It's Time To Make Some Changes

[Pappy]

A couple of years ago when local gas prices topped $4.00 a gal I decided that pumping $100 + a week in the Ram's tank was too much. I discussed it with the wife and bought a motorcycle. Having not ridden for over 8 years, I didn't feel comfortable on some of the bigger bikes I test rode (my last bike was a 1400 cc full touring Suzuki Cavalcade, complete with a trailer) and bought an 805 cc Suzuki Boulevard. Equiped with a windshield and saddlebags it has served me well as go to work transportation at about 1/3 the cost of driving the truck.

Now on to the changes. I turned 61 early this month and, after much agonizing over this decision, posted ads on craigslist this morning putting my bike up for sale.

[jackellis]

Pappy, at 61 you're still a kid. Remember, 60 is the new 40. Maybe you should reconsider.

[eccentrictinkerer]

43 years ago I made that tough decision, too.

I was going home for lunch on clear day, dry pavement, when an oncoming idiot turned left in front of me, forcing me to lay down my cherished Honda 305 Dream!

I was OK, some severe scratches on my baby, so I headed on home.

While eating sandwiches with LOML and my 5 year old and 3 year old daughters, I decide that seeing these little angels grow up was more important than having bugs in my teeth. Sold my bike the next weekend.

I now have 3 daughters, 5 grandkids and I still love motorcycles, have even kept up my motorcycle endorsement on my license, but I don't ride. I've taken my kid brother's restored '67 Triumph, '65 BSA and '39 Harley out for spins around the block, but that's it.

Funny thing, bro doesn't ride any more, either. He has 3 boys to raise!

[Pappy]

Forgot to mention in the first post....I figured it was time to swap the bike for either a Harley or a 23 year old girlfriend. The girlfriend was not really an option. If she didn't cause a fatal heart attack, the wife would kill me! So that leaves the Harley!

I am now scouring craigslist for a 200 mile radius.

I started looking for a good deal on a Road Glide (think Cop Bike with hard saddlebags and windshield) or maybe an Electra Glide Standard. That is basically the same set up, but has a fairing instead of just a windshield.

When I showed some of the bikes I was considering to SWMBO, she put the skids on my plans. "Go for what you want, an Ultra Classic with the full tour package and all the bells and whistles! Add a hitch and set up a small trailer to carry my wheelchair."

Love that woman!

[eccentrictinkerer]

Oh, that kind of change!

If I were to back up on two wheels, I think I'd try and find an old Norton or Triumph.

You get off those bikes and you know you've had a ride. And it dissuades you from traveling too far.

Given my need to play it safe in my old age, I think it'd be best to trailer a bike to a strip of desert highway. But with my luck a motorhome would appear out of nowhere and turn left in front of me!

[LCHIEN]

Forgot to mention in the first post....

i figured somehow when i read it that the first post was a teaser...

[Hoover]

How are the new Indians? Remember those back in the 50's.

[RodKirby]

I was really worried there, for a minute

You may not recall, but you guys triggered my return to a Vespa

Best thing that ever happened to me - rejuvenation

I'm often asked, by non-riders, why? The only answer that seems to cover it all is - FREEDOM! (Married guys may understand this more than others )

[cabinetman]

Forgot to mention in the first post....I figured it was time to swap the bike for either a Harley or a 23 year old girlfriend. The girlfriend was not really an option. If she didn't cause a fatal heart attack, the wife would kill me! So that leaves the Harley!

Now you're talkin' It's been about 15 years since I've ridden, but gettin' the bug. I just started gettin' my social security checks...wife would hate to see that end. But, danger is my middle name.

I've had mostly rice burners, and one dresser (Goldwing). Never had a Harley, and was always wanting to try one. Been on the lookout.
.

[RayintheUK]

My local Harley dealer now also sells Buell motorcycles. First time I've seen the make in the UK - are they any good?

Ray

[cabinetman]

My local Harley dealer now also sells Buell motorcycles. First time I've seen the make in the UK - are they any good?

Ray

You might say that if Harley's are good, Buell's are good. Seems like Harley quit producing Buell:
From Wiki: On October 15, 2009, Harley Davidson Inc. announced the end of production of Buell Motorcycles to focus more on the Harley Davidson brand.

I'm not up on the latest. Maybe they are selling off new-old (leftover) models.
.

[cgallery]

My local Harley dealer now also sells Buell motorcycles. First time I've seen the make in the UK - are they any good?

Ray

Interesting. Buell is history. Just when Buell bikes started winning races, Harley shut 'em down.

[tommyt654]

ROAD KING

[Pappy]

Harley introduced the Buell as an entry into the sport bike (crotch rocket) market. It had a following among the Harley faithful but the V Twin motor isn't as responsive as the faster spinning rice burners.

I don't have any idea what the sales figures have been, but I am guessing a small percentage of the overall Harley sales. Also, the V Rod is sort of a cruiser/rocket combination.

[BobSch]

You guys are giving me the twitch.

I gave my Honda 500 Custom to my nephew several years ago. 64° yesterday and I could feel my fingers itch.