Keeping a bike for a long time
Discussion
I also change bikes every year/two years. Its common behaviour, I do the same with cars too.
I guess it's just different attitudes to attachment. I do love my motors, but I am able to appreciate that ultimately its just machinery. Some people treat them like a pet or family member. I wouldn't want to swap my girlfriend every year or two for instance.. some people do though!
I guess it's just different attitudes to attachment. I do love my motors, but I am able to appreciate that ultimately its just machinery. Some people treat them like a pet or family member. I wouldn't want to swap my girlfriend every year or two for instance.. some people do though!
2009 (I was bikeless) I needed a bike as I wanted to travel round France & Germany. Bought a 2003 1150RT from my local main dealer. At the time it was half the price of a new 1200RT but still had European cover as part of the warranty, cost me just less than £6k.
14 years later and I’ve still got it, it does everything perfectly, has been faultless although it did need a headlight bulb last year.
I’m always looking at a replacement new bike, considering everything from a Hayabusa to a Goldwing. I have the funds ready, read all the reviews watch countless YouTube videos and have been a regular back at the dealers looking at possible replacements but then I get back on ride it and think that to replace it would be a waste of money and of course next years new model will be even better so maybe best to wait……..
14 years later and I’ve still got it, it does everything perfectly, has been faultless although it did need a headlight bulb last year.
I’m always looking at a replacement new bike, considering everything from a Hayabusa to a Goldwing. I have the funds ready, read all the reviews watch countless YouTube videos and have been a regular back at the dealers looking at possible replacements but then I get back on ride it and think that to replace it would be a waste of money and of course next years new model will be even better so maybe best to wait……..
Edited by Essarell on Wednesday 22 February 04:06
I chopped and changed loads from the age of 17-25, but after about 30 cars and 6 bikes by 25, I had learned what floated my boat so calmed down the swapping a bit.
I kept my old R1 for about 12 years. Wish I’d kept it, so bought a similar one a year or two ago. I had other bikes alongside but that R1 always stayed. Longest I’ve owned a car for is about 5 years but that will change now as I’ve a few I’ll never sell.
For me it’s not about treating one like a family member, it’s more about the law of diminishing returns. Years ago I’d need to sample the next one almost instantly. These days I just think “What will it do that my current one won’t and how much more hassle might it be?”.
I guess I’m just more content as I get older.
The only reason I can see to change stuff often for, is for out and out performance, but any sports car or bike from the last 20 years offers all I need for fun. 150bhp in a bike or 400bhp in a car is ample. I’ve sampled more but it just gets silly. For track it’s maybe different but I don’t do trackdays anymore.
But we are all different…
I kept my old R1 for about 12 years. Wish I’d kept it, so bought a similar one a year or two ago. I had other bikes alongside but that R1 always stayed. Longest I’ve owned a car for is about 5 years but that will change now as I’ve a few I’ll never sell.
For me it’s not about treating one like a family member, it’s more about the law of diminishing returns. Years ago I’d need to sample the next one almost instantly. These days I just think “What will it do that my current one won’t and how much more hassle might it be?”.
I guess I’m just more content as I get older.
The only reason I can see to change stuff often for, is for out and out performance, but any sports car or bike from the last 20 years offers all I need for fun. 150bhp in a bike or 400bhp in a car is ample. I’ve sampled more but it just gets silly. For track it’s maybe different but I don’t do trackdays anymore.
But we are all different…
Yeah when I was younger I was like that. a year or two, sell it and onto the next thing.
My three I've owned since 2000, 2008 and 2009. I don't have the money or room to add any more otherwise I'd just keep buying more bikes. I plan to sell the 2009 acquisition (my ZX9R) to make available funds and space for another project bike.
My three I've owned since 2000, 2008 and 2009. I don't have the money or room to add any more otherwise I'd just keep buying more bikes. I plan to sell the 2009 acquisition (my ZX9R) to make available funds and space for another project bike.
Depends on the bike I think
If it's a collectible or bike that has great memories then makes sense
The bike you ride with ya mates every week I'd get bored and want to change it plus they are typically high mileage and stone chipped to crap after a few years
I've had my Honda CR125 for 11 years so far. I'll never sell that
Same goes with my Aprilia RS250. It's a keeper
If it's a collectible or bike that has great memories then makes sense
The bike you ride with ya mates every week I'd get bored and want to change it plus they are typically high mileage and stone chipped to crap after a few years
I've had my Honda CR125 for 11 years so far. I'll never sell that
Same goes with my Aprilia RS250. It's a keeper
I’m not in to modifying cars but upgrading bikes over the years works for me. New rear shock one year, front upgrade the next, quick shifter after that etc.
That only works with a used bike though as you won’t likely do much to a new one for at least three years.
I used to change cars and bikes a lot but only change now if I need to e.g. I couldn’t get on with the lack of comfort on a gsxr anymore.
That only works with a used bike though as you won’t likely do much to a new one for at least three years.
I used to change cars and bikes a lot but only change now if I need to e.g. I couldn’t get on with the lack of comfort on a gsxr anymore.
I bought my current bike in December 2013 and have now done 67k miles on it. Almost all of those miles are commuting from Kent to City. It still suits me down to the ground - comfy, rapid, doesn’t look silly with a big top box and generally been reliable. I also know it’s foibles, and the common problems with them, and am broadly able to deal with them myself so running costs aren’t too bad.
Not sure that I would describe it as a pet, it’s almost always filthy for example, but other than cleanliness it wants for nothing and mechanically I am quite fastidious- fluids and consumables are always topped up and changed on time, everything works and is adjusted correctly, and so on. I have a big fat file of every receipt apart from petrol. I suppose it’s more of a cherished and respected companion.
I did briefly flirt with changing it a couple of years ago, but realistically there is nothing that another bike could do better and most would probably be worse. So why change?
Not sure that I would describe it as a pet, it’s almost always filthy for example, but other than cleanliness it wants for nothing and mechanically I am quite fastidious- fluids and consumables are always topped up and changed on time, everything works and is adjusted correctly, and so on. I have a big fat file of every receipt apart from petrol. I suppose it’s more of a cherished and respected companion.
I did briefly flirt with changing it a couple of years ago, but realistically there is nothing that another bike could do better and most would probably be worse. So why change?
My current Street triple will definitely be a keeper as it’s just the perfect all rounder for me albeit I’ve only had it for just over 12 months but I always fancied one and it’s proved to be exactly what I thought it would be.
I also have a 1961 Lambretta series 2 that I’ve had for a number of years and although it’s a pain in the arse pretty much all the time just to keep it running right I can’t ever see me selling it. There’s a real attachment to it.
I’ll buy another bike in a couple of years to add to the fleet and probably chop and change that one every so often.
I also have a 1961 Lambretta series 2 that I’ve had for a number of years and although it’s a pain in the arse pretty much all the time just to keep it running right I can’t ever see me selling it. There’s a real attachment to it.
I’ll buy another bike in a couple of years to add to the fleet and probably chop and change that one every so often.
Edited by MGZTV8 on Wednesday 22 February 08:54
I have had the same bike for almost 15 years now. Probably helps it was bike that got me into biking as I fell in love with it from the second I saw one. a Vmax btw. Still runs perfectly for a 26 year old bike, still out accelerates most other bikes (it has been tweaked a bit) and still looks great.
In my younger years I used to change bikes more often as funds allowed. Now I buy a bike for a particular reason and tend to keep it. 13 years for one of them at the moment and no plans to sell. I guess sometimes you are limited by funds, or space.
When I wanted to try all the latest bikes I joined a hire club (Spyderclub) for a couple of years and had 1/2 dozen 3 day weekends each year with new bikes to ride. Just when I think I'm fit enough to enjoy a sportsbike, I ride one for the weekend and realise all its shortcomings, then forget about the idea
When I wanted to try all the latest bikes I joined a hire club (Spyderclub) for a couple of years and had 1/2 dozen 3 day weekends each year with new bikes to ride. Just when I think I'm fit enough to enjoy a sportsbike, I ride one for the weekend and realise all its shortcomings, then forget about the idea
I bought my R6 new in 2008. 0% interest made it something that I just couldn't turn down (and I was encouraged by my other half). It does absolutely everything that I need it to do and will easily out perform me, particularly as I don't ride so much any more and confidence has dropped. I've toyed with selling it for the last few years, but that first ride of the year puts a smile on my face and I end up keeping it for "jus one more". If I sell, it's not to change, it's to give up as life gets complicated.
I have considered changing it for a R1 a few times, just to see what all the fuss is about. When I bought the 6 I spoke to the salesman about the 1 and he suggested that the 6 was the way to go for useability on the road and is less likely to kill me! Also, the seat height is greater on the 6 which is useful when you're over 6'.
I have considered changing it for a R1 a few times, just to see what all the fuss is about. When I bought the 6 I spoke to the salesman about the 1 and he suggested that the 6 was the way to go for useability on the road and is less likely to kill me! Also, the seat height is greater on the 6 which is useful when you're over 6'.
Had my 12R for 15+ years now.
I'll hopefully never need to sell it - I know the bike inside out, back to front.
Doesn't need any electronics to go fast or "keep" me alive and is still faster than most of the things made today.
Any time my mates get the latest and greatest and rave about it... I simply ask them to turn everything off like my analogue bike and see how it goes then.
I have a 30 year old pan, owed for 12 years now and put 80k miles on it, bought drunk one night on Ebay and used it to travel around Europe for 6 months... and it's been back 3 more times... holds a lot of memories for me, use it for 2 up with the Mrs too.
My boxeye fazer "council" bike another long term bike at 10 years... I use that for the daily grind.. I actually did think about changing it for something more modern... but what?? It's a great bike, fun to ride, cheap to run... nothing can come close..
My RC51.. again.. another drunken purchase after an awesome trip across the US... saw it going cheap, went to a bar... things got a bit blurry after that to be fair...... that was 8 years ago now.
The only bike I will look to change is my H2 SX... just not gelling with it, and to be honest.. I think it's haunted... had it a couple of years now, and used it for trips in Europe in the summer... and without fail, 100% of the time... I get rained on when on the bike..
My recent trip down to Italy and back, it rained all day, everyday non stop.
Just kind of fed up with it..
I'll hopefully never need to sell it - I know the bike inside out, back to front.
Doesn't need any electronics to go fast or "keep" me alive and is still faster than most of the things made today.
Any time my mates get the latest and greatest and rave about it... I simply ask them to turn everything off like my analogue bike and see how it goes then.
I have a 30 year old pan, owed for 12 years now and put 80k miles on it, bought drunk one night on Ebay and used it to travel around Europe for 6 months... and it's been back 3 more times... holds a lot of memories for me, use it for 2 up with the Mrs too.
My boxeye fazer "council" bike another long term bike at 10 years... I use that for the daily grind.. I actually did think about changing it for something more modern... but what?? It's a great bike, fun to ride, cheap to run... nothing can come close..
My RC51.. again.. another drunken purchase after an awesome trip across the US... saw it going cheap, went to a bar... things got a bit blurry after that to be fair...... that was 8 years ago now.
The only bike I will look to change is my H2 SX... just not gelling with it, and to be honest.. I think it's haunted... had it a couple of years now, and used it for trips in Europe in the summer... and without fail, 100% of the time... I get rained on when on the bike..
My recent trip down to Italy and back, it rained all day, everyday non stop.
Just kind of fed up with it..
Edited by the cueball on Wednesday 22 February 11:06
I’ve had 40 cars in my 32 years of driving, and 4 bikes in my 36 years of riding.
Partly cos I tend to modify them and lots of people dismiss mods as “anodised tat” regardless whether it’s Chinese crap or decent well engineered parts, thoughtfully chosen.
See also the rate at which many people change their bikes (and trade them in standard spec) and the secondhand market is propped up by really quite standard stuff.
Added to that, I’m 6’3” and don’t find many bikes large enough so once I’ve found one I like, and it suits me, i keep hold of it. Then the modding starts and there’s always another upgrade to make or job to do.
Lastly I’m a better driver than I am a rider so I get bored with the performance of anything but highly modified cars a lot quicker than I do with bikes. A mid weight bike is plenty for me, but you can never have too much power or agility or braking capability in a car IMO.
Partly cos I tend to modify them and lots of people dismiss mods as “anodised tat” regardless whether it’s Chinese crap or decent well engineered parts, thoughtfully chosen.
See also the rate at which many people change their bikes (and trade them in standard spec) and the secondhand market is propped up by really quite standard stuff.
Added to that, I’m 6’3” and don’t find many bikes large enough so once I’ve found one I like, and it suits me, i keep hold of it. Then the modding starts and there’s always another upgrade to make or job to do.
Lastly I’m a better driver than I am a rider so I get bored with the performance of anything but highly modified cars a lot quicker than I do with bikes. A mid weight bike is plenty for me, but you can never have too much power or agility or braking capability in a car IMO.
Tend to keep my bikes around 2-3 years. Current 2017 Speed Trip R (purchased Feb 2020). Just last week I was contemplating chopping in for a new MT10.
Went to the Yam dealer negotiated and good price for the bike and part ex for mine, test ride went well. Got back to the dealer and looked at my Speed next the MT10 and had serious second thoughts. The 10 is quicker no doubt, but looks (appreciate subjective), handling and quality of fit and finish just in my opinion nowhere close to the trumpet.
Said the sales guy, let me think about it overnight. Called in to say not going to proceed. The trumpet is a keeper for the time being.
Went to the Yam dealer negotiated and good price for the bike and part ex for mine, test ride went well. Got back to the dealer and looked at my Speed next the MT10 and had serious second thoughts. The 10 is quicker no doubt, but looks (appreciate subjective), handling and quality of fit and finish just in my opinion nowhere close to the trumpet.
Said the sales guy, let me think about it overnight. Called in to say not going to proceed. The trumpet is a keeper for the time being.
I bought my Hornet 900 new in 2003 so nearly 20 years! It does everything I need, pillion is good, it's economical, big enough to be comfy, handles well on East Sussex sub-standard roads, 110hp and a torquey engine is enough, etc. etc. You won't find a more reliable bike so that helps.
I guess I still have it as all rounders disappeared for quite a while unless you include adventure bikes (which in my opinion are normally hideous). Most naked bikes became super nakeds so lost pillion provision etc. or commuters so made too little power. I like naked bikes (actually naked ones, not faired naked ones like Tuonos etc.) so looks matter. I'm not into retro bikes as I have a classic bike, so why go for fake when real is sat there waiting?
So as my main bike it's probably set to stay for quite a while longer - it only did 1,000 miles or so for about 8 years so is still low mileage on 65k.
I have changed other bikes though, my 851 went and I now have a TLR, the Honda C100 went, I bought an AJS M18S.... So if you have storage room why get rid of something that works well for you? The extra bikes I've bought have cost less than the cost to change my main bike a couple of times, so I now have three non-depreciating bikes instead of one newer bike. Insurance on a classic policy is minimal and all of these bikes are now cheap to get cover on anyway. The only thing that might tempt me to get a newer main bike is ABS, which I think is a massive benefit on commuting duties...
I guess I still have it as all rounders disappeared for quite a while unless you include adventure bikes (which in my opinion are normally hideous). Most naked bikes became super nakeds so lost pillion provision etc. or commuters so made too little power. I like naked bikes (actually naked ones, not faired naked ones like Tuonos etc.) so looks matter. I'm not into retro bikes as I have a classic bike, so why go for fake when real is sat there waiting?
So as my main bike it's probably set to stay for quite a while longer - it only did 1,000 miles or so for about 8 years so is still low mileage on 65k.
I have changed other bikes though, my 851 went and I now have a TLR, the Honda C100 went, I bought an AJS M18S.... So if you have storage room why get rid of something that works well for you? The extra bikes I've bought have cost less than the cost to change my main bike a couple of times, so I now have three non-depreciating bikes instead of one newer bike. Insurance on a classic policy is minimal and all of these bikes are now cheap to get cover on anyway. The only thing that might tempt me to get a newer main bike is ABS, which I think is a massive benefit on commuting duties...
I've had somewhere around a hundred and twenty vehicles so far... roughly fifty, fifty for two and four wheels... with a few others thrown in for good measure.
My Harley FXR I've had for over twenty years, my GSX400F I had for less than a week. I tend to buy stuff that I think I'll enjoy, if I do, I keep it. If I don't, I sell it and try something different. If you buy at the right price, you need never lose money on chopping and changing, so there's no real financial risk in trying out all sorts of stuff.
That said, my FXR is still languishing a little unloved due to circumstances... but it will be back on the road this year, fingers crossed I can still ride it.
My Harley FXR I've had for over twenty years, my GSX400F I had for less than a week. I tend to buy stuff that I think I'll enjoy, if I do, I keep it. If I don't, I sell it and try something different. If you buy at the right price, you need never lose money on chopping and changing, so there's no real financial risk in trying out all sorts of stuff.
That said, my FXR is still languishing a little unloved due to circumstances... but it will be back on the road this year, fingers crossed I can still ride it.
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