Am I retarded?

**EgliHonda** · 11th December 2009, 10:34

I'm seriously thinking of selling the Sprint. It's a beautiful bike, has every extra under the sun, has just been serviced, and I love riding it...
But, having a 4 month old at home, things have changed and the wife never gets on the back anymore (main reason I bought a sports/tourer) so in a nutshell:

I hardly get to use it anymore
I can't justify the insurance bills
I am always worried about theft/damage when parked
I have as much fun on a cheap shitter, if I'm honest, and
I have a dozen other bikes in bits, and would be a great incentive to finish some projects...

Seriously, regards the fun thing, I have a cobber who bought an old cb100 to take to the munro rally (he rides speedway and wanted something to ride down the campsite) and he had a ball on this teeny, slow old thing. I also really have fun on the wife's Vespa (baring my soul here)...

Am I being a fuckwit? Do I just need to go on a decent ride, or am I merely getting old and sensible? The cash would go towards a cheaper runabout I could happily take to work etc, plus parts/engineering costs on stalled projects so it's not like I'm giving up, I just think it's a waste having a new'ish perfectly maintained bike sitting in the garage and not being used, and I am thinking I'm better off selling it before I drop it, it gets knocked over, I cop a massive fine etc.

Plus my heart is really in the classics, and I love getting out on the old things (conveniently forgetting the breakdowns etc here I realise)...
I can't be the only person who has been in this position, any advice...?

**Juzz976** · 11th December 2009, 10:37

I have the attention span of a goldfish but I'm pretty sure you didn't have any real resons to keep it.

**EgliHonda** · 11th December 2009, 10:38

Forgot to say I would also prob look at a cheap pre-89 or formula 3 race bike with the proceeds, in case I came across as a pipe-smoking vintage car owner type...

**glegge** · 11th December 2009, 10:41

Originally Posted by Juzz976

I have the attention span of a goldfish but I'm pretty sure you didn't have any real resons to keep it.

ditto, and it sounds like you can still get your bike fix on one of your fixer-uppers in the garage.

my only concern would not be having ANY bike.. so sounds like your ok on that front.

**Blackbird** · 11th December 2009, 10:43

Originally Posted by EgliHonda

......and the wife never gets on the back anymore (main reason I bought a sports/tourer) so in a nutshell:

Can't give you any advice as reasons vary from person to person but Mrs B didn't come on the Blackbird any more which was just one of the reasons that ultimately led to me selling it a few weeks ago.

My lingering worry was that having owned a real grunter for 8 years, I'd be disappointed with anything else. This has NOT been the case and owning the Striple has opened up another aspect of riding for me.

You can only do what your heart tells you, but there is certainly life after big sports tourers! Best of luck whatever you decide

**Toaster** · 11th December 2009, 10:43

I have been thinking the same thing.... must be "ESPN".

If you think you will be happier without it and replacing it with other project bikes, then do that.

On the other hand, dont worry about what might happen. It hasn't happened yet and may never occur. Ride it and enjoy it. If it gets scratched... oh well.... just keep on enjoying that bike. They are made to get ridden scratched and dirty at some stage.

**MarkH** · 11th December 2009, 11:02

Originally Posted by EgliHonda

I hardly get to use it anymore
I can't justify the insurance bills
I am always worried about theft/damage when parked
I have as much fun on a cheap shitter, if I'm honest,

Seems like you should sell it - I'm sure the next owner will be happy. Especially the last line quoted suggests that selling it would be the right move.

As long as whatever you ride gives you enjoyment then you are doing the right thing!

**Mully** · 11th December 2009, 11:21

I'll give you $10 and an RF for it.

Deal??

**slofox** · 11th December 2009, 11:34

Originally Posted by EgliHonda

or am I merely getting old and sensible?

Don't despair - if you hang in there a little longer, you will get older and all that sense will depart and leave you, once again, carefree and foolish - just like me!

**EgliHonda** · 11th December 2009, 11:37

Originally Posted by Mully

I'll give you $10 and an RF for it.

Deal??

Hey I said retarded, not stupid...

Think the problem is having a tidy bike in the shed when we are down to one income, when any damage is going to be costly, may be the pessimist in me...

Might take some pics and put on tardme with reasonable reserve to gauge interest, when I said it had extras, I mean all real mcCoy Triumph accessories, gel seat (& original), after market pipes, hard panniers, tank cover/ expanding bag, touring blade (& original), entirely covered in protective film, small custom rear rack... It's set up for touring and all km's are on the open road pretty much, just had (expensive) 20k service...

**AllanB** · 11th December 2009, 12:16

It reads to me like you have already decided.

Go for it, if it's not giving you a big smile when you ride change it out.

Just don't expect that old shitter to corner or brake like the one you have! 80's bikes handled like crap compared to modern stuff. Modern bikes really are easy to ride.