Mojo - how to get it back [Archive]

george formby

9th August 2023, 18:40

Oh, this one is close to home. We are in a similar boat, shed full of bikes but barely a wheel has turned in 18 months.

Always a "reason" not to go for a ride lately.

Any hoo, I've made a conscious decision to get my mojo back. The dirt bikes are first to get some love, well, at least dusted, de-cob webbed and fluids checked before chucking them into the mud and then the road bikes in a couple of months. Gonna do some pot hole avoidance practice.

I've felt bloody awful every time I go into the shed and see the toys sat there, so bugger it, I'm going to make myself feel better by letting the chores pile up and get out riding again. My significant other is in total agreement.

rastuscat

9th August 2023, 18:47

Go for a ride

Seems a bit obvious..But yeah, the one ride I did have was when we moved to Hanmer Springs, just to relocate the bike..

A few good rides around here, shame to not take advantage.

Thought about trading the RT on a wee GS or similar, new gear is a bit motivating. But the change would cost too.much, when the priority is the renovation we are doing.

All that, and the fact that I can't be arsed getting all togged up. ATGATT and all that.

Gremlin

9th August 2023, 18:59

For me it seems like the longer I don't ride, the more I think, oh, do I need to? Then you get out for a ride (just do a ride, not for a function like observing someone) and remember why you were riding in the first place. For me at least, I get back on, run through a hundy or two km, and bam, back in the zone, god I love this. :woohoo:

Other option, change is as good as a holiday, especially if you've had the same bike for a while. If you don't get that same itch when riding the current steed, maybe a different one will change your tune. Go for a test ride perhaps. I've added an R1250GSA to the uh... fleet, and damn it's pretty freaken awesome.

pete376403

9th August 2023, 19:27

Seems a bit obvious..But yeah, the one ride I did have was when we moved to Hanmer Springs, just to relocate the bike..

A few good rides around here, shame to not take advantage.

Thought about trading the RT on a wee GS or similar, new gear is a bit motivating. But the change would cost too.much, when the priority is the renovation we are doing.

All that, and the fact that I can't be arsed getting all togged up. ATGATT and all that.

I'm the opposite, want to get out on the bike but there's so much other shit gets in the way, rego on hold, etc. Last outing was last years Cold Kiwi.
Current target is nextyears Burt Munro on the GS1100.

Grumph

9th August 2023, 19:30

In Hanmer you're likely to be trapped by weather at this time of year. Next fine day after the snow melts just get out and ride.

If you were hoping to ride all year round when you moved there, global warming has to come a bit quicker.

jellywrestler

9th August 2023, 20:44

Hey y'all

I had had enough of riding when I gave up being an instructor about a year ago. Parked the bike up, put it on hold, I've only done 1 ride since.

Any clues how to get my mojo back?

The bike is a bit wasted, sitting in the garage.

I deliver everything i see on trademe that fits on a bike within an hour, doesn't mean i go straight there or back either

jellywrestler

9th August 2023, 20:45

I'm the opposite, want to get out on the bike but there's so much other shit gets in the way, rego on hold, etc. Last outing was last years Cold Kiwi.
Current target is nextyears Burt Munro on the GS1100.

what, no cold kiwi?

caseye

9th August 2023, 20:47

Hell Rastus, I'm heading to Hamner springs on the 10th of December, should be enough time for you to go ATGATTED! up and come out, I will have ridden to Hamner, from CH CH and then on to Murchison with a couple of mates, they'll turn back to Christchurch and I'll be heading to Picton to pick up the ferry and back over the ditch and on to infinity (ok, Taupo) Love to pick you up if yer of a mind to.
;):banana::scooter:

rastuscat

9th August 2023, 20:57

pete376403

9th August 2023, 21:44

what, no cold kiwi?

well, after the virtual free-for-all that was the Brass, the restrictions - liquor enclosure (not your fault I know), limited drum fires and the not so great weather put a damper on things. Also with the Brass, it was the four or five ride there and back. With the Kiwi its a quick day ride from Welly.

HenryDorsetCase

9th August 2023, 21:49

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUJCNoLmRO4

ask this guy.

Berries

9th August 2023, 23:03

I had had enough of riding when I gave up being an instructor about a year ago. Parked the bike up, put it on hold, I've only done 1 ride since.

Any clues how to get my mojo back?
Just sell the bike if you aren't in to it anymore. Preferable to sticking it up the back of a logging truck while you are wondering where your mojo went to.

rastuscat

10th August 2023, 09:30

Just sell the bike if you aren't in to it anymore. Preferable to sticking it up the back of a logging truck while you are wondering where your mojo went to.

I looked at trading, but the dealers I offered it to thought it was worth a chocolate fish and a small gerbil called Simon.

BMWST?

10th August 2023, 13:30

I looked at trading, but the dealers I offered it to thought it was worth a chocolate fish and a small gerbil called Simon.
fair enough but knowing where you live i would be very inclined to get something at least gravel road worthy being within a stones throw of rainbow station and the molesworth. See ya Honey I am of to St arnaud for a coffee and a look at the lakes!

jellywrestler

10th August 2023, 13:40

fair enough but knowing where you live i would be very inclined to get something at least gravel road worthy being within a stones throw of rainbow station and the molesworth. See ya Honey I am of to St arnaud for a coffee and a look at the lakes!

not hard to get sick of the two roads available especially gravel ones where there's no centreline and they take extreme caution riding

HenryDorsetCase

10th August 2023, 14:00

Buy this: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/harley-davidson/listing/4264228430

You will be so worried about getting home, and when it inevitably breaks down, so busy fending off the amorous advances of Hot Chicks (TM) who will appear as if from the aether to make said advances to you that you will forget why you were full of angst in the first place.

rastuscat

10th August 2023, 15:32

Laava

10th August 2023, 16:45

So tempting.

BTW, who trade marked Hot Chicks?
Follow the money!

HenryDorsetCase

10th August 2023, 18:28

So tempting.

BTW, who trade marked Hot Chicks?

In 2023 they trademarked themselves and are exploiting it via Tik Tok and Only Fans and other anti social media.

jellywrestler

10th August 2023, 18:31

Hey y'all

I had had enough of riding when I gave up being an instructor about a year ago. Parked the bike up, put it on hold, I've only done 1 ride since.

Any clues how to get my mojo back?

The bike is a bit wasted, sitting in the garage.

grab one of these and give yourself a purpose in life

https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/189818-New-Zealand-Motorcycle-Road-Racing-Circuits?p=1131213721#post1131213721

neels

10th August 2023, 22:12

Can see it could be a bit of a struggle to get motivated to ride when there are fairly limited options on where to go, when you add the fact that the speed limits have been reduced on most of the roads around there, there's a fairly good chance you'll get stuck behind a truck doing less than the already pedestrian 60k limit and spending your afternoon sucking diesel fumes isn't that appealing.

Riding a cheap small bike to buzz around town has helped get my interest back after doing nothing for quite a while, along with finding excuses to take the bike instead of the car. Not much option for that in Hanmer so the next best thing could be a low budget off roader to get out on the shingle stuff over the hill, riding there and back just for fun seems to make more sense on gravel.

rastuscat

11th August 2023, 09:48

add the fact that the speed limits have been reduced on most of the roads around there,.

Funny.

The only parts of my daily commute to and from Rangiora that have been reduced are about 10 km of the 114 km journey.

But I had someone tell me recently that the speed limit all the way to Hanmer had been reduced.

It's easy to exaggerate when you have a position on something.

But, yeah. I used to do a lot of road cycling too, but SH7A is the only road near Hanmer, and it's not very friendly for roadies.

HenryDorsetCase

11th August 2023, 10:51

rastuscat

11th August 2023, 10:53

Seriously there is really good mtb at Hanmer. My electric mtb has been a revelation. Mtb doesnt have to be all super gnar and mad hucks. I mainly use it for getting out of the city and looking at scenery.

I bought a road bike that can be converted to a gravel bike, that's the plan. Once I get my cycling gear unpacked from storage.

Kickaha

11th August 2023, 17:26

Any clues how to get my mojo back?

Cocaine and Hookers

rastuscat

11th August 2023, 19:33

Cocaine and Hookers

I hadn't considered cocaine......

F5 Dave

11th August 2023, 21:00

Dude.

Where did you start?

Get yourself a smaller bike.

I sold my very proficient Tiger1050 and bought a 675 as it was just plain more fun

You don't need to cart gear.

Heck a T7 would be super different and open new horizons

jato

11th August 2023, 21:13

A track day - good safe fun and your mojo will be ready for just about anything the road can serve up

R650R

13th August 2023, 17:04

I’ve been through this phase once when life was so busy and I almost forgot what was parked in shed. Took bike for WOF one year and had only done 1000km so started riding it to work just get moneys worth out of it.
Somewhere along the line synapses fired and the brain hot it’s dopamine hit from all the things bikeztrigger up there.

Now I ride as much as I can, knowing the growing beauracracy in Wellington will eventually ban/tax it out of existence in my lifetime. Blown $58k on bikes in last three years thatvprob should have been spent on mortgage but YOLO and it puts smile on the dial and I want to enjoy it while we can.

Oakie

13th August 2023, 20:15

Strange as it sounds you could go out for a decent ride on a real shit day. I used my bike to commute every day ... 35 kms or so. Got a bit ho hum and while it was OK it wasn't the delight it used to be.
I had to go from Ch to Dunedin for a funeral and while the ride there was ok, it was a hot day and quite tedious. Coming home though it was pouring rain from Dn to Timaru then although no rain, there was a howling nor-west gale from Timaru to Christchurch ... so bad they had a detour off the highway for quite some distance before Ashburton. Bloody hard work but I found myself laughing at the stupidity of it all then at the end I got a real sense of achievement having completed the ordeal in one piece. I'd fallen in love with biking again.

rastuscat

14th August 2023, 08:08

Strange as it sounds you could go out for a decent ride on a real shit day. I used my bike to commute every day ... 35 kms or so. Got a bit ho hum and while it was OK it wasn't the delight it used to be.
I had to go from Ch to Dunedin for a funeral and while the ride there was ok, it was a hot day and quite tedious. Coming home though it was pouring rain from Dn to Timaru then although no rain, there was a howling nor east gale from Timaru to Christchurch ... so bad they had a detour off the highway for quite some distance before Ashburton. Bloody hard work but I found myself laughing at the stupidity of it all then at the end I got a real sense of achievement having completed the ordeal in one piece. I'd fallen on love with biking again.

That mirrors some of my experiences. Some of the shittiest rides I've done are the most memorable and rewarding.

Finding this thread quite helpful. Seems one can lost the mojo, but get it back using a variety of strategies.

sunhuntin

19th August 2023, 16:07

funny, i am in a similar pickle.

ive been riding full time since 05. never held a car license, never driven. rode in all weathers but snow. but some time over the last three years, my courage vanished, and now each time i go out i feel like i should have L plates on. its not like ive not done miles... i estimate over 100,000k over a handful of bikes. even my current one i have done 20,000k on.

a lot of it is to do with the roads here in taranaki. they scare me more than the car drivers now. i spend more time looking for pot holes and defects than at what im following, and have turned into even more of nana than before.

its bad enough i actually went for and passed my learners license for the car, and bought one. i always swore i would never do that, but its a shit ton safer for me and those around me. im sick of being scared whenever i have to travel south to see my folks. i actually dread the bike, and cannot wait to sell it.

i still have my old 250 virago that i did most of my time on, so aiming to get her up and running next year just for around town and short jaunts.

F5 Dave

19th August 2023, 18:33

Test ride a yam T7

You'll pick up some new gravel roads onto the bargain. Ride at its natural pace and never be scared of pot holes .

Blackbird

20th August 2023, 15:02

rastuscat

22nd August 2023, 16:31

You b**tards have me looking at trading in.

Thanks.

caseye

22nd August 2023, 21:43

You b**tards have me looking at trading in.

Thanks.

Ha, fucking good Job! Well done lads and lassesses!
Lets know what you gunna git aye.:rockon::scooter:

BMWST?

22nd August 2023, 23:01

You b**tards have me looking at trading in.

Thanks.
i got pretty strong sense that thats what you were askin

roogazza

23rd August 2023, 07:13

I stopped riding in March 2022. Still passionate about bikes but perfectly happy about not riding. Whilst bikes have been a passion since I was 16 and I'm just coming up to 76, I've got several other interests to fill the void. If I hadn't, I'd probably still be riding. Our MGB GT has been more fun than I thought it would be. In many ways, it's like a bike without all the bells and whistles of a modern car and I can actually tinker with it.

But you're just a young 'un by comparison :-)

haha, have been doin the same this winter with our new toy :353624

If I can get the other half out of it. (traded two for one,XR6 and swift for the new swift sport). Bit of juggling but hey we're retired and don't need two cars.

Anyway what a hoot, 1400 turbo and all sorts of gizmos and magic.

GSX1400 is sitting waiting for Summer with new battery!!!!

rastuscat

23rd August 2023, 08:55

Almost want to start a new thread on this specific topic.

It seems the cost to trade in is around $5K.

I think my bike is worth $20, and the bike I want to buy (similar, I have an RT, I'm looking at a GSA, similar k's, same year, mines in better condition) is at $19995.

I've been offered $15K by one dealer, and $11K by another.

I know bike shops are in business to make money, and I'm okay with that. Just don't want to feel like I'm dealing with Ned Kelly.

F5 Dave

23rd August 2023, 15:27

So, still after a 240kg bike?

rastuscat

23rd August 2023, 16:08

So, still after a 240kg bike?

Guessing most of my (admittedly bugger all) riding will be on the road. I like the weight of a bigger bike. Motivates one not to drop it.

Kind like a fat bottomed girl, although I gather we aren't allowed to say that any more, lest we upset a snowflake.

The GSA has scaffolding all round, so a lie down won't hurt.

rastuscat

28th August 2023, 16:08

So, pulled the trigger on a trade to a GSA. Hoping it comes with the mojo I was looking for.

F5 Dave

28th August 2023, 17:06

Don't forget the hard luggage. Maybe carry some spare water? 🤔

BMWST?

28th August 2023, 17:42

So, pulled the trigger on a trade to a GSA. Hoping it comes with the mojo I was looking for.
why a gsa vs a gs. 1200 or 1250?

rastuscat

28th August 2023, 19:11

why a gsa vs a gs. 1200 or 1250?

1200. Budget stretched as we are spending on a house renovation.

I won't be doing much off road, but the occasional gravel road in the RT used to give me the shits.

Gotta build some off road confidence.

On the up side, I'm excited about a bike again.

rastuscat

28th August 2023, 19:16

Trying to pick it up after the wheel hits a slippery stone and goes down in the middle of a stream crossing might hurt though.

I'll stick with my DR650. Those big bikes give me the shivers. No snowfkake here.

I had plenty of practice picking bikes up. Teaches one not to drop one.

I also considered going smaller, but the wife and I go touring from time to time.

Gremlin

28th August 2023, 21:33

1200.
You may as well just give us the year. Hexhead? Camhead? Wethead?

rastuscat

28th August 2023, 22:04

You may as well just give us the year. Hexhead? Camhead? Wethead?

2015, Same as the RT

rastuscat

28th August 2023, 22:16

You may as well just give us the year. Hexhead? Camhead? Wethead?

In all honesty, this was about how to regain some passion for riding. A different bike appears to have done that. For the moment.

Berries

28th August 2023, 23:22

Lardy old BMW swapped for a lardy old BMW. Can't see the mojo change being retained for too long.

I thought you were going to go for an RGV250 or an RD350 at the least.

HenryDorsetCase

28th August 2023, 23:26

Lardy old BMW swapped for a lardy old BMW. Can't see the mojo change being retained for too long.

I thought you were going to go for an RGV250 or an RD350 at the least.

I was imagining a CX500 with the stock roundy subframe and exhaust wrap, clipons and a brown seat.

rastuscat

29th August 2023, 06:40

Lardy old BMW swapped for a lardy old BMW. Can't see the mojo change being retained for too long.

I thought you were going to go for an RGV250 or an RD350 at the least.

I can see the appeal of those. If I had 6 bikes one would be a 2 stroke.

But just having the one means I need it to be my everything bike.

As an instructor I often had people asking my views on what was the right bike for them. I always said that any individual needs to honestly analyze their needs (transport, recreation, mechanical aptitude etc) then find a bike that meets those needs. Too many people buy a bike then a few weeks or months later find it doesn't meet their needs.

F5 Dave

29th August 2023, 15:36

1200. Budget stretched as we are spending on a house renovation.

I won't be doing much off road, but the occasional gravel road in the RT used to give me the shits.

Gotta build some off road confidence.

On the up side, I'm excited about a bike again.

I can see the appeal of those. If I had 6 bikes one would be a 2 stroke.

But just having the one means I need it to be my everything bike.

As an instructor I often had people asking my views on what was the right bike for them. I always said that any individual needs to honestly analyze their needs (transport, recreation, mechanical aptitude etc) then find a bike that meets those needs. Too many people buy a bike then a few weeks or months later find it doesn't meet their needs.

I have 7 bikes and one is a 4 stroke.

roogazza

29th August 2023, 17:40

I have 7 bikes and one is a 4 stroke.

I came over to the dark side at 50 yrs of age.
Had 5 4strokes since. A gsxr1100 a, 99, two gen 1 Bandit 1200's , a K6 1000 Suzuki , then forced really,because of the body, to the GSX1400.
Of the previous 51 bikes from age 15 only one was a 4 stroke ,a little turtle chaser Honda SL125.

Torque is your friend when you're 74 !!!!!! lol. :laugh: :confused: :shifty:

(tho a Mach4 has more torque than a 750/4 Honda!)

rastuscat

29th August 2023, 17:46

then forced really,because of the body, to the GSX1400.

That's not really a bad problem to have. Those are awesome bikes.

Gremlin

29th August 2023, 21:49

In all honesty, this was about how to regain some passion for riding. A different bike appears to have done that. For the moment.
As you're saying, it depends on your need. Reasonably similar bikes (same motor) but different intent. Think of the GSA as an all roads tourer (including gravel), but only proper adventure if you're super keen. Long travel suspension rocks, telelever etc all rocks as well.

Blackbird

30th August 2023, 10:01

As you're saying, it depends on your need. Reasonably similar bikes (same motor) but different intent. Think of the GSA as an all roads tourer (including gravel), but only proper adventure if you're super keen. Long travel suspension rocks, telelever etc all rocks as well.

Alan, whether a bike fits your needs is an important part of the equation but not the only one. Emotional appeal is equally important. When I bought the Street Triple, the Speed Triple, Bonneville and Ducati Monster were ahead of it after looking at the specs and what I wanted from a bike at the time. Yet within 10 minutes of a test ride on the Street Triple, it spoke to me like the others didn't. Contrast this with my impulse buy of the GSX-S 1000. Performance and handling in spades but it just felt so bland. It never got patted in the garage which was telling. The Duke 790 which was my last bike before retiring was just like the Street Triple - it really lit my fire. The perfect bike to finish on. When I was tossing up between the Duke 790 and a 765 Street Triple, Rodney O'Connor of Eurobike said to me "It's not the way the coin lands that decides for you, but your reaction to the way the coin lands that will tell you the decision you want to make". Very wise words.

So there we are - look at the tech specs/intended use but never forget emotional appeal.

rastuscat

30th August 2023, 11:02

So there we are - look at the tech specs/intended use but never forget emotional appeal.

One could include that into the list of needs.

Like, choose a bike that lights your fire, but also meets the other needs.

I met some guys in Reefton a couple of years back, old contacts from the BMW world.

One was on an S1000RR, one on a GSA, one on a GS. All were 55 - 60 years old.

The guy on the S1000RR looked like he had been hit by a truck when he folded himself off the bike, the other two looked like they had just stepped out of a health spa. The S1000RR had to be parked around the corner, as the side stand couldn't cope with the camber of the road. All three loved their bikes, but one only loved it while moving. The guy with the S1000RR. It lit his fire, but he really didn't enjoy riding it.

Racing Dave

30th August 2023, 16:05

One could include that into the list of needs.

Like, choose a bike that lights your fire, but also meets the other needs.

I met some guys in Reefton a couple of years back, old contacts from the BMW world.

One was on an S1000RR, one on a GSA, one on a GS. All were 55 - 60 years old.

The guy on the S1000RR looked like he had been hit by a truck when he folded himself off the bike, the other two looked like they had just stepped out of a health spa. The S1000RR had to be parked around the corner, as the side stand couldn't cope with the camber of the road. All three loved their bikes, but one only loved it while moving. The guy with the S1000RR. It lit his fire, but he really didn't enjoy riding it.

One of the many reasons I have had my 1200GSA for 16-years is because it meets my needs and lights my fire. OK, that's two reasons. There are more...

Gremlin

30th August 2023, 22:22

So there we are - look at the tech specs/intended use but never forget emotional appeal.
Dunno what's wrong with you ol' chap. :scratch: Engineers don't have emotion, it's all data points!

Tis an odd one. Things like the Hornet, I never would have picked myself, but it was provided by/for work. Grew on me over the years for practicality and reliability, now I've been riding it for 16+ years... (well, I say that while it's parked up and I'm actually riding others, just can't ride 4 at once...)

The emotion buys generally got me into trouble :whistle: The GSA (and 2nd GSA) were mostly mathematical, I listed out my requirements, they made the most sense. Had the older one you've seen since January 2011... Between the Hornet and 1st GSA alone, I've clocked up about 300,000km.

rastuscat

31st August 2023, 08:36

Dunno what's wrong with you ol' chap. :scratch: Engineers don't have emotion, it's all data points!

Tis an odd one. Things like the Hornet, I never would have picked myself, but it was provided by/for work. Grew on me over the years for practicality and reliability, now I've been riding it for 16+ years... (well, I say that while it's parked up and I'm actually riding others, just can't ride 4 at once...)

The emotion buys generally got me into trouble :whistle: The GSA (and 2nd GSA) were mostly mathematical, I listed out my requirements, they made the most sense. Had the older one you've seen since January 2011... Between the Hornet and 1st GSA alone, I've clocked up about 300,000km.

One of the most practical bikes I ever had was the one I liked the least. But it was a work bike, so it was what it was.