Changing the bike - a real dilemma

[Blackbird]

Some people seem to change bikes with the regularity that most people change underpants but I don't seem to be able to do that (change bikes, that is )

I tend to hang onto bikes for a long time because I spend ages chewing over what suits my purpose. Last time I did it was in 2001 when I bought the 'bird and the choice was obviously right for me because I've loved every minute of owning it.

However, things change and I find myself agonising over the likelihood of selling the 'bird at the end of this summer. I retired last year and as I hang onto bikes, I'm thinking ahead to something which will better suit the coming years (getting older) and a new "fitness for purpose" - a bit lower than the 'bird, a whole lot lighter, a more upright riding position and no need to consider a passenger as Mrs B doesn't pillion any more. I should be excited about a change but as yet, I'm not. Maybe that's a measure of how I rate the 'bird.

Still mulling things over but I have an emotional attachment to the Triumph badge from ownership of several of them a lifetime ago. Currently top of the list are a 675 Street Triple or a Thruxton Bonneville, both in the gloss black option. Early days yet though, although I have permission from Management which is a great start.

I'll advertise the bike on KB when the time comes so if anyone is thinking about a Blackbird in 6 months or so - keep an eye out. This one has all sorts of goodies and is a beaut

Sooo... how many other people hang onto their bikes and cherish them, then suffer agonies about replacing them or am I an oddball????

[Swoop]

A big decision to get rid of a trusted steed.

Where you are now located, would an adv. bike be more suitable? There are a few out of the way places that could be visited on one of them.

[wysper]

I hang on to bikes for quite a while too.
Usually a combination of I like what I have and I am too lazy to sell it!!

[vifferman]

However, things change and I find myself agonising over the likelihood of selling the 'bird at the end of this summer.

Really?

Sooo... how many other people hang onto their bikes and cherish them, then suffer agonies about replacing them or am I an oddball????

Well... I have a history of not getting that far (and also I don't tend to cherish them so much as wreck them...)
I've written off two, was forced to sell one due to lack of funds at uni, forced to trade one in, and the remaining few I kept until they were tired or I had the opportunity to get something more betterer, which was around 4 or 5 years. Unlike you, I've never owned any remotely new vehicle.
The current one's a bit different - it was about 3 years old when I got it, and not exactly pristine. It's got scruffier under my nearly 5 years of ownership, but also improved a lot too, with better suspension, an Evo Star shift kit, PCII, and a myriad of other improvements. I've thought about test-riding something else, but I've no intention of replacing it. I'd also lose lots of money doing so: it cost me $12k, and I've spent around $3-4k on non-maintenance improvements. Nearly there - just need a Rider seat and a new paintjob.

[slofox]

I've thought about test-riding something else, but I've no intention of replacing it. .

I can relate to that. I'd like something a little more exciting than the SV now, but its hard to find something that would tick all the boxes...(let alone find the money to pay for it...). A bit of tyre kicking is about as far as I have got so far. Anything I like is either too expensive or too thirsty or too tall or something else....ahhh well, just keep on pushing the current one a little harder each day I suppose...until I fall off it and wreck it probably...

[gijoe1313]

Haven't you heard? The bird is the word! Make sure you take it around the coro a few more times before you sell it okay?

[YellowDog]

Having ridden a Blackbird (once only) I think you need to make sure that whatever you get won't dissapoint you.

There's quite a bit of power and handling to live upto.

I do like the Bonnie SE and especially the classic paint jobs they seem to use. But I doubt it will fill the void.

How about a K1200? I mean a Tiger 1050.
(You did say you DO like heavy bikes)

[CookMySock]

Just buy anything that is a bargain, so you can quit it if its truely horrible, and get through as many bikes as you are able. You might find something fun that never occurred to you.

Steve

[jafar]

get a cruiser

[Blackbird]

Aha, so I'm not the only one.

Swoop, one of the problems is that at 5'8", I'm a shortarse which largely rules out adventure bikes as far as I'm concerned and besides, whilst I can appreciate them; they don't have that all important "emotional" appeal. If I want to go offroad, I'll take our 4x4

Ian, I know your problem with all the dough I've spent on suspension and other quality stuff on the 'bird.

Actually, I'm ok about having less power than I do now. Whilst power is certainly addictive, I've been there, done that as far as speed and riding like a twat (did I really say that?????) and going a bit slower really doesn't bother me. Guess it's a moot point if I end up with a 675 though.

Whatever I end up with, it has to be lighter and preferably a bit lower. Don't feel much affinity for cruisers yet although I do like the looks of the M109.

The saga continues....

[NinjaNanna]

I understand the rationale that's saying, "no more income better get all the big purchases I need to make done now and out of the way."

My advice to you however is:

Take what ever money you were going to put into changing over and stick it in a 2yr term deposit. If in 2 years you can still ride the Bird lock it in for another 2yrs.

Just leave it there accrueing until you are forced to change over due to the body getting old rather than the worry of not having the money available at a later stage drive you to something that may well dissapoint.

[Taz]

get a cruiser

And get a perm.....

[Motu]

Why try to find the elusive bike that suits you? - find one that ticks most of the boxes,and then make it suit you.You are an engineer aren't you? That's what I did....I hated my bike when I got it,now it's perfect.

[Blackbird]

I understand the rationale that's saying, "no more income better get all the big purchases I need to make done now and out of the way."

Err.. sorry but that's not actually my rationale! We have no debt, a bloody good company pension plan that's growing even in these tight times and a good investment portfolio. Within reason, finance doesn't come into it.

Sorry.

Why try to find the elusive bike that suits you? - find one that ticks most of the boxes,and then make it suit you.You are an engineer aren't you? That's what I did....I hated my bike when I got it,now it's perfect.

Correct on all counts, that's what I did with the 'bird. Got to have something that has initial appeal though and both the Triumphs I mentioned are a good starting point for tinkering. Good point!

[martybabe]

I really am beginning to sound like a stuck record but.. A GSX1400 is a good compromise, good looking, loads of get up and go, upright ridding position, not to tall in the saddle and it will remind you of some of the bikes we used to ride in the 70s but tonnes better.

Actually Geoff, I don't think it's what your after at all but Mr Suzuki pays me to put that in every such thread Truth be told, what you don't know about bikes ain't worth knowing and I guess you know yourself better than anyone with the possible exception of my wife who knows everything so I'm sure you'll find the right bike for you without our help.

Good luck mate, I'll certainly be interested in finding out what you've chosen.