Can't be bothered
Discussion
Hi, I have been a very keen biker for quite a few years, commuting to work through all weathers, and using any excuse to get the bike out for a spin.
When we went into lockdown, many evenings were spent cleaning and general tinkering. Once the lockdown eased a little, I had a few trips out but now can't be bothered.
I have not ridden it for the last Month, preferring to take the car rather than use it. I wonder if this is just a phase or is this the start of the end for myself and bikes. Has anyone else gone through this?
When we went into lockdown, many evenings were spent cleaning and general tinkering. Once the lockdown eased a little, I had a few trips out but now can't be bothered.
I have not ridden it for the last Month, preferring to take the car rather than use it. I wonder if this is just a phase or is this the start of the end for myself and bikes. Has anyone else gone through this?
Yep, exactly the same with me. I've not even done that much tinkering because I don't have a garage. I've been for a few rides with a friend, but I just end up frustrated at how pointless a sportsbike feels on our busy roads. I also hate riding my current bike in jeans (my tank/seat are very slippery and you really need leathers for grip), so it feels a bit of an effort to unwrap/chain the bike and go out on it. I'm going to swap it for something more upright – when I had a GS on loan over winter I did more miles in December/Jan than on my 1198 in the whole of 2019…
I kind of know what you mean. I didn’t ride for 2 months from when lockdown started. Prior to that everyday I’d ride for the commute in almost any weather. Would loathe taking the car.
Now though maybe just because the roads have been quieter I’ve almost always opted for the car. I suspect when everyone returns to ‘normal ‘ I’m sure the bike will win over again. I can’t stand traffic!
I did ride today though, I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it though, far too hot and blinding sun...
Now though maybe just because the roads have been quieter I’ve almost always opted for the car. I suspect when everyone returns to ‘normal ‘ I’m sure the bike will win over again. I can’t stand traffic!
I did ride today though, I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it though, far too hot and blinding sun...
I don't know how old you are, but I gave up at 25ish.
It was too much of a ball ache to move two cars off the drive, get the bike out, put the cars back on the drive, get kitted up, and then the reverese when I got back in.
Back in again 20 years and a few mundane cars, a few fun cars later, first thing I thought when I rode again for the first time?
"What the f
k was I thinking giving this up and wasting years of fun"
Are you listless about other stuff as well?
It was too much of a ball ache to move two cars off the drive, get the bike out, put the cars back on the drive, get kitted up, and then the reverese when I got back in.
Back in again 20 years and a few mundane cars, a few fun cars later, first thing I thought when I rode again for the first time?
"What the f
k was I thinking giving this up and wasting years of fun"Are you listless about other stuff as well?
trickywoo said:
You’ve got the wrong bike.
I had thought of this, the bike is only 10 months old and was bought with a primary role of commuting (Tracer 900 GT). But browsing eBay for potential replacement, a once joyful pastime, doesn't excite any more.Maybe I ought to force myself to take a blast into the Lincolnshire Wolds, see if my passion can be restarted.
It is nice to know I'm not on my own!
trickywoo said:
You’ve got the wrong bike.
I’d agree!Was up in the Derbyshire Dales today and up to the Cat & Fiddle. Lovely roads and glorious weather. Made even more enjoyable by being on my Triumph Scrambler and in an open face helmet. Sounds and smells of the countryside as I cruised serenely made it a wonderful ride out.
It's the bike.
Everyday since lockdown eased i have been doing 60-80 mile loops after work unless i has been raining (and i have been caught out once or twice!) mainly on mk1 hayabusa which is actually a nice relaxing ride and has plenty of go when required. I have probably used my gsxr1000r for about 4 of these rides, I end up riding like a prick and put it sheepishly back in the garage - head says chop it in for a new africa twin but heart says no (for the time being).
Everyday since lockdown eased i have been doing 60-80 mile loops after work unless i has been raining (and i have been caught out once or twice!) mainly on mk1 hayabusa which is actually a nice relaxing ride and has plenty of go when required. I have probably used my gsxr1000r for about 4 of these rides, I end up riding like a prick and put it sheepishly back in the garage - head says chop it in for a new africa twin but heart says no (for the time being).
I think most go through this feeling at some point and quite often more than once
I love my bikes but sometimes long enough without riding over winter then work work work and you realise you've not ridden in 2+months
I know right now I've not touched my mx bikes since before lock down
In 2006 I gave up road bikes for nearly 10 years
I love my bikes but sometimes long enough without riding over winter then work work work and you realise you've not ridden in 2+months
I know right now I've not touched my mx bikes since before lock down
In 2006 I gave up road bikes for nearly 10 years
trickywoo said:
You’ve got the wrong bike.
I’ve never quite understood this. I mean, obviously we’re all different, but I find riding any bike a pleasurable experience, be it a 125 or a 1250. Just the feeling of being out on two wheels, whether it’s pottering along in the sunshine or hairing along on a ‘hoon.’My current bike is very much a ‘white goods’ bike - excellent at the now irrelevant commute. Doesn’t mean fun can’t be extracted from it though.
I understand the OP’s point - for me often the hurdle is getting the kit on. It can seem like a lot of effort from a comfy sofa. Force yourself to do that but though, and I find once I actually get out on the bike the fun comes back.
Spangleweed said:
trickywoo said:
You’ve got the wrong bike.
I had thought of this, the bike is only 10 months old and was bought with a primary role of commuting (Tracer 900 GT). But browsing eBay for potential replacement, a once joyful pastime, doesn't excite any more.Tracer 900. The destroyer of souls. Get something exciting. Go to a large ish dealer, sit on a few nice things and see if it gets you going again.
I had a Tracer 900, great bike on paper yet utterly forgettable.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I can’t be bothered with either; I would genuinely rather sit in the garden. Car last used in February (the OH has a convertible so obvs if I’m going anywhere it’s in that).
MOTd my R1 literally the day before lockdown.
So I’ve got two R1s, a TTR250 and a newish E class all sat in the garage on chargers
Makes sense, eh? I’ve used my mountain bike more than anything. I have, however, taken the day off work due to the mega weather, and I’m taking my R1 for a spin over to my mates motorbike shop to pick up some new clothing and gloves. I’m actually a bit excited.
I’ve just got a new bike so feel obligated to use it but to be honest sometimes it’s more bother than it’s worth. My previous bike didn’t move in 2 years.
It’s tricky to get out my garden for a start, then getting kitted up (especially when it’s warm)
Unless you’re specifically going for a decent long run it’s easier just to jump in the car and probably cheaper too.
As I'm now working from home and not commuting my bike is getting very little use at the moment. However, I don't see that as a problem. It's there in the shed ready for when I want to take it out and I would not be in a situation where it wasn't there ready to take out. Just because to have a bike doesn't mean you have to want to ride it every day/week. Not riding it doesn't mean that you don't want a bike or even that bike.
Spangleweed said:
Hi, I have been a very keen biker for quite a few years, commuting to work through all weathers, and using any excuse to get the bike out for a spin.
When we went into lockdown, many evenings were spent cleaning and general tinkering. Once the lockdown eased a little, I had a few trips out but now can't be bothered.
I have not ridden it for the last Month, preferring to take the car rather than use it. I wonder if this is just a phase or is this the start of the end for myself and bikes. Has anyone else gone through this?
Sounds familiar, only for me not commuting but going on pleasure rides (swiss Alps), already 2019 was I doing that much less, motorbike turned into transportation more and more (I rode daily to work).When we went into lockdown, many evenings were spent cleaning and general tinkering. Once the lockdown eased a little, I had a few trips out but now can't be bothered.
I have not ridden it for the last Month, preferring to take the car rather than use it. I wonder if this is just a phase or is this the start of the end for myself and bikes. Has anyone else gone through this?
Now I am much more into cycling. Bought a road bike, but also took my MTB out of cellar and use it as well. 500-600km monthly, just training.
Sometimes it is good to take a break, imho.
To be honest, i am struggling to get kitted up in this heat and lacking any imagination to go anywhere - because everything is, or has been, closed to a degree, and the associated hassle of now having to queue to do anything.
Overall i've figured out It's laziness, and now habit, more than anything because i've had 3 months or so in a semi-comatose state working, spending time with the kids, watching TV, and rinse repeat. The car has been used because if i've had to go out it was to collect something of size.
I've booked next week off and will be heading into the peak district, yorkshire moors, and lake district for the day, and will go and have some fish and chips by the beach somewhere.
Overall i've figured out It's laziness, and now habit, more than anything because i've had 3 months or so in a semi-comatose state working, spending time with the kids, watching TV, and rinse repeat. The car has been used because if i've had to go out it was to collect something of size.
I've booked next week off and will be heading into the peak district, yorkshire moors, and lake district for the day, and will go and have some fish and chips by the beach somewhere.
I felt like this a bit with my Fireblade and like others said above, it was just the wrong bike.
I decided to buy a KTM 990 Adventure and now I sit at work all day waiting to finish and go ride the thing! Having a bike that is so multi purpose whilst still being exciting has really rekindled things for me. You just cant use the potential of sports bikes where I live due to the types of road/road conditions and with the KTM allowing me to turn off onto any green lane after just having it cranked over on a tarmac bend, it just gives so many opportunities for having a laugh.
I decided to buy a KTM 990 Adventure and now I sit at work all day waiting to finish and go ride the thing! Having a bike that is so multi purpose whilst still being exciting has really rekindled things for me. You just cant use the potential of sports bikes where I live due to the types of road/road conditions and with the KTM allowing me to turn off onto any green lane after just having it cranked over on a tarmac bend, it just gives so many opportunities for having a laugh.
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