| New Biker 18:00 - Jul 25 with 1713 views | BlueBlueBluex2 |
At 50 it’s possible I am having a midlife crisis (or more likely have the time and the disposable income) to want a motorbike having never ridden before.
I have booked my CBT and have my eye on a brand new LexMoto LXS.
Has anyone been on a similar journey at a comparable age? Was it worth it and what is likely to trip me up? Thanks |  | | |  |
| New Biker on 18:03 - Jul 25 with 1684 views | naa |
Be careful. There's a very high statistic of people in your situation having accidents. | | | |
| New Biker on 18:22 - Jul 25 with 1616 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
Its not 'possible', you're definitely having a mid-life crisis. |  |
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| New Biker on 18:22 - Jul 25 with 1618 views | TIB |
Not of a similar age but I did my full license about 7 years ago at age 32 after losing my mum and dad thus needing a riding partner. I had ridden dirt bikes before so had an understanding of gearing, clutch etc but riding on the roads I really feel is about confidence and awareness. So many people in this country are not bike aware…and it’s also extremely easy to get over confident on a bike which is when further accidents happen.
That said, there is something special about motorcycling, I often feel it’s a hobby that forces you to fully focus on just riding, so you can escape and refresh mentally.
I’ve had a fair few bikes since riding and now have a Royal Enfield Classic 350. I’m really not into riding 150mph so got a bike that is perfect for fair weather riding on country lanes and B Roads. The brand is well worth a look, they can’t be beaten on price and quality.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a message |  |
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| New Biker on 18:59 - Jul 25 with 1515 views | bluelagos |
I teach advanced motorcycling (Voluntary thing - through IAMRoadsmart) so know a little bit about keeping safe on 2 wheels.
Defo get some decent gear (Dress for the slide not the ride) and get additional training as/when.
Riding a bike is not for everyone but if you can master it - there's no better way of getting around. It's more fun, way quicker and cheaper than driving so what's not to like?
As you get better you'll want a bigger bike - just be careful not to go to big too soon. Bikes can be quite unforgiving when you get it wrong.
Happy to answer any DMs as/when |  |
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| New Biker on 19:37 - Jul 25 with 1428 views | tcblue |
Good advice in this thread already but I would add that buying a 125cc is probably not the move, do your direct access and put the money you save on how much a Chinese 125cc depreciates in the six months you have it before wishing you'd bought a Big Bike into said Big Bike and advanced training lessons.
Motorcycling is one of those skills you shouldn't ever stop growing while you're doing it. | | | |
| New Biker on 19:51 - Jul 25 with 1391 views | EdwardStone |
Surviving on 2 wheels is very very simple...
You only need to do everything exactly right every single time
To achieve this you need to be 100% focussed, read the road and develop an awareness because your life depends upon it
The sense of freedom it brings is truly magical.... it's nearest thing to flying without the cost and hassle of buying a plane
Enjoy your biking my friend...enjoy |  | | |
| New Biker on 19:54 - Jul 25 with 1378 views | EdwardStone |
| New Biker on 18:22 - Jul 25 by TIB |
Not of a similar age but I did my full license about 7 years ago at age 32 after losing my mum and dad thus needing a riding partner. I had ridden dirt bikes before so had an understanding of gearing, clutch etc but riding on the roads I really feel is about confidence and awareness. So many people in this country are not bike aware…and it’s also extremely easy to get over confident on a bike which is when further accidents happen.
That said, there is something special about motorcycling, I often feel it’s a hobby that forces you to fully focus on just riding, so you can escape and refresh mentally.
I’ve had a fair few bikes since riding and now have a Royal Enfield Classic 350. I’m really not into riding 150mph so got a bike that is perfect for fair weather riding on country lanes and B Roads. The brand is well worth a look, they can’t be beaten on price and quality.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a message |
Uppie for owning and riding an Enfield
I have just said goodbye to a big Harley and am loving a 500 Bullet instead
So much lovely old fashioned British motorbike for so surprisingly little money | | | |
| New Biker on 20:02 - Jul 25 with 1354 views | BlueBlueBluex2 |
| New Biker on 19:37 - Jul 25 by tcblue |
Good advice in this thread already but I would add that buying a 125cc is probably not the move, do your direct access and put the money you save on how much a Chinese 125cc depreciates in the six months you have it before wishing you'd bought a Big Bike into said Big Bike and advanced training lessons.
Motorcycling is one of those skills you shouldn't ever stop growing while you're doing it. |
I hear you and i understand the sentiment.
I’m lucky enough to not have to worry about any depreciation and I feel that a 125 is probably as high as I’m ever going to go. I won’t be commuting or going long distance, I’m thinking 20 miles every Sunday morning. | | | |
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| New Biker on 20:11 - Jul 25 with 1300 views | TIB |
| New Biker on 20:02 - Jul 25 by BlueBlueBluex2 |
I hear you and i understand the sentiment.
I’m lucky enough to not have to worry about any depreciation and I feel that a 125 is probably as high as I’m ever going to go. I won’t be commuting or going long distance, I’m thinking 20 miles every Sunday morning. |
You will surprise yourself, you’ll say max 125cc now but down the line you may find yourself, for example, wanting a bike with a little more torque to get out of junctions quicker or to keep up with traffic…in essence, to feel safer.
Forget to mention the Honda CB350 too…looks near on perfect and is bulletproof. | |
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| New Biker on 20:18 - Jul 25 with 1274 views | BlueBlueBluex2 |
| New Biker on 20:11 - Jul 25 by TIB |
You will surprise yourself, you’ll say max 125cc now but down the line you may find yourself, for example, wanting a bike with a little more torque to get out of junctions quicker or to keep up with traffic…in essence, to feel safer.
Forget to mention the Honda CB350 too…looks near on perfect and is bulletproof. |
If I am out and meet other traffic then I have done something wrong. My plans right now would be 0600 starts on Sunday mornings and back home by 0730.
The 350 is massively different from what itch I want to scratch. The Lex LXS much more sports bike - https://www.lexmoto.com/models | | | |
| New Biker on 20:19 - Jul 25 with 1257 views | TIB |
| New Biker on 20:18 - Jul 25 by BlueBlueBluex2 |
If I am out and meet other traffic then I have done something wrong. My plans right now would be 0600 starts on Sunday mornings and back home by 0730.
The 350 is massively different from what itch I want to scratch. The Lex LXS much more sports bike - https://www.lexmoto.com/models |
Ah definitely, nice looking bike.
Best of luck with it though, be safe and enjoy the ride. | |
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| New Biker on 20:28 - Jul 25 with 1233 views | Vic |
| New Biker on 20:11 - Jul 25 by TIB |
You will surprise yourself, you’ll say max 125cc now but down the line you may find yourself, for example, wanting a bike with a little more torque to get out of junctions quicker or to keep up with traffic…in essence, to feel safer.
Forget to mention the Honda CB350 too…looks near on perfect and is bulletproof. |
I don't own or ride a bike now, but have had a few in my time. I tend to agree with what TIB says about a 125. Theres a reason learners are limited to this level! Once you get confident you'll almost certainly want a bit more. I was always happy with a 250, but its a personal thing.
My tip to add to what others have said is to never, ever take for granted that a car will see you! Always assume they are going to pull out, swerve, brake, open a door, or do something else idiotic that will wipe you out!
Enjoy. |  |
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| New Biker on 20:37 - Jul 25 with 1202 views | FelixBlue4 |
Ride like everyone is out to kill you is my best advice. Passed my test years ago but been away from riding about 15 years and am now thinking about getting another bike at 52. It will be just dry day riding this time round as to old for being out in the cold. The right gear is the important part, I promise you will ache in places you didn’t know existed. Is it the 125 version you are looking at ? If so you may want something a little bigger after a while. My advice would be get a used bike to start with as if you enjoy it you will want something a little more powerful for cruising. | | | |
| New Biker on 20:39 - Jul 25 with 1200 views | TIB |
| New Biker on 19:54 - Jul 25 by EdwardStone |
Uppie for owning and riding an Enfield
I have just said goodbye to a big Harley and am loving a 500 Bullet instead
So much lovely old fashioned British motorbike for so surprisingly little money |
Got to love the Bullet...I actually downsized, I did have an RE GT 650, beautiful bike to ride but after I test rode a Classic I couldn’t stop thinking about it, just fits me and my biking to a tee.
I do however love the look of the new Bullet 650 👏 | |
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| New Biker on 21:31 - Jul 25 with 1097 views | Meadowlark |
I think everyone should ride a motorcycle - and before that a bicycle for a minimum period before they can qualify to drive a car. Gives you a much clearer idea of road and traffic conditions.
I use all three forms of transport, and walk.
I would just say that you really need to do some motorcycle training/practice before you get on the road. |  | | |
| New Biker on 22:39 - Jul 25 with 1008 views | IndependentlyBlue |
Used to ride years ago, though never bigger than a 400. Best advice I was given was that you needed to think not just about the vehicle in front and behind you but also the one on front of and behind them. Utter concentration needed at all times. Still miss it though
Transplant surgeons apparently refer to motorcyclists as ‘donors’ (Copyright Stephen Fry). |  |
| Better to stay silent and be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt |
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| New Biker on 08:41 - Jul 26 with 748 views | LeBlue |
Do it!
I took my CBT in my 40s as I was fed up with my car commute. Bought a 125 scooter and turned a 49 minute traffic-jammed commute into Reading into a 15 minute fun ride nipping round cars and filtering through a jams. Also turned a £10 daily parking fee into £0. Took my full license after a couple of years and boight, and still have 8 years later, a Yamaha MT-07. 700 cc. It’s light, nimble and plenty fast enough for me. Don’t use for commutes any more as I changed jobs but ride out at weekends when it’s dry and warm!
Get good quality gear and, as already said, just assume you are invisible and that everyone is trying to kill you. Especially cars pulling out from junctions!
Make sure you choose a reputable and experienced instructor. Mine was an ex-army officer and his ability to bark clear instructions and not so gentle reminders still ring in my ears now! I really enjoyed learning, bizarrely found Mod 1 more tricky than mod 2.
It’s cheap to run and insure and just sits in my garage, not taking up a whole lot of space when not needed. |  | | |
| New Biker on 08:55 - Jul 26 with 725 views | Bluespeed225 |
Been riding scooters for 44 years, test passed in 83’. Potholes, potholes, potholes! People on phones, general arrogance of drivers, really notice the difference now. Having said that, a bunch of the ipswich lads regularly tour Europe, just returning from Euro Vespa in Ostend after doing the battlefields first. One lad went solo, Hamburg, Copenhagen, back down to meet the rest in France! I’m currently building a pocket rocket smallframe, I’m 61, should know better! Get out there! [Post edited 26 Jul 9:26]
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| New Biker on 08:55 - Jul 26 with 724 views | BlueBlueBluex2 |
| New Biker on 08:41 - Jul 26 by LeBlue |
Do it!
I took my CBT in my 40s as I was fed up with my car commute. Bought a 125 scooter and turned a 49 minute traffic-jammed commute into Reading into a 15 minute fun ride nipping round cars and filtering through a jams. Also turned a £10 daily parking fee into £0. Took my full license after a couple of years and boight, and still have 8 years later, a Yamaha MT-07. 700 cc. It’s light, nimble and plenty fast enough for me. Don’t use for commutes any more as I changed jobs but ride out at weekends when it’s dry and warm!
Get good quality gear and, as already said, just assume you are invisible and that everyone is trying to kill you. Especially cars pulling out from junctions!
Make sure you choose a reputable and experienced instructor. Mine was an ex-army officer and his ability to bark clear instructions and not so gentle reminders still ring in my ears now! I really enjoyed learning, bizarrely found Mod 1 more tricky than mod 2.
It’s cheap to run and insure and just sits in my garage, not taking up a whole lot of space when not needed. |
The costs are a no brainer. Insurance is £100 a year and the bike itself, OTR is just £2700! | | | |
| New Biker on 09:01 - Jul 26 with 711 views | brogansnose |
| New Biker on 20:28 - Jul 25 by Vic |
I don't own or ride a bike now, but have had a few in my time. I tend to agree with what TIB says about a 125. Theres a reason learners are limited to this level! Once you get confident you'll almost certainly want a bit more. I was always happy with a 250, but its a personal thing.
My tip to add to what others have said is to never, ever take for granted that a car will see you! Always assume they are going to pull out, swerve, brake, open a door, or do something else idiotic that will wipe you out!
Enjoy. |
Quite a while back a bloke came round to buy my Fireblade who'd just passed his test. He agreed to pay the asking price but when I found out about his lack of experience I refused to sell it to him. |  | | |
| New Biker on 09:05 - Jul 26 with 696 views | brogansnose |
| New Biker on 20:02 - Jul 25 by BlueBlueBluex2 |
I hear you and i understand the sentiment.
I’m lucky enough to not have to worry about any depreciation and I feel that a 125 is probably as high as I’m ever going to go. I won’t be commuting or going long distance, I’m thinking 20 miles every Sunday morning. |
You'll do the 20 miles on a Sunday poodling around but before you know it you'll be venturing out all over the place on something bigger. | | | |
| New Biker on 09:12 - Jul 26 with 681 views | Benters |
It’s a great thing to get into I’ve had bikes for the fields and some for the roads.
But then I realised (back in the day) that girls preferred cars and I went for cars instead of motorcycles.
I have sadly lost a few friends through cars pulling out in front of them,when I can I will go back to pedal power,and at times that’s frightening enough.
Go careful buh. |  |
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| New Biker on 12:04 - Jul 26 with 538 views | Godzilla |
I came back to biking later in life, mainly to make my work commute and parking doable, and now its a fun addition to my retirement. Just ride as safely and sensibly as you can. People will often say randon stuff to you about how the danger involved, but they often can't ride bikes, wouldnt have the balls to do it and their partners wouldn't let them any way. Enjoy biking its fun, 'you don't stop riding when you get old - you get old when you stop riding'. |  | | |
| New Biker on 14:47 - Jul 26 with 420 views | flykickingbybgunn |
I dispute that it can save money on transport. The reason being that you will just be tempted to take the long way home. You know the one with all them twisty bends.
Try it. I agree that the Enfield is where to start. (My granddad used to make 'em in Redditch).
It is cheap and simple.
Ride, as you have been told, as if everybody is out to kill you. Never forget that life saver glance over your right shoulder.
Always buy good quality gear. As a youngster I once said to my mate should I save on the cost of the helmet. The reply, which will have been heard by many on here, "If you have a ten bob head get a ten bob hat". And consider if some Volvo pulls out in front of you and you are flying through the air it is always nice to remember you saved yourself a couple of quid on protection.
Enjoy. It is not for everybody but to paraphrase often used on here "Once a biker always a biker" |  | | |
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