Whats the point of riding on the roads anymore?

[adam]

I find this is true aswell. Ive got fed up with riding through Exeter on my bike now. Every time theres some idiot who blocks you purposely when filtering etc. Im actually considering selling my bike as its just £2500 sitting in the garage.
For the last 3 weeks ive driven my car to college. Dont hate me but if you cant beat them you may as well join them

dont give up

[andyals]

I don't see how anyone who claims to be passionate about riding can even contemplate giving up.

For me, it doesn't enter the equation.

I've been riding continuously for 27 years now and I enjoy it more now than I ever have done.

I suppose it depends why and how you ride.

If your idea of a good ride out is pushing your bike to it's absolute limits and generally treating it as if it were your own personal race track, then yes, things are getting tougher as stricter laws and the means to enforce them could be seen as spoiling your fun.

If that is the case then maybe it's time to either hang up the helmet for good, or start trailoring your bike around to track days like the other weekend warrior muppets.

[philh]

Anyone who's read my recent verbose posts on this kind of subject will understand that I've come to realise a few truths when it comes to road riding. To grossly over-generalise, fast road riding seems to be a quick route to prison or the morgue.

But all is not lost! I recently spent a couple of days on a V-Max. The bike was a dog, but the experience was an epiphany! It made me chill out a bit, wind off a little, and just enjoy being out on a bike.

Sure, if your on the latest trackday weapon with your arse in the air and face in the clocks then a gentle bimble isn't exactly on the menu. But I reckon on most bikes it's possible to look for something a bit different from your ride instead of sheer pace.

I quite happily 'swoosh' about now in a generally unhurried manner. It's great! On any bike, you'll always exist on a completely different plane to other road users. And every now and then when the time is right I can still choose to dial in a quick flick of the wrist to unleash anarchy! Just for a sec mind you...

Biking's ace. Always will be.

[r1dave]

Anyone who's read my recent verbose posts on this kind of subject will understand that I've come to realise a few truths when it comes to road riding. To grossly over-generalise, fast road riding seems to be a quick route to prison or the morgue.

But all is not lost! I recently spent a couple of days on a V-Max. The bike was a dog, but the experience was an epiphany! It made me chill out a bit, wind off a little, and just enjoy being out on a bike.

Sure, if your on the latest trackday weapon with your arse in the air and face in the clocks then a gentle bimble isn't exactly on the menu. But I reckon on most bikes it's possible to look for something a bit different from your ride instead of sheer pace.

I quite happily 'swoosh' about now in a generally unhurried manner. It's great! On any bike, you'll always exist on a completely different plane to other road users. And every now and then when the time is right I can still choose to dial in a quick flick of the wrist to unleash anarchy! Just for a sec mind you...

Biking's ace. Always will be.

Have to agree with you m8

[Dave]

Even my fav road of 5 years has now been raped by slower speed limits and more caravans. And with the rising population,its only going to get worse.

Give the 1098 to me and buy yourself a scooter.

Think of it... You could ride round all day on full throttle and still get 950 miles to the gallon.

[andyals]

Anyone who's read my recent verbose posts on this kind of subject will understand that I've come to realise a few truths when it comes to road riding. To grossly over-generalise, fast road riding seems to be a quick route to prison or the morgue.

I was talking to one of the guy's at GT's in Plymouth about this.
He said, they are noticing a very defintate trend towards big muscle bikes like the Suzuki GSX1400 etc. and even cruisers, from riders who were previously dyed in the wool sports bike riders.
Why ?
Probably because these bikes have the drive and power where you need it most, rather than having to find it at 12,000 rpm.
I too have discovered this route following a nasty accident that finished me with high performance bikes.
The Copper that came to take a statement off me in hospital said he was first on the scene, and when he saw the the carnage, he told me he wouldn't have expected someone in a car to come away with anything less than critical injuries.
As it was, I was discharged just black and blue with bruising.
I took that as a second chance.
I knew I couldn't give up riding, but I also knew that even with 27 years riding experience, I lacked the real skill and reflexes necessary to operate a high performance bike at the upper end of it's limits.
Like a lot of riders on sports bikes,I was kidding myself into thinking that just because I had the latest high tech performance bikes and race leathers, I was a fast rider by default.
Now I have two bikes.
A BMW R1200C and a Moto Guzzi 1100 Griso, thus removing the temptation to be stupid, and I've discovered that ultimate high performance on the road at least, is a mugs game.
When I reached the pinnacle of my high perfromance riding life, I used to get home, slump in a chair and often wonder how the hell I made it home in one piece.
Those days have long gone now, thank God.