One for the Bikers on here.............
Am I too old at 62 to do my CBT and ny direct acces to ride a bike again?
I always used to ride a BSA Bantam, a Tiger Cub and my trusty Aerial Leader but that went when the new laws came in restricting how long you could have a provisional licence.
We have recently acquired a Kawasaki 450 LTD for me ( as well as the Fazer for Mr PDA) in the hope that I can get through a test. The problem is I have very arthritic hands from years of roping & sheeting lorries, and now have trouble reaching and controlling the cluth and brake lever.
Any suggestions please?
Pat
{moves out of the IHAQ thread as this is motoring related}
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 21/12/2008 at 21:13
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Any suggestions please?>>
Yes. Don't.
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pda. No 62 is not too old! The only way you can find out if you can cope with the controls is to have a go. Controls seem to be a lot lighter than yesteryear.
Why not have a go at your CBT which allows you to ride smaller machines and see how you cope? Having said that you will probably be looking at Direct Access which will allow you to ride bigger machinery.
If you have a go at the course at least you will know whereas in a few years time you will still be thinking 'I wish I'd had a go'.
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You're never too old.
As suggested, visit a CBT centre and I suspect most will let you have a ride round the yard to see how you get one.
Remember it's only us old gits who can afford insurance on bikes now - you would be surprised to spot all the grey hair when the helmets come off in the Bridlington car park.
Beware the doomsayers of born again bikers - spoilsports the lot of 'em.
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Go for it ,Pat. I'm 63 next week and still prefer 2 wheels. I passed my test at 16 I think on a Raliegh moped. You could jump on a Vincent the day after....not now !.
I have arthritis, most in gearchange leg, but some in fingers. I found the ideal solution, sell your bike and buy a superscoot,,,no gearchange, no clutch, brakes on both levers.
Mine is a Honda FJS600 Silverwing...0 to 60 in 5.3ecs, 115 mph on the Autobahn. Will do for me now untill I can't ride anymore.
Ted
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Yes go for it. I only ride a pushbike nowadays, because I recognise I'd probably kill myself with more power.
You don't know until you try it.
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I passed my test at age 16 on a BSA Bantam courtesy of the GPO when I was then employed as a telegram boy. I had a few large bikes e.g. AJS, Matchless and Norton until I was age 23.
When I retired almost 5 years ago at 60 I bought a brand new Triumph Bonneville after being 'out of the saddle' for 37 years and enrolled on a CBT course to familiarise myself with bikes again albeit I did not need to pass the test as I still held my motorcycle licence.
Now just approaching my 65th birthday I thoroughly enjoy regular rides out and I look like a 20 year old with all the protective gear on...until I remove my helmet to pay for petrol!
Give it a go and see how you get on.
Edited by Geordie1 on 22/12/2008 at 00:19
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One for the Bikers on here............. Am I too old at 62 to do my CBT and ny direct acces to ride a bike again?
I realised a long-held dream of riding a proper motorcycle 2001/2 when I was 50. Only experience I had was commuting on a Honda 50 in the early '70s (that's the date, not the speed).
My lessons were 2 hours at a time and, as a lifelong desk pilot and car driver, I found the wear and tear on the clutch hand in traffic very tiresome. I didn't have the choice of a twist'n go scooter so I gave my hand a rest by doing clutchless changes whenever possible. That's it. That's all. Handling the bike and traffic all slotted into place and the grin factor nowadays is enormous.
Go for it and the very best of luck to you.
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Think of yourself as a batsman who has built up a nice 'knock' of 62 runs. Are you prepared to take a swipe at a ball just short of a length, well outside the line of off stump?
If so, then go for it :-)
I'd have to say that I always preferred seeing David Gower 'perish' in that way to a tediously-crafted Geoff Boycott century!
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i'm 61 started riding again 2 years ago after a long time out of the saddle best thing i have done in years.got myself a 650 bandit with abs etc goes like the proverbial if you want or you can cruise along and enjoy the ride.
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It really is good to hear your comments.
Deep down inside I remember my early lorry driving years when so many times I thought 'I can't do that'
Then the vision of my Mother came into my mind and told me so many time that 'hard work never killed anyone, Pat'
I realised them that the word 'can't' wasn't in my vocabulary but 'I can find a way, was'.
I really want to do this and after the Christmas period when the weather warms a little to help the bones, I'll go and see the CBT man.
I know I can pose on the kawasaki better than Mr PDA can on the Fazer with me on the back :)
And you're right, grey hair doesn't show under a crash helmet!
Pat
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I don't know why you're worried, you'll make a far better rider than the 'point and squirt' crotch rocket brigade that have an amount of roadskill inverse to their disposable income..
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Fazer 600 - Now that's a good bike to start on.
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I'm a mature biker. Bikes are great and age is no barrier until you physically can't manage the weight. Well worth going out for some training with an approved trainer (not a mate down the pub) to refresh tour skills. You don't need to 'pass' anything, just gain some experience and be receptive to advice and constructive criticism. If you haven't ridden for many years I would say this is essential. Familiarise yourself with the skills of safe filtering. I follow the 20/20 'rule' - it's good advice.
Things to particularly look out for:
Dreadful road surfaces. Definitely got worse in recent years.
Tarmac banding, white lines, manhole covers. Diesel spills.
Motorists. The roads would be safer without cars.
Also watch out for cars using their foglights for all of the reasons 'Screwloose' gave in the thread dated 03rd Dec which is now locked. I agree 100% with everything he wrote. IMO using front fog lights is bad advice particularly at this time of year when the roads are filthy and I could stop every half a mile to clean my visor. If you disagree then you've probably never ridden a bike in bad weather. We managed for years without these wretched lights.
If I had my way then I would make it compulsory for all car drivers to do a two day course on two wheels (push bike or motor) to gain an appreciation of the issues we face.
Good on yer though, bike riders make for better car drivers IMO.
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Good advice from Melting Snowman. Another area to avoid is loose gravel/chippings which appear after heavy rain.
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Go for it!-get a superscooter to get around the hand problem as suggested, do your CBT and then Direct Access test.
Once that's out of the way join your local Advanced Motorcycle Group, that's part of the IAM. The group that I'm a member of has members of all ages from late twenties to early seveties who ride everything from big scoots to BMW's to Hayabusas You join as an associate member and get free coaching from trained'observers' to bring your riding up to the Advanced standard to take their test to become a full member. It ain't expensive either, from memory the 'Skills for Life' package for new members which includes the test was about £85.
Just google for Institute of Advanced Motorists and look up the contact for your local group.
Best of luck!
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go for it........ although some things of note (not already mentioned above) from a middle aged biker, who had a 10 year gap period
1, modern bikes are considerably more quick than those of old, they are remarkably so, be prepared for a shock
2, modern tyres have transformed biking, the grip is so much more, but that of course means you have to up your game for the hazards (i'm sure you lorry driving skills will help in this area immensely) i.e. looking ahead and properly assessing things.
3, some of the kit had changed dramatically for the good as well e.g. decent waterproof jackets and trousers with armour in them, so you don't have to have leathers AND a waterproof
4, nothing's changed with SMIDSY (sorry mate i didn't see you).
Hope you enjoy it. I know you're an experienced driver, but i'd still recommend one of the advanced bike type programmes, some of them use Traffic Police officers off duty or retired, got to be worth their wieght in gold.
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I can't add much to what's been said, but I'll concur that there's nothing wrong with giving it a try!
Different bikes have different handling, not just at speed (when they're all ok really) but when you're trundling around in tight spaces. Some bikes carry their weight low down which makes it easy to paddle them around, and if you're short it's worth looking at a custom made low seat.
A Fazer 600 is a good bike, a Honda CB500 is even more user friendly for the novice and still plenty fast enough. Around 6 seconds to 60mph and a top speed of 100-110mph is usually quick enough for most people.
Your local bike shop can advise on CBT courses and instructors, see if your local police force run a Bikesafe course which is a good day out. It's really just observation rather than training but they'll be very honest with what you should address next.
With the roads getting more crowded, 2 wheels is a very useful way of getting around!
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4 nothing's changed with SMIDSY (sorry mate i didn't see you).
I agree with the others, but the advent of the mobile phone era means you need to watch out even more than before. People claim its no different to talking to a passenger, but they're clearly not in full control of their car.
But ... I'd hugely recommend going down to your local bike training centre - most are run by enthusiasts (who else would want to go out riding in all weathers) and would be very happy to let you sit on/try out some modern bikes.
My father still rides well into his 70s.
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WP said :- i'd still recommend one of the advanced bike type programmes, some of them use Traffic Police officers off duty or retired, got to be worth their wieght in gold.
Round here (East Yorks) the remains of the bike cops still do free observed rides at times. Also half days, but at cost. Well worth a few quid and half a day of your time. www.bikesafe.co.uk/
Edited by martint123 on 23/12/2008 at 10:49
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" I have very arthritic hands"
I`m going to be the `ghost at the feast` Pat and (with respect) suggest you don`t do it.
I met a chap (while working) who had smashed his leg in a bike accident, his leg was in a pot when I met him and he had been waiting several months (housebound) for an operation. During that time his job had gone and he was being threatened with repossession of his home. The trauma had likely triggered the depressive illness (my referral) in his wife and she had to give up work.
That was a younger person. But reflecting on the much slower healing process when older and vulnerability of risking a (for example) fractured wrist - with arthritic hands - in a simple spill at low speed... and a job which requires mobility.
I`ve seen at a lot of situations where simple everyday falls and accidents have led to disability in over 60`s.
I`m a sixty year old ex biker myself - by the way.
All the best
oilrag
Edited by oilrag on 23/12/2008 at 13:23
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Well, I have to do it now! Santa bought me a Haynes Manual on How to Pass Your Bike Test:)
Twist and go was honestly something I hadn't considered but it's not for me I'm afraid.
The Lorry Drivers on here will understand why when I say it's for the same reason I still do General Haulage and don't do Container work.
It's all about accepting second best.......for some it's the right thisn to do but not for me.
The Fazer is 1000cc and far to heavey for me to hold. The Kawasaki Z450 LTD was bought for e but it's that weight again that causes me concern.
CBT soon and maybe a125cc on L Plates would satisfy my urge to actaully ride a bike again as opposed to sitting on the back of the Fazer.
I think I would look good in my Ace Cafe T shirt ( new today) along with my Barry Sheene Paddock Jacket ( also new today) following the Fazer on a 125cc!!
Pat
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One of the lightest bikes is the Suzuki SV650, only about 170kg. There's an unfaired version and the S, with slightly lower bars and a half fairing. Also the Hornet 600 is light and compact. I have a Bandit 650S, which is extremely comfortable but a little heavy at slow speed and in/out of the garage. I may swap for an SV or Hornet in the Spring.I also ride a CBF 500,which is absolutely great in all respects.
I found the bike training enlightening and it massively improved my driving observation and defensive skills. Good luck.
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