 weeks, learning a little each time. There are companies that will promise to teach you to pass your test in a week. There's a good reason they're called "crash courses"

Forestboy · 23-10-2007, 04:17 PM

Hi Tony
We carry a 650 kawasaki as you can see and for us this is perfect, we have a tank bag and a back box on the bike and then a backpack this is sufficient for all our needs. Also our RV is big enough to carry but if not I would use a trailer but have a much bigger bike FJR or Goldwing type bike.

I would agree with Papa Smurf though bikes are not for everyone and riding on our roads today can be quite daunting and needs tremendous concentration. If you have got a full bike licence but have not ridden for a few years go and do a refresher course they are great fun and could save your life and cost very little. If you have not passed a test you will need to book in for training which will include a CBT (compulsory basic training) first which if you're over 21 will allow you to ride up to 125cc but no pillion. You can do the CBT part in 1 day normally and then decide if its for you or not. If you want more info on training pm me and I'll send you some details as I am a part time motorcycle instructor and raced bikes for 14 years. Make sure you train with a reputable company as there are a lot of cowboys out there.

If you do decide to go for a bike consider a modern scooter as they are much more comfortable than traditional bikes and the new ones are superb to ride especially with pillions who are not into bikes. The only drawback with sooters is the weight they tend to be heavier than traditional bikes we looked at a 400cc and it weighed 250kgs our 650 weighs 180kgs.

Hope this helps a little and if you decide to go for a bike and need some help I'll help if you want me to.

Forestboy · 23-10-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Smurf

(missing from my previous post)!

Please make sure that when you do go for your test, you go through a program of about 6 - 10 weeks, learning a little each time. There are companies that will promise to teach you to pass your test in a week. There's a good reason they're called "crash courses"

This is why I said use only a reputable company that can provide plenty of references.
A good instructor will assess your ability and advise which training course is best for you. They all charge based on a set no of hours to reach test level so the time period is up to you, don't be bullied into a course you're not happy with. The intense courses are designed to teach people how to pass their test nothing else.
Unfortunately the only way to gain experience is to get out there and do it.

Papa Smurf · 23-10-2007, 04:25 PM

Forestboy is spot on IMO.

I too used to instruct, but it's been a few years. However, like Forestboy, if you think I may be able to help , please PM me.

vicdicdoc · 23-10-2007, 04:39 PM

I'd like a BIG bike . . but I'd prob kill myself, so I make do with a nice little chug-about 1988 Honda C90 step-thru 'moped' . . 85cc, top speed 40mph.
search e-bay

Road Runner · 23-10-2007, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winniebagotony

Hi Papasmurf
yes confidant enough
only looking at 125 cc not for shopping just to get about on
I will need to take a test
sorry about the Hells Angel thing no offence intended

Hells angel on a 125 eh Tony

Tony Santara · 23-10-2007, 05:25 PM

Thanks for your help fellas
i've not ridden a bike for many years but the confidence is still there