Been trying to figure out a few things. Past few weeks have not been good at all, mostly due to a few sinking investments in a bad U.S. market, a couple misunderstandings with my non-resident wife, and to top it all, unhappiness with my current motorcycle, the Concours.
The Concours is a wonderful bike, but just not probably the right one for me any more, as I gradually discovered. It has served me greatly for almost two years of ownership and 21,000 miles of pleasure, but I guess it is time I deserve a better machine for the kind of riding I do. It is a great bike for around town and short trips, but somehow those long stretches always find me craving to go back home. Yeah, it is tiring for me to fight the annoying vibrations at cruising speeds, typically 75-80mph. There are ways to reduce it and I have tried a few, but it does not change the fact it is a 20 year old technology with a few quirks. On the upside, I learnt a lot of wrenching and experienced a bit of zen of motorcycle maintenance, thanks to the “old technology”. But at the same time I am confident I can learn and maintain a newer machine as well. I have narrowed down my choice of the next bike to the one and only one: a Honda ST1300 ABS. The st-owners.com forum has convinced me that I can’t go much wrong with my choice. I have missed a few deals on the craigslist just because I don’t have enough cash right now. I know a man has to withstand periods like this, but this is starting to affect my day to day life as well. I am less energetic than before, and days seem to go on pretty much meaningless.
Indian values have always taught that money can’t buy happiness among a few other mouthful ideals. They sounded good and rational when I grew up, but situations like this seem to prove otherwise. Money sure can’t be everything, but I think it is 90% of what a man needs in life. Can’t buy happiness ? then one must be leading a dull and useless life. Not me. I need a few things to fuel my passions, which keeps me mentally healthy, happy and nice to people around me. Not to mention save up for the future too.
Sorry if I offend anyone, but right now I could say that the statement “money can’t buy happiness” is nothing but pure bullshit. Whatever may bring one happiness, money has to be there as an invisible hand. Be it gadgets, a good home, a nice vacation, or a long motorcycle trip. Nothing can change this. In the realm of logic, this is a counter-example to the statement above hence the statement is universally false.
Enough ranting. I need an ST1300 ABS. Badly. Asap.
#1 by coho on September 25, 2007 - 1:44 pm
Money may not actually buy happiness, but it sure helps defray the cost of stuff that does bring happiness (like motorcycles, and good food, or a new lathe…).
Good choice on the ST13, my friend Gerald had one (until the incident with the Ford) and liked it very much. Smooooooth. Faaaaaast.
#2 by Craig on October 4, 2007 - 8:57 pm
To quote the lyrical mastery of the great Weird Al,
“If money won’t buy happiness, I guess I’ll have to rent it.”
If the Connie fits 80% of your riding requirements, can you rent a GW or ST for those other 20% moments?
Just wunderin’.
Craig