What do you reckon? They might be fun but then I've never ridden one. I know that I'm often glad to be behind an electric car, if I have to be in traffic that is, as opposed to some poorly serviced diesel lol.

I test rode one of the sportsbike style SOLO bikes (full fairing).
It did everything I wanted it to and it was like s**t off a stick.

But there was no soul to it... It was merely something to get you from point A to point B. Would be good as a commuter bike.

The problem is, when you view them like that, who cares what they look like? Who cares whether it's sportsbike styled or cruiser styled. Why would you pay extra for styling or extra acceleration???

I'd love to have a go with one, I can really see the benefit of commuting on one. I've been consiering changing my MT out for the last two years, have had enough of the whining triple noise. Sounds great when you're at high RPM around country twisties, but commuting to work my ears are crying. And yes I wear ear plugs. I'd love the quiet ride, BUT, I really feel the noise from motorbikes makes them safer. I still get people merge in to the side of me once a month, I'm on a loud bike, wear high-vis top, white helmet and try not to ride in blindspots and it still happens. I bet accident rates would skyrocket if everyone moved to electric bikes.

yes i have to agree with that safety point about noise/sound after an incident yesterday (while out on a 230 mile trip to herefordshire uk).

15 hours ago, Mr Bignel said:

yes i have to agree with that safety point about noise/sound after an incident yesterday (while out on a 230 mile trip to herefordshire uk).

Hopefully it was just a near miss, everything ok?

On 15/07/2025 at 01:29, Alex said:

Hopefully it was just a near miss, everything ok?

Aw thanks for asking - yes i was lucky but it has made me wake up somewhat about taking more care. basically the problem is me, i'm not patient enough. on this occasion i attempted overtaking two vehicles ahead in one go, as i did the second vehicle pulled out to overtake the first. we actually made contact but, fortunately i managed to stay upright and carry on through with the overtake.

Well glad you're ok, that could have easily been more serious, lucky. I've had a couple of near hits similar to that, on last year, even though technically it's still the other driver fault, in hindsight I've realised I could have avoided it. I still do the ocassaional thing and immeidatley after think why did I do that. I think everyone has that moment in time, when they're in a rush, stressed, distracted, wrong mindset etc we just need to work on reducing these times and be more aware of our mindset when riding. Obviously easier said then done.

yes, well put, completely agree. took me years to realise that i have the wrong personality to be a motorcyclist lol.