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Just wanted to share;

I resumed riding as a'hobby'. Any time was good to ride......as long as it was daytime, sunny, not too much wind, no traffic. So........weekends basically - and only in summer.

I never expected the bug to bite so hard. I also found that it was difficult to improve without practice and perhaps being a bit better prepared for times that fell outside my 'good riding times' would help me be a rider for longer.

Reluctantly, 'wet', 'dark' and 'windy' were added and even 'busy' got the occasional nod. It wasn't the same as the hobby riding in the beginning but I felt that I was doing myself a big favour and as soon as I got comfortable I could go back to the 'good riding times'.

This was all on the little bike. About this time I got the Hayabusa and honestly, all the extra riding experience was for that. I was well past comfortable on the CBR250, and maybe even getting good. I was consistent if nothing else which made me happiest. The change was going to be a big one, I knew that, but was still not prepared for how big.

I'm never going to be a great rider. I'm never going to be a fast rider. My eyesight is damaged and I have poor depth perception. I ride to my ability and cannot afford to let ego and pride make any decisions on a motorcycle. I don't care what you ride, I won't race you. There are a growing number of wanna-be's that talk about the time they beat a 'busa :) If it makes them happy, so what?

If there is anything I want, it is to ride smoothly. I want to know my bike as well as I can. When I get it right, I know because the bike tells me. Same when I don't.

I've now sold my car, my jetski and my van. They 'busa is the only transport I have. I did this because I wanted to experience the whole rider experience and I did it because I could - in my heart and my head.

I've learned that on a motorcycle it's about the journey and not the destination. I live more when I'm on the bike than doing anything else. It forces you to be honest with yourself. I even look for longer ways that give me more chance to 'ride'.

I've also learned that people who ride in bad weather don't do it because they are stupid or can't afford a car and they would rather be warm and dry if they could. They do it because they would rather share that time and experience with their bike.

I have a lot of catching up to do. I doubt I will ever be able to say I've ridden for most of my life, I've probably left that a little late. I will be able to say that it IS my life.

your story reminds me of myself getting back into riding... not so much as a "hobby" but more the fact that I left a marriage where I was "froced" not to ride. Before others start chanting "hen pecked" or " whipped" you do what you do for your kids! But after a flse start in my new life I was free to do what I wanted. In fact I can remember sitting in my lounge 4 weeks before my birthday when I had my epiphany about riding.
Suddenly I realised that there was no more reason why I couldn;t be riding, so what bike do I want? Well, my last impressionable riding experience was from about 10 years earlier when a mate allowed me to ride his 99 busa. Being 10 years younger and a whole heap dumber I took it from Launceston to Devonport for a quick blast. The thing that stuck in my head was looking at speedo at some stage and being WOWed by it saying I was doing 260kph, the damn bike felt like it was only doing 100-120....
So, there in my lounge room I decided to buy my first busa... 2 days later I paid for 1 up in Sydney and had it shipped down. By my birthday I had my very own Hayabusa sitting in my sun room LOL
It was also then I found this club and become a member. But... I was also in a period where my licence was being kindly held by the local constabulary rather than being in my wallet LOL. Being older and haing a bucket load of close calls on a lot smaller, less powerful bike the big blue/silver girl did intimidate me somewhat, but damn I LOVED the feeling of riding her.
I stuck with my "old man" attitude of only riding when its dry and warm, but thats slowly changing lol.. infact with my new busa I am looking at good wet weathers, thermals, grip warmers and anything else that keeps me in the saddle longer. My bones might hate me but the muscles on my face can't help but smile.
So I guess I am saying Homer... you are definitely NOT riding a solo boat here mate LOL

I belive that there would be many of us with stories that sounded the same.
I too long time off bikes, Now the new wife loves them nearly as much, we have the Busa, The Harley, Picking my GPZ750turbo up at end of month(Sanddrag bike), So now it seems to be obsesion rather than hobbie!

I once sold my bike without another in the garage, thinking I was over it. Then the D.Ts kicked in, I stared and wished for every bike I saw. It was the longest week of my life.

My stories slightly different. Since getting my license in 2000 I've always had motorbikes. However for some reason I've swapped and changed bikes frequently. I've tried many bikes but always come back to a Hayabusa. As I get older I'm now realizing that I should have stayed on busa's but hey, you live and learn.
This black 2013 model is my 5th Busa and yet again I'm very happy. I too only ride to my ability. As my signature says "only as fast as my angel can fly."
I enjoy riding to much to do something stupid, a rush of blood or provado.
I've been fortunate enough to have a bike and a car. Very fortunate to have a wife that understands that motorcycling is a major part of my life and Busa is in my blood. You don't have to be a newbie to appreciate riding. Knowing your limits and sticking to that shows you're mentally not a newbie. Well done, enjoy and ride safe.
I ride every single day, rain hail or shine. I never get tired of it(maybe a sore bum once in a while:) )

Woody

I started to ride late in life it started from riding a trail bike to & from work with no licence & thought how good is this so brought my first roadie just a750 gsxf
but after watching mach 2 right then I new I wanted a gold busa so I brought one & I have loved riding ever since can,t get enough

wayne

Haven't had a break of more than a couple of weeks in 35 years.

I arrived in Australia in 2004.
No home, no car, no furniture, no job, no tax file / Medicare / AU licence.

1st thing I bought was a brand new 04 Busa, Yoshi cans, black double bubble,
polished rims etc.

You have to have priorities.

35 years apart.......


A boy has to have toys.

I've had my bike licence since 1973...lots of bikes later I still love riding and probably will even when I cannot get my leg over....either way!

1967 !
F*****!
Where's my life gone !
But I'm still getting the leg over, and also riding a bike as well!

(08-06-2014, 03:48pm)Tony Nitrous Wrote: [ -> ]35 years apart.......


A boy has to have toys.

I recall taking the rotary files to a mate's FS1E - top speed went up by 15 or so MPH, but the fuel economy went for a shit. Mind you, it was only a quid to fill the tank in those days.

I can also remember when a quid bought four gallons and a pint was 1 shilling and sixpence. A knee trembler in a dark alley didn't cost that much more either!

One week end in 1972 a mate said can I have a go of your slug gun ?
I look at him and said if you give me a go on your bike ( GT 80 Yamaha ).
Haven't stopped twisting the grip since then.
Well last year like Wardy it was the longest week in history!

(06-06-2014, 11:43pm)Homer Wrote: [ -> ]Just wanted to share;

I resumed riding as a'hobby'. Any time was good to ride......as long as it was daytime, sunny, not too much wind, no traffic. So........weekends basically - and only in summer.

I never expected the bug to bite so hard. I also found that it was difficult to improve without practice and perhaps being a bit better prepared for times that fell outside my 'good riding times' would help me be a rider for longer.

Reluctantly, 'wet', 'dark' and 'windy' were added and even 'busy' got the occasional nod. It wasn't the same as the hobby riding in the beginning but I felt that I was doing myself a big favour and as soon as I got comfortable I could go back to the 'good riding times'.

This was all on the little bike. About this time I got the Hayabusa and honestly, all the extra riding experience was for that. I was well past comfortable on the CBR250, and maybe even getting good. I was consistent if nothing else which made me happiest. The change was going to be a big one, I knew that, but was still not prepared for how big.

I'm never going to be a great rider. I'm never going to be a fast rider. My eyesight is damaged and I have poor depth perception. I ride to my ability and cannot afford to let ego and pride make any decisions on a motorcycle. I don't care what you ride, I won't race you. There are a growing number of wanna-be's that talk about the time they beat a 'busa :) If it makes them happy, so what?

If there is anything I want, it is to ride smoothly. I want to know my bike as well as I can. When I get it right, I know because the bike tells me. Same when I don't.

I've now sold my car, my jetski and my van. They 'busa is the only transport I have. I did this because I wanted to experience the whole rider experience and I did it because I could - in my heart and my head.

I've learned that on a motorcycle it's about the journey and not the destination. I live more when I'm on the bike than doing anything else. It forces you to be honest with yourself. I even look for longer ways that give me more chance to 'ride'.

I've also learned that people who ride in bad weather don't do it because they are stupid or can't afford a car and they would rather be warm and dry if they could. They do it because they would rather share that time and experience with their bike.

I have a lot of catching up to do. I doubt I will ever be able to say I've ridden for most of my life, I've probably left that a little late. I will be able to say that it IS my life.

I really liked your post Homer, there's a doco out called Why We Ride http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juZ_kUFaDSA (link to the YouTube trailer) which sums up a lot of what you said if your interested. I went through the same experience when I first started riding, I didn't have a car (cage) and never thought I would so fully relate to your feelings. I was also very lucky to have started riding at time and place (early 80's & rural QLD) where you could really push the limits with out worrying about loosing your licence or getting your bike confiscated. Riding was a way life, for years I never owned more than I could carry and out side of work pretty much lived in my leather jacket and boots, ahhh the good old days

(03-08-2014, 08:45pm)Banter Wrote: [ -> ]Homer, there's a doco out called Why We Ride

Mate, this is a great film. I purchased it on iTunes a while back and have watched it more than once.

Thanks for the suggestion anyway. Have you seen "Dream Racer"? I have been thinking of getting a copy of this as well. Here is a link to the trailer.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_2Aafj-oqI

(03-08-2014, 09:06pm)Homer Wrote: [ -> ]

(03-08-2014, 08:45pm)Banter Wrote: [ -> ]Homer, there's a doco out called Why We Ride

Mate, this is a great film. I purchased it on iTunes a while back and have watched it more than once.

Thanks for the suggestion anyway. Have you seen "Dream Racer"? I have been thinking of getting a copy of this as well. Here is a link to the trailer.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_2Aafj-oqI

Cheers Homer I'll check this out, the Dakar is insane, it up there with the Isle of Man. Another classic for me is the Worlds fastest Indian especially the part where Burt says you live more in those seconds riding as fast as you can than you do in a life time, so true.