Thinking about getting a bike.

No it's not.
Distracted drivers are a huge problem on the road.
You have no power over idiots playing on their cellphones and taxis driving like idiots.

This. So much of this. Vigilance does help but it will never really eliminate the threat. You are never in full control.

Agree strongly.
You have to ride on a bike with the attitude that everything else on the road is trying to kill you.

The fact that you know drivers are distracted and everyone is out to kill you is exactly what puts it within your power.

Doing 120km/h between cars while knowing the above makes YOU the idiot, not them, which is what I'm trying to illustrate.

Ride according to the conditions and you'll be fine. And when you do end up in a collision it will be a minor one instead of maiming yourself or losing your life in the process.


You will get hurt if you come down on a bike, that's a given, but managing your risk is all within your power. Your goal should be getting to work safely...not quickly, which is what most people on bikes/scooters fail at.
 
Amen to that :D If it's not raining the weather is better (no afternoon wind in CT) and if it is raining it's like a mini adventure. Plus all the suicidal scooters stay at home

That is the real blessing. All the idiots who can't ride or the sunny weekend warriors are never on the road in winter and especially in rain.
 
And sitting at a red light while the guy on his phone behind you ploughs into you is also completely within your power...
Doing what you can from your side to minimize risk is all well and good, and I do agree that doing so is within your power, along with behaving responsibly and such. But there are just some things you CAN NOT control, no matter how much you try.

Of course you should try and do as much to keep yourself safe, I'm not disputing that.
 
Got a semi-decent rain suit (if I attach all the waterproofing). tested it in a downpour.
Heavy rain at night not fun.

My biggest problem with wet riding is every piece of paint on the road is now a massive hazard and visibility becomes terrible. When it rains I take the transport option that includes a roof and windows ;)
 
And sitting at a red light while the guy on his phone behind you ploughs into you is also completely within your power...

That's why lane splitting is safer.

I do get your point though and I won't argue that circumstantially you are never truly safe...however most accidents don't happen like that.

And even then keeping an eye and being aware of what's behind you can safe your life.

My point is rather that NOT riding a bike because there are other people in the world is a silly argument. Then rather don't go outside every day because a bus might drive over you.

Doing what you can from your side to minimize risk is all well and good, and I do agree that doing so is within your power, along with behaving responsibly and such. But there are just some things you CAN NOT control, no matter how much you try.

Of course you should try and do as much to keep yourself safe, I'm not disputing that.

Like I say circumstantially you can come short in many situations. Like a shark getting you in the sea or your plane crashing etc.

You just do what you can.

Got a semi-decent rain suit (if I attach all the waterproofing). tested it in a downpour.
Heavy rain at night not fun.

My biggest problem with wet riding is every piece of paint on the road is now a massive hazard and visibility becomes terrible. When it rains I take the transport option that includes a roof and windows ;)

Paint and manhole covers are evil...so just avoid them.

Visibility isn't too much of a problem if you have a proper helmet with pinlock or antifog measures in place.

I despise a car even more so in winter as it takes 2x as long as it normally would, which is already twice as long as taking the bike.

I have a certified waterproof backpack, Frank Thomas winter jacket and Alphinestars pants. No rain suit required.

My gear gets wet, in that it needs to dry overnight, but I never do.
 
I despise a car even more so in winter as it takes 2x as long as it normally would, which is already twice as long as taking the bike.

I suppose I am spoiled in that it takes me 7 mins to get to work on the bike (5 if I make all the robots) and about 15mins in the car. So swapping between the 2 isn't much of a problem.

Bike gets almost exactly the same fuel-mileage as my car - around 280km between refills. Difference is the bike is R100 for that 280km and the car is R650 plus.

Also my bike has a teeny-tiny flyscreen, so zero rain protection.
 
I suppose I am spoiled in that it takes me 7 mins to get to work on the bike (5 if I make all the robots) and about 15mins in the car. So swapping between the 2 isn't much of a problem.

Bike gets almost exactly the same fuel-mileage as my car - around 280km between refills. Difference is the bike is R100 for that 280km and the car is R650 plus.

Also my bike has a teeny-tiny flyscreen, so zero rain protection.

Jeez what car do you drive that gets so little mileage?

But yes I actually wouldn't even bother with the bike for such a short distance.


And even a fully faired bike isn't going to give you rain protection. I've been riding full nakeds with almost no flyscreens for the last 8 odd years now and I prefer it that way.

Nakeds are just so visceral compared to fully faired bikes.
 
How do you think the 200 will compare? I'm also looking to enter the motorcycle market (been toying with the idea since forever though...), so something that, like you put it, isn't too intimidating for a beginner sounds very good to me.

EDIT: Nevermind, I see the 200 doesn't have ABS, so that goes out the window...

Seems they dropped the 200 and have a 125 with ABS available. This is very tempting, for a commute between the Gautrain station and wherever.
 
Just this week I had finally convinced myself again to get a bike .

And before I could get out of bed the next morning .

I hear a bang .

Run to my balcony .

And there is a hyundai bakkie with a moped attached to its front and a moaning bike driver a few meters further down the road .

Definately not saying don't get a bike ... coz I love them sexy buggers ... but be safe ... always
 
Been wanting to get a bike for a long time, i have a Yamaha wr250f and i enjoy the hell outta it, but i want to be on the road. at first i thought of the Duke 390. its nice and small with abs which is good since i'm 1.67m tall. later on decided the 390 won't be enough to keep me happy for long enough power wise, and that buying new would not be worth it. now i don't know what to do..
 
I have the 390. Excellent commuter but If you are planning longer trips its doesn't have the grunt you need
 
I purchased a KTM RC390 two months ago, awesome bike..


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I like but the 690 Duke .
 
Pricing on the 690? Can't be cheap

99K epic bike i am looking for one preferably good second hand 1 or 2 years old .

KTM 690 Duke is single cylinder 50 Kw 150 Kg .
 
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