Ade B
MB Enthusiast
No this isn't an S&M thread... more of early mid life crisis
My bike, a BMW R1100SS is getting less and less use and is sitting in the drive waiting for a long overdue clean, service and brake refurb.. MOT is due in March as is insurance renewal..
I use it fairly regularly for going to meetings in town but that's about it.
Last time Mrs B and I used it for a tour was over 3 years ago. Last time I went for a ride for fun was over 2 years ago. Last time I used it to leave London was last summer (I'd forgotten how uncomfortable a bike gets on a long haul ). Turning up for meetings looking like a courier is starting to get a bit tedious as well.. even though the ride is always entertaining.
I've had the bike since 2003, done some 35k+ on it and had many really memorable trips and experiences on it. When I ride it for fun I love it, but it just never seems to happen, work + a rolling flat refurbishment + 1 toddler + another due in July.. seem to intervene. There is also the impending pressure of space in the flat (paddock stands, panniers, 3 helmets, boots and various outer garments take up a surprising amount of room..)
There is also the spectre of quitting whilst ahead - I got knocked off for the first time 2 summers ago in London and escaped without a scratch and a full payout from the offending driver - and had a spectacular near miss (not my fault of course) last time I rode any distance due to an old giffer with poor observation skills.
I'll get the bike fettled in anycase as it needs it to keep/sell or whatever. It owes nothing and is not worth a vast amount due to its age, mileage and condition but I can't decide whether to keep it as an oversized scooter, sorn it in March and chuck a cover over it for some time in the future, or just get rid and become a born again in 18 years .
Now I know that there are plenty of (ex.) bikers on here so I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Cheers
Ade
My bike, a BMW R1100SS is getting less and less use and is sitting in the drive waiting for a long overdue clean, service and brake refurb.. MOT is due in March as is insurance renewal..
I use it fairly regularly for going to meetings in town but that's about it.
Last time Mrs B and I used it for a tour was over 3 years ago. Last time I went for a ride for fun was over 2 years ago. Last time I used it to leave London was last summer (I'd forgotten how uncomfortable a bike gets on a long haul ). Turning up for meetings looking like a courier is starting to get a bit tedious as well.. even though the ride is always entertaining.
I've had the bike since 2003, done some 35k+ on it and had many really memorable trips and experiences on it. When I ride it for fun I love it, but it just never seems to happen, work + a rolling flat refurbishment + 1 toddler + another due in July.. seem to intervene. There is also the impending pressure of space in the flat (paddock stands, panniers, 3 helmets, boots and various outer garments take up a surprising amount of room..)
There is also the spectre of quitting whilst ahead - I got knocked off for the first time 2 summers ago in London and escaped without a scratch and a full payout from the offending driver - and had a spectacular near miss (not my fault of course) last time I rode any distance due to an old giffer with poor observation skills.
I'll get the bike fettled in anycase as it needs it to keep/sell or whatever. It owes nothing and is not worth a vast amount due to its age, mileage and condition but I can't decide whether to keep it as an oversized scooter, sorn it in March and chuck a cover over it for some time in the future, or just get rid and become a born again in 18 years .
Now I know that there are plenty of (ex.) bikers on here so I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Cheers
Ade