Should I or shouldn't I?

[jamiey]

For a while now i've had a CBR600F2. Now i'll be the first to admit its not the greatest bike ever made, or indeed I have ever owned. 1) Its a Honda and 2) Its about the same age as one of Gary Glitters girlfriends (about 14). But after a 2/3 years out of riding (emigrating from UK to NZ, family etc blah blah blah) it has been my return to riding bike. I probably chose it because i've owned about 4 in the past and were good bikes for me.
Over the past year I have been a little more wiser than in the past. Maintained it well at all cost and got it running perfect, new PilotRoad 2CT's, few nice extras etc etc and really enjoy the bike. I know how it handles and know there is nothing reallly wrong with it.

So to my dilemma

The devil in my right ear everyday tells me it's time to upgrade. A newer bike (600/675/750) would be lighter, more powerful, more fun, more bling, more comfortable (possibly not) and more pleasing to the ageing ego. Bollocks to the family cash flow, earache from the Mrs, go out and blow it on your male egotistical self and enjoy a cool new bike.

The voice of reason in my left ear asks me why? Why blow 10 + grand. Why, when you still enjoy the bike you have? Its not great, not the coolest bike on the block but still get your daily buzz from it to and from work. Keeps up with the bling machines on those weekend blasts round the countryside. You've probably spent a few thousand on it. It does everything you want, its reliable - Keep it.

Mmmm. Ponder. What to do.

Maybe sharing my thoughts on KB will discover some wise words from a fellow biker or someone who is battling the same ego/need v's sensibilty.

What to do??

[SARGE]

jeeze ..

ok ... my story ... i came to UnZud a few years back.. these folks drive on the wrong side of the road so i decided to learn to drive on the same side to minimize the screaming ..

bought myself a POS 84 Yamaha FJ1100 with 200000+ km on the clock ..strong bike but not a beauty queen.. fell off it a few times and gave it a few more character marks and finally it gave up and i got rid of it ..


bought myself a MINTER 92 FJ1200 (ABS model) and rode it daily .. got knocked off it one day and found out that the aftermarket stuff and stuff out of the States was cheaper than the OEM stuff so the mod-bug was nurtured and grew into a monster ..

now the old Fat Jelly is one of the original "superbikes".. once held the honor of "Fastest Production Motorcycle" right before the ZZR1100.. big.. comfy and bloody quick.. love this bike.. but i took it to the bleeding edge and its a chore to ride it anymore ( ok.. not RIDE.. but RIDE ON 2 WHEELS)

i still love it though and it isnt for sale at any price ..

went out and bought a 97 YZF1000R Thunderace..its like a big comfy bike that actually TURNS

no rules says ya can only have one ...

[Whynot]

I had an F3, i have not owned a better bike.
I would buy it back if i knew where it was.

[LBD]

So to my dilemma

The devil in my right ear everyday tells me it's time to upgrade. A newer bike (600/675/750) would be lighter, more powerful, more fun, more bling, more comfortable (possibly not) and more pleasing to the ageing ego. Bollocks to the family cash flow, earache from the Mrs, go out and blow it on your male egotistical self and enjoy a cool new bike.

The voice of reason in my left ear asks me why? Why blow 10 + grand. Why, when you still enjoy the bike you have? Its not great, not the coolest bike on the block but still get your daily buzz from it to and from work. Keeps up with the bling machines on those weekend blasts round the countryside. You've probably spent a few thousand on it. It does everything you want, its reliable - Keep it.

Mmmm. Ponder. What to do.

You will get plenty of arguements in favor probably a few nay sayers, but at the end of the day only you know your cash flows, only you know the priorities in both your own and your families life, and how your wife will take it...will she be supportive or not? Will this set you and your family back any degree? I guess you need to decide if you can comfortably live with your self and a new bike or if it is foolhardy to the extreme?

But then you also need to consider what other outlets for enjoyment you have. Would a new bike and the associated socializing be a main part/escape from your work / home / civic duty life. Could your wife be interested in sharing this with you? Would you encourage her to do so?

There is also the comprimise option...trade yours in with 1/2 the $10k that would ease the consionc... cosenio...conshen....guilt feelings, get an up grade, and not be seen by she, as too irresponsible.

And remember the bike cost is only a start....count on 25% extra for handbags, shoes and ladies fashion as apeasment costs....

At the end, only you know how much you want it and how much you are prepared to sacrifice for it...Sorry not much help there, good luck with the decision.

[Gizzit]

I was going to enthrall you/bore you rigid ... with some psycho babel, ..... but WTF ....

Life is short ....... Get the bike !!!! lol.

[SVboy]

What Gizzit said. You are a long time dead, what if only I had tried the......before I got too old!

[Tubbsy]

Get a new bike!!!! New bling is better than old bling!

Make sure that it won't cause a family rift first though, cos that is more important.

[Okey Dokey]

Maybe you need to factor in maintenance costs/difficulty in sourcing parts for an older bike model. Selling the F2 would bring in money and part pay for something newer. There are some good buys of 08 stock in some shops at the moment.

Good luck with your decision. I guess I lean towards the new bike, but I don't really know what is right for you...

[Headbanger]

Wait a month, Then you will have your answer.

[elle-f]

Make sure the wifey is happy cause she will cause huge stress. It's a skill!

[jamiey]

Make sure the wifey is happy cause she will cause huge stress. It's a skill!

Shes pretty pissed at the moment anyway as i'm off the the UK for my mates wedding and 2 weeks boozing. I can work on her when the dust settles!! Its more my own justification, sell the CBR maybe get 3k?? add another 6/7k for something better. Just can't decide if its worth it. Gonna sleep on it for a bit longer me thinks

[Mystic13]

Go to the bike shop, tell them you want to trade up and take the new bike for a ride. Then to the next bike shop etc

Try out each model you think you want as well as try em each as much as you can

Soon enough you'll know what you want to do.

If the new bike lights you up and assuming it fits the relationship then go for it.

My wife loves bikes so getting a new one isn't an issue for her. It's more me and whether I can afford it, whether it will light me up and whether I'll use it.

She also knows I'm not stupid. Mostly.

[Mystic13]

If you're worried about the money you could always send your mate a photo of the new bike as a Wedding present and a way of explaining why you weren't there.

[mozzee]

JUST DO IT!! Life's too short to have any regrets. It's not a practice run, you only live once. Tomorrow could be your last day and then it'll be too late. So DO IT!!

[LBD]

If you're worried about the money you could always send your mate a photo of the new bike as a Wedding present and a way of explaining why you weren't there.

Now theres a thought....$4000 toward the bike