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New technologies and improvements to bikes have also made things easier for them, so they are now once again looking to purchase a “hog” from a bike shop, online or from a friend.So, what did Neville have to say, comments, hints and tips aplenty. Most people don’t just walk past a bike shop and go, “Oh, geez, I think I want a bike, so I’ll pop in here and take one off the shelf…” They will have been thinking about it for a while, reading a few magazines, and lately checking out a few online biker and biking sites on the web…
So, when starting out, or re-entering the world of biking, it is always important to know what you want and what you can afford. It is pointless going into a bike store saying, “I want a Bike, please.” “Great, sir, now do you want a 250cc or 1100cc, road-bike, off road or scooter…?” “ Erm, I dunno, I want a bike…!?” 
Know what you’re looking for. Putting it simply, do your homework before you rush out and buy a new bike of whatever size and make it is. So what does that mean? Simply, it means know the kind of bike you are looking for, how much it is going to be to run it, and what you intend doing with it. Like, are you going to be going off road, bundu bashing or are you intending doing the Sunday breakfast runs, and daily traffic beating commute to work each day. This means know the what, where and why of the purchase.
Neville also suggests for a first timer, and even for an old rider returning to the world of biking, get some lessons in handling the bike you select to ride. In Cape Town, one can get lessons from Tony Sparg, at www.tonysparg.co.za as a way to get used to riding, and to getting familiar with the safety practices that will save your life when you least expect it. A 90 minute lesson with a bike, gloves, helmet and fuel will set you back R300.00
Any aspirant new biker will be looking into magazines and as a suggestion we recommend that you view the options at the news stands in your local bookstores. Superbike is one that is a well written magazine to get the sort of information that one needs to make the decision needed as to which bike you will be buying eventually.
Check out you CNA, PNA and Exclusive Books for these options.
Find out from your local biking stores where you live about the Track Days that local racing circuits hold where riders can get onto the track for a safe, traffic-free ride, where rules are applied strictly by organizers that make for a very safe environment. Killarney in Cape Town has an advanced riding school where 3 groups of riders ranging in levels of experience can get onto the track under the watchful and trained eye of experienced riders and one can get an hour to an hour and a half of riding for around R350.00.
Check out the details for this at www.wpmcmotorcycles.co.za for times and more information.
Safety is another item Neville stressed. And as we had a feature last month on safety this ties in very well here.
The main item of safety gear, Neville Cragg stressed, was the helmet. And although this is a required item in terms of law, he suggest that one does not go cheap as this is the one item that can really be a life saver. The better priced helmets are safer and it is an investment in your health and safety.
AGV and Arai are the best of the better helmets suggested, ranging in price from R1500.00 at the low end to the higher and better priced Arai‘s at between R5000 to R12000 for the safest helmets. Motor cycle racing riders use Arai helmets though some do use AGV.
Jackets and Gloves are the next extremely important investment items one should acquire. Cordura Textile or armoured jackets retail for between R1500.00 and R4000.00 and their safety standards are good. Leather Jackets are really better and will last through a fall better, though the idea of course is not to fall. The leather jacket’s longevity is well known. So hey, let the cow take the road rash and not your back…
Boots of the like of Daytona are also a must, and these have ankle protection, and rubber soles prevent your foot slipping off the pegs. Gear change protectors and water proofing are other features that make these boots a great investment in your safety.
And another suggestion, especially here in Cape Town, get a decent rain suit and keep it under your saddle for those Western Cape stormy days that happen suddenly and unexpectedly, and then hang around for a week.
And talking rain and traffic safety, Neville Cragg says , watch those white lines in the wet, they get really slippery. Learn to anticipate traffic speeds and actions at intersections as far too many accident scenes are where a biker has T-Boned a car because the car pulled off in front of the biker, not seeing him or her.
Also watch the acceleration speed of a car compared to your bike. You will be much faster to 100kmph’s than he will be, and
Some more safety tips.
1. Don’t brake when turning,
2. Don’t turn when braking.
3. Use the front brakes to stop not the back as you will stop quicker if you do.
4. Watch the approach and exit ways to petrol stations as trucks delivering fuel will spill fuel and oil,
5. and when you fill up, watch where your bike stands as petrol on the tyres will cause a different kind of spill.
6. So,if you are an older ex-biker dude, and you are thinking of getting a new bike, we hope this article will help you in making your decision.
Remember ATGATT, All The Gear All The Time and stay safe on the bike. Wrap up warmly, it is winter after all.
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