Is it time to give up?

[stordz]

Sounds like a change of bike is in order....... nothing like a problem bike to take the fun of out riding, I've been there a few times myself.

[c4aok]

The gp800 is amazing when it is running properly but the dealer support is poor and it is a complex bike. When you have tasted the 840cc v twin off the lights it cannot compare to a honda 125 ...... Like chalk and cheese. I am looking forward to getting it back but my confidence has been dented by the ownership experience so far. There is not too much around that would tempt me to change. I love the hybrid looks and the throbbing engine and the physical build is very good and it feels like a premium product. I just wonder whether the execution is a little flawed.

[curzon]

I have fairly recently returned to two wheels, last Feb and my first scoot, I have had bikes off and on for over 30yrs, mostly just for pleasure use. I have had a few "bad `uns " over the years and as has been said above a change can be as good as a rest. I gave up my last bike about 6 ? years ago when my partner lost all confidence in riding or being a pillion due to a couple of near misses ( she actually had to kick one car in the door to keep it away from us ... driver was on his mobile ). So as I didnt want to carry on riding without her company I gave up, but did try a kit car for a while but it just wasnt the same as being on two wheels. Sadly last year my partner lost her fight with cancer, so as part of my "get on with life" regime I decided to get back on two wheels, and so far so good, although I dont get out on it much, when I do, I really enjoy it ......... so to the OP , all I can say is the choice is ultimately yours alone .... good luck and ride safe

[c4aok]

Oops last post disappeared. A 125 is underpowered for the sixty miles I do when everything works. I am trying to post some pics of my troublesome italian stallion but not worked out how.

[c4aok]

File size is proving too big. Shame because the gp is a pretty bike. You feel proud to own it while waiting for recovery truck

I love the new honda dn01 replacement but a little low and pricey for my lanky frame.

[DougL]

I said this when I met you outside Scootech, and I'll say it again. Get a TMAX. You'll love it. Seriously.

[c4aok]

Doug they lent me a tmax on one of my visits and it was a more usable daily rider i.e. much lighter and nimble handling but it did not have the amazing rip your arms off punch from the gp800. The ride and power of the gp800 and the quality of the materials is very impressive but curing the cutting out has left me disillusioned with whole experience. Also a tmax when I looked was much more expensive with higher miles.

[michaelphillips]

Doug they lent me a tmax on one of my visits and it was a more usable daily rider i.e. much lighter and nimble handling but it did not have the amazing rip your arms off punch from the gp800. The ride and power of the gp800 and the quality of the materials is very impressive but curing the cutting out has left me disillusioned with whole experience. Also a tmax when I looked was much more expensive with higher miles.

have a test ride on the aprilia srv 850 as this is the one that took over from when the gilera gp800 stopped production

[Data]

c4aok, I know what you mean about the power thing. You feel you will miss it. Well, I went straight to my 400z abs Burgman from riding my GSX1400 and my DL1000GT. Lovely bikes but of course very powerful. I rode them everyday and covered thousands of miles on each one every year. My GSX1400 went 0.62mph in 2.57seconds!! It needed a new rear tyre every 3000 miles or sooner (£150 a time every 2 months in my case!!). A real heavy weight performer with good handling too. Yet...I don't miss those bikes at all even though I loved each one and treasured it. Yes, my Burgman felt a bit underpowered for a few weeks when compared to the GSX or DL1000 but you soon learn to ride the lower powered machine to your advantage and in fact I now love the power it has. My roadcraft has improved considerably due to having to actually plan an overtake again instead of just twisting the grip almost without needing to think about the road ahead as you just blasted past anything in the blink of an eye. This is much more engaging and more fun I find. But the Burgman is not slow. 0.62 in around 7.8seconds timed unscientifically with my grandfather clock strapped to the back seat. But seriously it's fast for what it is with comfortable 75mph cruising even with a passenger. I would not want to go backwards to riding big motorcycles again. I suspect you would probably get used to a Tmax quite quickly if you bought one. You'd have the reliability too. We all adapt to what we ride and usually love it too. Just my two penneth! Difficult place to be when you mind is acting up like this I know and your heart is saying something else too.

[curzon]

^ +1 ...... speaking as an ex V-max rider