Do You Remember When You "Outgrew" Your Bike?

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knowledge

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There's a tl;dr at the bottom but you probably can't answer the question unless you read the wall of text (sorry for that, btw). But it's as short as I could possibly make it while still giving enough context
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Hey guys,

I've been thinking about this for the past couple of weeks and I still can't come to a conclusion (which is also probably because there are a lot of factors/things going on at the same time). I'm trying to figure out if I've outgrown my bike, or if I've just lost my love for riding.

I spent my first season riding really aggressively. It was fun, but I only really did it to see if I could get close to the edge of my tires (because everyone's always talking about outriding a 250). Realistically, I came pretty close to mastering my 250 by the end of the first season (and anyone who rode with me can probably attest to it). I probably could've upgraded after my first season, but I didn't really care to.

My biggest reason for not upgrading was because I didn't feel the need to. The 250 was fast enough for a motorcycle. I also wasn't sure if I would have the self-control to not go nuts on a real ss. I didn't want to be putting myself in situations where I'd have to run, so I avoided upgrading altogether.

My second season was more about riding and cruising. I went for rides everywhere just to take in the scenery, find new places, etc. I went everywhere to explore just because I wanted to and it was pretty relaxing.

Now I'm in my third season and sometimes I find that I'm not getting the same enjoyment out of it as I used to. If I'm not cruising, I'm riding extremely aggressively. So is it the bike, or is it me? Am I bored because my bike's gotten so predictable? Or is it me? Is this what happens when the novelty of riding's worn off? Or was it just a phase for me?

I make it a point to re-evaluate every couple of months whether I'd regret being severely injured from riding. It's always been justified because of the joy that I got out of it. But now I'm starting to wonder if it's still just as justified.

Because my bike's so predictable, I find myself only really enjoying the ride when I'm going WOT everywhere and it's put me in situations that I told myself I never wanted to be in. It didn't used to matter that I had to carry and lug around all this extra crap just to take the motorcycle, but now I find myself thinking it's an inconvenience to ride sometimes and taking the car.

I can't see myself giving it up...but it's nowhere close to as great as it used to be. So I'm asking because there are veterans, people who no longer ride, people that ride track-only, and people who (obviously) still ride: do you remember when you outgrew your bike or re-considered whether or not you should still be riding?

Of slight relevance is that I remember reading years ago that statistically speaking, you're most likely to crash in your third season of riding. And if I keep it up at this rate, I'm headed for a self-fulfilling prophecy lol.

TL;DR, is it time to quit?
 
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maybe try a track day or find some new places to ride, that are engaging. (thinking parry sound or northern ontario)
 
Maybe it would work to change the bike up for something different.
I've had the same street bike for 4 years now, and decided I want to change it up so I'm just doing a face lift on the bike. No way can I legally out ride my fz6 on the street.
Street riding is getting a bit stale for me as well, so I hope this will make me want to ride more. I'm planning some kind of trip this summer. And, it seems like I migh have a new riding partner this summer, so hopefully it's a good year.
 
I'm still loving my bike, the only issue is the traffic in Toronto. It makes me want to take my car instead of the bike.

Instead of quitting or thinking too much, try going on a demo day and see if that feeling comes back.
 
The three year itch; I remember it well.

You've gotten used to riding and your bike. Changing bikes might re-invigorate your desire to ride. It doesn't have to be a supersport, but it needs to be something different from what you're currently riding. I've known many riders who would change bikes every two or three years, to avoid becoming tired of riding.

Though I can understand why someone would just plain grow tired of riding in and around this city. It sure isn't anything like it used to be when I started riding, back in the mid '80s. I feel sorry for those who have just started riding now, in this political climate.
 
Maybe its not about mastering the bike, Maybe try shifting your thinking to finding new roads to master or going on trips.

Not sure if that helps but I hope it keeps you on 2!
 
Holmes said:
Maybe its not about mastering the bike, Maybe try shifting your thinking to finding new roads to master or going on trips.

Not sure if that helps but I hope it keeps you on 2!
Click to expand...

I agree


It's all about the trips for me.
 
It's probably a desire for mastery that's driving you, and if you're not getting that buzz anymore because there's not enough opportunity to push your skills in a safe/legal way. Stay on 2 wheels, but do something different, and learn a new set of skills.

I'm completely biased, but I think learning how to ride off-road is an awesome challenge, and a worthwhile set of skills to pursue. Most people say it helps with your street riding, but I'd still be doing it even if it didn't help at all. It's incredibly fun. Dirt stuff can lead to other exciting things as well, like Endruo and Trials riding. Lots of people here love track riding; so much so, they give up street riding. That's a good indicator that there's something very satisfying in it.
Stunting seems to be another deep skill set that takes years to develop, and also supplements your street riding skills.

There's probably a bunch more that other people will recommend, but those are the ones I'd look into first.
 
Going on my 33rd year on bikes (started dirt when I was 10).

When it's a nice warm day out (I am cold blooded like a lizard) and I am riding (NOT CITY RIDING) I get a sense of EXTREME euphoria, like my heart is going to expand out of my chest.

It's a total Zenlike feeling. ALL stress is washed away and I would rather be doing this than anything on this planet at that moment.

It's like this for me at least 90% of the time.

It's possible that you just need a new pursuit. I know I wouldn't get this feeling from just riding. I want/need a bike with torque that will compress space and time when I roll the throttle. You could try that before you give it up.
 
I'm very new to this sport so don't have the knowledge/experience...but to me when I'm simply commuting to work...meh...it's fun but it's just not as enjoyable as those first few months were...and sometimes I'd rather be in a car simply for the comfort and safety of city driving (mind you my commute consists of going up Islington or Kipling from Lakeshore - 401 only!)

However...when I do get a chance to go out of the city, and ride for the sake of riding or taking some different roads (ie: not 401) to a destination THEN it's a completely different and much more enjoyable feeling.

Hopefully you find the enjoyment in it again with the good knowledge and suggestions from more experienced posters above!
 
mimico_polak said:
I'm very new to this sport so don't have the knowledge/experience...but to me when I'm simply commuting to work...meh...it's fun but it's just not as enjoyable as those first few months were...and sometimes I'd rather be in a car simply for the comfort and safety of city driving (mind you my commute consists of going up Islington or Kipling from Lakeshore - 401 only!)

However...when I do get a chance to go out of the city, and ride for the sake of riding or taking some different roads (ie: not 401) to a destination THEN it's a completely different and much more enjoyable feeling.

Hopefully you find the enjoyment in it again with the good knowledge and suggestions from more experienced posters above!
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You used to be able to have a little fun during the commute, but not anymore. That's why I feel sorry for the riders who are just coming up. As little as 15 years ago I could strafe a couple of ramps on my way in, at around 7:00am. Now I can't manage to do it at 5:30am, on the same roads.
 
I totally get where you're coming from, and I get the itch to try something new after riding one particular bike for a period of time. I'd say get to some demo days this summer and try something new to see what you think. Riding is ultimately supposed to be fun, and if you're feeling 'blah' about riding these days, I think it's time to change it up. I'm even thinking of changing up my ride later this season or maybe next season, because I can't stay faithful to just one bike.
 
I've been riding 10 years, the interest comes and goes. I've also bought and sold a lot of different bikes in that timeframe, so that had a lot to do with keeping it interesting.
 
knowledge said:
Of slight relevance is that I remember reading years ago that statistically speaking, you're most likely to crash in your third season of riding. And if I keep it up at this rate, I'm headed for a self-fulfilling prophecy lol.
Click to expand...

I fulfilled that prophecy as I crashed into my 3rd season. What's the next statistic?
 
short stop said:
I totally get where you're coming from, and I get the itch to try something new after riding one particular bike for a period of time. I'd say get to some demo days this summer and try something new to see what you think. Riding is ultimately supposed to be fun, and if you're feeling 'blah' about riding these days, I think it's time to change it up. I'm even thinking of changing up my ride later this season or maybe next season, because I can't stay faithful to just one bike.
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GP Bikes. Triumph. Sign up now.
 
Right now.. lol. It's my 2nd season and my 750 magna already feels tiny. I'm looking for something bigger.
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