Back in the saddle after 18 years....... | GTAMotorcycle.com

Back in the saddle after 18 years.......

Brant Bandit

Brant Bandit

Well-known member
Hello!

It's been 18 years since I wrecked my old 1986 FJ 1200, but the time has come for me to get another bike. I've signed the papers and will be picking up my new to me 2004 Bandit 600 S on Thursday. I'm turning 40 this year, so maybe that has something to do with it, but whatever. lol

I commute between Brantford and Guelph daily, travelling down two lane country roads....if ever there was a suitable motorcycle commute this is it.

I'm pretty nervous about it honestly. This whole thing just came together over the last few weeks. My wife has said for years that I would get a bike over her dead body.....and it was her that supported me in getting this! Crazy, but I've got a great wife! I've got two boys....one turns 15 in September and the other is 10 in November. The older one thinks motorcycles are stupid, but the little guy is almost as excited as I am.

I got a copy of the motorcycle handbook and I'll be going through all the basics again just to get reacquainted. Can't wait to get my bike, and I'm very excited about my new helmet and jacket too! Stuff really got cool over the last two decades! I'm getting a modular full face that looks like a fighter jet helmet with the flip down sun visor inside the face sheild, and a cool armoured mesh jacket. Still need to get some boots and gloves, but I'm on my way!

Anyway, just wanted to say hello.

Cheers,
Pat
 
Pat,

I started riding again after a lay off a tad longer than yours. I took a new riders course, at Learning Curves, as a refresher and to drop someone else's bike. It is something to consider. The new kit is rather cool. I do miss wearing my leather jacket, apparently it's now only good as a fashion statement. Good luck.

Gerry
 
Thanks, Gerry. Not a bad idea to take a course.....I'd much rather drop someone else's bike than my own, but I'd prefer to not drop anything! haha

A course isn't in the budget, so I'm going to take it s l o w.......if I find myself really uncomfortable I think I'll make the course a priority and bite the bullet. The $500 or whatever is still cheaper than replacing a bike or my own pain and suffering!

I have my old leather jacket too, but I'm soo happy to see the new mesh ones. My leather is HOT!

I don't think I'm going to sleep until I pick the bike up
 
Welcome back!.. just take it easy and im sure you will do fine get some practice in a empty parking lot or get a few hours in at night when there is not as much traffic on the road.
 
I've had to remind myself a few times that even though it's only a 600, it's still bigger than anything I've ridden in 18 years. I don't actually think it "feels" a lot smaller than my FJ did.....but I'm old and senile. I can't wait to ride. I know it won't have the highway passing power of the FJ, but that's not why I bought the bike anyway. I need to look up comparisons to the FJ, but I doubt it's much slower in the city and might even be a bit quicker 0-60. Regardless....it'll be quick and fast enough to get me in trouble if I get overconfident.
 
Congrats. I was out of it for 9 years after my son was born but got back into it too.

I strongly urge you to consider an advanced training course. TMP isn't far away, and you can take the Surviving The Streets course offered there. Worth the money. There are other ones as well that can help lessen the chances of a mishap. I just read an article that showed age 40 and up incidents have skyrocketed in the last decade.
 
Welcome and ride safe!
 
Parking lots are good - if you can find an empty, clean one. Used to be much easier before Sunday shopping. Crack of dawn Sunday is good, apparently youngsters today can't get up. And there's still time to get back home, spark up the barbie and burn some meat.

Just as a bit of a giggle, my go to practice space was L&L before it was trendy - no Timmies, no ****** vests and no rev limiters.
 
Welcome back. I did the RTI course in Guelph after I returned to riding. Rode my 1200 Sportster from London to Guelph both days and it felt great and boosted my confidence. All my kids like to ride. 15, 11 and 5.....The 600 Bandit is nice ride.

Understand the budget constraints to not bother enrolling in a rider's course. Truth is, if you have ridden in the past for a decent amount of time, it all comes back pretty quick. The biggest issue is riding defensively. I enjoy riding the back roads over anything else and still loving it the last 5 or 6 years. Never going to give up motorcycling again.

PS, I'm in my mid 40's. Age is only a number and how you feel. Enjoy!
 
I've had two breaks from riding. First was 15 years, the second was 3 years which just ended this season.

Just take it easy the first few runs, but don't worry, you'll fall right into place after that and wonder what in the hell was I worried about ;)
 
I've said it before.... it's like riding a bike. You never forget :D Welcome back to motorcycles. :thumbup:
 
I spent a few hours yesterday watching youtube videos about riding technique. I remember all this stuff! I will definitely spend some time in the parking lot doing slow speed manoeuvres and basic drills before actually heading out on the road. Stop and gos, tight circles, etc.
 
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