Motorbikes Deciding what to buy: Do a bit of research before you purchase, writes JOHN WHEELER, and a bike can change your life
You have decided to get a "bike", or rather a "PTW" - powered two-wheeler - two wheels and an engine. But what sort? The choice is bewildering; scooters which range from 50cc "mopeds" to 650cc versions able to hold their own in the fast lane. Then there are "proper" motorcycles in all manner of styles, ones that look as though they should be on the race track, knobbly-tyred off-roaders, "conventional" looking machines - the ones that look like motorcycles always did; loud, chromed cruisers; and the sorts of "gentlemen's express" you often see the police using.
What would be right for you, or, if you are like most mortals, what can your wallet accommodate? The first rule is: do not buy on impulse. If you are not sure, ask around; you will find "bikers" are incredibly friendly and helpful.
How would you use your bike? If you are looking for an alternative to the bus for a daily 10-mile commute, a 1,300cc, 180+mph pocket rocket is over-the-top. A 50cc "twist and go" scooter is nearer the mark, but forget notions of travelling from Calais to Nice in a day.
Apart from yourself, what do you need to carry? Most scooters have some luggage space; few motorcycles, save top of the range models, have any. You can add luggage: panniers, topbox, tankbag, but at a cost that can astonish you. You could find what fits the bill, new or second-hand at a dealers, through media advertisements, even on the Internet.
Do not forget proper, protective clothing. Clothing should protect the whole body - forget jeans, lounge suit trousers or mini skirts. You can easily spend € 600 to €1,200 on the right "gear". There is no need to go for "signature" equipment with go-faster stripes, unless you must be cool.
MAKE sure that you can get insurance cover for the machine of your choice - and it is better to be sitting down when they tell you how much. Motorcycle insurance is not cheap.
So, you have the bike, the right clothing, licence and insurance. All you have to do now is to learn to survive in the jungle of Irish road conditions; patchy surfaces that are lethal to two wheels; motorists who will say "Sorry mate, I didn't see you!" The scientists reckon it requires fives times the skill and concentration to ride a motorcycle, compared with driving a car.
Many bikes - and this is especially true of automatic scooters - are deceptively easy to ride - after a fashion. But to ride safely means knowing how to ride properly. If you were taking up skiing or golf, most likely you would arrange some instruction. Take a look at the Irish Rider Training Associations' website www.irishridertraining.com - you will find they have an instructor near you.
Quite apart from efficiency, convenience and economy, you will find having a bike is a life- changing experience - freedom like you have never known before.