When is it time to call it a day?

[wetanz]

a bloke turned up to our stammtisch one day ... conventional sidecar outfit ... early to mid 40s - some kind of hereditary degenerative condition had already rendered his lower body pretty unuseable, was starting to feel it in his hands ... needed help with his wheelchair, getting on and off and time to change his bags - kind of embarrassing for him but he wanted to make the most of life while he could ... good man

[TheDemonLord]

I shall have to stop riding the Ducati when I can longer start it.

So, a week on Monday?

[george formby]

a bloke turned up to our stammtisch one day ... conventional sidecar outfit ... early to mid 40s - some kind of hereditary degenerative condition had already rendered his lower body pretty unuseable, was starting to feel it in his hands ... needed help with his wheelchair, getting on and off and time to change his bags - kind of embarrassing for him but he wanted to make the most of life while he could ... good man

A few years ago I was riding round Normandy getting a history fix and met a paraplegic war veteran touring on a GSX1000R trike, set up for his needs.

He was a hoot and a hoon.

[TheDemonLord]

Okay, serious comment time.

This is not a question that any of us are qualified to answer, except you.

There is also the other question as to what 'calling it a day' actually looks like?

- Cold Turkey no bikes of any sort or kind?
- Downgrading from a firebreathing 1000cc monster to just a 600?
- No more riding on Public Roads?
- No Public roads or Track days?

etc.

I'm only in my 30s, but I'm cognizant that as time goes on, reaction times wane, perception will decrease etc. I can see coming to a point in time where the risk of riding on the road was too much, but then would I want to stop entirely? Maybe a small 125 cc farm bike to scratch the itch or something small/cheap/fun to take out to a non-wanker track day to just putt around on a closed circuit, feel the wind in the hair (or bald spot) etc.

If you've reached the point where risk is not being outweighed by reward or the physical aspects of riding are no longer safe and controlled - then maybe it is time, but as above - you've got options as to what that Time means.

[TheDemonLord]

A few years ago I was riding round Normandy getting a history fix and met a paraplegic war veteran touring on a GSX1000R trike, set up for his needs.

He was a hoot and a hoon.

That's awesome!

I suspect his mantra was something like 'If the Damn jerries couldn't do it, then whats the worst a bike can do!' or similar.

What a badass.

[Navy Boy]

Interesting how there's been some mention of scooters on this thread. I've been using a scooter in one form or another since my mid-30s - Ranging from a Burgman 650 to a Piaggio Beverly 250 and they are cracking things.

As a way to extend your biking career they certainly have their place. My current steed is a Piaggio Beverly 350 which I bought for the Trentham to Wellington CBD commute last year. I'd happily go touring on it if I needed to and it even manages some 27-28Km/litre too.

They are just easy in every respect - Easy to clean, look after and ride and good fun away from the lights too if you're in the mood.

I turn 50 next year but this question has cropped up from time to time. I guess it's a bit like the quote I heard many years ago - 'Advice is for those who know the answer but wish they didn't'.

[george formby]

That's awesome!

I suspect his mantra was something like 'If the Damn jerries couldn't do it, then whats the worst a bike can do!' or similar.

What a badass.

Ha, it was Argies, not Jerries. Ex Para and Falklands veteran.

The GSXR had Nos and a turbo, too. He was also the leader of the tour group, some bloke!

[TheDemonLord]

Ha, it was Argies, not Jerries. Ex Para and Falklands veteran.

The GSXR had Nos and a turbo, too. He was also the leader of the tour group, some bloke!

Lol - I read Normandy and my brain automatically assumed WW2.

Ex-Para - that explains most of it.

[Blackbird]

Well, the KTM is now up for sale: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/m...1wMnYDnEoLOzXQ . If it doesn't sell quickly, no problems in going for a few rides. Now to start researching e bikes 😁

[F5 Dave]

I've been watching this thread since inception. Nothing clever to add. Have enjoyed your participation over the years.

[Blackbird]

I've been watching this thread since inception. Nothing clever to add. Have enjoyed your participation over the years.

Thanks Dave. Despite all the grizzles, KB members have always been helpful and supportive when it really matters. I've enjoyed it too.

[release_the_bees]

That's a lot of bike for that price. Good luck for the sale.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[Blackbird]

That's a lot of bike for that price. Good luck for the sale.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Thanks! Have been inundated today. Provisionally sold.

[Navy Boy]

Hi Geoff

Its not surprising that the bike's gone so quickly at that price. Plus anyone who knows you will realise that it has been well looked after too.

I was tempted myself but Mrs B has said no more as I'm now taking up space in the gardening equipment space

Good luck mate and I look forward to catching up with you in the not-too-distant future.

[Blackbird]

Hi Geoff

Its not surprising that the bike's gone so quickly at that price. Plus anyone who knows you will realise that it has been well looked after too.

I was tempted myself but Mrs B has said no more as I'm now taking up space in the gardening equipment space

Good luck mate and I look forward to catching up with you in the not-too-distant future.

Thanks Lee - I've been inundated with enquiries! Far be it from me to cause matrimonial storm clouds in the Navy Boy household

Always good to see you mate!