Decline of Motorcycling

[javadog]

I quit riding in groups a long time ago. Too many idiots, especially on poker runs and the like. I now will only ride with a handful of people, mainly ex-racers.

A client of mine called me one morning, years ago, to see if I wanted to ride out to one of the lakes in NE Oklahoma and get a burger. Well... not really, but he was a client, so sure... I was on one of my sport bikes, he was on a Harley, so I made sure he led, as I didn't want him riding over his head to keep up with me. So... he rode over his head to stay ahead of me... He ran out of talent and nerve in a downhill, hard left at about 60, ran onto the shoulder and clipped a road sign. Down he went, into the ditch, and broke his arm. I spent the rest of the day gathering up the mess. Never again...

[plexiform]

I've always been and will always be a solo rider. For me the draw of motorcycling is the fact that it is an escape for me. Commuting to work turns in to a vacation anytime I ride my motorcycle. Even though its just a 20 minute jaunt on the freeway, it just doesn't feel like I'm going to work when I'm on my bike. Driving a car to work (even the 911) does not bring the same joy as riding. Of course racing on a track requires a great deal of proficiency in high speed pack riding otherwise you wouldn't be a very successful racer, but I don't see how anyone enjoys that on the street in dense traffic.

[dlockhart]

I don't think I'm done with motorcycles but the relationship is changing. This will be the first year in nearly 20 without being on track. No more racing, no track days, nothing. Time to go to plan B, if I had a plan B.

Maybe a KTM 350 exc with a sumo set-up and Ape Tuono for fun.

The SX dirtwurx crew is still having fun.

[Schrup]

Here I am Wednesday on opening day at Capital Forest. I crash pretty hard about the 2:20 mark.

[javadog]

Ouch.

[speeder]

That's pretty much why I don't ride on trails. Those trees are waaaay too close to the action there for me.

[Bill Douglas]

Geeze Paul. Pleased you are OK.

It was the tree's fault, not the stump. The stump was out to get you, but the tree was first.

[Schrup]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Geeze Paul. Pleased you are OK.

It was the tree's fault, not the stump. The stump was out to get you, but the tree was first.

Yes, it was a bit windy & the stupid tree swayed into my way. That's my story & I'm sticking to it.

We try only to ride on week days so there's rarely anyone else out there to run into.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by speeder

That's pretty much why I don't ride on trails. Those trees are waaaay too close to the action there for me.

Trail riding is a pretty good challenge and tons of fun. You have to really know how to control a bike and you're riding mostly on instinct. It's way more challenging and fun than riding around a motocross track. Don't like the speed? Ride a trials bike...

Originally Posted by Schrup

We try only to ride on week days so there's rarely anyone else out there to run into.

Around here, the biggest hazard is drunk rednecks on four wheelers, going the wrong way on trails. You have that problem too, on weekends?

[Schrup]

Originally Posted by javadog

Around here, the biggest hazard is drunk rednecks on four wheelers, going the wrong way on trails. You have that problem too, on weekends?

I've heard lots of stories about head on collisions nearly killing people, especially kids. That's why I wear neon glowing gear.

[pavulon]

Close encounters of the cellulose kind...most people don't appreciate how strong and solid a tree (or rock or steel or wave or...) until it's too late.

[MMARSH]

I dont ride in groups of STRANGERS....I do have a group riding buddies that I've been riding with for years. We've done countless multiple day rides together over the years. Even seen the group change from only pure sport bikes, where we would take 3 days to ride down to MotoGP, but would have to send tires ahead to Monterey to change out in the hotel parking lot because they would be completely shagged to now also Adventure bikes and camping type stuff.

Every one in the group is extremely competent, they don't have anything to prove to the other ones and we all know where we fall in the group. We have strict rules about passing cars and each other. There isn't a dud in the group. It might sound strange. But we just dont allow strangers in the group. Period. I would ride anywhere with this group of guys and feel completly safe. I should also point out when i say completely safe , i also mean if something were to happen to me personally as well. If i go head on into a tree or hit a deer while riding. I have no doubt these guys will have my back and know exactly what to do. Finally, once we get to our days end location or set up camp there isnt a better group to break bread, have a cigar and share laughs with.

That being said, I love a good solo ride headed to a destination unknown or my favorite curvy road.

[flatbutt]

two words for groups....The Pace

[javadog]

I see that you are familiar with the writings of Chainsnatch.

[Seahawk]

That is very cool.

Originally Posted by MMARSH

I dont ride in groups of STRANGERS....I do have a group riding buddies that I've been riding with for years. We've done countless multiple day rides together over the years.

Every one in the group is extremely competent, they don't have anything to prove to the other ones and we all know where we fall in the group. We have strict rules about passing cars and each other. There isn't a dud in the group. It might sound strange. But we just dont allow strangers in the group. Period. I would ride anywhere with this group of guys and feel completly safe. I should also point out when i say completely safe , i also mean if something were to happen to me personally as well. If i go head on into a tree or hit a deer while riding. I have no doubt these guys will have my back and know exactly what to do. Finally, once we get to our days end location or set up camp there isnt a better group to break bread, have a cigar and share laughs with.

That being said, I love a good solo ride headed to a destination unknown or my favorite curvy road.

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

That is very cool.

It's a great thing.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by MMARSH

I dont ride in groups of STRANGERS....I do have a group riding buddies that I've been riding with for years. We've done countless multiple day rides together over the years. Even seen the group change from only pure sport bikes, where we would take 3 days to ride down to MotoGP, but would have to send tires ahead to Monterey to change out in the hotel parking lot because they would be completely shagged to now also Adventure bikes and camping type stuff.

Every one in the group is extremely competent, they don't have anything to prove to the other ones and we all know where we fall in the group. We have strict rules about passing cars and each other. There isn't a dud in the group. It might sound strange. But we just dont allow strangers in the group. Period. I would ride anywhere with this group of guys and feel completly safe. I should also point out when i say completely safe , i also mean if something were to happen to me personally as well. If i go head on into a tree or hit a deer while riding. I have no doubt these guys will have my back and know exactly what to do. Finally, once we get to our days end location or set up camp there isnt a better group to break bread, have a cigar and share laughs with.

That being said, I love a good solo ride headed to a destination unknown or my favorite curvy road.

Wow. This is amazing - I feel like I could have written that. Not those words, not that well put - that's not what I mean - but you so closely capture my sentiments and my approach to this that it's almost kind of spooky.

I think anyone our age that has ridden all of their lives has probably distilled it down to this. We kind of get here through the "school of hard knocks", with most of us having a pretty good list of guys "we used to ride with..." in our pasts.

[LakeCleElum]

Another sign of the Decline: Motus Motorcycles suddenly closed down. Not much of a market for a $30,000 sport tourer with a V-4 Chev based engine:

https://www.rideapart.com/articles/264769/motus-motorcycles-shuts-down-after-10-years/

[Chocaholic]

Can’t say I’m surprised Bob. Seems more a matter of misreading the market. Too many established and incredible competitors at nearly half the price.

Had a choice yesterday of going for a ride or taking our Waverunner out on the lake. 15 minutes out on the Waverunner and I knew I’d made the wrong choice. Nothing I’d rather do for recharging the batteries than a couple hours on a bike. The HD for relaxing country roads, the Duc for a spirited ride in the foothills or a slow putt on the 54, just because. Perhaps the decline will mean better prices on new toys for those of us so inclined. Silver lining, dontchaknow.

I’d always thought I’d enjoy some kind of motorcycle-related retirement business for the pending sunset years. Perhaps the decline will keep me from another stupid investment!

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

Another sign of the Decline: Motus Motorcycles suddenly closed down. Not much of a market for a $30,000 sport tourer with a V-4 Chev based engine:

https://www.rideapart.com/articles/264769/motus-motorcycles-shuts-down-after-10-years/

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Can’t say I’m surprised Bob. Seems more a matter of misreading the market. Too many established and incredible competitors at nearly half the price.

Yeah, I can't say I'm surprised either, unfortunately. What kind of surprised me, really, was just how many they did sell, considering how they went about it. Many were sold before the design was even finalized, and then deliveries were delayed for many years as they worked out the bugs.

In the end, I believe there wasn't a single Chevy part in it. It was supposed to share con rods, pistons, valves, rockers, etc. but, from what I remember, it just didn't work out.

We have a Ducati dealership in Redmond that has (or maybe now "had") a few of these, along with the new Nortons - another $25,000 motorcycle, one that can be replicated by buying a $12,000 Triumph. One has to wonder how much longer Norton will hold out in this market. Oh well, I did get to sit on one of the Motus bikes. Shoulda seen if could have talked them out of a test ride...