2 choices, hang up leathers or keep looking....

[rob13]

Since selling the Triumph to Puny 2 weeks ago, I've been keeping a close eye out on whats available. I had set my mind on a KTM 950SM and thought that it would probably answer the requirements I had of the bike. I had no idea that indy's would wilt at the thought of servicing the LC8, seems I can get places to do the minor service (oil change is apparently a bit of a ballache in itself) but they wont touch the major valve service. The nearest local dealers is M&S in Newcastle where I dread to think what their main dealer costs will be for it.

I've had a look at about 3 so far, all around 2006/2007 vintage to find that a lot are much less than perfect, despite only having 4000 - 7000 miles on the clock. Ive had bikes with twice this mileage in better condition! Fasteners rusting, scuffs and paint flaking off the engine covers. It seems that its quite difficult to find a good one and without paying the earth for it.

Maybe I'm just being tight but I'm starting to wonder whether I'm willing to plough the cash into the KTM as it may mean that my money which is usually spent elsewhere will have to go to the bikes upkeep. I'm sick of watching the price of fuel rise weekly and this isnt helping.

The only other option to me at present seems to be another Versys but having thought about selling it 2 or 3 times during my 18 months with it, I cant see why that trend wouldnt continue.

For some reason, I'm not particularly enjoying my new bike search this time around, which is a shame (perhaps i'm rushing to try and get one before the summer is over - where is it?) and its actually leading me to think about keeping the cash in the bank for a while to decide what to do with it.

Anyone else get like this? Is it time to give it up for a bit?

[dizzyblonde]

Keeeeep looking

[Bibio]

i never get 'i don't want a bike' syndrome. i waited 20+ years to get another bike (it was hell) and i don't think i will ever be without one again. yes i like my bikes shiny and nice to ride but i would ride a burgerd c90 if i had to.

hang up my leathers i'd rather stick broken glass up my back end :-)

keep looking or if money is all that you think about then maybe you should hang your leathers up.

i'm skint and cant really afford the bike but the one day a week that i do actually get out on it is worth the money i spend on it. it de stresses me and makes my life just that bit more tolerable.

[Teejayexc]

Having read your posts when thinking of selling the ST and your others in Dizzy's 'where's my bike mojo gone?', and now this, I reckon you need to step back awhile and take stock before leaping into another, **** wish I hadn't bought this buy.

Bank your monies and start doing what you get some enjoyment from, if the time comes that you're not missing a bike so be it. On the other hand if your mojo returns you've got the cash at your disposal and later in the year may be a better time to buy.

Just my 2ps worth, good luck whatever you decide.

[sauluk]

Don't have that problem. Too many bikes I want to own.

Just a lull and you'll pick up as soon as you don't own a bike and you see someone go past on something you like.

[Murph]

You cant give up, it is frustrating when you cant find what u were looking for. But then again i wanted a fazer and ended up with a SV650s and so please i didnt settle for the first thing i saw! worth the hours and weeks and time spent trawling through auto trader and internet

[GagginForraPint]

Why not line yourself up some test rides, see what you like. If you go to Kawasaki.com you can book a test ride on a ZX10R, according to repeated adverts at BSB last weekend. Now there is a way to spend a couple of hours.

[husky03]

go in the different direction-get a 250 trail bike and you'll refind your love for biking-i love riding my work bike probably more than the sv at the moment-the guys i work with say the same -its about the enjoyment rather than the speed and costs.

[hardhat_harry]

Indeed have joined the 250 Trail Bike Fraternity also and riding is now a whole new ball game.

[andrewsmith]

I'd say take a test ride of the 990 and see what you think. I think cost wise a service is about similar to a Suzuki at M&S (Major is £350+ shims for an SV).

If not keep looking

go in the different direction-get a 250 trail bike and you'll refind your love for biking-i love riding my work bike probably more than the sv at the moment-the guys i work with say the same -its about the enjoyment rather than the speed and costs.

I'm guessing you ride the off road trails in the summer. Your the 2nd guy that has said that about the off road stuff and he belts round on a 450 in full livery

[husky03]

in the summer!-all year round matey-we lost four weeks due to the snow at the start of the year but apart from that out everyday in all weathers.
The trail bikes are brilliant for reminding you what biking is all about-basic as hell and most of all fun-doing 70 on one of these feels like your doing 100+ on the bigger bikes-the guys in the squad have bikes from the sv ,street triple,ninja, r6, boxer cup etc and everyone loves the riding experiences of the trail bikes-itt does help get the mojo back.
h.

[robbie09]

go in the different direction

Plus 1 to that!

Maybe just try something you've never had before or would usually talk yourself out of buying?

You seem to like the mid sized uprightys? Husky said trailies, mid size sports? smaller cruiser?

Must be something out there that bakes your noodle :)

[andrewsmith]

Rob could always buy a LC4 with all the gear. They come up quite often

Husky, I think I might buy one over the winter once ave got some cash.

[MrMessy]

What about a cheap SV? Would keep you on 2 wheels and cheap to run. Gives you time to decide on something else and you could still enjoy the summer.

[Paul the 6th]

time for a change of direction maybe? I'm gonna get a bike in the future, but the past 4 years of my life have been 'knee down this' or 'new rubber that' or 'camping trip here' 'track day there'..... then suddenly I've just lost interest in the whole thing.

Don't be afraid to have a break buddy.......... You can still head off for mini adventures :) (btw I'm doing a KTM off road day with i2i training at thirsk this weekend, so not completely off 2 wheels :)) - plus if & when you wanna get rid of the bus, the money's still there for you to unlock and put back towards a bike.



...........

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PMdTbVzNW9I/TfYAqfeODrI/AAAAAAAAFC4/pwMh0PlNkME/s640/photo.JPG

(dani girl not included)

[ThEGr33k]

More off road huh Paul, its cheating though dude, its got an engine! ha ha

Rob, just keep looking mate. No rush. So wait for what you want and do it! :) Are there no other bikes that take your fancy, another style all together? Go out and test ride everything you can get your ar$e parked on and see if that stirs the excitement a little? Other option if you can could be to go track direction, just get a cheap SV650 or something and have a thrash around a track when it takes your fancy.

[rob13]

Definitely want an upright bike, much prefer riding them to head down **** up sportsbikes. I really want a bike which I can bimble about on those roads where sheep are free to roam, where there are potholes and uneven surfaces. I then want something which I cam hustle through the lanes of dales and then get me back home
I dont really want to give the bike up as it chills me out and I look forward to riding but I think my last experience with the Triumph has worried me in case I buy something which I enjoy on the test ride but then can't live with. It never was a bike which I wanted to ride slower on. Prob have same issues with KTM. Maybe time to buy another Versys...

[husky03]

if you wanna buy a curvy project let me know:D

[ThEGr33k]

BMW R1200GS? They are popular as hell, bound to find one. Bit tall mind ha ha.

Street triple not your cuppa then at all?

[Jackie_Black]

V-strom thou is a hilarious bike. Best sheep infested, pothole strewn road bike i ever had.