Mid Life Crises

[nking]

I've been very quiet on the forum during April as I decided to take my motorbike test to allow me to ride large bikes (DAS). Well it started with the CBT, then a motorcycle theory test followed by Modules 1 & 2 on a Suzuki 500cc bike. The whole thing has been quite nerve wrecking, it's been over 30 years since I was last on a bike and being tested/examined has resulted in some sleepless nights but..... I'm pleased to say I've passed them all!!

I’m getting a modern retro style Triumph Bonneville SE which I’ll be picking up on Saturday 7th May, so while we have had very little rain in Sussex during April (1.5mm) you can be sure it will be chucking it down from the 7th May onwards!!!!!!!!

For those of you that are bike riders I’m sure you can appreciate the “smile on my face” when you’re riding through twisting roads in the country.

[steve]

Well done, Neil! We're both a bit jealous. Like you, I had a bike many years ago, but never took my test and of course now regret that. It's all so much harder now. Good to see you're getting a proper bike, too!

[nking]

Well done, Neil! We're both a bit jealous. Like you, I had a bike many years ago, but never took my test and of course now regret that. It's all so much harder now. Good to see you're getting a proper bike, too!

Thanks Steve,

I’m glad you like my choice of bike; I too think it looks like a proper bike and it’s British.

Back in the 70’s my objective was to get a car as soon as I could afford it. Taking a bike test then seemed pointless but oh so much easier, drive around the block and do an emergency stop… simple!

If I had passed my bike test back in the 70’s I could have just gone out and bought a new bike but would have been ill prepared for its power, speed and the different skills needed to safely ride on today’s roads. So while I too have regretted not taking my test when I was young I think (hope) I’ll be a little safer on the road now.

I’m 57 now so hopefully you’ll have time in the future to redress the situation – when are you due your mid life crises?

[steve]

I’m 57 now so hopefully you’ll have time in the future to redress the situation – when are you due your mid life crises?

I'm 52, so not too far behind you. I think I had my mid-life crisis a while ago; I got a new wife and ran away with her to the Far North

[nking]

I'm 52, so not too far behind you. I think I had my mid-life crisis a while ago; I got a new wife and ran away with her to the Far North

I should have mentioned that I'm having my second mid life crises, rather than change the wife this time I thought it would be cheaper to get a motor bike

[Synewave]

Congratulations Neil, I'm not a bike fan, but what a great achievement. Well, I start a new job tomorrow morning after 2.5 years out of (proper) work (so I may be a bit quiet on here for a while but I'll do my best to help when I can).

[wd40]

Here in the US, in sixties, I remember the Triumph was the big bike of the day when so many tiny Hondas were being sold. Great sound.

Randy

ps Mid life crises fades quickly then life smooths out just fine.

[hills]

Nice!! I want to see some pics when you get it!!

[Gina]

Congratulations on passing your test and on getting a lovely bike

I passed my bike test in 1968 when I was 16. Not what you'd call a BIG bike - a 25cc engine in back wheel of a bicycle - a Cyclemaster. Then I progressed to a Lambretta 150cc scooter. Dreadful on wet or icy roads! Progressed to 3 wheels after a really dreadful ride in freezing weather back from Birmingham Uni to Portsmouth - cables kept freezing up!! They had just changed to law to enable 3 wheelers to have reverse gear. I got a secondhand Isetta bubble car. Later on I got a "normal" car and took my car test, which I passed, having taken a couple of lessons to learn to be a "learner" and not use the more advanced driving techniques I've never had a "proper" motor bike but have always admired them (and their leather clad riders! ). I love the old British bikes And also Harley Davidsons - yeah!!

[nking]

Well, I start a new job tomorrow morning after 2.5 years out of (proper) work (so I may be a bit quiet on here for a while but I'll do my best to help when I can).

Well done Paul, I'll give you a call later in the week for a chat - all the best in the new job.

Hi Randy, I think Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando were fans of the Bonnie.

Hi Phil, Pictures will be added as soon as I get it, assuming its not raining of course!

Hi Gina, I remember the old Bubble Cars that allowed you to start the engine backwards which then gave you three reverse gears

[nking]

Just a quick update.

Well I picked up the bike on Saturday (in between the rain!!) then went on a "ride out" with 30 other bikes on Sunday, so I have clocked up nearly 200 miles so far..... so much fun

I was quite surprised and flattered by the number of riders that gave my Bonney such real praise and interest, they were also impressed that Triumph make the fuel injection look like traditional carburettors... it fooled some/many!

Well must get back to work but it's really difficult when the sun is shining and the Bonney is beckoning me out to play.....

[werribee_au]

Nice Machine Neil

[steve]

I bet that grin is pretty much permanent at the moment!

[Gina]

Beautiful bike The bloke's not bad either

[nking]

Beautiful bike The bloke's not bad either

That picture is of my MUCH older brother, this one is of me with a nice girl that wanted her picture taken on the bike