Am I too old ?

[Harry H]

I've got that new toy feeling eating away inside.

I really like the idea of adding one of those new Ducati Desert Sled things to the bike stable. Reminds me of an XT500 from my youth. What puts me off though is that at 56 am I too old to get involved in this new retro, hipster, scrambler type market. I don't have a beard for starters and whilst I keep thinking the bikes look pretty cool the whole scene is getting a bit naff and just for the kids really.

I see myself using it for the daily commute. Nipping in and out of traffic, flying up kerbs, popping the odd wheelie to impress the girlies. Complete with Belstaff jacket, the full Steve McQueen look, apart from a full face to hide my age. I could even ride it across the front lawn when I get home to keep it covered in mud.

Would my biker mates just think

A. I'm a sad tt trying to relive my youth
B. Good for you, life in the old dog yet?

Or should I go for

C. Who gives a st what anyone else thinks.
D. A nice second hand RT is far more practical.

[Harry H]

trickywoo said:

If you have to how about a Triumph Street Scrambler? I think McQueen would be one one of those over a Ducati.

Quite agree on the badge front. I've never been a Ducati fan. But I just don't like theTrumpet. The exhaust looks crap for starters and theres far to much switch gear and stuff going on. It's trying too hard to look old and doesn't make it where as the Desert Sled looks like a modern take on an old theme and really works in my book .The XT 500 was one of the coolest bikes ever made in my book.

On the triumph I'd have to spend a fortune getting it to look minimal and I really can't be arsed.

Edited by Harry H on Wednesday 15th February 16:38

[Harry H]

podman said:

Why dont you just go the whole hog and just buy an XT or similar classic?

Way cooler than any of those options and an appreciating classic ..

Totally agree but it's also for the daily commute so a modern bike with modern electronics with ABS and enough power etc etc. Not to mention brakes that actually work. Oh and don't forget an electric boot. The stories of being thrown over the handle bars when the XT500 kicked back whilst starting are true you know.

And they're banning old bikes from the City soon.

Edited by Harry H on Wednesday 15th February 17:09