Time to get that dream bike?

[mm1ut1]

I have been thinking that my riding days are drawing to a close in a few years and I’m trying to decide if it’s time to finally get that dream bike I always wanted but couldn’t find or afford. First thing I gotta figure is what my dream bike would be. Something I owned in the past (My red 77 650), or something I was curious about (Think Buell), or something exotic like a perfectly restored Triumph Tiger. I’m leaning towards that Red 77 650, the nostalgia bike of my youth, but every time I go through fb marketplace something shiny catches my eye. Then there’s always the new models coming out with something configured just the way I want. Sigh…… Maybe I should just concentrate on living better and longer……

 

[Mikey]

Do Both

 

[Raymond]

Mrs often tells me you can't take it with you.

 

[ssjody]

Something I owned in the past

I've been in the same mindset as you for a couple of years where it's just reality that "I ain't what I used to be" and what's the Grand Finale look like. My favorite bike was my Ruby Red 1981 XS650 Special II that I bought new back in '81. I found an '81 Special (not Special II) and though I truly love the bike it just wasn't my dream bike. It's Silver and it's the Special (not Special II) with alloy wheels, etc... I then sold my Road Glide because it just wasn't equipped the way I wanted and I was convinced I'd not be doing any long distance riding due to my wife's health. I bought a Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 twin which is an awesome bike with all the modern upgrades, fuel injection, abs, LED lighting etc.. but it still wasn't what made me all warm and fuzzy on the inside.

Then I found my dream bike. '81 Ruby Red Special II in really good condition. I can honestly say it did fill that need I was looking for. It brings back so many good memories from days past and I've had an absolute ball bringing it back to life. My vote would be go for that one that made you happiest years ago. I'll be transparent and also mention that I did let the Royal Enfield go and I did buy an Ultra Limited touring bike and I do feel now like my stable is equipped just like I want it. It'll come to ya. You just might have to do some experimenting to find the perfect choices. Good Luck and I look forward to seeing what you pick!

 

[gggGary]

I might be able to pry resto out of the hands of it's current owner.....

 

[Melnic]

Mrs often tells me you can't take it with you.

"not getting younger" thought has allowed me to make many good decisions.

I have been pounding "asset transference" into my wife's head.
Spending $ on something you enjoy but does not instantly become worth near $0 is much better than spending money on something that is then gone.
She likes expensive vacations and although that builds memories with us and the kids, the wealth is then gone.
Example, I tell her that if I buy a motorcycle and then 5 years later its still worth 80% of what I paid, then I only consumed 20% of the expenditure. Depending on the bike it may maintain value or go up. I purchased a bike last year and then sold it later that year. Insurance, title fees, and difference in sell vs buy price I was out $400. I got way more than $400 of use out of it though.
I pushed her years ago to buy with her discretionary income jewelry with gold and diamonds vs buying shoes boots (Of course she does both).

If you find a fully restored bike and feel its worth what they are offering and you can later (while keeping well maintained) sell it for 80% of what you paid, then you are not really spending all the $ are you

Keep looking and then go with your gut! Your not just evaluating the bike, your evaluating the person selling to you too.