Many thanks - the time has come............

kam34

kam34

Joined
May 29, 2010
Messages
17
Location
Calgary, AB. CANADA
Bike
ST 1300
The time has come (the Walrus said)........... Facing the fact that I will be 81 soon and my ST1300 which I have owned since new, still weighs >700 pounds without my packing on board, I decided it was time and passed blue on to Dr. Rod who managed to put over 200,000 kms on his '04 ST and was in need on a replacement.

Over the years I was the beneficiary of much excellent advice and counsel from the members of this forum and a library of good "how to" information as well. I can't thank you all enough.

Having been a m/c rider since 1948 (a "Whizzer" was my first), I can't withdraw cold turkey however, so I acquired a new (300 kms) 2009 Suzuki Burgman Exec. 650, which weighs 100 pounds less and is easy on my arthritic hands, etc. It's a gas to drive but not the equal of the 1300 for long distance touring. It is, however, quite capable and the Old Farts Motorcycle Club just completed a 5000 km+ ride from Calgary through Montana, Idaho, Oregon (Crater Lake), northern California and return via the coast and Cascades. The "Scoot" kept up with the big boys, handled the gravel / washboard crap well, and passed a lot of traffic along the way.

Thanks again to all. Ride safely and stay well.
 
Kam34...sounds like you had a pretty good ride. Best wishes on your next phase. You gotta keep it moving and thinking or it will rust.
 
Anybody who's older than 70 and still riding gets a big ol' :bow1: in my book.

--Mark
 
I look back at my dad who we lost last year at 97 years young ,who said you are always as young as you want to be . He always told me the more you do, the more you will be able to do. So keep on doing. Dad never sat still in his last year , even when is means of moving was a wheel chair. So keep on riding until they take the keys away. You are as young as you want to be. I hope I can ride at 81.
 
Good for you on riding for a great amount of time. enjoy your new ride.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
Speaking as someone who has two ST's, and three Burgmans, I believe you have made a wise choice, and hope you get many more years of service from your Burgie.

There is excellent support, and a wealth of knowledge for these bikes on Burgmanusa.com.

Keep on riding, and enjoy it as long as you possibly can.
 
My father just quit riding at 89. He was not happy about selling his Pacific Coast. He did not want to do the scooter thing. He rode motorcycles for 75 years.
 
Congrats on you staying with the riding, even if you had to go with the Burgman. I'm sure you'll come to enjoy it.
 
Congrats on the Burgman.....I hope to still be riding at your age.

You are the 'Energiser Bunny'!
 
Several friends who can no longer hold up two wheelers due to arthritis/whatever, have switched to three wheelers. One had his Gold Wing converted.
At 65, I am developing joint problems My left knee, if pressed hard enough on the inside, will unlock. Dropped my GL1000 at stop lights a time or two. One reason I sold them for the ST1100; I get no pressure on either knee...no protruding side covers.
Adapt, don't surrender until you have to.
 
Thanks for all your kind comments and good wishes. My motto has been "I always wanted to be a kid when I grow up", so I'll keep working on it until it's my turn for the next great adventure.

Take care all. :)
 
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