Have you ever felt like giving up riding?

**lizardb0y** · 6th September 2012, 22:27

This is something I wrote a while ago to someone who had been suffering from ongoing problems from a concussion, and was in the process of selling all his bikes.

--
I had cereballar bleeding from a cavernous hemangioma about seven years ago, seriously impacting my balance and co-ordination for several months. I can relate to your decision to sell your two-wheeled vehicles; I went through a similar decision making process.

At the time my "daily" ride was a 2005 Kawasaki ZX10R with thousands spent on suspension and exhaust to make it the best road & track day bike I could build. I knew after the bleed that I might never be able to ride it with the skill I was used to, but I also knew that if I sold it I might never find my way back onto two wheels again, and that was something I would always regret.

In the end I decided to keep it. When I felt capable of riding it again I found that, although my symptoms were greatly improved, my confidence had been seriously hurt. I rode it only occasionally, and gradually improved each time. It was 2010 before I dared go out on the track again. I went to a track day and spent the day riding mid- to front-field in the medium class. I felt a bit silly at first but as the day wore on I felt more and more at home - not faster, just more confident. I even dropped the bike in the paddock at one point, because my left leg still doesn't always do what I expect of it! In the end I had an absolute ball.

I realised that I wasn't going to be doing the same sort of riding that I had been doing before the haemorrhage and resolved to sell the Kwaka, but to replace it. I ended up back on Ducati riding an ST4s (I'd previously riden a '92 900SS for many years) and I absolutely love it.

I understand your reasons for selling, and I'm sure you've put a lot of thought into it before making the call. For me, I found that having the bike in the garage helped me to keep the goal in sight. I've been riding two wheels my entire adult life and I knew that was something I didn't want to give up.
--

**haydes55** · 6th September 2012, 22:49

Sometimes there are more important things in life than riding. If this person has ongoing head worries then maybe it is safer for himself and family that he gives it up.

Then again their doctor could just be the average "No I wont give you clearance to ride your bike again because it has only been 6 months since your first head injury" nana.

I've never wanted to give up motorbikes. Always have a curiosity to try different kinds of motorbikes and racing though. Might sell the speedway bike to buy a Super Motard or bucket racer.

**jonbuoy** · 6th September 2012, 23:02

If you can´t control your right hand with your brain not your cock - give up riding, better for everyone all round.

**hayd3n** · 6th September 2012, 23:08

after a decent bike crash (me barely injured) i couldent look at my bike for 3 days but i still missed riding

**LBD** · 7th September 2012, 03:09

Being overtaken on the left/off side by a car skidding with one wheel in the gravel (He did not see me and the traffic slow behind a truck) then having a car coming towards me veer into my lane distracted by the car that just missed me...that is still giving me head worries.

**sinfull** · 7th September 2012, 05:58

Originally Posted by LBD

Being overtaken on the left/off side by a car skidding with one wheel in the gravel (He did not see me and the traffic slow behind a truck) then having a car coming towards me veer into my lane distracted by the car that just missed me...that is still giving me head worries.

Well it certainly fucked up your punctuation !

**Winston001** · 7th September 2012, 06:34

It's a highly personal decision.

Motorcycles are probably the only vehicle left where you can express individuality. Cars have become bland.

The trouble is that motorcycles are also inherently dangerous. That's part of the challenge but there can be a high price to pay. Death at worst but far more likely are permanent injuries to your head and body. Personality changes. Loss of career.

Still, we accept this as a possibility and not a certainty, which is borne out by the many many bikers who never have a serious accident at all.

Most of us do not live alone. We have responsibilities to others particularly if we have children. Taking up riding again after a serious time where your family watched you near death...that is not an easy decision to make.

**Oakie** · 7th September 2012, 07:43

Not even on the windiest, rainiest day. I did give up when I started the family and mortgage thing in my 20s because that made sense at the time. Got back into it 8 years ago and I guess I'll give up again when for some reason it becomes impractical. It won't kill me to give up though. Biking doesn't define who I am although it does express a part of it.

**slofox** · 7th September 2012, 08:10

I considered giving up riding this week when faced with a $750+ repair bill. But, like the OP, I realised that if I did, then it was extremely unlikely that I would ever own another bike.

With a little prompting from the fixit shop, I looked off-shore for the required parts and reduced the likely bill size to around $125. Phew!

**wharekura** · 7th September 2012, 09:07

Originally Posted by slofox

I considered giving up riding this week when faced with a $750+ repair bill.

On Sunday I tightened my chain but forgot to loosen the rear brake nut, causing the back wheel to lock when taking it for a spin. Fortunately I controlled it and stopped outside Whatawhata pub - towards raglan - where the nice guy let me borrow the phone and call the wife for some tools. With all the unusual smells (rubber I suspect) I booked in for a service ASAP at Boyds Hamilton. Yesterday, I got a service bill for $277 incl gst including valve clearances, full service and brakes / wheels check - all ok. The price didnt include parts as I had my own (was going to do my own "service")

I thought the bill was very good.

The wife not happy about me being on a bike and times like this does make me think if I need to trade it in for a Suzuki Alto.

**roogazza** · 7th September 2012, 10:14

I often think about it. At 63 I have have had 50 bikes and have been riding about 50 years.
What I did was modify where and when I rode and that has kept me going.
I ride early, usually Sundays, less traffic and hence risk. I don't ride if it's windy or wet, again less risk. Avoid cities like the plague and from Kapiti just do Piecock, Haywards and Tukas over to Martin/B. Drink coffee, talk shit and return, that's it and it keeps me happy.
Still enjoy Trackdays and giving the bike a squirt but it's mainly a summer or fine weather sport for me now.

**G4L4XY** · 7th September 2012, 11:44

Being young and stupid I have ridden in all weather! I wont quit until something really bad happens, if/when it happens, until then I'll enjoy every ride.
The servicing costs are a bit gay, wish I could do more myself. Oil & filter are easy enough, anything else and I'm too stupid/dont have any tools to do
Course I've only been riding a couple years so i've got nothing to complain about at this stage :P

**lizardb0y** · 7th September 2012, 14:07

Originally Posted by roogazza

What I did was modify where and when I rode and that has kept me going.

Yeah, I've definitely changed my riding - I've become a very occasional rider, whereas before my health problems I was out constanly. I'm a fair weather rider and I'm not much concerned about going fast any more - though I'd still ike a bike that didn't scrape the exhaust every time I turn a tight corner!

I actually found myself seriously considering trading the ZX10R in on an HD XR1200R at one point a couple of years ago - though a quick ride with some friends over the Takaka Hill put that idea to rest.

With a young family, a mortgage and barely enough cash in-hand to cover debts I'm regularly considering selling the bike, but I know it would be a long long time before I had the money to buy a new one, so I hang on to it.

**sootie** · 7th September 2012, 14:21

Originally Posted by roogazza

I often think about it. At 63 I have have had 50 bikes and have been riding about 50 years.
What I did was modify where and when I rode and that has kept me going.
I ride early, usually Sundays, less traffic and hence risk. I don't ride if it's windy or wet, again less risk. Avoid cities like the plague and from Kapiti just do Piecock, Haywards and Tukas over to Martin/B. Drink coffee, talk shit and return, that's it and it keeps me happy.
Still enjoy Trackdays and giving the bike a squirt but it's mainly a summer or fine weather sport for me now.

Stumbled across this & had to reply as I might have written it! I have not had 50 bikes, but a few! I am now a JAFA but came from Dunedin. Apart from that, I share your views very closely! Nearly 67 by the way!
Neat Avatar too. Go well friend we need more with your attitude!