Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

Post by downer »

Dancematt wrote: Tue Dec 11, 2018 4:41 am Looks good Richard, your pics make it look lighter/ more agile, than anything previous ive seen. Hope it gets a new end can at some point down the line 8)
Thanks Pete. So far, it's a very easy bike to ride. For me, it's miles better than the F700GS, particularly at very slow traffic speeds where it's very well balanced. As for the can... no aesthetic mods for a while, although a bigger screen is probably the biggest priority.
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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

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Thought I'd give this thread an update, reflecting on my first month of motorcycle ownership.

I have to say that acquiring this bike is one of the best things I've done in recent times. Taking every opportunity with the half-decent December weather, I clocked up 700 miles and had the "running-in check" service carried out earlier this week. Those 700 miles were mainly local - consisting of 30 - 60 mile rides with a mix of open A roads, smaller lanes, town traffic and a few dual carriageways etc.

I spent my time learning the bike, and building my confidence and experience - and slowly but surely my riding is improving, although I'm still very much a novice. I've also started to add a few bits and bobs to the bike - just to make it even more suited to the way I want to use it.

Next steps will be the DVSA Enhanced Rider Scheme, hopefully followed by the IAM Roadsmart Advanced Rider Course, which I plan to start in April. Fortunately for me, in my area, the cost of the course is 50% funded by a local council road safety initiative, which makes it very affordable.

Meanwhile, roll on the Spring! It's all good and well riding in this cold weather but I have to say I'm looking forward to the days when the sun actually shines higher in the sky!
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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

Post by Kip »

Great to hear that you are moving somewhat cautiously. As we get older it is sometimes is difficult to adapt. The advanced course is a great idea. In my youth I took three different courses at a racing schools and defensive driving schools. I still of use the same techniques today. They were extremely valuable.
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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

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Sounds like your approaching it in a very sensible manner - short trips and get used to the bike.
Adding a few bits to make things more suited to you is a very good idea - you need to be concentrating on where you are going and what is around you rather than being uncomfortable. Same goes for having the right gear.
I took the RoSPA Advanced Motorcycle training just over 2 years ago - best thing I ever did despite having over 30 years experience.
I'm now training to become a Blood Biker.
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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

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Well, three months later and tomorrow is day one of my IAM training. I’ve covered almost 4000 miles on the BMW and feel ready for the next steps, which should enable me to smoother and safer.

Must admit I’m also strongly considering swapping a couple of watches for an additional bike...
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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

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downer wrote: Sat Apr 13, 2019 9:00 pm Well, three months later and tomorrow is day one of my IAM training. I’ve covered almost 4000 miles on the BMW and feel ready for the next steps, which should enable me to smoother and safer.

Must admit I’m also strongly considering swapping a couple of watches for an additional bike...
Now that IS a crisis.
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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

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atnits wrote:
downer wrote: Sat Apr 13, 2019 9:00 pm Well, three months later and tomorrow is day one of my IAM training. I’ve covered almost 4000 miles on the BMW and feel ready for the next steps, which should enable me to smoother and safer.

Must admit I’m also strongly considering swapping a couple of watches for an additional bike...
Now that IS a crisis.
Indeed, it’s threatening the very core of my beliefs! :lol:
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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

Post by StrapMeister »

Really pleased that you are following the route of getting additional training - You will undoubtedly learn a lot and should be fun.

As for considering selling a couple of watches to fund another steed...that I can quite understand and something that has crossed my mind too.
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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Watches? Motorcycles?

Its only money.

I've got a long term plan to change my car in a couple of years time and will likely sell a few watches to help fund this.

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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

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Don’t want to take advantage of your mid life crisis....but any bargains going..Richard :lol:
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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

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kiter65 wrote: Sat Apr 13, 2019 10:03 pm Don’t want to take advantage of your mid life crisis....but any bargains going..Richard :lol:
Well... depends on your definition of ‘bargain’.

Based on what gets worn least, I think my Geophysic may go, as well as my Speedmaster LE.

Together they should pay for either one of these...
BB6B2FD7-9F2A-479D-B85C-8E3E14465175.jpeg
Or this...
CBD5B028-1050-435D-A30D-49CFD289D60C.jpeg
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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

Post by kiter65 »

Z900 :thumbup:
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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

Post by StrapMeister »

Oh wow 8) ...Z900 :cuinlove:

I've been tempted by one of these:
Fury.jpg
Yep...it's a Honda :shock: :D
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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Got to be the Kwakka.

Ducati Scrambler to too close in concept to what you have at the moment.

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Re: Mid-life crisis, challenge, bucket-list or life-long dream?

Post by Mikkei4 »

atnits wrote: Sat Apr 13, 2019 9:01 pm
downer wrote: Sat Apr 13, 2019 9:00 pm Well, three months later and tomorrow is day one of my IAM training. I’ve covered almost 4000 miles on the BMW and feel ready for the next steps, which should enable me to smoother and safer.

Must admit I’m also strongly considering swapping a couple of watches for an additional bike...
Now that IS a crisis.
What is it about retirement that calls people back to or to their first motorbike?
Logically shouldn't the age that we retire at make us consider safety, luxury and comfort over the potential shortening of our remaining years or serious injury on a vehicle that gives less protection in the event of an accident?
If you want speed and the open air then buy a fast convertible car, right?

Me? A Porsche Boxster, Honda S2000 or a modified Mazda MX5 would be my equivalent of your choices (although I'll make do with my existing convertible car) but whatever way any of us choose to spend our money should be right for us, particularly once we've reached a "certain age".

Sounds like you've really got into what motorbikes provide and you've gone about it in a manner to be admired through the initial training and further training to be undertaken.

There are no shops in the graveyard so enjoy whatever you choose without any regrets.
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