Time to sell Black Beauty

[beyond]

Hi all,

As you know with recent events, I lost a very close riding buddy to a motorcycling
accident and the fourth friend to have gone since I got back into riding just under
six years ago. This guy was one of the best riders I know in this country and his
passing was a real shock to me. This last week over here another rider was killed
that I used to ride with. The last two cases have been four wheel drivers not looking
and simply doing a U-turn in front of them.

I love riding and particularly on the road but many of my mates and people I know are
getting killed by idiot drivers and on roads I frequent all the time. I love a hard
ride and simply don't get a buzz just pootling along so how long am I going to go
before my number is up too. These guys have all been really top riders and I am very
careful as well, but what can you do with all these twits on the road.

I don't fancy ending up maimed or losing my job or worse, leaving my wife and daughter
behind or ending up a vege. There is too much to lose and I now think the risk ratio
has swung to far into the negative.

I don't know how I'll be without a bike and with the commitments I have at present,
track riding is not an option and doesn't give me the same buzz as the road. I cannot afford
to keep a bike just for track or the expense of keeping one on the track.

In all honesty, looking at the pros and cons and the way my wife feels about me
riding, it looks like it's time to put Black Beauty on the market.

It's going to hurt..... lots

[Nasty]

Hard decision ... and one to think seriously about ... its one that I am considering with my baby ... for multiple reasons .. I don't think I will make a decision to sell .. just a close watch and where and when I will ride.

[hayd3n]

get a smaller bike same fun less speed

[p.dath]

That's a touching and hard story. There's no wrong decisions, just different outcomes, and you need to choose the one that is best at this point in time for yourself. Know that this outcome doesn't have to be permanent, and perhaps life will bring you back to motorycling, or perhaps take you onto bigger and better things.

Take care.

[Maha]

Yes Paul there comes a time when you have a very close look at your mortality.
Very tough decision to make but at the end of the day, the call is yours alone.
Any number of reasons and ways to keep your bike will probably be put forward, but do the whats right for you and your own piece of mind.

Mark

[Katman]

The road is not a racetrack.

[FROSTY:Me]

mate it is tough. I've reached that crossroads a few times and its not a decision I envy you having to make.
Being a bloke rather than a gal I find myself trying to thinkof helpfull suggestions for you. None of em I feel you will find palateable right now. But just take it from a fellow biker that gives a shit
1) come over to the dirty side. (offroad) Believe me the sense of speed is still there
2) buy an older bike/less sporty bike -the thrill is there just not the speed
3) as you said do a fewtrackdays.
4) take a break from riding.

[MaxB]

Personal decision this one. If your head's not in t he game when riding because you're thinking of your fallen mates then maybe its time for a break.

IMO the one thing you can't do is live scared. If you believe all the BS in the media you would never leave the house. I still ride but I am fully insured so that if something does happen at least the family will have no money worries.

We recently lost a family member and a friend to a sudden terminal illness and a freak work accident. Life is just not fair, we can lower the odds but not eliminate them.

[boman]

It has got to be a very hard decision to make I am sure. Maybe Frosty has an idea, lock the bike away, put the rego on hold, and take a break for a year or so. If you find then the decision is the right one, then you could sell.
Selling now might be a decision, that future circumstances may not let you reverse.

Just another option you could consider.

[Edbear]

My best friend won't get back on bikes because he only got a thrill from riding hard and as that's not a good idea these days, he feels he's better off without one. Personally I enjoy pottering along and the C50T is ideal for all types of riding I do. As a commuter in Auckland, a bike makes a lot of sense both time and cost wise. You could try a cruiser and see how you like it...

[R6_kid:Me]

If you can't enjoy the road without pushing the limits all the time then it's a good thing that you've come to the conclusion that selling the bike is the best thing to do. It won't be long til you find something to replace the buzz, maybe you should checkout your local aeroclub!

[2wheeldrifter]

End of the day it's your call, If you finding it hard to trust yourself out on the road as such..... then think of your wife and kids? am sure they would love to have you around abit longer

Mayb like Frosty said, go and get dirty!?

[slowpoke]

You don't get the same buzz on the track? Jaysus, for buzz's I reckon the track is road riding on steroids and you don't have to spend a fortune. $5k gets you an early R1 or something set up for clubman's, use race take off tyres and you have got a shitload of fun for next to nix.

But each to their own, on track or off bikes don't suit everyone.

[kiwifruit]

Get into track riding. Trackdays or a bit of racing if trackdays are too boring for you.

What about dirt riding? Trials, trail, adventure.

Mountain biking is also worth a look

[Mom]

If your heart is saying take a break, do it! No fun for anyone, if your heart is not in it. Selling your bike is a radical way to stop riding for a bit, but if it helps your heart to feel better do it. Bikes are easy to replace, lives aren't.

Good for you too. Do what feels right, for you.