I had my daughter late in life so got all the dangerous jobs/hobbies out of the way before she arrived. I now enjoy a gentle(ish) bimble on the bikes rather than going mental. I still have the front of a ZZR1400 front mudguard on my workshop shelf to remind me how fast they are, and how cars can stop quicker than you! Adrenaline is addictive, but there comes a point where it takes a massive risk to get you going, that's the time to stop. I realised that even after risky jobs and jumping out of serviceable aircraft seemed normal, I had to re-evaluate my life. You might only be here once, but make the most of it and move on, in one piece!
Hey Paul don't go getting all emotional on us, Don't doubt yourself either, if you've been riding long than you've got the ability to continue. I ride most days if I can, scare myself most day's by either letting my mind go to sleep or trying to squeeze through gaps when I'm awake! I always look forward to riding it breaks up a boring day. It's interactive and puts a grin on yer face....Why do we ride?..because adrenalin junkies never stop seeking new high's! Keep riding Paul, hang on to the Kwacker, get some winter riding in. You don't have to 'red' line the beast every time you go out, just every other time!! Have fun! Look me up if your in Cornwall, loads of positive thinking going on down ere. Vj, 53yrs, 848/Multi.
I go through fits and starts; one day I decide it's time to grow up and buy something sensible to plod round the lanes on, the next I'm hankering after mega power and someone to race. Sell up if you want to Paul, a change is as good as a rest. Then if you find yourself missing the ZZR, go buy another one. I reckon I've got an ace bike fleet at the moment, with the Guzzi providing the plodding fun and the blackbird waiting to scare the shit out of myself on.
A wise man once told me, with regard to another activity but the principle applies here, that if you don't have the occasional epic then you aren't trying hard enough, but if you have an epic every time you go out then you are doing something wrong.
no ive never taken a bike to the continent...ive driven all over europe, including the eastern bloc countries when the iron curtain was still down. Going over there next year is on my list, so youre more than welcome to join me. let me know if youre interested. it would be in late July/August next summer.
I think my mates are arranging a week of hooning round Germany in around May time next year. Anyone welcome.
went out on the zzr this morning a planned route on some great country roads in Kent, botley, westerham .sevenoaks, edenbridge etc i was awake and alert . the bike is just so bloody fast and i want to open it right up but this bike is too fast for those roads its frustrating .you can feel it under you wanting to let loose ,,,,,,, i had no issues today road fast and safe and enjoyed it to a degree . i got home looked at it and have decided to still let it go .i just feel that on the mutly i'm in control not the other way round if you know what i mean .i had a R1 and a 06 blade before less power than the zzr but far better handling and i felt in control ,sportsbikes i will retire from, a bonnie or a 1000 gt along with the mutly i think
I agree a good quick middleweight perhaps is the way to go, you should pop into a Yamaha dealer and have a go on the MT-09. http://ducatiforum.co.uk/f33/new-yamaha-mt-09-a-15159/
Nope... Ever faster. Here today in next week tomorrow! The difference being that I'm a lot more selective with when and where now, than I was in my early twenties.
i think a lot of riders are probably like this when they start going through the menopause...thing with a ZZR is its like riding a bath tub...the litre sports bikes out there makes similar power but go round corners..would you consider another sportsbike, perhaps a 750? Another option is to go for an older machine, but a classic..something that feels fast, agile but isnt as mental as a ZZR..MV 750F4?? Just playing devils advocate... Is the ZZR as fast at the latest litre sports bikes?
A riding instructor I know has just taken an MT-09 for a test ride, and he's raving about it. An LC for grown-ups, I reckon
51 is not old at all!!!! I think it's more an off day and a what happens to my family if anything happens to me. I used to tear about like a looney and came off a few times and didn't care what happened to me ... If I got wiped out I got wiped out was my attitude. The last off I had I was pregnant. I did not have a car license because I never wanted a car so had to bike to work. I figured I would until my belly prevented me. As I slid down the road it hit me what I had done and what would I do now if I miscarried as I'd be hated and I'd hate myself. More things happened and I was guilt racked. I still am ... Even though I have been told that was not the cause. It was when I left with the kids I got back on a bike but I've never felt the same as when I wasn't a parent. Mainly because I got asked by my son what happens if you get killed.. How bad did I feel!! I explained to him I could get hit by a bus Anything.. I'm now over careful I know .. I've been slagged off left right and centre behind my back not because I'm dangerous but I don't bomb about at 100MPH Funny enough the people who have said she should ride faster have no kids!!!! Nor one who has ASD and needs different care .. Although if you meet him he just comes across as shy. They know f all about my background and the fact it's me who keeps a roof over our heads. I started going my IAMs and got assessed he said I was safe and sensible a rider and aware.. But needed to be more confident in myself. As a complete person I'm very unsure of myself all round and shy. So it's not age at all !! It's worry and what if ??? It's called being a parent . Some people it's not an issue and I'm not knocking that! Some of us our a bit more sensitive . I had to stop my IAMs when I got ill. But I'm on the mend now and I think things will get moving and better by next year . Il start again then I recommend it .. I know some people knock them .. But if it gives you some confidence back go for it!! And it gives you the skills to pre empt a lot better ! I hesitate too much now .. Never used too was quite aggressive before kids .. I do worry what if ..... I explained to my boys who are not so small now days .. Ones 14 like your daughter ! That if anything happens to me on my bike you have to think mum went doing something she really loved ! As to people who think I should ride at 100MPH everywhere and do track days .. Stick it where the sun don't shine The other thing is if I bin my bike the insurance will not cover another bike the mods and the lowering cost lol!! Take it easy for a while and book to do IAMS skills for like its about £143 until you pass !!
