I think it does seem to be a cycle that riders go through. June will be a year of me having my 1299 and for me, with what I want from a bike, its everything I could want but also far more than needed. Riding my first track day last year did make me realise its capabilities and how far away from them you are on the road. But I still find the entire experience incredible. From wheeling it out of the garage, that cold start, that reflection in a shop window and the moment you do open up to have 'acceptable' fun, I wouldn't change it. If I could have multiple bikes, I absolutely would. A 1299, street triple and a multi would cover every eventuality needed. But without the bank account to fund it, it's still sports bikes for me on the road with the odd track outing fitted in.
I'm over the green paint on the inside of the esses. That bump can be a reeeet bastard if you hit it wrong
Life is a cycle. I am 68 and really enjoy the ride. The roads where I live are wildly technical to ride and crowded with wild animals that can easily injure or kill you. However, what the hell. I have approx 20 years to live and I am not going to spend those few years cowering in the corner afraid of possibly bad outcomes.
Come and have a look at my Gen 1 RSVR Eddy edition (No59) when you have a spare moment. It WILL be for sale in April
I went through (a very short hiatus) break away from bikes when my son was born. Soon started to feel the draw again, but with an eye to riding in a more defensive manner. (Roadcraft) But, sports bikes, full on drop bar jobs, they belong on track. They do not work properly until north of 80 mph. An adv bike, flat bar bike, flat bar sport bike...for me they all work well. And due to improved vision and a relaxed seating mean reading the road ahead is much easier. Sometimes progress becomes quicker. Not being doubled up with weight on wrists at lower speeds certainly adds to the enjoyment.
For me, doing track days totally switched off my interest in riding sports bikes on the road, the absolute best fun road bike I’ve own is probably an MV Stradale 800, like a supermotard but without the pitiful tank range, some modicum of wind protection and a seat that doesn’t try and split you in two. An absolute peach of an engine that triple........when it runs I think the enjoyment of that bike is what led me to my multistrada, I tried a regular sports tourer but didn’t like it much, just a shame the Multi’s not 40kg lighter
@bradders ”TBH I suspect thats because my circle of riding pals is very small since I left hants, and I enjoy messing about and riding with others rather than myself” That’s more to the point for me Paul. When I gave up biking for 12 years to do the kids, marriage, paying for 4 people to eat all of a sudden thing, that’s what happened & I’ve never got it back. Have a couple of biker mates left but it’s not easy to get out with them still. I’m a mass of contradictions with my riding nowadays. I broke my collarbone and was out cold for a while a few years back, it really shook the wife up. Me? Only ever concerned about the bike & getting back on it. Possibly passing a few seconds to think about whether it would affect my golf swing too but other than that, nada. Selfish? Maybe but I just don’t seem to have that worry gene. I ride a big sports bike which even though it’s 13 years old now is way too much for the road, why do I ride it? Because I’m a tart & I like the look of it & for those times when you can open it up. Had planned to try meeting up with complete strangers from the DOC last year but of course COVID put a stop to that. Bike barely gets used at all nowadays but I’m hoping for better things soon.
I think people need to understand: lots of near misses is what you are doing, not others. Maybe not if I rode today, it’s been a lean year or so of miles for me, but recent years I’ve been a faster rider than ever in twists and turns. Ok I very, very rarely do much over 100 where I used to be flat out on the straight bits but corners are a different game. When I was slower in corners and faster on straight bits (everywhere seemed to be 100% on it) I had loads of near misses and a couple of little offs. These days, I have very, very little. The difference is some good friends who taught me how to ride properly and plan. And I expect everyone on the road to have a personal vendetta and try and kill me.
That's a strong assumption. I suppose being on the inside lane of a roundabout at a red light, setting off then someone decided to make a left from the third lane was me then? It was a near miss because I am extremely alert, observe everything and stopped with about half an inch to spare before getting T boned and having my leg or more smashed to pieces. Then there's the countless times someone's coming round a blind corner half way across the other side etc etc. You can mitigate risks by doing a lot of things, but it still doesn't remove the danger in it's entirety and there's only so much one person can do!
I've had numerous sports bikes over the years. Gsxr 's, sp2, rsv and the last one a 1198. All fabulous machines but all too much for the road in truth. 3 or 4 years on each then the itch started for the next one. Then, I decided enough was enough and traded my 1198 in for a monster 1100evo. The monster gave me such a grin and much more enjoyment that the years I've owned is testament to how right it is as a ROAD bike.... I've had it 9 years now.... And no plans to sell! Gone have my three figure speeds.... And i don't miss it. I can enjoy a run out at sub balistic speeds and feel happy with that! Besides that, I do like a naked bike.... It might be an age thing but that's my view
Is that the short one? Did it in my car once. But I prefer capturing the foggy esses and Melbourne loop... and that last tricky bastard. Always out brake myself there and have a bit of squeaky bum trail braking action ....
Yeah the short circuit. I have to say, I'm not the biggest fan of Goddards from the other way or Melbourne :/
If it weren't for my son and his gf coming to Minnesota last August, I would not have done trackdays even though that was my intention when I got my Monster. Many years ago I was content going out for short rides by myself on my TW200. Then that dwindled and finally stopped after witnessing a fatal accident where a car pulled out in front of a motorcycle. Having kids somewhat affected the amount of no fear I had, the accident more so. I am still hypervigilant at intersections. Since I've done a few trackdays(riding schools), it has boosted my confidence. I do feel less stress on the track than on the road. Now I will go out on the road when I feel good and ready. It's hard to be in a car and see bikes out on a perfectly beautiful day knowing you could be out there too. This season I am deciding whether or not to turn the RC390 into a dedicated track bike and get more serious about developing racing skills. I want to keep the Monster as is(my 1st Duc, needs to stay intact). I am keeping an eye out for a used race bike too. The V2 will be ridden judiciously. I prefer not to kill myself. Last season there were many guys young and old at the track with the same idea. Go to one location, have fun for a day or two, hang with like minded people, and not feel like you are necessarily risking your life. A few were returning to biking after a hiatus from the usual life changes. The women seem to be focused on becoming more confident competitive riders.
That's what it's all about. Having fun playing with your motorcycle. I love track days 56 going on 26. Growing old is compulsory. Growing up is optional
