Once again I’m being accused of suffering from a mid-life crisis. I prefer to think of it as fulfilling one of my life’s ambitions. I’m still a few quid short of Ferrari ownership, so I instead decided to finally get my bike licence and buy myself a proper motorbike.
I did my CBT a week or so ago, and then made the mistake of going to ‘browse’ at the bike shop with a loaded wallet. End result: I’m now the proud owner of an immaculate red Suzuki SV650S. I can’t ride it yet (other than a quick spin round the car park), but I can look at it. Which is nice. Not.
So, with the bike sat outside the kitchen window taunting me, I have little choice but to try and pass my test at the first time of asking next week. Anyway, I thought this might prove to be an interesting(ish) series of blog articles, as I imagine there are plenty of wannabe bikers out there just like me.
A couple of years ago I got as far as taking my theory test, and as you only get two years from the date of your theory pass to pass your practical, I’m up against it. In fact, if I don’t pass first time it’ll be touch and go as to whether I manage to get another test date before the theory expires! Talk about pressure…
With the government set to toughen up the bike test later this year, now seemed like a good time to get off my arse and get the job done. I’m taking the Direct Access route, which means I do my training on a big bike and once I pass, I can ride anything I want.
I chose the Suzuki because it has excellent reviews and is a forgiving machine suitable for more inexperienced bikers like myself. I probably paid a bit over the odds for it as I bought it from a dealer, but it comes serviced with a new chain, new MoT and a warranty. Insurance is also surprisingly cheap at just £66 per year for TPF&T. With fuel economy bettering 50MPG and low tax, cheap motoring beckons.
My one reservation in all of this is the safety aspect. It doesn’t matter how good a rider you are, any berk in a car can fail to see you and end your life. Being a family man, this (and the horrific videos to be found on YouTube et al) remains firmly at the forefront of my mind. I have purchased, and will wear, a bright neon yellow vest. When people see them, they automatically think “police” and slow down, and that has to be better for me. I don’t care if I look like a twat – as long as my insides stay on the inside, I’ll be happy. I’ll also be driving sensibly within the speed limits. I have my Fiat Coupe if I want to tear about.
So, stay tuned for my biking story as it develops. Next installment: the CBT.
The SV is a brilliant little bike – endlessly entertaining.
As for sticking the speed limit – I think after a few months on it um you will show judicious judgement on that score:-D
Don’t worry about the mid-life crisis thing – if that was your schtick it would be a hardley dabbleson, not a bike that’s regularly called a “girl’s bike”.
Be smooth on the throttle, progressive on the clutch and gentle on the front brakes – best of luck.
Actually it didn’t come with a “new chain”, not according to VJ Superbikes in Taunton who have just serviced the bike for me. In their words, the chain is f*****! After 2,000 miles. The sales guy at Riders Bridgwater who sold me the bike either got mine confused with someone else’s, or they were pulling a fast one knowing I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Considering that I paid about £500 over market value for the bike, this strikes me as being pretty stingy to say the least. I won’t be going back for my new bike next year – VJs will get my business.