Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms end of any era?

Or is it? I have just sold my BMW 1200GS and am bikeless. Remarkable lack of depreciation - bought for 9500 in 2013 sold for 7200 today, low tax , low insurance ( <£100) and low MoT. But I am ageing , and at just over 200kg the bike is heavy to handball about. Whats more my concentration / mental alertness on the road isnt what it was when I fisrt took up biking almost 50 years ago so maybe life in a tin can is better. Certainly safer

But giving up is awfully final isnt it? I gave up once before after a helicopter ride into A&E but 6 months later I was looking at parked bikes I bought an Elise as a bike substitute. 18 months later I had a KTM 990. I know that I should give up...............

I am lucky that I can afford a few toys though in total they cost less than a fancy Aero. But bikes are only second to sailing boats in the pecking order, both giving a sense of freedom that simply isnt available in a car. So I wonder what the future holds. Dammit, I gave up smoking many year ago, I am teetotal these days, on a semi permanent diet . where is the fun?

SWMBO is pretty damn sure and it has two wheels.

Could the future include a M3W I wonder?

Sorry. Dont wish to offend the enthusiasts but for me that is the wrost of all possible worlds. All the inconvenience of a bike without the performance and simplicity.

It would be like buying a trimaran.

I think Im done with bikes. Im 53 so still got plenty of potential biking days in me ( I hope ) but its just not fun down here in Surrey. To many cars, too many Lycra clad cyclists, to many potholes, no mates that ride and I dont like riding in groups/clubs ! But apart from that, I ride/rode too fast for my skill level so cutting my losses while Im still alive.

Howard,

I totally understand where you are.

Can I suggest that you learn to fly a glider... freedom in 3 dimensions. Bikes and boats only give you two!

The Long Mynd and Shobdon are not far away from you!

[quote=Bonesie I dont like riding in groups/clubs ! But apart from that, I ride/rode too fast for my skill level so cutting my losses while Im still alive. [/quote]

I could write that word for word. I used to ride with the IAM and you would think they would be sensible usually having police members. Forget it! Apart from the 30 and 40 limits, the rides rapidly developed into an unspoken race. And as for riding too fast , well as the saying goes you have to grow old but you dont have to grow up. On the bike on a decent coutry road, I cant help seeing the vehicle in front as an overtaking challenge. Done well to make it to 75 TBH.

I know thats a confession of stupidity on any rational level, but speed = excitement for me and always has done.

Looked at it since our local gliding field is just 2 miles away. Weather wise its limited and freedom it isnt. There are rules and laws that you have to obey. The sea is the only real freedom left.

I ride with a bunch of mates (5 or 6), but we're all of a similar mindset so bimble along, and have a few stops for a natter/fag/vape/tea break. We do a few bike rallies - nothing better than sitting in a field with a few ciders and a bunch of mates....

I have a mate at work who goes out for rides with his group, and to be honest, it sounds like a nightmare - lots of sports bikes doing high mileage at high speeds. Not my idea of fun at all. Leave the racing for the track, and ride within your limits.....

Just been rebuilding my old GL1000 (a real triggers broom) and hope to get it on the road in the next couple of weeks. Now a 'Historic' so not tax and MOT to worry about.

My first...

1968, still at school...



My last...

2019, retired.


51 years of fun... I still miss it. But as Howard and Bonsie have both said, I gave up before it was too late.

In a similar situation, but gave up when I was 50 or 51.
Despite being an IAM rider there are just too many other idiots out there. Never been a fan of group rides.
Nowadays knees and back would not cope with a large m/c and I'm not sure I'd cope with a small one mentally! Doesn't stop me looking at them though.
(Presently reading The Kawasaki Triples Bible ).