Not really. Most people blame everyone else but don’t take responsibility for themselves. Fact of life unfortunately I used to be one of them. Thankfully less so now
Just to be clear, I’m not saying it’s always the riders fault. I’m not andyb. I’m saying that if you have lots of near misses, look at your approach first.
It is one thing the benders at the IaM teach you to be fair. And it’s a very valid point. what can YOU do to mitigate the risk. Most accidents are avoidable whether you’re at fault or not. Always ride like everyone is trying to kill you.
For me it’s all about having fun. And with the two types of bike I have it covers the whole spectrum from bimbling about aimlessly to riding like I’m on track. But in all cases I ride defensively and assume every man and his dog are out to get me.
It’s why I sold the Gs and bought two different bikes. Ok, I’m now without what I’d call a tourer really, no way I can use panigale fir that these days and the monster probably needs fuel every 80 miles, so may need a 3rd in there for Amy euro trips
I've always liked them from the original Beast, the Gen3 I think finally looks the part, and probably the best Q/S I used (you need the tech pack), but roll on in any gear and hold on while subconsciously giggling is quite entertaining. There's a 1290RR about to be launched, but it's basically the same bike with lots of KTM powerparts chucked at it. I think KTM can see Ducati charging 20K for a streetbike they can do the same.
Tbh not a mega fan of the iam stuff, more PACE and road craft, simply as it encourages you to be on the wrong side of the road a lot
I think what you ride makes a big difference. I always had sportsbikes on the road and got fed up with roads after I started doing a lot of trackdays. Then I bought a 1200s monster last year and absolutely loved it. This year I swapped the monster and 1198s for a v4 Streetfighter for the road and have a gsxr1000r for track.
My son has a 2008 Superduke 990 and loves it. He's been riding my RC390 here(his and gf's bikes are in D.C.) and is getting used to it but he prefers the riding position of the 990.
I have been riding bikes since I was 16, and am now into my70s, never been a particularly fast or mad rider, more of a serious touring rider, or was when I was younger, only had one bad smash, and that was not my fault, me and the wife both seriously injured, but recovered in time and went riding again aftre passing my IAM test for self assurance. These days I only ride locally apart from trips to the IOM, and I am increasingly feeling less inclined to ride ony distance, and then the weather has to be right, I find that all the lunatics on the road, abysmal road conitions with regard to road surfaces, potholes etc, mean I am not enjoying my riding so much anymore, also the lack of old school cameraderie grates as well. I know that if I have another serious accident it will take forever to recover, if at all, also bikes are becoming too tall and too heavy and too expensive for me nowadays, I will always have a bike of some sort in my garage, but my 57 Chevy gives me so much fun nowadays with likeminded friends, and safer and more comfortable as we..!
I’ve done the whole IAM thing and also have an advanced riding/driving background from the police days albeit a long time ago (skill fade is a very real concept). Maybe I’m just frustrated of riding a bike and anything over half revs is just a ban. Maybe I will try the naked option or even more drastic, the supermoto route. Either way, when a hobby has the potential of fucking up my family and business, then maybe Skydiving is a genuinely safer option as I have my AFF level 1. And there’s a jump zone 40 minutes from me.
Exactly. It does not need to be triple figure speeds. I am spoiled now with more miles than ever of twisty roads close by. Love it. I use the full width of the tyre, more than I used to, BUT rarely get up to the heady speeds of the past. I am quicker, safer and have more fun. With just a little bit lean angle left “if needed”. Much better than the 120-160 mph days of the past where even a stray pigeon was life threatening.
Come touring with us mate. This forum needs some more group tours. a few of us were talking about shooting across in to Europe at some point this year and finding some cool, picturesque, mountainous areas.
I've settled on that bad boy because it's got pretty much everything covered. I could quite happily rock up at Donington on that and do a track day. Or head for the hills with the Mrs on the back. It can be a pootling pussy cat or a nutter bastard superbike slayer....
A guy I was chasing at the ring years back (German chap) who turned out to be an ex IDM superbike rider. Was throwing some absolute shapes on it. Really epic to watch! think his name was Kevin. Kevin Schmitt rings a bell (might be wrong was a while back now). I’m fond of the SDR
