Am I mad or dilusional

[Bosnian]

Hi all
Have not ridden for about 20 years while the kids grew up but want one now. Is a bird going to be too much for a 50+ bloke to handle. Always liked the thought of having one but am feeling nervous about getting back in the saddle. My previous bikes were all CBR’s from 600 to 1000. Missed the fire blade as wanted to live longer . Any advice welcome. Thanks

 

[jerryt]

Take the plunge and get a Bird! Iam 66 and I get on fine with it!

 

[Duck n Dive]

Apart from the weight it's a pussycat.

The power is smooth and controlled, it doesn't do anything unexpected.

Good luck

 

[sib8292]

Although at 68 I sold mine, I had it for 10 years and easily the best bike I've had. Even than my R1200 GS which I also sold this year, both because they were getting a bit heavy to push around and because I don't plan any more long bike trips. Just make sure that low speed manoeuvring is done with forethought especially pushing it into parking spaces etc. Once it starts to go it goes! On the move, no problem.

 

[Squag1]

Only problem is twisting to fast or too much.
It will leave you sitting on yer ass.
I'm even older than Jaws and wouldn't give it up.
I have a BMW K1100 also which is heavier.

 

[andyBeaker]

Hi all
Have not ridden for about 20 years while the kids grew up but want one now. Is a bird going to be too much for a 50+ bloke to handle. Always liked the thought of having one but am feeling nervous about getting back in the saddle. My previous bikes were all CBR’s from 600 to 1000. Missed the fire blade as wanted to live longer . Any advice welcome. Thanks

JDI.

nuff said.

 

[ogr1]

Just buy one, you will only carry on wondering what it's like.

 

[slim63]

if you are physically fit then go for it, birds are easy to ride if you just want to pootle about and just as easy if you want to go ballistic the only downside when compared to your CBR1000 is they are nowhere near as comfortable as stock

So think of it as a less comfy but much faster cbr thou and you wont go far wrong

The only other thing i have to say is check out what the common problems are and check any bike you look at for them carefully, all the solutions are here but if in doubt ask as there is a wealth of info available

 

[Cougar377]

The only thing I'd add to all the good advice above is that if you keep it below 5000 then it rides like a heavy 600 .....above that it's warp speed Mr. Scott and hello time travel.

What's not to like...?

 

[DEG5Y]

There's not many on here that are under 50!

 

[Dark Angel]

If you’ve not ridden for twenty years (and assuming that your licence is still valid for an 1100cc bike):

Go to your local Bike School and do a refresher course on a 500cc machine. See how you get on with that first.

Then, get a professional opinion from your instructor regarding your current capabilities/potential for improvement.

Then, go away and think about what you’ve done and make your decision as to whether you’ll go straight out and buy a Blackbird.

Doing it that way could save you more than just a lot of money.

Good luck.

 

[DanBow]

There's not many on here that are under 50!

Glad to be one of the few!

 

[andyBeaker]

Glad to be one of the few!

I had you down for about 85………. still one of the youngsters on here though…….!

 

[Cougar377]

Glad to be one of the few!

He was talking about age, not IQ.

 

[DanBow]

I had you down for about 85………. still one of the youngsters on here though…….!

Physically I am 85, mentally I'm still 18.

Or was that my I.Q?

 

[marlin vs]

Go for it, you'll only regret it when your 80.

 

[Squag1]

Go for it, you'll only regret it when your 80.

My brother gave up at 82.

 

[DanBow]

Why not get it then do a couple of lessons, maybe with an advanced instructor, then go the whole hog and do an advanced course? You could start by doing an Enhanced Rider Scheme.

 

[Squag1]

Definitely do lessons with a recommended trainer.
I did RoSPA later.
Should have done it when I went back.

RoSPA will get you a discount on insurance.

 

[Cougar377]

My brother gave up at 82.

Gave up what..?