Balance between bike riding and life in general

[Conquiztador]

As we travel our road our circumstances change. Initially we have no worries. Mum and dad pays for it all and the only thing we need to do is go to school. Then we start work. There is partners that pop in to our life. There is heaps of partying, having fun.

Then we make some decisions, we might buy a house, settle down with one partner, get a career, have kids.

Before we know it things change again. There might be a separation, or we stay with our partner. The kids grow up, we start to earn more money. But as a result there mostly also is more responsibilities at work including travel, meetings etc.

At the end is retirement. We can do what we wanted to do. But sometimes this does not really work out. We might not have the money we hoped for and so the freedom is not what we were wishing for. There might also be an ailing body that can not handle all what we had planned.

And for us on here (as clearly we have one common nominator: Motorbikes) through all this there has been bikes in some form. (Sorry to the ones who at a later stage have found out about bikes, this might not initially be about you). We have had crappy small ones to starters, then a little bigger ones. There has been dirt bikes. Racing bikes. Perhaps a workshop where we have modified and tuned. Even bike shows. Some trophies and recognition from shows, racing, competitions.

As those of us who have wandered this path (or ridden as it may be) know, it is never a straight forward path.

-When young money was often a problem.
-When getting a job we had more money but some of the freedom disappered and we could not ride as and when we wanted.
-Partners sadly often do make it tricky too (if you have not managed to find someone understanding or equally committed to biking)
-Mortgage and kids will put a huge dent in any riding.
-More responsibility at the job will also stop you riding as there is always something that has deadlines.
-And pension coupled with age has its own challenges.

How have you managed to balance all this? Do you think you have done well or have you fucked it all up? Broken relationships, lost your job your house even your kids? Are you now at older age so damaged from your riding at younger age that you can only dream of what you wanted to do?

I started riding at 12yo. Now at 55 I still ride. There has been no time in my my life I have been without a bike for more than a few months at the most.
- When young I used to ride to school.
- When I got a decent job I bought a decent bike and rode with like minded. This did kill some relationships, but at that stage I used to get over it by finding someone else to fill the spot.
-When I settled down and started my own business I took up racing. Family knew where I was and could be there also if they wanted to.
-Now when single parent and a decent job I ride to work and meetings around the country as often as I can.
-If I stay healthy I will retire in 10 years. My youngest will by then have started his own life and I can ride as much as I want. (Trying to stay in shape so I can do that as I would hate if it was my fault that the body was not able to...)

I wish I could have been riding more. Carry on as in my younger years and just take off for a few months without any plan apart from follow the road. And probably I could have done that. But it would not have been fair towards the ones that relied on me.

So what am I on about you wonder? Well, I wanted to know if you feel the balance you have maintained has been a good one. And if so, how did you manage that? And if not, then what do you wish you had changed?

(And in reference to Frostys thread re loosing the love of riding. I have never lost the love in my years of riding. Perhaps as a result of having other things balancing it out. And biking has always been "my time" that I looked forward to. At times I needed more of it, at times less. But never have I stopped the riding.)

[porky]

Jeez, you lot having a melt down?

So whats really chewing on your gonads?

[The Pastor]

TL;DR.


I freeking love motorbikes!

[Conquiztador]

Jeez, you lot having a melt down?

So whats really chewing on your gonads?

No meltdown. Just time to reflect and contemplate.

[neels]

Hmmm, is an interesting one.

I bought a bike as soon as I was old enough to legally ride one, upgraded from an old trailie to a road bike, which was sadly sold for bugger all because as you said I was young and had no money, and couldn't afford to move it from the north island.

Then came the wife, the kids, the house, and not a lot of money for anything else, and no bikes for far too long.

Then the old scooter found its way home again, an old bike turned up for nothing which got me inspired to upgrade my 17 year old learners licence to a full. That bike was made to go and then sold, and with the money from that and what was scratched together from elsewhere bought my first proper bike in a long time, which as since been upgraded to something newer and shinyer.

So now here I sit, still married after 18 years with 3 kids, the oldest of whom has just bought his first bike. I love any excuse to get the bike out, and the mrs loves any excuse to get on the back and come with me, I suspect before long our son will love any excuse to come along for the ride as well.

Things are looking pretty damn good right now....

[Motu]

Bikes have been my life - I've never been without a bike for 40 years,sometimes they didn't go,but that meant I was working on them.I met my wife through bikes,and there has never been a problem there...or with my mother who bought me my first bike.

Marriage,kids,mortgage,career (???) have made no difference,I've always had a bike,and have always ridden them when I want to.Regrets? That I didn't put earning money before my kids? Not likely.A single low income for 30 years and 4 kids means I don't have a flash house,a flash car....or the bike of my dreams.But I have the bike I want....and ride it when I want...where I like.

[Madmax]

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[Gibbo89]

I'm in a slightly different situation to previous posts. I have just started out in the motorcycling world. My first bike is neither expensive or a full on shit heap. I am loving almost all aspects of motorcycling. I wish I knew more about bikes and how they work, but am not mechanically minded.

I cannot wait for an upgrade, but not hope onto a 1000cc bike and fling myself off the Summit Rd. I am hopeful that motorbikes are in one way or another part of my life in the future.

I wonder if Kiwibiker will be around in another 30 or 40 years... :shit:

[Bald Eagle]

The important thing to remember is that life is not a dress rehearsal, it's the main show and you only get to do it once. So do it right, whatever that means for you.

[Gremlin]

Started riding in my early 20's, now in my late 20's. My life is almost as simple as working (biggest chunk), sleep, then riding. I have no desire to settle down, marriage or kids yet, girlfriend knows this and also understands I ride a lot, and she has her learners herself. Life probably isn't balanced to someone else, but it suits me (ok, I wouldn't mind working less and riding more) but over 8000km in the last couple of months and I'm doing what I want to.

[Voltaire]

I can't complain. First bike was a pos SL125 that I had to sort out, then a 500/4 and a Z1000 all within a year.
Went to Aussie in 85, bought an R75/5 restored it in the lounge and then got a Darmah.
Toured around the lower part of Aus on the Darmah:gob:
Shipped the Darmah home and took the R75/5 to Europe for the next 5 years, touring, commuting, sidecaring.
Came home bought a house had kids reasonable jobs, now I commute on a Ducati 900 to work....:facepalm: the R75/5 is all in bits awaiting a re-restoration and I ride the Darmah on the weekends
Same bikes and same wife after 24 years......
I still like the idea of an overland trip o the r75/5.......:yes:
I've taken my son out the bucket track and a bit of dirt riding and even skiing...all things I never did and would not have done if I didn't have kids.:woohoo:
I've met a few great guys with old bikes who I go riding with and even do the odd weekend away.

[ellipsis]

....if you don t get the balance right, you may fall off...

[BMWST?]

you gotta do what you can.I think reflecting on what you have done or coulda done is absolutely pointless unless you are lloking to change something for the future.Ride when you can and enjoy it.

[Banditbandit]

Hmmm . I bought my first bike 36 years ago and I've never been without one since ...

I have no kids - never wanted them and managed to have no "accidents" - so that helps heaps ... I still have a mortgage, which has just risen slightly because I moved towns and bought another house ...

One reason I left my first wife (not the major one) was that she didn't like me riding too much ... now I've managed to find a life partner is understands (used to ride herself) ... so when I turned up with a brand new 1250 Bandit without telling her I bought it she didn't throw me out ....

I ride my 650 Bandit to work most days - last year it was a 55k run one way - after the move it's a 27 k run one way ... and I get out for longer distances at least twice a month ...

I moved because I refused to let work rule my life (my previous boss worked 16 hours a day seven days a week and expected his staff to do the same - I quit) ... That's how I maintain a balance ... I refuse to let work take over ...

I'm 55 years old - old enough to not let the shit get in the way ... I'm pretty good at what I do for work ... and that lets me get away with quite a lot - because I'm still that 18-year-old anarchic biker at heart (and occassionally ride like it too) ... I refuse to get locked into the Rat Race and if a boss doesn't like who I am - tough - I'll take my skills elsewhere ... done it three times now - quit with no job to go to ...

Balance in life is more important than money or possessions (except bikes ...)

[duckonin]

No meltdown. Just time to reflect and contemplate.

No Need to do that, just go and do what 'you want to do' Why should anothers opinion make any diff to your life?....:yes:

[Winston001]

I've been captivated by bikes since I was a school boy and bought my first, a Suzuki TS185, while at university. This was followed by a Yamaha XS650B, and then the BMW R80RT which I still have. Plus an XR200 for the mountains.

In amongst all of that, a career, marriage, 3 great children who are now teenagers. I gave up riding for 12 years when the family were young.

Finally a love affair with a Ducati ST4 which provided all of the adrenaline and thrill I'd ever wanted. Trips to rallies in both islands with mates whose children had grown up and meeting other bikers of a similar ilk.

For me the balance has been fine. The bikes are secondary to family but important. I've pondered the visceral attraction of motorcycling and I'm sure someone somewhere on the net has eloquently described it. For me its the totality of the experience. 100% commitment, concentration, being alive in the open air. There is no mental space for worries because you have to be totally in the moment.

Regrettably I no longer ride after a serious bin on the Ducati. That is for the sake of my family. But I can still remember the rush and certain times and places. And I'm still here. :D

[Conquiztador]

No Need to do that, just go and do what 'you want to do' Why should anothers opinion make any diff to your life?....:yes:

No, that is not what this is about. Others opinions mean nothing here. This thread was about what we as individuals have done to keep the balance between the love of riding and the rest of our lives. I have at times seen on here threads started by posters who state that they have made a decision to give the riding away for one or another reason. I could never do that even if at times life has been tricky. There is always a way.

[Omega1]

Interesting thread, I like to think that as my life changes being a Biker and a love of motorcycles is something that will always remain constant.My skin itches if I haven't been for a ride in a month.I got into motorcycles late in life full license at 28 always loved bikes but my Mother's hate of them after her brother crashed his honda going around the Basin reserve meant her only son would never be allowed one of Satan's two wheeled wonders. Nevertheless while flating I purchased a RG150 and never looked back.
My wife has always been supportive though after buying a Harley she didn't talk to me for two days.She keeps her fears to herself but demands I call her and be on time home when I go for a ride.I don't play golf go on fishing trips play rugby etc bikes are me.I have met the best people through this hobby and while I am above ground intend to continue. I am 41 now with 2 sons, a three year old and 10 month old. The three year old love's Hayabusa's.
Riding time is now very precious and sometimes after a hard day just the site of the Buell at the back of the garage helps keeps me sane. I know she's there waiting to go.

[baptist]

Interesting thread, I like to think that as my life changes being a Biker and a love of motorcycles is something that will always remain constant.My skin itches if I haven't been for a ride in a month.I got into motorcycles late in life full license at 28 always loved bikes but my Mother's hate of them after her brother crashed his honda going around the Basin reserve meant her only son would never be allowed one of Satan's two wheeled wonders.

Are we related? my mother flatly refused to let me get a bike. My dad always rode (mum on the back) and he raced (a dustbin AJS). A couple of their friends were killed and one crippled so she went right against them. I rode illegally in the UK as a teenager (first bike a 250 superdream then a CBR600, both mates bikes) but as you can imagine was not very good at it, years of pillion though. Got married, wife hated bikes so still no joy. Married again to a lady who likes bikes and now with our kids growing up I finally got my own legal bike (it is a bike really it is:yes:), my eldest daughter got really excited when she saw it and wants a :ride: (has to wait) my youngest hates it with a vengeance...

[davebullet]

I've found the solution is try to weave your hobbies into daily life where you can. For example, I decided to make commuting the way of getting a daily ride.

The other problem is when you have too many hobbies - you never get time to do all of them justice (barely even one with family on the go).

I also don't sacrifice my running / gym for biking. I feel that exercise is an investment to keep me on a bike well into my latter years (assuming my mind stays intact).

Relationships work like a bank account. Debits and credits. Do those jobs around the house and other things (surprises) to treat your partner then you get some credit to enjoy your hobbies.

One hobby that is being neglected at the moment is bourbon.

[buellbabe]

because I'm still that 18-year-old anarchic biker at heart (and occassionally ride like it too) ...

Balance in life is more important than money or possessions (except bikes ...)

That made me smile cos I can SOOOOOOOOOO relate to that LOL.

Interesting subject...balance in your life...hmmmm more from me later, gotta go do some work, to finance the lifestyle :yes::scooter:.

[Conquiztador]

Today is a typical example of that balance stepping in and adjusting my reality: I have a w/e where there is nothing specific I need to do. Yes, there is always that List that is a few pages long from where I could easily pick one or ten things and get stuck in. But nothing that, if I don't do it, the sun won't come up tomorrow.

So riding would be a good fit. But as the boys live with me and my ex only has them every second w/e (and this is not her w/e) they are here, therefore anything more than an hour maybe max 2 away is not the thing to do without getting someone to look after them.

And then the balancing factor: My youngest is tomorrow riding the last race in the HB MX Champs. His bike is OK and can be used as it is. But I want to give it a good check over, also sort it ready for sale as this is his last race on the 50cc before moving up to 65cc.

So, I could go riding and get someone to watch the kids, then tomorrow morning take off to MX with him and his bike would be fine for the meeting. Or I can spend some time today making sure all is in place, the bike as good as we can get it, and also spend time on some of the other bikes for my boys so they work properly for our rides together (there is always stuff to do on them: adjusting, small repairs etc.), and while I am in the bike fixing moode I might as well do more of it (tools out, mind in right place, dirty clothes on etc.). The boys love having me around on our w/e's. And I love their company too.

Selfish me: Get someone to watch the kids and go riding! The MX bike will be fine for tomorrow.

Balanced me: Be with the boys, make sure the MX bike is all sorted and looks the bit, and also sort some of the other bikes. There will be time to ride when the boys are not with you. And you have some riding coming up: On Tuesday you are riding to Welly for work and back Wednesday. Then in 10 days you are off on the 9 day White Ribbon Ride! But you can still squeeze in a 1/2 hour or so ride today!

[swbarnett]

For me the bike is my second love. My wife and I have our own bikes and no other transport. Life just has to fit in around the bikes.

Today I needed to head to Bunnings and pick up a sheet of MDF for a set of pigeon holes I'm making for a friend at work. We've got no kids so I can't borrow a car from them. My parents are on the other side of Auckland so that's not that practical. Long story short I built a rig so that I could "pillion" the MDF. And believe it or not it's even still within the legal overhang limit:

222806

[Edbear]

No meltdown. Just time to reflect and contemplate.

That's the trouble with getting onto your 50's, you do a lot of that... :yes:


I've found the solution is try to weave your hobbies into daily life where you can. For example, I decided to make commuting the way of getting a daily ride.

The other problem is when you have too many hobbies - you never get time to do all of them justice (barely even one with family on the go).

I also don't sacrifice my running / gym for biking. I feel that exercise is an investment to keep me on a bike well into my latter years (assuming my mind stays intact).

Relationships work like a bank account. Debits and credits. Do those jobs around the house and other things (surprises) to treat your partner then you get some credit to enjoy your hobbies.

One hobby that is being neglected at the moment is bourbon.

Oh NO!!! NOT THE BOURBON... !!! :gob:


For me the bike is my second love. My wife and I have our own bikes and no other transport. Life just has to fit in around the bikes.

Today I needed to head to Bunnings and pick up a sheet of MDF for a set of pigeon holes I'm making for a friend at work. We've got no kids so I can't borrow a car from them. My parents are on the other side of Auckland so that's not that practical. Long story short I built a rig so that I could "pillion" the MDF. And believe it or not it's even still within the legal overhang limit:

222806

Nice bike! Have you had any issues with the Comstar wheels? There were reports of some loosening in the rivets.

[Edbear]

Hard to say whether one has had the right, or any, balance over the years. I started learning to ride on Mum's BSA Bantam in 1970 and was hooked! That wee 125 3-speed, painted jet black with a custom chrome pipe and muffler was the prettiest bike in the world and I loved it! Got ot age 16 and having had a Bradford and a CA Bedford got hold of a '52 BSA B31. What a powerhouse! 350cc of pure grunt! Well, I was still a bit envious of the Matchless/AJS 500's my mates were riding but the B31 was MINE!

Sold that when I got the opportunity to get may mate's T500 as he was off to Australia, (he's still there), and was blown away by the performance! Loved that bike but sold it to get married as I was marrying a solo Mum and had just lost my job into the bargain. (Mike was 2 when we got married, but I'd known my wife since she was 6mths pregnant. I'm the only father he's known).

Over the years, I had the occasional bike, a 1981 XT125 Yamaha, a fabulous little trail bike!, a TAS 60, which was a dog of thing, an XS750 Special which I unfortunately seized as I didn't realise it was using a bit of oil... (idiot!). Then really got back into bikes in '03 with a tidy '89 GSX600F. Great bike and did some long trips on that. Finally after a couple of years, my wife was persuaded to join me on pillion, (pressure from friends, Bless 'em!), and found she enjoyed it again having only been on once since the T500 on the XS750, (when I ran it out of gas and we had to walk to the nearest farmer and beg some...), but she wanted more pillion comfort so we shopped around and bought the C50T and we both love it!

We also found a bargain in an MX5, ('94 1800 manual), a couple of years back and now we've got the best of both worlds and enjoy ourselves together. Been married 33 years and brought up 3 great kids, none of them interested in bikes but we'd made a lot of sacrifices over the years for them. Single low income, but always with them and there for them. Now, despite having to make a lot of sacrifices I have no regrets - I've got a wonderful wife, fantastic kids, a beautiful grandson, our own nice home in a nice area and still alive and, once this damn body brace is off, enough good health to enjoy getting out and about.

To all you younger one's who may be going through tough times, hang in there, be patient, make the sacrifces, and you'll get what you want in the end. It's worth every tear!

[swbarnett]

Nice bike!
Thanks.


Have you had any issues with the Comstar wheels? There were reports of some loosening in the rivets.
No, no problems at all.