2025 - The year that almost wasn't

[Buckster]

2024 was a hard year for us here, we lost the founder of motorcycleriders.net and of other forums from the past where many of us met, of course I'm talking about Pete, to this day I keep expecting to see his posts appear. People have come and gone, I'm sure we will see some people return as the weather improves but I would like to thank everyone who has stuck around, except for @Six30, I was hoping that fucktard would flounce. I especially want to thank @boboneleg and @Pedro for stepping up and undertaking the work of the forum with me, we would not have kept going without you two. When Pete passed I really didn't expect the forum to survive beyond a couple or so months but here we are. Pete wanted this place to be an alternative to social media and I think we have kept that ethos going, a sort of virtual riders club of like minded misfits which is really what riding motorcycles is about even if they never leave the van.

 

So here is to 2025, lets make this our year, loads of ride reports, a few van reports and plenty more of the usual bollocks.

As for me, I will be styling and profiling on the magnificent Harley that I know you all secretly lust after, my pictures and reports will no doubt have people, especially ladies, flocking to the forum.

For me the highlights of the year have been keeping the place going as well as Marcels epic melt down and flounce, looking forward, I will be doing a lot of miles in the coming year to various rallies as well as manning a stand at the Scottish Motorcycle Show in March, so you lucky people are in for a treat with all my pictures and reports.

 

So what are your memories from 2024 and what have you got planned for 2025?

[Clive]

I was really shocked when Pete passed away,  iam a very similar age to him and we think we are in sort of good health for our age of 70, after his Hernia op I expected him to come back stronger, and firing on all cylinders, for a while he did, then he was gone, it made me realise how fragile life is  and maybe we are not as fit as we think we are.

I would like to do more than I did last year, all I seemed to do last year was  

But I doubt it will happen, life and my financial position puts a stop to most things, so this year will just be a continuation of 2024, with maybe some some alterations in the spring. 

I too thank you @Buckster... @Pedro & @boboneleg for your commitment to keeping the forum running as it does, Good work guys.  

[Six30]

Well said...i must say,

Pete was a one off and will always be missed on here,  im glad you lads stepped up and kept this place going i applaud you .

and @Buckster as for me flouncing ...

[boboneleg]

Well said Ian and thank you for the work you've put into keeping this forum going .    I too expect Pete to be still posting , he was definitely a one off and he's definitely missed.

[Pedro]

5 hours ago, Buckster said:

Pete wanted this place to be an alternative to social media and I think we have kept that ethos going

That's why it's important for me to try and keep it going. It is my social media, but Pete had such pride and passion for what he provided for free to most users here that it is in his name that we should try and keep it going.

You stepping up is what guarantees it continues working from a technical point of view, so thank you for that, we'd all show up one night to find the pub's doors closed if not for you.

 

Personally, I didn't really care for 2024, work, motorcycling, family, etc, and am happy it's over even though a change of year is just our own imagination providing us with a clean slate. I hope to make it back to Morocco in 2025, with hopefully a trip to Belgium / Germany as well, although I see that one as a bonus. For now all is very much uncertain for me. The only contribution I can promise is that for any trip there's a ride report, unfortunately we don't have many of those and that's a big thing in a motorcycle forum. I have tried to keep some movement with BOTM but it feels like the mood is changing for that too, and the last thing I want is to contribute to a bad vibe.

[Pedro]

Also, I'm hoping my bike keeps itself together. That would help 

[Saul]

45 minutes ago, Pedro said:

That's why it's important for me to try and keep it going. It is my social media, but Pete had such pride and passion for what he provided for free to most users here that it is in his name that we should try and keep it going.

You stepping up is what guarantees it continues working from a technical point of view, so thank you for that, we'd all show up one night to find the pub's doors closed if not for you.

 

Personally, I didn't really care for 2024, work, motorcycling, family, etc, and am happy it's over even though a change of year is just our own imagination providing us with a clean slate. I hope to make it back to Morocco in 2025, with hopefully a trip to Belgium / Germany as well, although I see that one as a bonus. For now all is very much uncertain for me. The only contribution I can promise is that for any trip there's a ride report, unfortunately we don't have many of those and that's a big thing in a motorcycle forum. I have tried to keep some movement with BOTM but it feels like the mood is changing for that too, and the last thing I want is to contribute to a bad vibe.

BOTM is a focus for all sorts of banter and whinging, I think you are doing a good job with it.  Some people enjoy the moaning and negativity, it's their form of entertainment, don't hand them a victory that will diminish the forum as a whole.    British humour can be dark and destructive.  

[Six30]

what @Saul said ... im sure you tank will win a bike of the month one day @Pedro ..now dry your eyes and just carry on with it..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twat

[Cupid Stunt]

Well said and well done guys for the work
I agree, it's still odd not having Pete around

[YamaHead]

Can't say enough about @Buckster, @Pedro, & @boboneleg's effort to keep this place alive....Great job guys!! Pete woulda been proud!

Myself, I'm about to approach a 3rd yr. anniversary w/ my wonderful wife....BEST 3 yrs' of my life!! You guys (@Six30) included....have been the banter I've been looking 4ward to  everyday...the way Pete woulda wanted it. BIG Thanks to ALL of you for putting up w/ me & my disabled experiences in the 2-Wheel realm. DieHard 2-Wheeler till I die!!

Plenty of Ride Reports scheduled for 2025...whether it be on 2-Wheels or 4...

[Six30]

32 minutes ago, YamaHead said:

Can't say enough about @Buckster, @Pedro, & @boboneleg's effort to keep this place alive....Great job guys!! Pete woulda been proud!

Myself, I'm about to approach a 3rd yr. anniversary w/ my wonderful wife....BEST 3 yrs' of my life!! You guys (@Six30) included....have been the banter I've been looking 4ward to  everyday...the way Pete woulda wanted it. BIG Thanks to ALL of you for putting up w/ me & my disabled experiences in the 2-Wheel realm. DieHard 2-Wheeler till I die!!

Plenty of Ride Reports scheduled for 2025...whether it be on 2-Wheels or 4...

thanks for including me

[JustaPor]

I want to thank the three Stooges... ehhhmm Kings, I mean Kings @Buckster, @boboneleg and @Pedro for all their work of keeping the doors of this place open!

I still have a lot to learn to get at y'all twatness level but I might get there once I get used to your constant insults to each other .

For 2025 I hope I'll be able to ride more and further and share with you the experience (I'll need to get used to stop every 10/20km to take some pictures ).
But then again, almost no one likes Hondas around here so I might not need to stop to take pictures. (This is my way of complaining that no one votes on my pictures on the BOTM).

In more seriousness, I've been thinking of upgrading, but I need to see and try some bikes that I like. 
I'll also need to see the running costs of these options before I take the step forward. 

Regarding Pete, I can't say much because I barely knew him, but he was always nice to me.

 

[Saul]

9 hours ago, JustaPor said:

I want to thank the three Stooges... ehhhmm Kings, I mean Kings @Buckster, @boboneleg and @Pedro for all their work of keeping the doors of this place open!

I still have a lot to learn to get at y'all twatness level but I might get there once I get used to your constant insults to each other .

For 2025 I hope I'll be able to ride more and further and share with you the experience (I'll need to get used to stop every 10/20km to take some pictures ).
But then again, almost no one likes Hondas around here so I might not need to stop to take pictures. (This is my way of complaining that no one votes on my pictures on the BOTM).

In more seriousness, I've been thinking of upgrading, but I need to see and try some bikes that I like. 
I'll also need to see the running costs of these options before I take the step forward. 

Regarding Pete, I can't say much because I barely knew him, but he was always nice to me.

 

Oi! I like Honda's 

[Saul]

21 hours ago, Buckster said:

2024 was a hard year for us here, we lost the founder of motorcycleriders.net and of other forums from the past where many of us met, of course I'm talking about Pete, to this day I keep expecting to see his posts appear. People have come and gone, I'm sure we will see some people return as the weather improves but I would like to thank everyone who has stuck around, except for @Six30, I was hoping that fucktard would flounce. I especially want to thank @boboneleg and @Pedro for stepping up and undertaking the work of the forum with me, we would not have kept going without you two. When Pete passed I really didn't expect the forum to survive beyond a couple or so months but here we are. Pete wanted this place to be an alternative to social media and I think we have kept that ethos going, a sort of virtual riders club of like minded misfits which is really what riding motorcycles is about even if they never leave the van.

 

So here is to 2025, lets make this our year, loads of ride reports, a few van reports and plenty more of the usual bollocks.

As for me, I will be styling and profiling on the magnificent Harley that I know you all secretly lust after, my pictures and reports will no doubt have people, especially ladies, flocking to the forum.

For me the highlights of the year have been keeping the place going as well as Marcels epic melt down and flounce, looking forward, I will be doing a lot of miles in the coming year to various rallies as well as manning a stand at the Scottish Motorcycle Show in March, so you lucky people are in for a treat with all my pictures and reports.

 

So what are your memories from 2024 and what have you got planned for 2025?

Fuck me a grown up post form you, thats rare.      Seriously though thank you for the effort you put into this place, along with the Angry Pirate and Petulant Portuguese you are all doing Pete proud.  I thought of several things to say about Pete, but in essence it is simply this, I found him interesting, liked him and genuinely miss his take on life.  I wish the silly Welsh Twat didn't die. 

It must be some sort of self flagellation as to why I keep coming here but it is still the first site `i check. everyday.  I have thought long and hard about why I like it here and it is obviously the savage humour and the irreverence for practically everything. Can't get that many places, we collectively just have to convince more people that they actually want that in their lives if we want the place to grow.  Not entirely sure that is possible  

What I want to do biking wise.   Don't want a third bike, would like something different to learn about and play with but can't bear the thought of parting with either of my bikes.  Bit of a weird circular thought process that spins around in my head.   I want to make some longer trips around the UK, perhaps even Ireland but wether I actually do it rather than pontificate about it will be seen.  Collectively did 7500 miles last year, want to do more this.    I want to do some longer ride reports and make a few Youtube video reports.   I have another teenager who wants me to teach her to ride, so looking forward to doing that.   

I have got a lot of singing planned with my group and have plans to form a quartet.  I am going to kick my choir into touch, to many wealthy retired blow ins wanting to sing Hamilton and Lion King songs for my liking.  I have nothing in common with them. I don't know if I care enough to join another Choir, only couple that suit me and what I like are Mousehole Male Voice or Red River Singers but they are just to far west for regular practice/concerts for me.   50 and 40 miles each way.  

Much as I genuinely enjoy my job I am going to have to at least give up a few shifts or maybe find something else, working overnight is playing havoc with my health.   Fuck knows what else I could do, I don't want to or can afford to retire .   

I know boring diatribe that probably no one will read but the question was asked 

 

[Buckster]

41 minutes ago, Saul said:

Fuck me a grown up post form you, thats rare.      Seriously though thank you for the effort you put into this place, along with the Angry Pirate and Petulant Portuguese you are all doing Pete proud.  I thought of several things to say about Pete, but in essence it is simply this, I found him interesting, liked him and genuinely miss his take on life.  I wish the silly Welsh Twat didn't die. 

It must be some sort of self flagellation as to why I keep coming here but it is still the first site `i check. everyday.  I have thought long and hard about why I like it here and it is obviously the savage humour and the irreverence for practically everything. Can't get that many places, we collectively just have to convince more people that they actually want that in their lives if we want the place to grow.  Not entirely sure that is possible  

What I want to do biking wise.   Don't want a third bike, would like something different to learn about and play with but can't bear the thought of parting with either of my bikes.  Bit of a weird circular thought process that spins around in my head.   I want to make some longer trips around the UK, perhaps even Ireland but wether I actually do it rather than pontificate about it will be seen.  Collectively did 7500 miles last year, want to do more this.    I want to do some longer ride reports and make a few Youtube video reports.   I have another teenager who wants me to teach her to ride, so looking forward to doing that.   

I have got a lot of singing planned with my group and have plans to form a quartet.  I am going to kick my choir into touch, to many wealthy retired blow ins wanting to sing Hamilton and Lion King songs for my liking.  I have nothing in common with them. I don't know if I care enough to join another Choir, only couple that suit me and what I like are Mousehole Male Voice or Red River Singers but they are just to far west for regular practice/concerts for me.   50 and 40 miles each way.  

Much as I genuinely enjoy my job I am going to have to at least give up a few shifts or maybe find something else, working overnight is playing havoc with my health.   Fuck knows what else I could do, I don't want to or can afford to retire .   

I know boring diatribe that probably no one will read but the question was asked 

 

Has anyone read this shit? What does it say?

[boboneleg]

3 hours ago, Saul said:

Oi! I like Honda's 

@Sir Fallsalot  likes Hondas, he's got about 27 of them ........  

[JustaPor]

3 hours ago, Saul said:

Oi! I like Honda's 

That's why I wrote "almost no one..." 

[Clive]

32 minutes ago, boboneleg said:

@Sir Fallsalot  likes Hondas, he's got about 27 of them ........  

I like Hondas, i have only had 2 in my biking times, both were very good bikes though.  

[Nute]

I started out on a Honda 125, really liked it , as much as you can like 12 hp

I pitched up at a dealership to test ride a CB1000 but got refused because I had too many points on my licence, buy Yamaha were happy to let me have a go on theirs so I ended up with a Yamaha

[Clive]

29 minutes ago, Nute said:

I started out on a Honda 125, really liked it , as much as you can like 12 hp

I pitched up at a dealership to test ride a CB1000 but got refused because I had too many points on my licence, buy Yamaha were happy to let me have a go on theirs so I ended up with a Yamaha

My 1st Honda was a CB750f2n, it did most thing quite well, a real doddle to work on, the parts (plugs, oil & air filter, disc pads) were comparatively cheap too, and it was from a age where Honda,s finish quality was best.

The VFR had a good finish on its parts too, but it was a bit of a pig to work on, spark plug replacing, I still have the scars from that experience, was a long drawn out affair, but with warping disc, and a exhaust that rotted quick enough to please a Italian...but it was a very nice ride, and it did excel in some area, making a average rider (like me) feel like they were a better rider than they actually were, it was very forgiving. 

I forgot about the Honda CBR1000f (it was a forgettable bike)  that I had, a very heavy lump, suspension was all but knackered when I bought it, so it did not handle the best,  it was comfy, and the finish, except for the wheels was again very good.....all in all it was a bad purchase on my behalf,  i did not have it for long.

 

[Nute]

3 hours ago, Clive said:

My 1st Honda was a CB750f2n, it did most thing quite well, a real doddle to work on, the parts (plugs, oil & air filter, disc pads) were comparatively cheap too, and it was from a age where Honda,s finish quality was best.

The VFR had a good finish on its parts too, but it was a bit of a pig to work on, spark plug replacing, I still have the scars from that experience, was a long drawn out affair, but with warping disc, and a exhaust that rotted quick enough to please a Italian...but it was a very nice ride, and it did excel in some area, making a average rider (like me) feel like they were a better rider than they actually were, it was very forgiving. 

I forgot about the Honda CBR1000f (it was a forgettable bike)  that I had, a very heavy lump, suspension was all but knackered when I bought it, so it did not handle the best,  it was comfy, and the finish, except for the wheels was again very good.....all in all it was a bad purchase on my behalf,  i did not have it for long.

 

My poor 125 had gone through a string of owners and L plates. Someone had fitted shitty after market levers, the clutch basket was knackered and it juddered on letting the clutch out, the back caliper was draggy, it had been dropped at least once … but amazingly it still had the OEM can. I enjoyed it despite 12hp having to drag my 100kg about in slow motion…

[YamaHead]

I too, had a coupla Honda's....'93 XR 80 w/ a mid 80's motor. It was originally a 9th birthday present to my oldest grandson...& was an absolute blast to ride in the snow.  After many years of riding & fiddling, I completely rebuilt it...brand new top-end...cam, valves, springs, piston, rings...Barnett dirt-digger clutch...wrapped & sprayed exhaust w/ aftermarket alum can. He's now 27 y/o & came last Memorial day from NM to collect it along w/ my XT 600 Sumo.

The other Honda I owned was an '83 VF 750 Sabre. The motor was quite smooth w/ a broad powerband...but doing carb work on it was a bit of a bitch...ONLY complaint I have of it. I did my longest ride on it back in 2011, when I rode down to Parker AZ & back in 98 hrs.....2500 miles in just over 4 days.

[Six30]

the fuck is that fairing.... my eyes , they burn

 

[Saul]

1 hour ago, Six30 said:

the fuck is that fairing.... my eyes , they burn

 

Windjammer mate, 1970/80's cool as fuck to those who know.    I do believe they did a version of the Yam XS1100 with one as standard.   I think that Sabre suits it well 

[YamaHead]

48 minutes ago, Saul said:

Windjammer mate, 1970/80's cool as fuck to those who know.    I do believe they did a version of the Yam XS1100 with one as standard.   I think that Sabre suits it well 

Damn straight....during that 4 day ride, I didn't stay @ any hotel or motel either....just stuffed my sleeping bag in right behind the headlight..no need for a bunjie cord. Amazing how much weather it could keep off ya as well.