women's motoring & cars & car reviews for women
Motorbikes
D-Day – the collection of our Honda PCX125
Jun 1st
My main emotion, masking any potential excitement, was one of fear. Would I ever see my children again or would I fall foul to some horrific accident on my first journey on the Honda PCX 125?
Videoman Paul (expert bike-rider, at least in his own head although admittedly he is still alive) drove me down from North West London to the amazing Honda Institute in Colnbrook – they really ought to consider offering day trips.
It was a tense trip to say the least. I do appreciate that there is only so much reassurance that a person can give, and Paul had reached his limit after 15 minutes. Sadly my need for it extended for the entire hour-long journey.
My agony was further prolonged when we arrived, as my contact had taken a bike for a spin – occupational hazzard I suppose working with so many lovely toys. Paul was happy watching and naming aeroplanes flying overhead (the Institute lies a few metres from Heathrow’s runways) – I made him take his anorak off.
Then it appeared, being wheeled towards me – if only it were in slow motion to show off its shiny black bodywork and chrome trim. This was exciting.
So what is the PCX 125?
This is Honda’s all-new scooter with fuel-saving Idle Stop technology. It’s compact yet still has the look of a bigger bike and is actually rather gorgeous with great curves and flowing lines. Looks great in white too (the alternative colour scheme)… More >
CBT Motorcycle Training with Honda
Jan 28th
I was momentarily crestfallen when it was clear my sister-in-law thought I’d finally gone into therapy after I’d proudly told her I’d completed and passed my CBT course!
Maybe therapy is what I need, however, as there is nothing more satisfying than doing something new and challenging when sometimes you feel that life is passing you by. So perhaps passing the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) served the same purpose.
Having been looking forward to my day away from the kids and housework with something completely new (and potentially life-threatening) to occupy my mind, by the time the day actually arrived and we headed off to Evolution Training in Harlow thanks to Honda who had arranged the course for us, excitement and anticipatory nerves had been replaced by confusion and terror. Why? Because those who think they know best had filled my head with useful tips to help make the day go as well as possible. Confusion reigned! What was it the left hand controlled? Clutch? Brake? – HELP!
Learning to Ride a Motorbike
Jan 28th
Apart from a close brush with a scooter years ago on a holiday with a girlfriend, I haven’t been near a motorbike.
However, I now feel totally immersed in the biking culture and have come away fluent! Actually that’s rather an exaggeration, but I do feel as if my understanding and knowledge has taken a leap on the learning curve.
I spent a long but amazing day at Bedford Autodrome where we were treated to a day of motorbikes. Mostly men, and mostly decked out in their biking gear.