Hey guys,

New to the forum, first time poster and only been reading a day! Spent most my time on the newbies part the forum trying to glean information wherever I can! Currently I'm sat in Fort Myers airport, down in south west florida, and I'm about to head home - Manchester, England. Well, just south of, but close enough.

Anyway, a little about me - I'm Rob, 24, from Manchester England, I'm currently closing in on finishing my pilots license in Europe, I spent a year in 2010-11 doing my US Commercial license, so now I've just got to finish the other to have everything I need - flying is my passion, i wanted to find a career where the situation changes every day, and wanted to do something fun - I think that's one of the most important things in life - to enjoy what you do. Other interests are skiing, gaming (I'm a hell of a geek really! And of course, a few beers with my mates. 

So, biking is something I've always wanted to do but my spoken reaction has always been 'I'd kill myself in five minutes' - what changed? I got a little older, and I finally made it into Florida Motorsport down in Naples. My friends and girlfriend would tell you that's been the trigger. I haven't shut up about the idea since going in there. Sure, I sat on the big choppers, and the thousands, and fell in love with the 600's - really liked the Matt black Ninja 600 I found in there, but it seemed fairly heavy to start with, and much to the abuse of my R6 riding cousin, it seems way too much. I did however find a beautiful white Ninja 250 in there. Unfortunately I cant stay in the states, otherwise I might well have bought it there and then - with no prior experience! 

It's bitten me though, and despite my large apprehension over biking, it's really something i want to tackle and enjoy. I have family friends and relatives who bike, so I guess I have a good foundation of knowledge there to pick on, but you can always learn more. Hell, before I visited this forum I thought 24 was a older age to get involved, fearing that a lot of bikers are bikers since they're born! Having found a couple'a threads made by 50+ year olds, it's great to know that's not the case.

So, long term I don't know exactly what bike I want, but right now I have my heart fairly set on either the Ninja or CBR 250 - I realize the SV650 and the like arent bad choices, but at 6'1" and 175lbs, I'm not the beefiest guy, something light would make me more confident. A "lack" of power (if you could call it that) sounds better than a 180mph encounter with a solid object. 

I'm going to check out a school when I get home, and the Kawasaki/Honda dealerships nearby, but if anyone has any specific course they'd recommend around Manchester / North West England, I'd greatly appreciate it! And to hear of any good groups in that area also would be fantastic. But mostly, I just wanted to say hi. The funniest thing is, despite being 24, I imagine mentioning this to the parents will bring a lot of negativity, I suppose we're all never old enough to evade a bollocking from our parents eh? 

Thanks guys,

Izo/Rob

Howdy and welcome to the forum.

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Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

I just started at 38, so I'd say you're definitely not starting too old

take it easy and enjoy everything about it!

Hey Islesfan,

Just spent a good big of time reading your 12 page topic! LOVE the bike. Beautiful. Wish they did that colour on the 250!

There is the slightest chance of slightest chances that I could get a flying job out in BC! Pie in the sky stuff ATM but here's hoping!

I started at 52 over 27 years ago and am still riding almost daily. I have taken a liking to that new CBR250R you mentioned, my GS500 is getting a bit heavy. LOL

It's funny you should mention Pie in the sky....there is a cafe in the small airport in Chilliwack that had pilots flying in for pie....the slogan is I fly for pie.

Welcome to TMW.

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1st motorcycle 2004 Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic.

What are you rated to fly? I'm heading to the bike show with a buddy of mine...he's a pilot for WestJet...and will happily brag for as long as you will let him...but we've been buddys since we were 15 so I cut him some slack kinda...

And I started at 39...either I'm not there yet, or you can teach an old dog new tricks

Later.

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-=-= Remember, if you're not having fun you're doing it wrong!! =-=-

Are you coming to the show in Abbotsford?

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1st motorcycle 2004 Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic.

Hey Madjak,

I'm rated on Multi Engine Commercial Land, so really mostly anything without floats, short of any specific type training. Trick is now to find a job so, what I'll actually be trained to fly will depend what happens this year!

I'll be at the bike show! Not sure if it'll be friday night or sometime on sunday, but will be there. once we know for sure I'll update in case any others might be at the show as well

That 12 page thread is a little bloated but I keep adding to it as new things come up (or fall over I guess)