When is it time to call it a day?

[Blackbird]

Well here's a surprise - an actual bike thread :clap:

For the ummmm…. more “mature” riders amongst us, the question of when to stop riding and why seems to increasingly crop up. I’m 75 this year and got my first bike 58 years ago. Discussions with some of my mates have run along the lines of whether you stop because it’s unwise to ride any more because of health or similar issues or whether you stop on your own terms whilst still being a competent rider. In my case, it’s the latter decision and I’ll shortly be putting the KTM on the market. For what it’s worth, some of my thinking behind the decision is here: https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2022/02/a-new-chapter-beckons.html . The one thing which makes the decision straightforward is that I have other interests to keep mind and body active - it would be a whole lot more problematic otherwise Everyone will have to make that decision one day and a bit of forward planning helps to make it a lot more stress-free than it would otherwise be. No regrets and a whole lot of fantastic memories :love:

I’ve enjoyed KTM ownership immensely and it still makes me smile every time I throw a leg over it. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed being part of this forum, warts and all for 20 years. Made some great friends as a result.

Geoff

[release_the_bees]

I wish you all the best in whatever you do next.

This is kind of a topic close to my heart at present, as my father is 73 now and close to giving up riding. It's sad to think that our time riding together is almost over. But, ultimately it is his decision as to when he hangs up his gloves. (As you mention, there's certainly something in being able to go out on your own terms rather than being forced into it later down the line.)

I hope you still find the time to post on here occasionally. I've certainly enjoyed reading your posts and blogs over the years and we're getting fewer and fewer on here in terms of those looking to actively discuss motorcycling specific topics.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[jim.cox]

> When is it time to call it a day?

Never!

I shall have to stop riding the Ducati when I can longer start it.

Not looking forward to that day - might have to buy a new bike.

I'll be riding something until the day I die (or as close to that as I can manage)

[merv]

It was always a pleasure interacting with you on here about all sorts of things Geoff and I am sure we would still appreciate your words of wisdom on here even when you aren't riding any more.

Cheers :rockon:

[Navy Boy]

Well here's a surprise - an actual bike thread :clap:

For the ummmm…. more “mature” riders amongst us, the question of when to stop riding and why seems to increasingly crop up. I’m 75 this year and got my first bike 58 years ago. Discussions with some of my mates have run along the lines of whether you stop because it’s unwise to ride any more because of health or similar issues or whether you stop on your own terms whilst still being a competent rider. In my case, it’s the latter decision and I’ll shortly be putting the KTM on the market. For what it’s worth, some of my thinking behind the decision is here: https://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2022/02/a-new-chapter-beckons.html . The one thing which makes the decision straightforward is that I have other interests to keep mind and body active - it would be a whole lot more problematic otherwise Everyone will have to make that decision one day and a bit of forward planning helps to make it a lot more stress-free than it would otherwise be. No regrets and a whole lot of fantastic memories :love:

I’ve enjoyed KTM ownership immensely and it still makes me smile every time I throw a leg over it. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed being part of this forum, warts and all for 20 years. Made some great friends as a result.

Geoff

It's a big question for sure Geoff. Hopefully there's still a spot for me as and when I manage to get back up your way - On two wheels or in the MG. Perhaps we could share a few MG ditties :yes:

[Blackbird]

It's a big question for sure Geoff. Hopefully there's still a spot for me as and when I manage to get back up your way - On two wheels or in the MG. Perhaps we could share a few MG ditties :yes:

Of course Lee! And there's no urgency to sell the KTM. If someone is interested, it happens. I'll start perusing e-bike specifications in the meantime :yes:

[roogazza]

Yes mate,it comes to all of us. 73 is a month and a bit, away.

Got out this morning early , home now with all the usual aches and pains.
Must admit I'm thinking about how long can I keep going... Most mates have flagged it from our racing group. Dave Hissy (in Aussie) and Bill Biber in Martinborough are still getting out but thats it, for about 20 that used to hang out...thru the 70's and 80's .

Hoping to move up Taupo way soon,so that maybe will be a time to decide... (I like by usual roads and knowing what's in front and around the corner. As much as possible).

[george formby]

Of course Lee! And there's no urgency to sell the KTM. If someone is interested, it happens. I'll start perusing e-bike specifications in the meantime :yes:

E-bikes... A means of staying on two wheels with less worry?

The last couple of years I've been weighing up my riding and how it will pan out as time goes by. Hopefully got another couple of decades ahead of me if I avoid vegetating and becoming to leisurely in my riding.

As a measure to keep mind and body agile enough to ride I spend a bit of time on a trials bike. Taxing to ride but slow, light and brilliant for keeping my instincts and reactions sharp(ish).

All the best to you.

[Blackbird]

E-bikes... A means of staying on two wheels with less worry?

All the best to you.


Not quite! Very little flat land where I live and struggle up some of the steeper hills with my 30 year old mountain bike. Battery assist will extend my range without totally stuffing my knees :niceone:

Thank you and same to you.

[pritch]

In my case there was a miscalculation. When I got my first knee replacement the last piece of the puzzle was being able move the toes up and down to change gear. In less than a month though I was back on the bike.

This time I thought it would be easier because it was the other knee, all it had to do was operate the brake. I forgot about getting it over the seat. Last time I tried it was still a struggle but I got there. It would be embarrassing to have difficulty in public. i briefly considered buying a twin but nah. This bike is set up for me and any Triumph twin would be a huge step down.

I'm only 78 but I think my motorcycling career is approaching its end. I wouldn't mind a scooter though for quick trips into town or whatever. After all there's all that riding gear and those helmets.

[Stylo]

In my case there was a miscalculation. When I got my first knee replacement the last piece of the puzzle was being able move the toes up and down to change gear. In less than a month though I was back on the bike.

This time I thought it would be easier because it was the other knee, all it had to do was operate the brake. I forgot about getting it over the seat. Last time I tried it was still a struggle but I got there. It would be embarrassing to have difficulty in public. i briefly considered buying a twin but nah. This bike is set up for me and any Triumph twin would be a huge step down.

I'm only 78 but I think my motorcycling career is approaching its end. I wouldn't mind a scooter though for quick trips into town or whatever. After all there's all that riding gear and those helmets.

Full credit to you guys in your '70s. Far out.

I've just walked through the gates into my 60's and, like you, a Triumph twin looks to me ( only my opinion ) as an old man's bike. Horses for courses.

I've got an E-Mountain bike too. They're magic as I've had some injuries in the past from the 2 stroke 500cc MX bikes I used to ride.

It sits next to my Suzuki Hayabusa. Go well and, keep riding.

[wetanz]

have a mate, aged 79 was taken out, menstruating cager with cell phone, lost his leg mid thigh down, his wife happened to be a prosthetic technician and built him a high tech hopper, unfortunately dented confidence couldnt quite get the balance bit right til he was lent a sidecar ... new style of riding but just as exhilarating ... 1.5 years later a newly commissioned combo sat in his garage ... 5 years later all still going strong

[pritch]

have a mate, aged 79 was taken out, menstruating cager with cell phone, lost his leg mid thigh down, his wife happened to be a prosthetic technician and built him a high tech hopper, unfortunately dented confidence couldnt quite get the balance bit right til he was lent a sidecar ... new style of riding but just as exhilarating ... 1.5 years later a newly commissioned combo sat in his garage ... 5 years later all still going strong

That's cool. I saw a tidy sidecar outfit outside Mitre 10 recently. First I'd seen in years.

[pritch]

On the subject of riding past your time... There was a local guy, must've been clocking 90, he rode a Kawasaki 650 single. Can't remember which model but it was one of those that you need a ladder to mount.

At the Ulysses Christmas party some years back he arrived just after I did, but he got stuck somehow trying to park his bike and needed a hand. One thing led to another and he joined our group. Once seated inside, beer in hand, he was telling us how riding was getting more difficult.

He'd been riding to Wellington, he had all his luggage on his back in a big tramping pack, and he had to stop at the lights at Waikanae. He couldn't get the bike into first gear so he reached down to do it by hand but the weight of the pack meant he couldn't stop the downward motion. He wound up in a heap with his bike on top of him in the middle of SH1.

I think about that often and I really don't want it to be me.

[george formby]

Scooters and sidecars?

My dad is in his 70's and his fav mode of transport is a Silverwing. Admittedly it's parked up next to a couple of CBR 600's and a street legal KDX.
He had a Piaggio MP3 which he loved hooning around roundabouts on in the rain. Pretty sure he is looking out for a Burgman as well.

Speaking of sidecars. I have a Ural on the list of fun vehicles to own in the future.

[wetanz]

a bloke turned up to our stammtisch one day ... conventional sidecar outfit ... early to mid 40s - some kind of hereditary degenerative condition had already rendered his lower body pretty unuseable, was starting to feel it in his hands ... needed help with his wheelchair, getting on and off and time to change his bags - kind of embarrassing for him but he wanted to make the most of life while he could ... good man

[TheDemonLord]

I shall have to stop riding the Ducati when I can longer start it.


So, a week on Monday?:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

[george formby]

a bloke turned up to our stammtisch one day ... conventional sidecar outfit ... early to mid 40s - some kind of hereditary degenerative condition had already rendered his lower body pretty unuseable, was starting to feel it in his hands ... needed help with his wheelchair, getting on and off and time to change his bags - kind of embarrassing for him but he wanted to make the most of life while he could ... good man

A few years ago I was riding round Normandy getting a history fix and met a paraplegic war veteran touring on a GSX1000R trike, set up for his needs.

He was a hoot and a hoon.

[TheDemonLord]

Okay, serious comment time.

This is not a question that any of us are qualified to answer, except you.

There is also the other question as to what 'calling it a day' actually looks like?

- Cold Turkey no bikes of any sort or kind?
- Downgrading from a firebreathing 1000cc monster to just a 600?
- No more riding on Public Roads?
- No Public roads or Track days?

etc.

I'm only in my 30s, but I'm cognizant that as time goes on, reaction times wane, perception will decrease etc. I can see coming to a point in time where the risk of riding on the road was too much, but then would I want to stop entirely? Maybe a small 125 cc farm bike to scratch the itch or something small/cheap/fun to take out to a non-wanker track day to just putt around on a closed circuit, feel the wind in the hair (or bald spot) etc.

If you've reached the point where risk is not being outweighed by reward or the physical aspects of riding are no longer safe and controlled - then maybe it is time, but as above - you've got options as to what that Time means.

[TheDemonLord]

A few years ago I was riding round Normandy getting a history fix and met a paraplegic war veteran touring on a GSX1000R trike, set up for his needs.

He was a hoot and a hoon.

That's awesome!

I suspect his mantra was something like 'If the Damn jerries couldn't do it, then whats the worst a bike can do!' or similar.

What a badass.

[Navy Boy]

Interesting how there's been some mention of scooters on this thread. I've been using a scooter in one form or another since my mid-30s - Ranging from a Burgman 650 to a Piaggio Beverly 250 and they are cracking things.

As a way to extend your biking career they certainly have their place. My current steed is a Piaggio Beverly 350 which I bought for the Trentham to Wellington CBD commute last year. I'd happily go touring on it if I needed to and it even manages some 27-28Km/litre too.

They are just easy in every respect - Easy to clean, look after and ride and good fun away from the lights too if you're in the mood.

I turn 50 next year but this question has cropped up from time to time. I guess it's a bit like the quote I heard many years ago - 'Advice is for those who know the answer but wish they didn't'. :niceone:

[george formby]

That's awesome!

I suspect his mantra was something like 'If the Damn jerries couldn't do it, then whats the worst a bike can do!' or similar.

What a badass.

Ha, it was Argies, not Jerries. Ex Para and Falklands veteran.

The GSXR had Nos and a turbo, too. He was also the leader of the tour group, some bloke!

[TheDemonLord]

Ha, it was Argies, not Jerries. Ex Para and Falklands veteran.

The GSXR had Nos and a turbo, too. He was also the leader of the tour group, some bloke!

Lol - I read Normandy and my brain automatically assumed WW2.

Ex-Para - that explains most of it.

[Blackbird]

Well, the KTM is now up for sale: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/ktm/listing/3498596731?bof=eQtewo2h&fbclid=IwAR0Sq1oHhw7Nzjj7NyUa_C09-yAm4CrP0HGILA4nEnQ2F1wMnYDnEoLOzXQ . If it doesn't sell quickly, no problems in going for a few rides. Now to start researching e bikes 😁

[F5 Dave]

I've been watching this thread since inception. Nothing clever to add. Have enjoyed your participation over the years.

[Blackbird]

I've been watching this thread since inception. Nothing clever to add. Have enjoyed your participation over the years.

Thanks Dave. Despite all the grizzles, KB members have always been helpful and supportive when it really matters. I've enjoyed it too.

[release_the_bees]

That's a lot of bike for that price. Good luck for the sale.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[Blackbird]

That's a lot of bike for that price. Good luck for the sale.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Thanks! Have been inundated today. Provisionally sold.

[Navy Boy]

Hi Geoff

Its not surprising that the bike's gone so quickly at that price. Plus anyone who knows you will realise that it has been well looked after too.

I was tempted myself but Mrs B has said no more as I'm now taking up space in the gardening equipment space :facepalm:

Good luck mate and I look forward to catching up with you in the not-too-distant future.

[Blackbird]

Hi Geoff

Its not surprising that the bike's gone so quickly at that price. Plus anyone who knows you will realise that it has been well looked after too.

I was tempted myself but Mrs B has said no more as I'm now taking up space in the gardening equipment space :facepalm:

Good luck mate and I look forward to catching up with you in the not-too-distant future.

Thanks Lee - I've been inundated with enquiries! Far be it from me to cause matrimonial storm clouds in the Navy Boy household :innocent:

Always good to see you mate!

[Reckless]

And then some of us are dumb enough to start racing at 60 FFS.
I ask myself the same question every time I fall off but its a drug right, an Addiction.

An Idea
What about the option of something a little more reserved. Less power. Not as sharp, Not as high but can still be fun.
Will still get you on a Sunday cruise or Coromandel trip. Still get it to the edge of a tyre, still take the missus on the back for Sunday Coffee.

Like a Bonnie or something similar.

Fade out slowly :devil2::first::Punk:

[F5 Dave]

I think ages hits us all differently. I started racing at 21 (too late) and hit my peak at 40. (Also late) But some legends are still winning at 50. I'd started slowing by 44.

So when you decide to leave the road will also depend and be a wholly personal choice.

[pete376403]

And then some of us are dumb enough to start racing at 60 FFS.
I ask myself the same question every time I fall off but its a drug right, an Addiction.

"Racing makes heroin addiction seem like a mild craving for something salty" not sure where I read that but I understand the sentiment

[HenryDorsetCase]

I found out today that the road to Akaroa is going to be 80kph from Halswell to Little River and 60kph over the hill starting soon. Talk about suck the life out of a fun bit of road. Having said that I dont ride fast on the road anymore. It will just give fucktards an excuse to do 70kph on the bits where you can do 140 easily. Ugh.

For me giving up will be either when I can't swing my leg up n over (I already get on most bikes like a horse i.e. left foot on the peg stand up and over. The big thing will probably be eyesight - or when I dont enjoy it any more. I do fuck all ks in any given year now basically a sunday afternoon cruiser. Dont even commute like I used to a bit at the old office.

[husaberg]

I found out today that the road to Akaroa is going to be 80kph from Halswell to Little River and 60kph over the hill starting soon. Talk about suck the life out of a fun bit of road. Having said that I dont ride fast on the road anymore. It will just give fucktards an excuse to do 70kph on the bits where you can do 140 easily. Ugh.

.

why not just get a little 2 stroke for the Akaroa road.

[Black Knight]

NZTA are also making all roads in Northland 80KPH-How boring will the Waipu straights be?-How many cameras in the passing lanes in the same area?

[george formby]

NZTA are also making all roads in Northland 80KPH-How boring will the Waipu straights be?-How many cameras in the passing lanes in the same area?

Yeah, 80kmh has been my default setting for awhile now.

Shirley not an issue on your local chicanery? No way the feds will get a bead on you with all those lovely corners.

[roogazza]

And then some of us are dumb enough to start racing at 60 FFS.
I ask myself the same question every time I fall off but its a drug right, an Addiction.

Fade out slowly :devil2::first::Punk:

Yes, I started racing bikes in 1970, moved overseas in 85 and flagged bikes for 13 years.

Returned to NZ and fiddled with a 1200 bandit...just for fun.
At 58 ,59 and 60 yrs old entered the Vic winter series.Best thing I ever did. Different world coming back,I was so relaxed and tho only in a clubmans class I had a ball.....
I treasure the Sash's probably more than my others from earlier years...

Still peddling my gsx1400 at 73 ,tho do think about "how long do I do this " ????? lol :innocent:

[pritch]

NZTA are also making all roads in Northland 80KPH-How boring will the Waipu straights be?-How many cameras in the passing lanes in the same area?

NZTA told us that you don't have passing lanes in 80kph areas, the passing lanes were removed. I don't think you'll need to worry about cameras in the passing lanes, there won't be any passing lanes.

[Blackbird]

Still peddling my gsx1400 at 73 ,tho do think about "how long do I do this " ????? lol :innocent:

May you have many more years on 2 wheels! :niceone:

My last ride is tomorrow when I deliver the sold KTM to Hamilton. Next step on Wednesday is to look for an e-mountain bike for road work and the (gentler) trails on the Coromandel Peninsula. Started the next phase of what I want to do more of yesterday with an outing in the MG with neighbours who also have a couple of MG's. Might even be able to go snapper fishing later in the week :rolleyes:.

No rest for the wicked :devil2:

[HenryDorsetCase]

why not just get a little 2 stroke for the Akaroa road.

The TZR350 3MA I want is now nearly $20k (I want a nice one). Or an NSR250 SP (with the wee credit card). or the V Twin RGV250. Oohhhh errr. Left field choice one of those 500cc Rotax Gilera Saturnos. Having said that a short fat man shouldnt sit on any of them because of the huge amount of arsecrack I would show. Plus the whole leaning forward and hurting wrists after ten minutes.

leaving aside the thermonuclear domestic consequences if I turned up on another bike - give you a hint "Motherfucker what the fuck???? You've got three bikes all the same that go and one in fucking bits that doesn't fucking go what the fuck are you doing you useless fucking cunt? Fuck!"

My SO sounds just like Samuel L Jackson in a PULP FICTION outtake when she's annoyed. I only got away with the M1100 because of the "safety features" - ABS and TC.

[HenryDorsetCase]

NZTA told us that you don't have passing lanes in 80kph areas, the passing lanes were removed. I don't think you'll need to worry about cameras in the passing lanes, there won't be any passing lanes.

and double yellows allllllllll the way.

the only answer is to occupy Parliament. or discard your number plates and ride en masse like the dirtbike numpties in Orklind.

[husaberg]

The TZR350 3MA I want is now nearly $20k (I want a nice one). Or an NSR250 SP (with the wee credit card). or the V Twin RGV250. Oohhhh errr. Left field choice one of those 500cc Rotax Gilera Saturnos. Having said that a short fat man shouldnt sit on any of them because of the huge amount of arsecrack I would show. Plus the whole leaning forward and hurting wrists after ten minutes.

leaving aside the thermonuclear domestic consequences if I turned up on another bike - give you a hint "Motherfucker what the fuck???? You've got three bikes all the same that go and one in fucking bits that doesn't fucking go what the fuck are you doing you useless fucking cunt? Fuck!"

My SO sounds just like Samuel L Jackson in a PULP FICTION outtake when she's annoyed. I only got away with the M1100 because of the "safety features" - ABS and TC.

Both of those were a little faster than i was thinking most of the fun i have ever had was on nimble small underpowered bikes.
dicing with mates on similar underpowered bikes
i always loved the look of those Saturnosit was the bike the GB500 should have been.
Honda did a flat track we never seen later (not the FT500)

but i can see you on a t125 stinger with high pipes
or a CL175
or a Xr400 supermoto
or better still a Derbi senda 50cc supermoto
Fuck it a YZ85 powered YSR50

[HenryDorsetCase]

Both of those were a little faster than i was thinking most of the fun i have ever had was on nimble small underpowered bikes.
dicing with mates on similar underpowered bikes
i always loved the look of those Saturnosit was the bike the GB500 should have been.
Honda did a flat track we never seen later (not the FT500)

but i can see you on a t125 stinger with high pipes
or a CL175
or a Xr400 supermoto
or better still a Derbi senda 50cc supermoto
Fuck it a YZ85 powered YSR50

Now I desperately want a YZ85 powered YSR50

[husaberg]

Now I desperately want a YZ85 powered YSR50

Eddie Lawson had one made for Kenny's mini track
i have a picture somewhere.https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=330285&d=1492903363

[george formby]

Both of those were a little faster than i was thinking most of the fun i have ever had was on nimble small underpowered bikes.
dicing with mates on similar underpowered bikes
i always loved the look of those Saturnosit was the bike the GB500 should have been.
Honda did a flat track we never seen later (not the FT500)

but i can see you on a t125 stinger with high pipes
or a CL175
or a Xr400 supermoto
or better still a Derbi senda 50cc supermoto
Fuck it a YZ85 powered YSR50

My formative years on bikes were 125 2t trailie mounted. DT's, KMX, MTX etc. At the time in the UK they were restricted by various simple means to 12hp for learners. Nothing that couldn't be fixed with a dremel and carb kit.

Best riding ever. Going to work and coming home was a race, stretching cable everywhere, getting away with lunacy, touring with a haversack... Ah, happy days.

Oh, wait. I still have a DT230 which gets me into a lot of trouble.

[pritch]

Oh, wait. I still have a DT230 which gets me into a lot of trouble.

I had an RT2, a DT360 by another name. Great for commuting around Wellington and riding the roads in the hill suburbs.

[TheDemonLord]

the only answer is to occupy Parliament. or discard your number plates and ride en masse like the dirtbike numpties in Orklind.

Sounds like a Plan.

[husaberg]

I had one too. RT2 and a DT360A. Still got a library full of books for the RT1 through to the DT360A.

Plenty of spares in my shed. I'm about to throw them all out. Tried to sell them on TM couple of years ago, no interest.
dont throw them out donate to husaberg
i actually want a crank for one....

[george formby]

I had one too. RT2 and a DT360A. Still got a library full of books for the RT1 through to the DT360A.

Plenty of spares in my shed. I'm about to throw them all out. Tried to sell them on TM couple of years ago, no interest.

Got any DT400 parts.... Needing a good home?

My old DT 400 rat bike is still with a mate in Scotland awaiting the second coming.

[jim.cox]

Okay, serious comment time.


https://surveyorconnect.com/community/forofile/69229de1d497976fac8ae77aa0e474d7/

[george formby]

Always wanted a DT400. A B, or a D or, a yellow E. Got some books and spare bits for the 360A , Also a Tank some where in the cellar.

Bikes in the shed now are a 50 hour '04 KX500 and and a Gen 2 Hayabusa. Had them both from new. Also a zero hour CR500R 2001. Bought it new.

Looks like the big 2T's are'nt losing their value any time soon ...

https://www.theparking-motorcycle.eu/used-motorcycles-detail/kawasaki-kx-kx-500/kawasaki-kx-500-2000/6XOR24C.html

Any good 2t is static or appreciating. I have a DT 230 and CRM250r, both of them have a waiting list of potential buyers if I decide to make some space in the shed. I'm not alone in loving the old trailies.

The real issue is the size of the shed. Must address that.

[pete376403]

I'm not sure how often I kick myself for selling (in 2007) a 78 IT400 in mostly unmolested condition but its at least once a day.

[F5 Dave]

Been out on the new Beta today. Ok 18 hrs but so little rides here since I bought it in October.

Just fucking enjoy it. Make you investments in stock. They will drop, but the will also rise.