Not sure where to post it, trying to talk myself into or out of it!

**skyryder** · 01-24-2021, 07:45 AM

I am hoping that between the act of writing this and some well reasoned comments, I will find the clarity I seek.
I have a 2001 1500 Classic that I have owned for about 4 years now. Between work and being out of the country a good bit, it has spent more time the garage than I ever intended. I did add a few farkels to it and am generally happy with the bike. It's not new, but it is mine and looks pretty good for a 20 yr old bike. I put LED lights on, new saddle bags and a few other goodies. It has about 40K miles, and a slight valve knock that my mechanic tells me the only real way to fix is to replace or rebuild the motor. The past 6 months to a year it has started to really show the age a bit with repairs (it has a carb not injected) and my stupidity last winter was an expensive lesson in how NOT to winterize a bike. The biggest complaint I have is the damn seat is very uncomfortable and I need to get a different one.
I tell you all of that to tell you this. This winter as I was sitting in quarantine hotel in Hong Kong for 2 weeks, I got it into my head that instead of spending money on the seat, probable major engine work, etc. I should just get a newer bike. I looked at a newer model of mine, but really like the Yamaha FJR 1300. Good for me that I wasn't at home, because I am sure I would have dropped $8-10,000 on a different bike. Over the past month or so, I am starting to think maybe it is better to stash that money away and just keep what I have got. I really want to do some extended trips this year and have 8 weeks until I will be retired, and Mrs. Sky has decided she likes riding with me. We went on a trip along the Skyline Dr. last fall and all she could say was how much fun it would be on the bike. I'be been looking for a folding trailer to pull it with us, but so far haven't had any luck. If i decide to hang onto the Classic, which is the way I am leaning now, my next project is the seat, probably either a Russel or Corbin. If the Daytona show happens this year, maybe I can talk to the reps there. I suspect this is as crazy as it sounds, but I suspect there are more than a few of us that have faced similar decisions, I am curious what you decided and how it worked out. One thing for sure, there are no guarantees either way. I appreciate any comments you have, even those that point our how big an idiot I am for wasting your time posting this missive.
Best,
Sky

01-24-2021, 07:45 AM	#1
skyryder Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 28	Not sure where to post it, trying to talk myself into or out of it! I am hoping that between the act of writing this and some well reasoned comments, I will find the clarity I seek. I have a 2001 1500 Classic that I have owned for about 4 years now. Between work and being out of the country a good bit, it has spent more time the garage than I ever intended. I did add a few farkels to it and am generally happy with the bike. It's not new, but it is mine and looks pretty good for a 20 yr old bike. I put LED lights on, new saddle bags and a few other goodies. It has about 40K miles, and a slight valve knock that my mechanic tells me the only real way to fix is to replace or rebuild the motor. The past 6 months to a year it has started to really show the age a bit with repairs (it has a carb not injected) and my stupidity last winter was an expensive lesson in how NOT to winterize a bike. The biggest complaint I have is the damn seat is very uncomfortable and I need to get a different one. I tell you all of that to tell you this. This winter as I was sitting in quarantine hotel in Hong Kong for 2 weeks, I got it into my head that instead of spending money on the seat, probable major engine work, etc. I should just get a newer bike. I looked at a newer model of mine, but really like the Yamaha FJR 1300. Good for me that I wasn't at home, because I am sure I would have dropped $8-10,000 on a different bike. Over the past month or so, I am starting to think maybe it is better to stash that money away and just keep what I have got. I really want to do some extended trips this year and have 8 weeks until I will be retired, and Mrs. Sky has decided she likes riding with me. We went on a trip along the Skyline Dr. last fall and all she could say was how much fun it would be on the bike. I'be been looking for a folding trailer to pull it with us, but so far haven't had any luck. If i decide to hang onto the Classic, which is the way I am leaning now, my next project is the seat, probably either a Russel or Corbin. If the Daytona show happens this year, maybe I can talk to the reps there. I suspect this is as crazy as it sounds, but I suspect there are more than a few of us that have faced similar decisions, I am curious what you decided and how it worked out. One thing for sure, there are no guarantees either way. I appreciate any comments you have, even those that point our how big an idiot I am for wasting your time posting this missive. Best, Sky __________________ 2001 Vulcan 1500 Classic, my first bagger. I should call myself "The Sponge", just trying to learn what I can.!