11-23-2015, 04:01 PM
(11-23-2015, 07:49 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: I know there are people who buy bikes just to own them, and not really ride them. My neighbor I mentioned is one of them. He loves owning a Harley. He freely admits he loves owning it more than riding it. He polishes it, he starts it once in awhile because I can hear it when he does (life saving pipes and all) and I understand that passion for him. His wife doesn't like him riding it, but she doesn't mind him owning it. For him the cost (cost of bike plus insurance) is justifiable.
The people I don't understand are the ones that buy with the intention of riding, but never do, Then they keep it for 4 or 5 years and turn around and take a bath on what is basically a brand new motorcycle. One would think they would know if they like to ride or not after a few months and sell while it still has most of it's value, not years later when it has lost most of it's value. For these people the cost (cost of bike plus insurance) is NOT justifiable.
I've often said motorcycles are not killed (worn out), they are more often neglected to death.
That's actually sad. So much superior engineering...and so many bikes are bought and abandoned. Left in the driveway. Not ridden. Damp barns, or under tarps...not even broken in.
The top-tier Japanese manufacturers have products that rival Toyota cars and trucks for durability...if they only would just give them basic maintenance. Long time ago, when I had a BMW...while working in eastern South Dakota, and having business at the company offices in St. Paul...I had the GS to one of the Minneapolis BMW stores for periodic service.
While waiting, I was pacing outside...you can only sit still and read a cheap novel so long when the sun is shining, high summer and you have a day off. On the back dock was what was probably a trade-in...I forget what brand (not a Kawasaki) but it was a 125, a 1982 IIRC...1100 miles on the speedo.
Paint was sharp but there was rust. Including the exhaust, which had several big holes. All I could think of, was, what a waste.
Now, you all know I'm selling my CB. NOT from any dissatisfaction with the machine. And, Lord knows, not because I don't ride. I'm probably taking the Second Prize of the Mileage competition this year, with 12,800. Put all my layoff time to good use.
I'd love to keep it, but even riding as much as I do, I doubt I'd have it enough to really make it worth eating the depreciation; worth having to fight the elements and keep it sharp. I tell myself, perhaps if I'm better off in a few years, I might get another...but the reason I'm selling is, it's becoming a tad too heavy for me. And that precludes my continuing in my present work, too...income will take a dive as well.
But...whatever graces my carport...I ride.
