Any simple living bikers (as in motorcycles) out there?

[cindycindy]

My husband and I have been responsible our entire lives. Mortgage and kids college paid off; saving responsibly for retirement and generally living a frugal lifestyle. We are empty nesters and have been thinking of buying a motorcycle (a trike actually as we want to ride when we're older). We're 57 and 53 now. We realize this is not the frugalist of ideas as after the initial purpose of the bike and gear (clothing, etc.), they'll be other expenses (insurance, gas, maint, etc.), but feel that this will add fun and social activity to our lives.
Are there any simple living bikers out there who have any advice?

(Monit: please feel free to move this post. Wasn't sure if it belonged under Transportation, or Creating Community or Hobbies, etc.)

[Alan]

http://lefttoright.net/images/Devils%20Staircase%201.jpg
We're avid motorcyclists and feel that simple living is not impaired, but rather enhanced by engaging in activities you enjoy. I also believe that frugality is a good thing, but not at the expense of fulfillment.
My bike, a Yamaha Royal Star Midnight Venture is a 4 cyl., 1300cc touring cruiser. Just the right size for comfort and eventual trike conversion. We're a year or two older than you and agree that three wheels will eventually be better than two. A nearly 900 lb bike loaded with two adults will tax elderly knees at stop signs. :laff:

http://lefttoright.net/images/Devils%20Staircase%202.jpg

[Zoebird]

I would like to be. I want a side-car one. :D

It's too expensive for me now. But the way I see it, is that if I ever do have the opportunity, then definitely. :D

[Tammy]

The reason my husband and i are simple and frugal in most ways, is so we can be the opposite in a few ways that matter to us. We only own one vehicle but its a jeep rangler unlimited x. Which means nothing to me, but my husband has a 4 inch memory foam setup in thback and he sleeps it in when working at events and hunting. So much nicer than a tent. And for me, we eat out a lot. I work 50 hours a week in a very intense job (court ordered inpatient mental health) and the last thing I want to do after work is cook. These are the only 2 regular splurges in our budget.

[cindycindy]

Alan, Thanks so much for the feedback and for sharing the pics. Zoe and Tammy,thanks so much for your perspectives as well. We're definitely going to explore this further.

[CathyA]

Great pics Alan. Is there a photographer that does that?

[CathyA]

Zoebird..........when I was young, I knew a lady who would come to work in the side car to the cycle her hubby drove.

[Alan]

Great pics Alan. Is there a photographer that does that?
Yes, at many of the more popular motorcycle routes professional photographers will set up a tent on the side of the road and photograph every bike that comes by, taking as many shots as they can. Riders can then visit their website, their address always printed on the side of their tents, and purchase as many of their shots as they like. Usually about $7 to $12 per shot.

We've been photographed many times but have only ever purchased those two which were taken in North Carolina on a stretch of road called the Devils Staircase.

[CathyA]

Cool, Alan!

[catherine]

My DS32 is an avid cyclist. He lives in Burlington VT and when we had our weekly call with him just yesterday he talked about his day on his bike (a Triumph) and then said, "I'm a better person every time I come back from being on my bike." He loves it. He has no other vehicle, either, but that's the beauty of Burlington.

[Spartana]

I've had motorcycles all my life and think that they can be a great simple living way to tour or just putter around. I spent many a month - or two or three :-) touring on my motorcycle and it was great. Camped for the most part but now would stay at motels so I don't have to be so loaded up with gear. The bad things I have experienced with MC touring is weather and the worry of my stuff getting stolen when I parked the fully loaded bike while I went hiking or inside somwhre. That limited me a lot. But if you travel fairly lightly or can leave your stuff at your motel or campsite that makes it better. And saving on gas is great. I have photos too of my last long bike trip - almost 2 months camping in the southwest - but not on this computer. Now I have a sports bike - Ducati - so won't do much touring on that.