Road riding - do you still enjoy it?

[Brian]

My bike's been off the road for two years, but will be up and running in the near future.

I've never done a track day, but would like to. My only track experience is go-karts, and I don't drive my car on the road like I do a go-kart (most of the time..).

For me, road riding is about transport, more than anything else.

Then there's heading off to Brighton for donuts with a couple of mates on a summers day- Something I wouldn't consider in a car!

Having a road bike opens up more possibilities than a car. As I've recently lost my dog, after 13 1/2 years, I'm looking forward to being able to jump on the bike in the holidays, and fuck off to places and friends on the bike without any ties.

[komp]

i love riding my bike on the road despite how shit they are in this part of the world
just the fact i'm on a motorbike rather than stuck in a car is reason enough for me
if the buzz of going fast is only reason you own a bike then stick to the track
but if you ride a bike because you love motorbikes and love the freedom it brings it shouldn't matter how fast your riding
this is first year in a few years i have had alternative transport to the bike over the winter
but i've still managed to get on the bike at least once a week and still fucking love it and come home with big smile on my face

[big gav]

Well put Kieran.

on the road i enjoy beingvon a bike. Pootling along or being a bit naughty.

On track i enjoy thinking i know what i'm doing. When someone goes past me i just think they know more

[Lord Danoir the first]

I have only been riding for 2 and a half summers but ever since going on track I don't really look forward to road riding any more. I can't really use my 750 properly for obvious reasons,
Loads of crud on the roads, always conscious of cameras and possible dangers etc

I really think tracking my bike has killed road riding. I intend to give it one more summer then see how I feel but didn't see this coming so early on!

Stu

Every rider experiences this after doing a track day..... especially if your road rides were 'hoons'.

They can co-exist but you need to enjoy the different aspects of each rather than compare, because hooning on the road comes a very poor second to riding on a track.

People like Alzo and Moz have it cracked, they love their road riding and do the odd bit here and there on track.

I spent 20 years doing very little road riding, but I now enjoy the odd bimble...... I'm not a hardcore road biker though...... I'd love to be.

[Snozzeltoff]

i love riding my bike on the road despite how shit they are in this part of the world
just the fact i'm on a motorbike rather than stuck in a car is reason enough for me
if the buzz of going fast is only reason you own a bike then stick to the track
but if you ride a bike because you love motorbikes and love the freedom it brings it shouldn't matter how fast your riding
this is first year in a few years i have had alternative transport to the bike over the winter
but i've still managed to get on the bike at least once a week and still fucking love it and come home with big smile on my face

+1

Just being on a bike is what does it for me. Nearly 28 and I'm still yet to buy a car. I have use of my girlfriends car but still ride almost all the time.

4th bike now, 2 of which are in the garage, the Z750R and Komps old NSR125R. It may be small but it's 2 stroke and a hell of a lot of fun on the road.

[komp]

i love riding my bike on the road despite how shit they are in this part of the world
just the fact i'm on a motorbike rather than stuck in a car is reason enough for me
if the buzz of going fast is only reason you own a bike then stick to the track
but if you ride a bike because you love motorbikes and love the freedom it brings it shouldn't matter how fast your riding
this is first year in a few years i have had alternative transport to the bike over the winter
but i've still managed to get on the bike at least once a week and still fucking love it and come home with big smile on my face

+1

Just being on a bike is what does it for me. Nearly 28 and I'm still yet to buy a car. I have use of my girlfriends car but still ride almost all the time.

4th bike now, 2 of which are in the garage, the Z750R and Komps old NSR125R. It may be small but it's 2 stroke and a hell of a lot of fun on the road.

cant tell you how much i wish i still had the little NSR at the moment
it gave me so much enjoyment last winter, as got my bike fix without worrying about 998cc and my hamfisted throttle control lol

[Dq]

I've been riding for 14 years now, love track days, and with a bit of luck will be going racing in the next couple of years, but I wouldn't even consider giving up road riding. I would be starting racing next year, but cant bear the thought of selling either of my road bikes.

However, I think its as much about who you ride with rather than anything else. I found my interest waning until the last couple of years, but I've been fortunate to find a great bunch of guys up here that I enjoy riding with. Its usually brisk, but things can get quick when conditions suit. Time and place and all that.

Sportsbikes are no use on public roads...so many good Naked/Adventure bikes out there and will provide miles more fun.

I don't totally agree with this, but don't think for a second you need the latest and greatest. I have an F4 and NC30, the MV can be a pain at low speeds, but the NC is perfectly civilized, and its 21 years old. Neither have issues keeping up with modern kit - its only when speeds get very naughty that the 400 has an issue. I guarantee I have as much fun on either of mine as anyone on a naked..... maybe you're just getting old Alzo

At this moment in time I guess I've found what I want in a roadbike - I'm sure that will change as I do, but I also cant see a time when I dont have a race rep in the garage.

Saying that, with either of them I certainly know about it for the next couple of days after the scot runs

[Dom1]

Before my accident I was thinking of selling the road bike anyway, I was hardly using it.

The cost of fuel added to a general apathy from all the people I used to ride with and the feeling that we were just going to the same old places was limiting my motivation.

The bits I enjoyed most was when a bunch of us got together and went somewhere for a weekend like the T2B runs or the Welsh Ninjafests. I had arranged a pass with the missus to do the Scotfest in 2012 but the accident ended that.

I would like a bike to go and do a Euro tour or Scotfest but if I am honest I struggle to get the time away and the funds so I am not bothered about another one for now just to go back to riding the same local roads.

Got my track bike and trials bike for fun and looking to add a trail/enduro bike next year.

[Alzo]

I've been riding for 14 years now, love track days, and with a bit of luck will be going racing in the next couple of years, but I wouldn't even consider giving up road riding. I would be starting racing next year, but cant bear the thought of selling either of my road bikes.

However, I think its as much about who you ride with rather than anything else. I found my interest waning until the last couple of years, but I've been fortunate to find a great bunch of guys up here that I enjoy riding with. Its usually brisk, but things can get quick when conditions suit. Time and place and all that.

Sportsbikes are no use on public roads...so many good Naked/Adventure bikes out there and will provide miles more fun.

I don't totally agree with this, but don't think for a second you need the latest and greatest. I have an F4 and NC30, the MV can be a pain at low speeds, but the NC is perfectly civilized, and its 21 years old. Neither have issues keeping up with modern kit - its only when speeds get very naughty that the 400 has an issue. I guarantee I have as much fun on either of mine as anyone on a naked..... maybe you're just getting old Alzo

For most they are harsh...uncomfortable...and way too quick...I've had my share and suffered the riding position for far too long...but there are many bikes for many people and I would never berate anyone's choice of bike.

As for the getting old...yes...but it comes to us all...blink and you'll be here too...

[Stuno1]

Some good for thought here. Thanks for all the replies.

Think I am going to see how I get on this summer and take it from there. I have moved to Essex so should be closer to better roads. In Uxbridge I had to ride a while before getting anywhere entertaining.

Stu

[komp]

Some good for thought here. Thanks for all the replies.

Think I am going to see how I get on this summer and take it from there. I have moved to Essex so should be closer to better roads. In Uxbridge I had to ride a while before getting anywhere entertaining.

Stu

hahahaha well you wont find any in essex, all full of bloody car drivers
but must admit they do get better suffolk/norfolk way

[MOzZereLLa]

Some good for thought here. Thanks for all the replies.

Think I am going to see how I get on this summer and take it from there. I have moved to Essex so should be closer to better roads. In Uxbridge I had to ride a while before getting anywhere entertaining.

Stu

If at all mate.  No wonder you were thinking of giving it up - there are very few decent roads down south......

[legzr1]

Some good for thought here. Thanks for all the replies.

Think I am going to see how I get on this summer and take it from there. I have moved to Essex so should be closer to better roads. In Uxbridge I had to ride a while before getting anywhere entertaining.

Stu

If at all mate.  No wonder you were thinking of giving it up - there are very few decent roads down south......

I reckon this is the main issue.

Of course you can't ride at track pace on the road but if you're 'lucky' enough to live in the north, borders or west Scotland (there are other places...) the idea of a sports bike on the road makes a lot more sense.

[Nat]

Gravel, people parked around corners,  joggers, Police.  I think about them all too much so I don't enjoy riding as often.  I'm the site milk float and don't need to ride fast, but all of these things reduce the thrill.  Still love riding the bike more than using the car, but laziness has hit me now!

[HP]

I ride all day everyday, I've not been able to afford any trackday fun the last 2 years, had very little fun riding due to time & money....... it's had an adverse affect on my enjoyment in fact I'm sick to death of riding on the road, as soon as I can afford too I'll be taking my car test.