Mojo - how to get it back

**R650R** · 13th August 2023, 17:04

I’ve been through this phase once when life was so busy and I almost forgot what was parked in shed. Took bike for WOF one year and had only done 1000km so started riding it to work just get moneys worth out of it.
Somewhere along the line synapses fired and the brain hot it’s dopamine hit from all the things bikeztrigger up there.

Now I ride as much as I can, knowing the growing beauracracy in Wellington will eventually ban/tax it out of existence in my lifetime. Blown $58k on bikes in last three years thatvprob should have been spent on mortgage but YOLO and it puts smile on the dial and I want to enjoy it while we can.

**Oakie** · 13th August 2023, 20:15

Strange as it sounds you could go out for a decent ride on a real shit day. I used my bike to commute every day ... 35 kms or so. Got a bit ho hum and while it was OK it wasn't the delight it used to be.
I had to go from Ch to Dunedin for a funeral and while the ride there was ok, it was a hot day and quite tedious. Coming home though it was pouring rain from Dn to Timaru then although no rain, there was a howling nor-west gale from Timaru to Christchurch ... so bad they had a detour off the highway for quite some distance before Ashburton. Bloody hard work but I found myself laughing at the stupidity of it all then at the end I got a real sense of achievement having completed the ordeal in one piece. I'd fallen in love with biking again.

**rastuscat** · 14th August 2023, 08:08

Originally Posted by Oakie

Strange as it sounds you could go out for a decent ride on a real shit day. I used my bike to commute every day ... 35 kms or so. Got a bit ho hum and while it was OK it wasn't the delight it used to be.
I had to go from Ch to Dunedin for a funeral and while the ride there was ok, it was a hot day and quite tedious. Coming home though it was pouring rain from Dn to Timaru then although no rain, there was a howling nor east gale from Timaru to Christchurch ... so bad they had a detour off the highway for quite some distance before Ashburton. Bloody hard work but I found myself laughing at the stupidity of it all then at the end I got a real sense of achievement having completed the ordeal in one piece. I'd fallen on love with biking again.

That mirrors some of my experiences. Some of the shittiest rides I've done are the most memorable and rewarding.

Finding this thread quite helpful. Seems one can lost the mojo, but get it back using a variety of strategies.

**sunhuntin** · 19th August 2023, 16:07

funny, i am in a similar pickle.

ive been riding full time since 05. never held a car license, never driven. rode in all weathers but snow. but some time over the last three years, my courage vanished, and now each time i go out i feel like i should have L plates on. its not like ive not done miles... i estimate over 100,000k over a handful of bikes. even my current one i have done 20,000k on.

a lot of it is to do with the roads here in taranaki. they scare me more than the car drivers now. i spend more time looking for pot holes and defects than at what im following, and have turned into even more of nana than before.

its bad enough i actually went for and passed my learners license for the car, and bought one. i always swore i would never do that, but its a shit ton safer for me and those around me. im sick of being scared whenever i have to travel south to see my folks. i actually dread the bike, and cannot wait to sell it.

i still have my old 250 virago that i did most of my time on, so aiming to get her up and running next year just for around town and short jaunts.

**F5 Dave** · 19th August 2023, 18:33

Test ride a yam T7

You'll pick up some new gravel roads onto the bargain. Ride at its natural pace and never be scared of pot holes .

**Blackbird** · 20th August 2023, 15:02

I stopped riding in March 2022. Still passionate about bikes but perfectly happy about not riding. Whilst bikes have been a passion since I was 16 and I'm just coming up to 76, I've got several other interests to fill the void. If I hadn't, I'd probably still be riding. Our MGB GT has been more fun than I thought it would be. In many ways, it's like a bike without all the bells and whistles of a modern car and I can actually tinker with it.

But you're just a young 'un by comparison :-)

**rastuscat** · 22nd August 2023, 16:31

You b**tards have me looking at trading in.

Thanks.

**caseye** · 22nd August 2023, 21:43

Originally Posted by rastuscat

You b**tards have me looking at trading in.

Thanks.

Ha, fucking good Job! Well done lads and lassesses!
Lets know what you gunna git aye.

**BMWST?** · 22nd August 2023, 23:01

Originally Posted by rastuscat

You b**tards have me looking at trading in.

Thanks.

i got pretty strong sense that thats what you were askin

**roogazza** · 23rd August 2023, 07:13

Originally Posted by Blackbird

I stopped riding in March 2022. Still passionate about bikes but perfectly happy about not riding. Whilst bikes have been a passion since I was 16 and I'm just coming up to 76, I've got several other interests to fill the void. If I hadn't, I'd probably still be riding. Our MGB GT has been more fun than I thought it would be. In many ways, it's like a bike without all the bells and whistles of a modern car and I can actually tinker with it.

But you're just a young 'un by comparison :-)

haha, have been doin the same this winter with our new toy :

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If I can get the other half out of it. (traded two for one,XR6 and swift for the new swift sport). Bit of juggling but hey we're retired and don't need two cars.

Anyway what a hoot, 1400 turbo and all sorts of gizmos and magic.

GSX1400 is sitting waiting for Summer with new battery!!!!

**rastuscat** · 23rd August 2023, 08:55

Almost want to start a new thread on this specific topic.

It seems the cost to trade in is around $5K.

I think my bike is worth $20, and the bike I want to buy (similar, I have an RT, I'm looking at a GSA, similar k's, same year, mines in better condition) is at $19995.

I've been offered $15K by one dealer, and $11K by another.

I know bike shops are in business to make money, and I'm okay with that. Just don't want to feel like I'm dealing with Ned Kelly.

**F5 Dave** · 23rd August 2023, 15:27

So, still after a 240kg bike?

**rastuscat** · 23rd August 2023, 16:08

Originally Posted by F5 Dave

So, still after a 240kg bike?

Guessing most of my (admittedly bugger all) riding will be on the road. I like the weight of a bigger bike. Motivates one not to drop it.

Kind like a fat bottomed girl, although I gather we aren't allowed to say that any more, lest we upset a snowflake.

The GSA has scaffolding all round, so a lie down won't hurt.