Thinking about giving up the bike...

**mashman** · 6th July 2009, 12:08

I know, another bloody giving up the bike thread... well it's that time of life I suppose. I don't get out anymore, my gear is in ruins and I can't afford to buy anymore... i've done about 4000 k's in the last year and a half, which did include one superb day at Manfeild (something else i can't afford anymore, let alone justify keeping the Prila for), but I guess my passion is really with the kids these days. They're all growing up and in quite stunning fashion and i'm finding it harder and harder to justify 3 hours away from the them at the weekend, just to please me. Essentially i'm talking about selling the bike i saved for for 7 years and the bike i've always wanted... We could certainly do with the cash flow in the house (as doing ANYTHING usually means selling something and i've run out of things to sell) Yet there's a niggling doubt in my mind that i should keep the Prila, as i'm sure the time will come when i walk into the garage for a ride and she won't be there... She's been loved, got nicks and scratches etc... but i've maintained her well, added ohlins suspension, got her set up for me, got some newish sticky tyres on her (which gave me no end of confidence) and yet I just can't make a decision...

It sounds like it should be an easy decision, kids or bike... but even my wife has doubts... she watched me save and drool repeatedly...

I guess i'm sitting on the fence, but leaning towards keeping the Prila for no other reason than i might and yet what i can do with the kids with that kind of cash is, well is bound to be worth it... arrrrrgggggggg... regrets i've had a few...

I'm comforted by the fact that in about 3 years or so i'll be able to get another one, but this one was mine, all mine, my new dream bike... aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

**MIXONE** · 6th July 2009, 12:17

I feel your pain and can totally relate to it.With the new rego costs as well something has gotta give.

**EJK** · 6th July 2009, 12:22

Like you said, sounds like an easy decision however don't worry. Bikes come and go, family stays forever.

You can always return in the future. Easy

**tigertim20** · 6th July 2009, 12:48

for starters put the rego on hold for a bit if you arent using it in the meantime.
I understand your pain, I was going to suggest selling it and buying a cheap 600 instead, but you seem very stuck on this bike. Of course you love your kids but I will point out 2 things.
1) are the kids old enough to come for rides on the back? perhaps this is something you could do with them on weekends, give each child a chance to go have some alone time with dad, thay may even develop a passion for bikes themselves!
2) if you do sell the bike alltogether, I am willing to bet that in 6 months you will realise that the bike was your oportunity to get out for an hour or three from time to time when you just needed some personal 'me' space. My girl has a bike but never asks to come as well unless I have asked her if she wants to, she recognises that its my chillout and think time when Im out on the bike.

Tough decision, but reading what you have written seems to me like you are saying "I wonder if i should sell it, but I dont want to" thats the message I am getting. Hang onto it in the meantime untill you are sure you want to flick it off, it does sound as though you have poured alot of effort into making it YOUR bike!

**skidMark** · 6th July 2009, 12:52

By no means an easy decision...

but kids grow up fast and you want to cherish your time with them... and being able to financially support them is also good.

In saying that i know how hard it is to give up your baby, just sold my katana and i'm regretting it, but i know it had to be done.

**Stirts** · 6th July 2009, 13:04

Originally Posted by mashman

but I guess my passion is really with the kids these days. They're all growing up and in quite stunning fashion and i'm finding it harder and harder to justify 3 hours away from the them at the weekend, just to please me.

WE ALL NEED OUR ME TIME!!! Doesn't mean that you don't love your kids or wife any less.

Originally Posted by mashman

I just can't make a decision...

I guess i'm sitting on the fence, but leaning towards keeping the Prila for no other reason than i might and yet what i can do with the kids with that kind of cash is, well is bound to be worth it... arrrrrgggggggg...

You can do other stuff with your kids that doesn't have to cost money, going to the beach/park, playing in the backyard etc. Kids don't give a shit what they do really, as long as they have some quality time with Dad.

Originally Posted by mashman

regrets i've had a few...

If you know you are going to regret selling the bike. DON'T

Just my 2c

**vifferman** · 6th July 2009, 13:11

It's a hard decision alright, so don't rush into it. If it's just a time thing, then perhaps you could put some effort into organising your spare time a bit better, and prioritsing things. If it's more the money, then now is not a good time to sell anyway, what with the economic downturn, and the fact it's winter so interest will be lowish, so you'll sell the thing for less than it's worth. You'll effectively be chucking money away.
It's your choice, but do take some time to make sure it's the right choice.

**Murray** · 6th July 2009, 13:24

Originally Posted by mashman

... but even my wife has doubts... she watched me save and drool repeatedly...

Never thought I would ever say it but the wife sounds like she's got some common sense and very supportive of you.

Listen to her feelings!!!!

**MaxB** · 6th July 2009, 13:25

The trouble with quick cash is unless you have something solid to put the $$$ into like the mortgage, a boat, kiddies MX bikes the family will just chew through the money in no time. Kids have no concept of how much effort it took you to get your dream bike. They just want things now.

**Headbanger** · 6th July 2009, 13:33

Just park it up, I put my family time before my "me" time, so my bike stays in the shed most weekends and I do shit with my kids.

The bike will still be there when I return to her with more time on my hands.

**HenryDorsetCase** · 6th July 2009, 13:39

Originally Posted by EJK

Bikes come and go, family stays forever.

I KNOW. why dont they just bugger off!???!?!?!?

**short-circuit** · 6th July 2009, 13:53

Yeah bro - time to give it away (the bike that is - to me that is).

**Pussy** · 6th July 2009, 14:00

Gordon... you're a good bastard, and I'm sure a great father (VERY cute kids, too, by the way).
You have worked hard to get that bike and make it "yours".

Listen to Mrs Mashman.... I reckon she supports you keeping it. Stirts is on to it

**wysper** · 6th July 2009, 14:56

Originally Posted by mashman

but I guess my passion is really with the kids these days. They're all growing up and in quite stunning fashion and i'm finding it harder and harder to justify 3 hours away from the them at the weekend, just to please me.

Man, do I hear you. I have two young kids (5 and 2) and I know what you mean by feeling like you are taking the time from them when you go for a ride.
We are a one income family so I have the added bit of feeling guilty for not giving my wife some time to herself either. I work all week and then shoot off for a ride for several hours on one day of the weekend. Gives her no real break.

However, I wouldn't sell the bike. Even if you do what is suggested. Rego on hold for a while. And a previous poster is right.. the family will just burn through the money and you will be back looking for the next thing to get some more cash. Kids will demand the latest toy or fad or thing.. but they will REMEMBER being with you and the things you did together. At least that is what I remember from my mum and dad. We weren't rich and I don't care. I had parents who loved me.

If you can pass that on to your kids they will remember their childhood with good memories and love. Selling the bike wont buy those memories.

Love your family. Love to ride. It's all good.