Never in to road bikes, but used to ride trials bikes a lot in my youth... When I knew no fear...

Now I'm a boring old fart in my Jag...

I will use mine when I can afford to mot it
Gsxr 750 1998

2007 Blackbird. Started on a C15 in 1973, not been without a bike since! Best bike I've had? The 'bird - this is my 3rd.

Due to a left ankle injury, I have to drive an auto car, so never thought about motorbikes, until found out that old Brit bikes have gear change on the right side. To ride these old bikes I still need to take the test on a left gear changer, as that is all the driving schools have, so I am stuffed. Like the moped though, and I have that on my licence, so possible starting point (before I am too old to start, at 63).

Kipper, NOT necessarily, Honda made a few automatic bike, the CB750A and the CB400A spring to mind, and some of the larger scooter type bikes are up to around 500cc and automatic. BUT, as there were so few automatic bikes sold over the years, there is no difference when taking the test, unlike cars where if you take a test in an automatic, you can't drive a manual. Google the Honda 750A, it was sold mainly in the states, where they seem to have problems using clutches, on bikes or cars, but a fair few of the 750A model have been imported into the U.K. and are very reasonably priced, also the 400A was sold in the U.K. but for some reason prices remain low!   So my advice, check it out, ride a bike, it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on!

Ah, I thought I had to learn on a manual, if I wanted to drive a conventional motorcycle. If I can learn on an auto, then relearn the right hand manual foot change, that will be good. Would like to get a 1938 AJS 350, like my dad used to ride.

Nice bikes, but you'd need a second mortgage for one of those in good nick!

I had a AJ 350 single for a short while as a 'yooff'.  Weighed a ton, I could barely pick it up if I dropped it.  Weight might be a problem with a dodgy ankle.  Mind you, I knew a lad used to ride his Gold Wing, even with a broken leg, changing gear with his crutch !!! 

I regretfully no longer have a bike.  I toyed with getting one of the new AJS 125's but same reason prevailed for selling my beloved Honda CB900F2B.  Bought it brand new at beginning of a month's home leave in 1982 only for some stupid kid in a car to dive across the lights in front of me, resulting in a cracked frame and a total rebuild.  :'(  It was finished the day I came home again.

I had to sell it early this year, with 33k on the clock, fitted with Krauser hard panniers and only replacements had been batteries, tyres and one half of the exhaust.  I was really a fair-weather rider too, but most times the bike wasn't convenient for work so was just for pleasure when I could at week-ends - when I was home.  Destroyed health meant I could no longer handle such a heavy bike.  Shame, she was a beauty, loved the open road.

John

Got a 1983 Kawasaki GT550 Model G1 Shaft Drive with under 18,000 miles on it, had it about 22 years last on the road 2003. Also got a Honda VFR750 FH, had it about 6 years but not been on the road for over a year due to having a full right knee replacement and just a tad uncomfortable with lack of bend in my knee so looks like the GT550 may be coming out of the mothballs.

hey! Kawasaki GT550.The same as my Spectre.  really smooth riding. you won't go far wrong with that model!!well made and bulletproof engine.  Shan't be selling mine in a hurry.   regards  Rodders

I haven't ridden for about 6 years now.   I have a Kawasaki KMX - the most stolen bike in the world!!!  Mine is locked away VERY well and covered by laser beams, so no naughty ideas!!!!   My dad and I are members of a club called the South London's Uncommitted Trikes (SLUTs), and he has an Ariel NG (ex RAF and registered in 1947), Kawasaki VN, and a trike in the making.