Smoke, I have never met you, but I have done deals with you, as well as communicated a lot on the RSC. I fully understand you choices and decision. When I first started riding, I went 6 years without even a scratch, working my way up to a KZ-650. I thought I had it under control. Then within a 3 month period, I got rear ended by a drunk driver, hit a dug up road in the middle of the night (cops though kids removed the barrier signs,) and got broadsided by a truck running a stop sign.

After that, I was so mentally screwed that I would panic every time someone would "sneak forward" at an intersection." I sold the bike and didn't ride again for 5 years.

My best friend works for American Honda, and every once in a while we would ride when I visited him (track and off road only.)

I didn't have a wife or family to add to my concerns, so I can't say that was a factor then.

I finally "got back on the horse" a year ago (hence the RSC) and I have a wife and Daughter to consider now.

I enjoy riding enough to keep moving forward, but I never stopped enjoying the idea of riding.

I wish you the best no matter your short or long term decisions. We all make the best decision we can with the circumstances we encounter.
Just remember that there is no such thing as a "final decision." Every day we encounter situations can cause us to re-think our choices. The best advice anyone could ever give, IMHO, is this:

Don't jump to a decision based on emotion, give time for reflection and thought.

Don't think of any decision as FINAL. It's just the choice you elect to make at the time.

As long as you are comfortable with the choices you make, no one else's opinion is more important than your own.

True friends will ALWAYS support you, and try to help as much as possible.

Good luck in all you choose to do.

Jason, the choice is ultimately up to you. I took a 20 year break from riding because of kids, family, etc., but I always missed it. If you give it up or decide to come back some day, it's all good.

whats the clinic without smokes?

I've been searching for some words of wisdom since I read this thread yesterday evening...I've got nothin"...

I will say that we, Karen and I, totally support your decision, whatever it may be. Your presence has made this forum a better place for all of us and that will be missed greatly. You and your magnificent ride have been the source of inspiration for many here on this forum!

I know I gave up riding 30+ years ago when the kids were little, and I may not have found my way back if Karen hadn't made up her mind to take it up 8 years ago. I have a hard time imagining "not riding" now, but we never really know what tomorrow might bring.

Ultimately, doing what's best for you and your family is always the right decision. Take care and please check in,

AND, all the best to you and Julie.

Steve

Smoke the Incountry Vietnam MC believes is Family, Job then your toys. You got to do what is right for your situation. Good luck.

Jason, as a friend and forum brother I know this is not a decision you made (or will make) lightly. Juli is a great girl. Right now it sounds like she is scared of anything happening to you. (Just means she cares) it's your job as the man to put your family first and take care of them. I respect your decision, and am glad that you are able to see the problem it is causing at home in time to fix it.
As others have said, riding may come back somewhere down the road. Maybe not to far either. Bikes are easy to replace when you and Julie are ready. Your family can not be replaced..
I made the same type of choice back in 1990, my daughter was 3 months old. I was riding with a 3 patch group one day, drinking going fast... my good buddy in front of me had his bolt break on his flathead at about 70mph and locked up his front wheel. As he was sliding down the road I was standing on my 74 sporty just trying to push the brakes hard enough to slow down before I ran over him . Luckily I didn't hit him. He had some damage but lived.
I remember riding home almost shaking, didn't go over 35 mph the whole way home. It scared the shit out me. When I got home I said I would not ride again until my daughter was 18. Well, I went 4 years without a bike. (Couldn't take it anymore, lol)

If your selling that 02 also, I would be more than happy to buy those fwd controls back off from you.... you know, if it would help you out

Jason, you've been a huge asset to this forum & whether you ride or not there are a lot of us here who will always want to pick your brain, shoot the bull or share a laugh with you.

No matter which way you go in your decision, just remember that events in our lives don't define us, our own actions & reactions do. Sometimes, the only difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude. Knowing you're trying to measure & balance all the aspects of your decision says a lot about your character, and it's all good.

I wish you & your family nothing but the best whether you ride or not. As others have said, a decision now doesn't have to be permanent (either way) so keep your options open and do the best with what you have to work with.

OldBob wrote:
Jason, the choice is ultimately up to you. I took a 20 year break from riding because of kids, family, etc., but I always missed it. If you give it up or decide to come back some day, it's all good.

+1
My story as well. when my first child was born I quit riding. when my youngest moved out I bought another bike...no regrets........

Jason,

Though we haven't met, I've enjoyed getting to know you through the forum. Your decision is what you must live with, not other people's opinions.

I'm probably a good deal older than you, and have ridden on and off over the years, depending on finances and where we were living. I've had lengthy breaks in riding, but was always licensed and ready to go, even renting HDs to ride with my son on occasion.

I was also trained off-road and trials bikes for years, and then additional training in my go fast years. Now I ride far more leisurely, but still drill the skills to keep sharp. I haven't commented on the accidents as I wasn't involved and it isn't my place to do so. I've read the posts and noted the improper brake techniques, but only to myself. I hope that all involved will heal in time, but know that psychological scarring can be debilitating.

Taking some time away from the bikes is probably a good thing for you. If my wife told me she was worried about my/our safety on the bike, I'd get rid of it, pure and simple. It's only a bike.

Take care, heal up, and keep in touch when you want to.

NJ

Understand Jason . I quit riding for almost 15 years due to some personal issues . Was great to meet you face to face .