Middle age crisis - motorcycle

[Migmac]

It does seem that the "Down Under" authorities live on a different planet rather than continent! I am forced by 'indoors' choices to endure some fly on the wall TV documentary every evening, dealing with the Australian Border Force and Customs etc. It doesn't make me want to rush out and buy a ticket to visit!

I also see that New Zealand have passed a law requiring visitors to disclose personal access codes to any electronic devices they are carrying. So, another potential destination off the list. ;-)

Wouldn’t put me off going back to NZ, fantastic country

 

[ajlelectronics]

Wouldn’t put me off going back to NZ, fantastic country

It did seem attractive but I would end up serving time rather than be subject to such an invasion of privacy!

 

[jordan1]

Panther was the chosen bike for sidecar in it's day IIRC

 

[bigegg]

Wow! Major resurrection thread

I suppose I'd better update where I am about buying myself a motorbike:

I bought a shogun instead.

 

[roofman]

I suppose I'd better update where I am about buying myself a motorbike:

I bought a shogun instead.

 

[brightspark]

I suppose I'd better update where I am about buying myself a motorbike:

I bought a shogun instead.

thought it said shotgun there for a mo shoulda gone to specsavers

 

[wookie]

I suppose I'd better update where I am about buying myself a motorbike:

I bought a shogun instead.

I guess the midlife criss has well and truly passed then ?

 

[bigegg]

I guess the midlife criss has well and truly passed then ?

I reminded myself how many times I fell/got knocked off the pushbike.

 

[Ian James]

Just a wee bit of difference so that's the bike phase over and done is it bigegg

 

[bigegg]

Just a wee bit of difference so that's the bike phase over and done is it bigegg

yep.

 

[Ian James]

Mine didn't lol so after the 125 I took my direct access and gained my A licence at the age of 53 that was two years ago☺

 

[wookie]

I reminded myself how many times I fell/got knocked off the pushbike.

I've never been knocked off my pushbike, mind you I've had a fair few close shaves though, often ended up with the rear wheel up in the air I was grabbing the front brake so hard. Guess some of it is luck but I believe you make your own luck so it's a case of always ride defensively by not being tucked in the gutter, colourful clothing, also I'm usually going at a fair lick which helps and I always indicate even if its only to go around a parked car.

As for falling off, well that's a different story but usually that was me being too ambitious offroad on my mountain bike, when you're hurtling through a forest every now and then a tree will just jump out at you for fun.

@bigegg At one point you were considering getting a 125, how tall are you ? as I'm 6'3" so I'm a very effective airbrake on a little 125 and they really struggle to manage more that 50 unless I hug the tank.

 

[bigegg]

I've never been knocked off my pushbike, mind you I've had a fair few close shaves though, often ended up with the rear wheel up in the air I was grabbing the front brake so hard. Guess some of it is luck but I believe you make your own luck so it's a case of always ride defensively by not being tucked in the gutter, colourful clothing, also I'm usually going at a fair lick which helps and I always indicate even if its only to go around a parked car.

As for falling off, well that's a different story but usually that was me being too ambitious offroad on my mountain bike, when you're hurtling through a forest every now and then a tree will just jump out at you for fun.

@bigegg At one point you were considering getting a 125, how tall are you ? as I'm 6'3" so I'm a very effective airbrake on a little 125 and they really struggle to manage more that 50 unless I hug the tank.

5'7" 17st

 

[wookie]

5'7" 17st

You'd probably be okay on the flat on a 125 then but it ain't gonna be quick up a hill with you on it (no offence intended)

 

[Seano]

I had an Ariel Leader in the mid-sixties when I was at school, paid £10.00 for it. Had to sell it because we were moved house and the removal men wouldn't take it (it was a non-runner).

Wish I still had it now!

I used to own an Ariel Arrow two stroke when I was an apprentice, anyone following usually got blinded with exhaust, got plenty of mechanical learning from that old bike, gravitated from that to a home built Triton, Norton Featherbed frame, Triumph Bonneville engine, would love to own an original BSA Road Rocket or a 500cc Goldstar, sadly artificial knees don't lend themselves to kicking those old greats over, not to mention what they would cost now.