Back to bikes after 30 year break

Discussion in 'Triumph General Discussion' started by jogler56, Apr 26, 2016.

  1. andypandy

    andypandy Crème de la Crème

    Jan 10, 2016
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    Well this is really embarrassing but here goes. In 2013 I decided to get back into biking after a 38 year gap. I'd just had an abdomen operation and wasn't allowed to even drive a car for some time. I bought a 1995 Honda CBR600F off Ebay and the seller rode it to my house. My last bike had been a Suzuki T250 Hustler, about 90mph ? This beastie was supposed to do 155 mph. I was a bit worried. Come September 2013, wounds healed, it was time. Out came the bike, gear donned, wife having kittens by the litter load, off I went. First trip round the block I was passed by two cyclists (beware cracked ribs). Next few trips I visited a new industrial estate near Rochdale. It had new roads, roundabouts and was deserted.
    BIG problem. The bike wouldn't go round bends. Kept going wide. Wasn't how I remembered bends, they were natural. I couldn't understand it. Then one day I looked at the front wheel, the tyre looked a little deflated. Silly boy, never done a basic life saving check. 18 psi would you believe in the front ? It certainly went round bends better after that day !
    So my tips:- Always do the basic checks, you might have a slow puncture. Check the tread also, I found a m4 cap head bolt embedded in the rear tyre of my Suzuki Bandit once.
    If you can find an industrial estate that is deserted at week end, it could be a good place to practice.
     
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  2. Havit

    Havit Admin
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    Jul 17, 2015
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    Thats what mates are for ;)
     
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  3. crispey

    crispey crispey creme de la creme

    Nov 6, 2014
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  4. Rooster

    Rooster Grumpy Member
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    Sep 14, 2015
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    Good basic check routine befor each ride is MPOWER

    Mirrors
    Petrol
    Oil
    Water
    Electrics
    Rubber
     
  5. steve lovatt

    steve lovatt Something else

    May 12, 2014
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    I was told BLT each time you ride.
    Brakes, lights, tyres.
    Then regular SOCS checks.
    Steering, oil, chain, suspension.
     
  6. Rooster

    Rooster Grumpy Member
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    Sep 14, 2015
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    What's a CHAIN
     
  7. jogler56

    jogler56 Member

    Apr 19, 2016
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    Cornwall
    Thanks for that. I think like you i'll be biking alone for a while to find my feet at my own pace with no pressure. Will try to choose quiet times to start with . Your bike looks great in the pic. My Bonnie should be tame in comparison.
     
  8. jogler56

    jogler56 Member

    Apr 19, 2016
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    Cornwall
    Steve - I hadn't thought of courses run by the police. I'll definitely look into that.
     
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  9. jogler56

    jogler56 Member

    Apr 19, 2016
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    Thanks Terry. I'll look on youtube
     
  10. jogler56

    jogler56 Member

    Apr 19, 2016
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    Cornwall
     
  11. jogler56

    jogler56 Member

    Apr 19, 2016
    20
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    Cornwall
    sounds sensible....but water in my Bonnie - or to drink?
     
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  12. jogler56

    jogler56 Member

    Apr 19, 2016
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    Cornwall
    andypandy - I live in Cornwall, so at this time of year should be able to find a few nice quiet roads away from traffic. Will have to get used to bends and hills quickly though as we have our fair share down here
     
  13. jogler56

    jogler56 Member

    Apr 19, 2016
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    Cornwall
    Steve,
    Thanks for the tip about Bikesafe. Have just booked onto a course for August.
     
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  14. Havit

    Havit Admin
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    One big happy family
     
  15. steve lovatt

    steve lovatt Something else

    May 12, 2014
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    Fantastic! You will enjoy it - where else can you chase a police bike along a dual carriageway and not get into trouble!
     
  16. Havit

    Havit Admin
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    And of course the Nut between the handlebars and seat :D
     
  17. Rooster

    Rooster Grumpy Member
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    Sep 14, 2015
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    MPOWERS

    S = Self
     
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