I always questioned if I would know when to say when. Today I answered that question. I sold my motorcycle to a couple from Oklahoma and will not replace it. As the trailer pulled away, I realized I wasn't prepared for the emotional fallout. On our honeymoon we rode a motorcycle to Nashville in 1974 and rode together for 35 years. As the trailer pulled away I could remember every trip. I stood in my driveway and cried. Not for the loss of an object. For the memories that object represents. I'm so thankful I have memories so strong and so good and so vivid that my only outlet is to shed tears of joy.
2013 F800GT Graphite Metallic-Gone to a new home
Not a 2nd childhood, still in the 1st
Yah, the memories. I recently ran across a volume of pictures of a ride we took with the sidecar rig towing a tent trailer to Missoula Montana 22 years ago.
Memories are good!
Hay Bill,,, better to early then to late,,. I think none bikers don't get the attachment many of us feel,, stay busy and stay safe and be happy you survived all those years in tact!!
What a way to go, Bill. To be able to watch your last bike disappear over the hill on someone else's trailer, and feel such strong emotion ... is a wonderful statement about your love of the activity of motorcycle riding. I hope I have that kind of ending to the sport. Good luck.
Remember my words: "One day you will repent..."
A man needs his motorbike
I actually considered a Spyder after test riding one. When I called the local dealer I found out they no longer carried the brand. I took that as a sign.
2013 F800GT Graphite Metallic-Gone to a new home
Not a 2nd childhood, still in the 1st
Bill, my first real motorbike was a BSA Bantam.
I was 12 or 13 & the Bantam was a non runner I purchased for $15 dollars of hard earned paper route money.
I learned a a lot getting that bike running, & really enjoyed it.
But I digress...
Over the years my bikes kept getting larger as I grew older.
Now they are getting smaller in my advancing years.
After the F8 I suspect i will get a small Dual Purpose bike, kind of like coming full circle .
But the original fun will still be there.
As your friend I advise you to listen to Arlo Guthrie’s “Motorcycle Song”.
Just Sayin’
Be careful of that three wheeler idea. If you do a motorcycle and sidecar it's a whole new world. Kinda strange too. My rig was a BMW 80/7 with a Ural. A friend had an old Shriners Vespa and weird little tiny sidecar. In the 50's a company in Big Bear, Ca rented Cushmans with sidecars.
Then there are the expensive new 3 wheel devices. Perhaps a bit more conventional motorcycle style operation.
Test rode a Can-Am Spyder and thought was kinda cool. Automatic transmission and reverse. I called the dealer just before I sold the GT and he no longer carries them. The closest dealer is 120 miles. Test rode a Beemer with a sidecar once. Once was enough
2013 F800GT Graphite Metallic-Gone to a new home
Not a 2nd childhood, still in the 1st
Nota, how did the /7 handle the sidecar? I think they were not recommended chair pulling bikes? Maybe I am wrong.
Later in life Von Dutch traveled around the San Fernando Valley on a /2 with a sidecar. Fit his character quite well.
@bill - better to know when is the right time and act than to realize it too late. Glad you enjoyed many years of riding and that it was a big part of your life.
2009 F800ST (Night Blue Metallic) l 1999 SV650 (Naked & Red) l l 2012 G650 GS Sertao l 2012 Can-Am Spyder RT-S (Mrs. Meteor's...)
Test rode a Can-Am Spyder and thought was kinda cool. Automatic transmission and reverse. I called the dealer just before I sold the GT and he no longer carries them. The closest dealer is 120 miles. Test rode a Beemer with a sidecar once. Once was enough
Bill, I have test-ridden several brands of traditional trikes (1-up, 2-back) and did not like any of them, they felt unstable at anything faster than around town. I have ridden several sidecars and REALLY did not like them. Hard to steer, hard to turn, scary to corner at speed, etc. But when I tested a Spyder it felt right. Then I test-rode the newest Spyder model, the Ryker, and it felt extra right. If/when I reach your decision point, I will either give it up entirely, or I will buy a Ryker.
As for your decision: I believe you know when it's time, and it sounds like you made the correct decision. All the rest of us might think we know better and we can encourage you to try a smaller bike, etc. etc., but ... as you said in your opening post, when it's time, it's time.
Rykers are more fun to ride than to watch on video. Your M/C endorsement on your license, plus your motorcycle gear will get you a test ride at any dealership. Don't know how far you are from the KC area, but Reno's Powersports is a popular dealership, been there for years, have carried Spyders since the beginning (at least 10 years), and I have test-ridden almost everything they have available. I have never bought anything from there so I cannot recommend them from that aspect, but they are nice to talk to and hang around.
These do look pretty cool and are much less costly than the other models. My wife has the RT. It is a neat vehicle for a road trip. Or if you are an idiot and break your hand (like I did a few years ago) and still want to take that road trip to Toronto. Tons of storage and comfort. It lacks sportiness though and the Ryker gives some of that sportiness back to somewhat bridge the two-wheel experience.
2009 F800ST (Night Blue Metallic) l 1999 SV650 (Naked & Red) l l 2012 G650 GS Sertao l 2012 Can-Am Spyder RT-S (Mrs. Meteor's...)
Rykers are more fun to ride than to watch on video. Your M/C endorsement on your license, plus your motorcycle gear will get you a test ride at any dealership. Don't know how far you are from the KC area, but Reno's Powersports is a popular dealership, been there for years, have carried Spyders since the beginning (at least 10 years), and I have test-ridden almost everything they have available. I have never bought anything from there so I cannot recommend them from that aspect, but they are nice to talk to and hang around.
Good luck.
Thanks Royce. Kanasas City is way too far but there is a dealer in Rapids City, Iowa, which is about 80 miles. Not sure if I want test ride one . . . . . might just be suffering withdrawal symptoms.
2013 F800GT Graphite Metallic-Gone to a new home
Not a 2nd childhood, still in the 1st
Just to promote italian products , what about MP3 by Piaggio? 3 wheels, you can lean it, some models have also a front wheels locking device, so you can keep it upright when still at a traffic light, so you don't need a centerstand when parking
WildWilly that's a big step we all face at some point. Doesn't mean it's permanent. If your vision and reflexes are still good, you may find a way to enjoy the road again. When I was in my early 20's I was looking for a project and went to look at a FSBO shovelhead. This old biker had more knives and bad tats than I had ever seen, I was scared shitless. Long story short, I ended up buying the bike, but as we were loading it into my pickup this guy starts crying, REALLY crying. As I drove out his driveway he was sitting on a sawhorse wiping tears away. It turned out to be an awesome bike and after 15 years I sold it and it made me pretty sad to see it go. Felt crummy for days. I'm sure it's still out there giving some rider happiness. Like you I still have the memories.
We might be around the same age WW, I got married in '71. Last year I sold my F700GS and bought a WR250R. Not the same but still havin fun. Mobility scooter next.
"That Day" isn't too far around the corner for many of us.hearing how others are dealing with it makes me wonder how it will go for me. Thanks for your post and the happy/sad memories.
It's hard to decide when to say when. I test rode a Can-Am Spyder last year. It's just not a motorcycle. Thought about it until this spring. Bought a used 2015 Can-Am Spyder f3 s in March. Only put about four thousand miles on it so far it's kind of starting to grow on me. I think I'm up to the point of kind of liking it. But I don't love it yet. I kept the f800st. Not ready to completely give up two wheels yet. If I could just quit falling over when I'm standing still. 😥
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Remember my words: "One day you will repent..." 
Originally Posted by Gunther
, what about MP3 by Piaggio?
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