MadKaw dilema

[sixty8charger]

I've been thinking of selling my 2003 Kawasaki Mean Streak in order to provide more funds for the Charger.

I have always loved riding the bike on back country roads (AWAY from highways and idiotic drivers)  The last few times I have taken her to work, I always get some sort of close call from some asshole not paying attention.  i don't ride it like an A-hole either.

I've been riding her long and hard since about 05, she has 30k miles on it now..

But I am losing the desire to ride, mostly because of other people...

My Wife says, she thinks I will be regreting the decision down the road... but I have more appreciation towards the Charger...

Decisions, decisions..  I don't owe anything on it, and it runs perfect.. just needs a new set of tires.

attached is a most recent pic.. trip to the Outer Banks, NC.

[Dans 68]

I think your wife is a wise woman (and no, you don't have to tell her that  ). You will miss it. Keep it for those reflective rides on the quiet country back roads.

Dan

[Daytona R/T SE]

I'm in a similar predicament. Back in the '80's I rode my old Yamaha Virago all over the place. I got away from the bikes for about 15 years and finally in 2003 I bought my dream motorcycle. A brand new HD Fatboy. I was shocked at the idiotic drivers on cell phones that seem like they are intentionally trying to kill you. I rode the bike 2 or 3 times last year, and only once so far this year... I'm sure I'll regret selling it if I ever do, but I just don't have any desire to ride anymore.... So the Harley just sits....

[charge69]

I rode motorcycles for about 30 years with the first one being a brand new 1968 Triumph Bonneville when I got home on leave after my tours in Vietnam. The second day back I looked at them and bought it on the spot! Several bikes later, (Kawasaki, Harley, Another kaw, and a BMW) things got bad enough that I was in the same predicament as you are now. The big city caught up with me and traffic got worse and worse and that was really before people were distracted as they are now with cell phones and texting while driving. I had many close calls with people looking, what I thought was, straight at me but pulling out anyway. I finally realized after almost getting killed a few times that they just don't see motocycles! Peoples' brains are looking for cars and you just do not register! If you have not been down yet, you will, eventually, rest assured!

Life finally got too busy and the worse thing, maintenance-wise, is to just let a bike sit. The seals all dry out and a motorcycle will begin to leak no matter what if you do not regularly ride it. I chose to go ahead and get rid of it and I have never looked back. I just am not committed enough to ride a scooter anymore. Sure, I will occasionally get the "wants", especially after looking at someones' nice ride but, I just take 2 aspirin, lay down and get over it. Both myself and my wife still have our motorcycle licenses, just in case, but it has not happened and probably never will now.

Do whatever you think is right but, if you keep it,  please ride it now and again. You have a great looking bike and it would be a shame to see it go but, so was my last one and I just bit the bullet and sold it. Yeah I still miss it from time to time.

[sixty8charger]

I appreciate your story!  It is very true, for whatever reason, people continue to fail to pay attention to bikers.  I love charity rides and peacfull rides throughout the country side...

I would definatly be afraid to let it sit and have the seals rot away... It has been very reliable!...
.
Maybe I will keep, and just continue to save for the Charger.

[charge69]

Saw your reply and thought I might just add that the money you get for your scooter, in today's economy around here anyway, would not go very far in restoring the Charger. Myself, if I could find the time to ride regularly, I would just keep it and save for my restoration.

Good times ahead,   Carl