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Posted by kw-retrorider
- January 08, 2018, 03:37:17 AMExactly! There are few things that provide the solitude and therapy that riding does. The only other thing I know is sailing.
So on the bike, it's you, the wind and the road....when sailing, it's you the wind and being on the water
It's all good.
Posted by OR Seedman
- January 07, 2018, 14:14:37 PMI appreciate the thoughts.....riding is therapy for me....so I never worry about whether or not I am going to make it back home....those thoughts just never enter my mind....if they did or ever start, then it would be time to stop....can't constantly worry about things you can't control...life is too short and I enjoy the freedom of being on a bike too much...
Posted by kw-retrorider
- January 07, 2018, 08:47:04 AMSeedman: My condolences on your cousin.
The risk is what the risk is to ride. At 61, and having just survived my first ever motorcycle accident, with only physical therapy ahead, you simply can't think about it too hard. You either ride or you don't. There are other things that can get you besides riding.
Although I had no control over what happened and the other side has already admitted fault, but your second point, I was properly dressed (multiple layers of clothes and outside with leather, including helmet. It was only a 3/4, but I was thrown from the machine and there were scratches on the side of the helmet...so they took a cat scan that night in the ER. Scratches are not deep, but probably would be missing an ear if it was a half helmet.
Have since been back on the road before this cold snap, and the replacement Drifter is due to arrive today (although I am rebuilding my 2002). To support another member on this forum who recently said he was going to keep buying up Drifters because of the fit and finish....Could not pass up a good deal on a low mileage and very clean 800.
So ride on brother. My wife of 31 years (who used to ride with me) worries but understands.
Again, sorry for your loss.
Posted by OR Seedman
- January 07, 2018, 07:20:12 AMAmen, brother. Oh, btw, he WAS NOT WEARING A HELMET. I have lived and ridden in Phoenix, and I can tell you that is one place that I would NEVER RIDE WITHOUT ONE! I guess he got a little complacent about it. My daughter's fiancee is a firefighter/EMT and he has seen his share of motorcycle accidents plus he has ridden a lot in the past. He and I are in complete agreement that helmets save lives; even half-helmets are better than nothing, especially when hitting the back/top of your head as happens in most accidents. I know that in some areas it is a personal choice, not the law, but to me there really is no choice....
Anyway, my wife says I can keep both if I want.....plus she knows I am a cautious and skilled rider, so for now I am just looking forward to better riding weather to get the 1500 out some more.
Posted by mittico68
- January 07, 2018, 04:50:15 AMSeedman, sorry to hear about the cousin.
As Ratman said, we all make choices and, I'll add, each choice leads to unknown consequences: maybe it's a question of luck or maybe it's up to your smartness, I dunno; but I'm glad that we just don't know our expiration date.
So, let's live every and each day as a gift from heaven! 
Posted by CDNRatMan
- January 06, 2018, 22:34:10 PMGet that app so if you have an accident it will notify her.....and she can track where your riding.........
Posted by OR Seedman
- January 06, 2018, 17:13:07 PMwell...I flat out asked her if she wanted me to get rid of them...she said it is my choice to ride, but she worries about me every time I go out....I can live with that if she can...
Posted by CDNRatMan
- January 06, 2018, 16:10:19 PMSo sad about the cousin, my ex had been scared by someone when she was young while out riding and she did not trust or like bikes. My dad also never understood my love for riding from an early age. Then after I joined the military he said "whatever" .......so we all have life choices to make. I am going to keep both 800's for now, no desire for a 1500 yet, but that could change. If and when I win the big lottery I'll start a Drifter collection in ernest........
Posted by OR Seedman
- January 06, 2018, 12:34:00 PMwell...I just found that my decision may be out of my hands....my wife's cousin in Phoenix was just killed last night on his Harley.....He was a great guy and we were good friends....my wife is pretty upset about it and has already started with the second-guessing on my having one (or two)....
Posted by mittico68
- January 06, 2018, 11:13:47 AMMmmmh, it's quite the same for me: I've been ridin' since I was 18 and got my first cruiser at 21 (a 650cc Suzuki savage); my wife just doesn't understand, even though she tells that she likes to go ridin' with me! 
Posted by OR Seedman
- January 06, 2018, 08:58:05 AMLOL...that's my desire, but not sure it's worth the grief! I grew up riding...my wife didn't...and she just DOESN'T UNDERSTAND...she thinks there is something wrong with me . My grandfather raced sidecar motocross in Germany and owned a BSA Motorcycle store/shop, so it must be in my blood.....I started riding at 12 and raced MX until I was 17...got my first roadbike at 18 and off I went....My wife has ridden with me a total of 3 times in over 32 years of marriage, so obviously she just is not going to get it....
Posted by mittico68
- January 06, 2018, 08:48:05 AMQuote from: OR Seedman on January 06, 2018, 08:40:30 AMI really need to get a good feel for the bike so I can make an "informed" decision as to which one I want to keep...
I guess you already know the answer: KEEP BOTH!
Posted by OR Seedman
- January 06, 2018, 08:40:30 AMI have a tan one that goes with the other seat....but it is curved to match a fender....the rack is definitely strong enough to hold even my weight (240lb), so it would work in a pinch...there is a vendor on ebay that sells some flat tan leather rear pillions for Royal Enfields that might work, but I really don't have anyone to put back there (my wife WILL NOT ride) so not much point to it for me.....
I am really looking forward to some good spring weather so that I can take it out and put some real miles (or kilometers) on it, instead of just going around the local back roads a little bit. (not licensed yet..no plates). I really need to get a good feel for the bike so I can make an "informed" decision as to which one I want to keep... Maybe we can take a poll....
Posted by mittico68
- January 06, 2018, 01:57:37 AMGreat looking bike!
You could even add a pillion seat over that rear rack, since that she's got foldable passenger footpegs too!
Posted by OR Seedman
- January 04, 2018, 18:39:36 PMupdated pics with new Saddleline Leather Seat Cover for the oem seat. Also added chromed heavy duty rear rack with my Indian style backrest. 3/4" memory foam layered on top of the stock seat foam makes for a very soft seat... 
The leather is really soft and supple, but not thin....good value for $95