upgrade: V85tt & Stelvio

[LaGrasta]

I have eight bikes, so many to keep running and registered here in California. But I do it successfully, I ride them all. Minimum yearly registration, regardless of age is $175. This inlcudes my two 50cc Scooters! I keep considering selling a few, but truly I want them all, and still use them all.

My V11 is absolutely spectacular, even just to look at. I love the form and shape, colors, etc. It's running so fantastic, putting thousands of miles on it since acquiring it, and working out the bugs. What a joy to ride. The only shortcoming is distance; my body aches after a hundred or so miles.

I tried talking myself into trading teh V11, my 2004 Kawasaki Concours, and maybe my highly customized 1982 Honda GL500 in for one of the new V85 or watercooled Guzzis. Give up three for one new one that gives me a lot of power, long mile rideability, etc.

nah.

[docc]

Let's ask the other inmates on the ward if it's crazy to keep all your bikes . . .    

[Lucky Phil]

7 hours ago, LaGrasta said:

I have eight bikes, so many to keep running and registered here in California. But I do it successfully, I ride them all. Minimum yearly registration, regardless of age is $175. This inlcudes my two 50cc Scooters! I keep considering selling a few, but truly I want them all, and still use them all.

My V11 is absolutely spectacular, even just to look at. I love the form and shape, colors, etc. It's running so fantastic, putting thousands of miles on it since acquiring it, and working out the bugs. What a joy to ride. The only shortcoming is distance; my body aches after a hundred or so miles.

I tried talking myself into trading teh V11, my 2004 Kawasaki Concours, and maybe my highly customized 1982 Honda GL500 in for one of the new V85 or watercooled Guzzis. Give up three for one new one that gives me a lot of power, long mile rideability, etc.

nah.

If all I had to do in my spare time was tinker in my workshop then I'd have many more vehicles than I now have and I have 5 bikes and 3 cars and I struggle to maintain them all. The major issue with keeping which bike as you get older is weight of the bike. I don't just nonchalantly walk up to the V11 these days and grab it and roll it off the bike lifter where it lives. I need to concentrate on what I'm doing and focus. If that thing starts to fall I won't be saving it and I also won't be lifting it off the ground myself either. 

I do understand why people like Chuck downsize in qty and size as they get older now. 

Phil 

[LaGrasta]

@Lucky Phil 100%!, and I'm only 58.

[activpop]

I only have 30 cylinders to maintain now, and I just sold three bikes. 

[PhillipLarsen]

@Lucky Phil yes, so true. Had my CBX get too far over in my ground level basement while maneuvering it into its spot. Used my body to prevent it from lying on the floor and managed to get my phone out to call for help! They sure laughed at me!
Six years ago at 65 I was looking after my personal 4 aircraft and Heli’s (Glasair 3, R22, C120 and Mini 500) 16 cyl., 14 motos 34 cyl. , and 2 autos 14cyl., and was working 50 to 60 hours per week at my job. Don’t know how I did it.

Now at 71 down to 7 bikes and 2 autos and need to make that number smaller as too much work!

[Scud]

At age 60, I have eight bikes and have been asking similar questions. Three dirt bikes (200, 500, and 700 ccs). I rarely ride the 200, but my daughters and some guests do. I expect that the two big Husqvarnas will be with me for a long time. I was thinking about letting three bikes go, and getting a new Stelvio, but the "math" kept suggesting to sell the Scura or Nero Corsa, which I think would regret. So I think I am going to have with a 2:1 event, reducing the "stable" to seven.

The prior owner of my 1989 LeMans misses it, and I think it might go back to him soon. (Which means I could still potentially have visitation rights).

My Stelvio NTX has been a workhorse, but I am about to trade it on the new, water-cooled Stelvio - likely later this week, depending on actual arrival and set-up at GP Motorcycles in San Diego. @LaGrasta Have you every ridden a Stelvio NTX? Let me know if you want to come down and try it before I trade it in.

 

[Tomchri]

Quite a stable of maintaining books, 48cyl ned attention. Age related stuff seems to slip my mind. Ok, some reminders. Getting a lighter bike at some time, but only 71+  .

Cheers Tom.

[footgoose]

I'm down from 7 to 3. My spiral downward was initially inspired by maintenance x time + other interests = sacrifice. My age and waning strength is now an undeniable factor. The Tenni is my last and only bike over 400lb. I have the DR650 down under 350lb, and it's lots of fun. I'm looking seriously at this Triumph -slightly above 400.  I think it'll be country road fun, now I've left the city behind, presumably *lite* maintenance and, I think I can pick it up if It falls over. 

[LaGrasta]

@Scud I have not even ridden one as of yet. I'd very much like to swing by and take a spin. It would be great to finally hang out! Just say when, thank you.