Well, I would say that a bike's looks are part of the fun. 🤘 I still look at my 22 year old bike (Triumph Sprint RS) and think "That looks like a fun ride!" I know this is not conventional wisdom for this bike (check the used market price), but for me it still triggers the desire to ride.
I've had quite a few bikes in my life despite being only 30, but there's a few where I'd say it's most fun I ever had on a bike, that belongs to my ktm 640 sumo, just hilarious fun and bruises egos on track which always puts a smile on my face, the second most fun bike I got is a 05 sv650, just does everything right, gotta be good after owning that 12 years.
Just for your info. This bike was my allocated bike until August 2018 when I then retired from West Yorkshire police. I had a lot of fun on the RT travelling around West Yorkshire and various parts of the country on operations. Nice video 👌
This video for me is not only about this bike or motorcycles in general. This was about being owned by objects vs. own objects to achieve goals that matter and have a meaningful story of your life.
I've been buying shitbox sports bikes from the late 90's and early 2000's for years and love them, ultimate credibility :). Keep it up Chris - 44 teeth BBB is the ambassador of shitbox cool.
So true Chris. I remember being skint and having no job. My sister lent me £300 to buy an old Honda CB250RS that needed a bit of work. I needed it to get me to interviews. I’m not joking, I think it was the most fun I’ve had. Going right back to basics. When I eventually got a job, I rode it in all weathers and didn’t give a monkeys what anyone else thought. I will always have fond memories of this old bike.
Couldn't agree more. My "newest " bike is 10 years old, and the oldest 56. Every scratch, dent & blemish is a memory of a trip or ride out. To misquote the USMC " this is my motorcycle, there are many like it but this one is mine"
Cool bike? Sure, if you like. Cool rider? Being prepared to talk openly about his mental health, and normalize seeking help for others. Yep, definitely cool. All respect to you Chris!
I own and ride daily a 2000 Honda CBR 929RR and i dont think ill ever sell it or buy a new modern liter bike due to the raw connection to the bike. You can thrash it around at 10k RPM all day and it never slows down. I'm 28 and feel like i'm getting on a motorcycle for the first time every time i hop on it . Love all and any 44teeth content. Hello from the USA shit show of a country lol
I love these videos. Next week Ill go on a trip with my gf from germany to schottland on a 1983 Yamaha xj650. The sense of adventure is just so much higher than on a modern gs.
spot on...I have a R1200RT-P with now 71 k KM on the clock...actually sold it in between and had a 2019 R1250RT and a 2019 Goldwing Tour..and then (by chance) bought the old RT-P back....to me it's the Bike I most enjoy to ride (and I ride on a daily Basis) 😀..updated the Brakes to Brembos..do all the Services and keep it immaculate...it's a joy to ride every Day
Back in the day, I bought a bike for around £1700. Loved and rode the shit out of it for 6 or 7 years and it eventually needed an overhaul. I cant remember the actual figure I put into it. Maybe it was £800. Maybe it was over £1000. People thought i was insane and asked why i didnt just get a new bike. But I couldnt get another bike like it or better than it for the money I put into it so I overhauled the shit out of it. Even overhauling the small things that didnt need touching, I did it and fuck me have I been places with it.
I bought a K75 rt ( I am old anyway) because i got fed up getting soaked in Ireland. £1200 and a new set of tyres sorted scary handling quirks. Did the NC 500 , a bit nervous leaving, but didnt miss a beat. Was brilliant, loads of room for camping stuff, weather was amazing ! Keeping it for touring and winter riding. Love it.
I couldn't agree more, I've only ever had old shitters in my 17 years riding due to lack of funds. Being old and rough you ride them more, in all weather and all places without giving a shit. They usually look gash so it doesn't hurt doing practical mods to them that make them more comfortable to ride distance or do the weekly shop on.
You make some valid points although ironically youtubers hooning round on expensive top of the range bikes does feed my need to change bikes so often 🙂
Huge respect to you for bringing metal health especially for men to light, and not being ashamed to discuss it in depth, especially through your channels. Love it
At 58 yrs old and a retired police officer I bought a police issue 2008 Harley Davidson Electra Glide that had been retired from a local city department a few years ago. I have another Harley, XR1200 Sportster which I always thought was the "cooler" bike between the two. Honestly, I've had more compliments on the police bike when I'm out, which I'm not that concerned about really. It's scratched, dented, paints chipped a bit here and there but the bike has a story, both from the previous rider and myself. It's as cool as "I" want it to be or think it is. Spot on video Chris. Be happy about what you have people, not what you think you need.
Love this. I'm early 30s, riding an old triumph trophy 1200. It's 150kmiles now. Can ride it anywhere, in comfort, take everything with me, and it's actually bloody good fun.
To some extent, some bikes you have to be mindful that parts and panels are getting harder to find, or even impossible. This is the only reason that someday soon I may be forced to sell on my 2000 ZX9r, a beauty and a beast, but new panels and tanks as well as many parts are impossible to get new and used, will be a sad day when it's gone.
@@HalfdeadRider Tonnes of the old zx9r's still left, my local independent shop had at least two for sale last time I was in there... still good parts all over ebay too (I've a set of forks and tank for a '98 on there myself lol). Quite a lot of new bits still available from main dealers also. Honestly feel like this is the last bike I expected to see this kind of comment about. Plenty of life left in them imho, helps that they're built like bricks (feckin 6-pot tokico's aside).
@@starfox_wr-45e93 yea plenty of good ones about still, pity we can't say the same for parts. I've needed a good tank for mine for two years, only damaged onea turn up, and as they changed liveries every year, even if you see a half decent one it's usually the wrong colour or even wting model.
Agreed! I had most of my best rides on an old Yamaha FZS1000. It was way more reliable than my R1250GS, faster, less maintenance and it never let me down. Four European tours.
I once bought a £1,900 VFR750 for commuting and put 40,000 miles on it and loved it. A colleague bought a new CBR600 and was sooo cocky about it. We both left them parked on the street in London for a few hours, when we returned his bike had been stolen while my lowly VFR remained parked in the same spot. Ten years later I sold the VFR for £1,600 to buy a £3,000 1150GS, which is still going strong. Buy a good bike and use it, some good bikes are cheap and some shit bikes are expensive, choose wisely.
Love the theme of this video. Spent £1500 on my first big bike and to me it has more character than any of the newer models. I love it dearly. Hats off to you Chris for being so open about your own issues. Keep it up lads!!
I love rolling into a bike night on my 06 Speed Triple 1050 because I'm pretty confident that nobody else there will have the same bike as me, and its clean with good upgrades, exactly the ones I want on it, still sounds amazing with its twin arrow pipes, totally raw, with no electronics and it is super cool and its mine, and I have ridden it enough miles, in all conditions, to know I can ride the wheels off it because it feels just like an extension of my own body. Anyone w credit cards can go out and buy a new shiny plastic bike, but those bikes are all the same. Mine is a survivor, like me, and its as unique as I am.
Love this video, one camera shot & long ramble about the benefits of cheap old basic bikes, not many people could do that without everyone switching off after 2mins, great work Chris 🙌🏻
Yep, police bikes tend to go completely unwanted, there's a 2006 for sale near me (has been for 14 weeks) for 1,755.76 gbp with 89k miles. The thing people don't realize is that police vehicles are fine at higher miles, it's not like a civilian owned vehicle that gets driven into the ground and never has maintenance done on it.. Police vehicles get maintained pretty much weekly or at least monthly and get all the best parts when they are replaced and done by actual certified mechanics. So unlike a $2250 AMF Harley Davidson that who knows who's wrenched on it, you can fully trust police bikes to be reliable.
Thanks for this Video Chris! I've been feeling this way a lot lately. I like my old stuff, that I spend weeknights working on, so I can ride Sat/Sun, doing whatever I want, wherever I want, for how long I want.
I fully agree with you on the points you made about what's the coolest bike. I ride a 2006 Suzuki M1800R that I bought from a dealer this year. It doesnt handle well in corners and its fuckin chunky but I love it. And you can force it to corner better with some body positioning and a little input on the footpegs
I’ve been fortunate enough to own brand new Italian superbikes etc and I completely agree with your sentiment Chris! Older and cheaper bikes are more fun and less stress. The things you own, own you. It takes a level of maturity to not care what others think and genuinely be yourself ☺️
I've been riding a R1200RT for years and I love it!!!!! And people still rock up and say, "love your bike!".🤣 I've done track days, flat out, and (brutal, falling over) Traffic Police College training for many years (as a citizen) and it rocks! Soggy suspension, rubbish, change the setting to Sport. Speed? I can do 240 kmph no problem, with the screen down and paniers off. Not a sports bike but still plenty fun. (And I can still overtake a few sports bikes 😄)
ps: I also have a 1979 Honda 1000 CBX (6 cylinder for the uninitiated 😄) which I pretty much 100% restored because I love that it sounds like an F! car 😅
I had this same epiphany when I bought a Sprint ST for commuting. It took away a lot of the anxiety of bike ownership being able to leave it anywhere, service it for cheap and also kit it out in luggage.
In a similar vein, I was once spoke to an experienced vintner and she explained that the best wine in the world is your favourite one. Everyones taste buds are different like a fingerprint. My favourite bike was my brand new Thunderace. Although currently enjoying my Gen 3 SDR. Very true words Chris
I completely agree. I knew a guy who drove an old ZX-7R. He didn't have a lot of money and the thing took a certain amount of mechnic know-how to get it running properly. It was such a unique bike to see in the modern day though, and in my opinion it showed a greater love for bikes than just going out and spunking £17k on a brand new ZX-10R. A lot of people on the nice bikes don't even ride them to half of their ability anyway, they were too busy making money to buy the thing in the first place!
Thanks Chris, from someone who doubts himself - me - and I am a Grandfather LOL, and I have a 2005 R1200RT - a bit older than that one but has new suspension, radio doesn't work anymore, but my brakes do and so well, and it is reliable, easy to ride, is heavy, but I am one with the bike. I do have a second much newer bike - a modified 650 Interceptor which is fun in its own right... but I feel more relaxed on the RT, and they both give me good vibes!! Yes looking for support at times, you do need to have a way out - someone to talk to - I agree. You are doing a great thing here in this vid, explaining weaknesses but sharing a solution!! BetterHelp!! Well done - and thanks for the country ride!!
It's the way you feel with a new bike (all precious and mustn't scratch it etc) to how you feel 2-3 years down the line when it has a few battle scares and you've had trips/moments/anger and joy from the machine.
My RT sits in the garage beside my XR, and the RT is a bit of a "sleeper" to be honest, it does stuff it just shouldn't be able to do given its size, even fully loaded. Need to remember that when it comes to braking of course. Its an awesome bike!
Great vid - i drove a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 2, which wasn’t worth much, but just like you said, I could feel the history…the people who’d been in it before. It was only a 40 mile drive, and was about 30 years ago, but that feeling has stuck with me.
Whatever bike you are on is the best bike ever. However, my fave is an old 93 super tenere. Completely anologue, doesn't even have a fuel light. It's like a big friendly dog and I love it.
I like how you put it on the side stand before mounting. I do that all the time, dont care how "uncool" that is, it cooler than loosing your footing and ending up flat on your arse underneath 200+ kg of motorbike.
First time I have seen your channel, and I can understand your association with mental health, motorcycles, and what people think. Now all I need is an RT-P!
Totally agreed. I’ve been fortunate to have owned, ridden, driven and raced some really ‘cool’ stuff. I have a few cars at the moment, ranging from an Aston to a clio 182. I am most attached to the little clio. It’s also the most fun!
Yeah, genuinely just went through the process to sign up as I'm struggling, to then find it's £51 a week with financial aid. Not exactly helpful when finances are part of the problem. Guess I'll sit in silence some more..
Biking is all about what you like and what attracts you to the bike. I adore the 1990's style of bikes, zzr's, vfr's, gixers, etc, bikes you can work on yourself, no silly rider aids etc but then some people like the new trendy looking triumphs or the adventure style. I have a 1200GSA but everyday bike is a 96 VFR750, best bike in the world in my opinion.
After 7 years of moto adventuring & camping everywhere on my Versys 650 (which has been through a lot) I just got my first big bike, a police RT with 72K miles on the clock. It's got all kinds of issues and I'm having a blast with it. Just trying to get a grip on its basic issues before heading off on a trip.
Actually bought a 2011 RT this year. Just ripped around the alps with it. Sometimes I do wish it was a bit more sporty and had a bit more ground clearance. But on the other hand, it was good fun pushing it to it's limits, I offroaded it pretty hard, destroyed the tires in the twisties and in the end it was begging for more while being very comfy. It's got character.
Lovely stuff Chris. I didn't know you have struggled and I think what you have had to say is fantastic.You have gone a long way to explain cool to people if they didn't get it already.
As a 70-80's rider I bought a used 2016 MT-10 in 2018 after been away from bikes since the early 90's. To make a long story short all my friends thought I was crazy- like, what were you thinking? An old guy like having a bike with 160-ish hp? But I totally agree with you about the growing together that we have done, me and "Ronja", yes she has a name😊, over these 6 years. Done track days, a European Tour in the alps, commuting and a lot of weekend active driving. Riding about 12-15000 km per season since I bought her and there's now over 90000 km on the speedometer. She is not as agile as when I bought her but the love affair is unchanged cause we have a history - which might be one of the points you make in this video. Love it! Couldn't sell her and the bond is there till the day I can't ride anymore! Finally, a really nice topic for a video!!! Well done!
I got an 07 RT and it took me through 2 trips in Europe 2023 and 2024, what a machine, the windscreen going up and down is amazing on the motorways and rain, the "aero" on it is amazing, I am protected from wind and rain, just a little bit too much when there are 40 degrees outside in Italy 😂, I call it my "Tractor", because of the noise it makes. True what you say, you need to experience your style of motorcycle, so I bought "cheaply" a K1200S, K1200RS and K1200LT to see which one suits me and I'm keeping the RT and the RS 🙂, now I just ahve to sell the LT and the S 😂
Been riding my Honda CBF1000 for 11 years. 50k+ miles. I fuckin love it. When I ride it I feel like one of those blue folk from Avatar when they plug into their flying horse thingys
Not worrying about leaving it somewhere is a big bonus. u can always be unlucky but especially if u need to go to London etc if u have a super nice bike you won't take it. The tool part of having a bike is taken away. The stress part will be too much. You know the police will do nothing to help or investigate if u park ur bike in central to go to a meeting or do something. So now u are missing out on convenience. A nice running but ratty-looking bike u can use it and leave it and for the most part be able to relax. U have the convenience back.
A wonderful philosophy of life Chris. I am very tuned into your thinking. I live on an older but much loved smaller sailing boat in Greece... do I want the latest 50 footer... yes, but it's not what I need! My CB500X parked at the Taverna ashore, having owned RTs and a wonderful 1200RS. I try to keep it simple now, and I must surely be cool for what I do, as opposed to what I do it with. Always loved your irreverent vids. Best from paradise.
Couldn’t agree more me and my old track bike have been on some of the most iconic circuits in Europe I wouldn’t swap those memories for anything. If I had a Panigale or M1000RR or whatever I just wouldn’t enjoy those trips because a couldn’t afford to damage them.
I have a 24 yr old Triumph and a 16yr old BMW. For me its about keeping them going myself. Modification and improvement. If i have spare money now , i want to use what ive got, not be paying a bank for something newer to just sit in the garage.
I know sports tourers aren't seen as "cool" bikes, but being able to tide through scenic roads in comfort, is pretty cool to me. I just need to find me a low mileage vfr 800 with all the dad mods (29 and not a dad btw) and i'll be gucci.
I have two functioning bikes, and a few projects in the shed. My hobby-model (like a business model but for hobbies) is to buy bikes cheap that need work, fix them and sell them on. The benefit of this is twofold. Firstly I get to try out lots of different bikes and see if I like them or not.The second is that I learn how to work on different bikes. The two I have that I am holding onto are a 94 Honda CB1000 Big One in the red and white livery. What a machine! The other is also a Honda but a little different. It’s a 1985 Honda Lead NH125, a two stroke 80s throwback survivor that is perfect for around town. I have two more projects in the stable that will fund my third and final keeper which will be another Honda, this time an ST 1300 Pan. When that joins the pack I will have all the bases covered; summer riding on the Big One, winter and long trips on the Pan and hooning around town on the Lead. The real joy is in bringing bikes back to the best condition I can and having every bike I could ever need for less than the price of a new SV650. Love your work. Great vid.
Always remember’You do You’. Great message Chris and I think possibly a lot of people miss out on the experience of riding waiting for the right bike. I have a 2015 Tenere 660. It’s a big single and pretty basic but I love riding it whether it’s away for a week or down the to the supermarket. Just get the one you can afford and get out and ride!👍
I have a Panigale V4S and I love it. It gets ridden in all weather and (once I changed the spring rates) it handles amazingly, BUT! At this time of year with school holidays and everyone going out in the sun, it’s just not fun on the road unless it’s 5am. So, I’m having a total blast on my World Raid getting lost on the Welsh trails. When I park up nobody comes and looks at it, nobody says “nice bike mate”, but it is such a cool bike and cost £15k less than my V4.
Very clever ‘Casey Neistat-esque’ edit for the ‘BetterHelp’ acknowledgement. Different locations with a seamless script. Loved it and added to the underlying message. Congrats Chris!
This is so true. My Ducati 749s gets all the attention and it’s beaten and bruised.ive almost completely rebuilt it at this point and nothing is more rewarding.
Love my similar R1200RT, get the SE with all the toys, service it, fix everything - get a stage 1 remap, learn to ride it like a pursuit copper. Have fun 😊 not giving a shit ❤. 44teeth all the way brother, respect 🫡
I do enjoy Chris's insights on life. I do think you're actually rather accurate. There's nothing better than getting a good bike for peanuts and then its also really good and reliable that's all you need
I have a few bikes and my current favourite is a 75000 mile old 95 Fireblade that I picked up for £1500. It's almost standard, I'm working on that, but so many parts have been replaced over the years it's like Triggers broom. Meaning just at the moment it all works and rides as well as it could for almost 30 years old. My MV Agusta F4 and 996 are having a very quiet summer thanks to the CBR.
Good vid Chris. I've always had a soft spot for that generation RT. I don't know about cool but the connection to vehicles is definitely about the memories you make with them. That said, there's always something new around the corner and fresh memories to be made
Totally agree, one could argue that my Multistrada 1200 Enduro is technically better in every respect than my CBF1000, but I have been on so many adventures and tours on the CBF over the years, it is still a special bike for me, the plan was to get rid of it when I got the Ducati, but I’ve decided it’s staying with me for the long run, it’s a brilliant, cheap, capable, fun bike, and I think it’s cool!
Spot on fella.. I ride a 29 year old gixxer 750ws which looks it been through one to many hedgerows. And it is still the coolest bike to me,,, carry on the good work...
Your absolutely right Chris. Ive been lucky enough to own and ride many modern motorcycles, but the old TL1000s in the corner of the shed just oozes character and history every time dust it off and give it a run. Been riding for 50 plus great years.
Its mental seeing some of my daily commute on a video like this. Chris your hedges look like they need trimming and im a local self employed gardener 😏😂
You are Soo right! Car wise, I have a Ferrari and a Porsche. But my daily is a 190k diesel Skoda estate and I love it! Bike wise I have a 3 new 24 plate bikes but again love my 96k Zx10r!
I can totally relate to this vid Chris.. I was in the fortunate position back in 2019 to buy an H2SXSE with all the goodies, absolutely love this bit of Kawasaki wizardry. But do you know what, I’ve also got a Honda Crosstourer DCT and if I’m totally honest I probably enjoy riding that more because of its history, I’m not over OCD about it and it’s a real giggle to ride too, especially two up and fully loaded. Unfortunately our Pico tour this year isn’t happening due to unexpected heart surgery in January, but we’re booked up for next year already… More memories here we come😎👌🏽
Bought my first bike after passing my test in 2018, it was a 40k mile 1999 Cbr600f for £1100. I thought I’ll ride it for a bit, learn to actually ride a bike, probably drop it a couple of times then I can upgrade to something newer in a few months. 6 years later I still have it and have done multiple day tours on it, I’ve done a track night, take it to work, rode it home to the outer Hebrides to see my family, probably spent more than double what I paid for it on bits and I still can’t fault it. Still looks ok (from a distance) and I think I’ll struggle to change it.
@@jackisonline2 I reckon you'll love it, just gotta remember it's weight and size when mooching on a bit, I've put 48k on mine, and still enjoy every ride on her.
I know exactly what you're saying. I'm 55 my big bike is a 2001 bmw k1200rs it puts a smile on my fuzz hog when I'm on it and makes me feel so alive. My bike number 2 (don't laugh) is a 2020 ktm duke 390 that makes me feel like a teenager again, I ride it with a biggest grin on my face and I feel like a kid again with the single cylinder thump is great. Ride safe. Great vlog man
I have a 24 year old gsxr 600 srad, and to me it’s the dogs danglers, don’t give a stuff what others think of it (I’m 66 you see) it has a big arse and quite heavy, but it’s full of character which is sadly missing from todays generation of sport bikes, great vid by the way Chris 🤘
Yea I have a 2015 R1200RS that's got 70k miles on it. Upgraded the suspension to Wilbers, service it myself. It was cheap to buy, it's cheap to own and insure. I just goes. I used to have brand new bikes before, but found little joy in them that justified the cost, and worry of course of it getting scratched or stolen.
I agree 100% with this I'm 27 year old and own what I class my dream bike and I also own a 96reg triumph sprint 900 and wow what a bike I love the little thing the smiles I get pushing it to limits I never thought possible on a bike the same age as me is crazy
I'm lucky enough to have more than one bike but by far my favourite is my '98 Pan European!! Not a cool bike in any shape or form but what a belter to ride!! Love it.
Bought my first bike 5 years ago. Triumph street scrambler 900. I wanted to be Steve McQueen. Loved it, until it broke down more than a couple of times. Thanks Triumph electrics 🙄 bought a 97 reg honda blackbird and I effin love it!!! 2000 euro 😂 it's a beast which always starts. Haven't looked at my triumph since. It's going for sale. I look forward to updating a few things on the blackbird, not because I need to. But want to. With money left in the bank 😊
You're dead on Chris. Just like with people those scars and experiences form the character of a vehicle and it's soooo good to have a beater. And that's not a nice thing to say because beater sounds negative. They usually turn out to be your favourites because its the pleasure without the pain or worry. Great video, thanks. AndyB
"The best bike" is the one you have had the most fun on. It doesn't matter what it looks like. I totally agree.
Well, I would say that a bike's looks are part of the fun. 🤘 I still look at my 22 year old bike (Triumph Sprint RS) and think "That looks like a fun ride!" I know this is not conventional wisdom for this bike (check the used market price), but for me it still triggers the desire to ride.
I've had quite a few bikes in my life despite being only 30, but there's a few where I'd say it's most fun I ever had on a bike, that belongs to my ktm 640 sumo, just hilarious fun and bruises egos on track which always puts a smile on my face, the second most fun bike I got is a 05 sv650, just does everything right, gotta be good after owning that 12 years.
Exactly this, I keep thinking about getting something nicer, but if I had something nice, I wouldn't use it half as much, and riding makes me happy.
Just for your info. This bike was my allocated bike until August 2018 when I then retired from West Yorkshire police. I had a lot of fun on the RT travelling around West Yorkshire and various parts of the country on operations. Nice video 👌
You just know there's a polite vest in those panniers
Its a legal requirement if you own an RT
Beat me to it 😂😂
Haven't seen a polite vest for a few years 🤣I had forgotten about them hope they come back in fashion for a laugh
@@bigend07😂😂 they were never in fashion
@@bigend07 Saw a few in Normandy last year, a herd of them cut n paste bikes & kit clones.
This video for me is not only about this bike or motorcycles in general. This was about being owned by objects vs. own objects to achieve goals that matter and have a meaningful story of your life.
I've been buying shitbox sports bikes from the late 90's and early 2000's for years and love them, ultimate credibility :). Keep it up Chris - 44 teeth BBB is the ambassador of shitbox cool.
If it weren't for BBB, I wouldn't have a half-built 2000's shitbox in my spare bedroom.
@@nocturnalcadence1676 BBB has a lot to answer for🙂 It's why I bought a K1 Gixxer... and a mullet wig!!
Love a shitbox 😂
So true Chris. I remember being skint and having no job. My sister lent me £300 to buy an old Honda CB250RS that needed a bit of work. I needed it to get me to interviews. I’m not joking, I think it was the most fun I’ve had. Going right back to basics.
When I eventually got a job, I rode it in all weathers and didn’t give a monkeys what anyone else thought.
I will always have fond memories of this old bike.
The feeling of lapping 25k bikes on your 1500 quid sh1tbox you rode to the track, nothing quite like it. 😊
Couldn't agree more. My "newest " bike is 10 years old, and the oldest 56. Every scratch, dent & blemish is a memory of a trip or ride out. To misquote the USMC " this is my motorcycle, there are many like it but this one is mine"
Does the missus worry when you go to the loo in the middle of the night?
Cool bike? Sure, if you like.
Cool rider? Being prepared to talk openly about his mental health, and normalize seeking help for others. Yep, definitely cool. All respect to you Chris!
Jesus 🙄🥱
@@mark675You OK Mark?
Gluckmaster3000
Chris for president.
@@_chipchip yup just sick of hearing about mental health 🙄
I own and ride daily a 2000 Honda CBR 929RR and i dont think ill ever sell it or buy a new modern liter bike due to the raw connection to the bike. You can thrash it around at 10k RPM all day and it never slows down. I'm 28 and feel like i'm getting on a motorcycle for the first time every time i hop on it . Love all and any 44teeth content. Hello from the USA shit show of a country lol
This video has provided me with a massive dose of mental health. Much appreciated!
Totally agree👍. One attraction with earlier bikes is the ability to work on them yourselves, which increases the 'bond'. Love the boxer twins.
I love these videos. Next week Ill go on a trip with my gf from germany to schottland on a 1983 Yamaha xj650. The sense of adventure is just so much higher than on a modern gs.
spot on...I have a R1200RT-P with now 71 k KM on the clock...actually sold it in between and had a 2019 R1250RT and a 2019 Goldwing Tour..and then (by chance) bought the old RT-P back....to me it's the Bike I most enjoy to ride (and I ride on a daily Basis) 😀..updated the Brakes to Brembos..do all the Services and keep it immaculate...it's a joy to ride every Day
Back in the day, I bought a bike for around £1700. Loved and rode the shit out of it for 6 or 7 years and it eventually needed an overhaul. I cant remember the actual figure I put into it. Maybe it was £800. Maybe it was over £1000. People thought i was insane and asked why i didnt just get a new bike. But I couldnt get another bike like it or better than it for the money I put into it so I overhauled the shit out of it. Even overhauling the small things that didnt need touching, I did it and fuck me have I been places with it.
I really like RTs. I love how the starter motor sounds like an old bus on these old air cooled boxers 😂
I bought a K75 rt ( I am old anyway) because i got fed up getting soaked in Ireland. £1200 and a new set of tyres sorted scary handling quirks. Did the NC 500 , a bit nervous leaving, but didnt miss a beat. Was brilliant, loads of room for camping stuff, weather was amazing ! Keeping it for touring and winter riding. Love it.
I just got an 88 GoldWing and I love it. It's blue and I named it Dad Jeans. I plan on taking it on lots of dadventures .
Wishing you many happy miles 👍
Do you have a forked tongue?
I read that as dad jesus
704s or air monarchs?
@@adamlanglois563 lmao 704s for sure
Totally agree. Nowadays it seems like “the one who has the most toys at the end of his life, wins”. It is not about winning, but experiencing.
I couldn't agree more, I've only ever had old shitters in my 17 years riding due to lack of funds. Being old and rough you ride them more, in all weather and all places without giving a shit. They usually look gash so it doesn't hurt doing practical mods to them that make them more comfortable to ride distance or do the weekly shop on.
You make some valid points although ironically youtubers hooning round on expensive top of the range bikes does feed my need to change bikes so often 🙂
Huge respect to you for bringing metal health especially for men to light, and not being ashamed to discuss it in depth, especially through your channels. Love it
At 58 yrs old and a retired police officer I bought a police issue 2008 Harley Davidson Electra Glide that had been retired from a local city department a few years ago. I have another Harley, XR1200 Sportster which I always thought was the "cooler" bike between the two. Honestly, I've had more compliments on the police bike when I'm out, which I'm not that concerned about really. It's scratched, dented, paints chipped a bit here and there but the bike has a story, both from the previous rider and myself. It's as cool as "I" want it to be or think it is. Spot on video Chris. Be happy about what you have people, not what you think you need.
Love this. I'm early 30s, riding an old triumph trophy 1200. It's 150kmiles now. Can ride it anywhere, in comfort, take everything with me, and it's actually bloody good fun.
Old bangers have a carefree nature to them, you dont have to worry about damage and just enjoy getting the miles in.
To some extent, some bikes you have to be mindful that parts and panels are getting harder to find, or even impossible. This is the only reason that someday soon I may be forced to sell on my 2000 ZX9r, a beauty and a beast, but new panels and tanks as well as many parts are impossible to get new and used, will be a sad day when it's gone.
@@HalfdeadRider Tonnes of the old zx9r's still left, my local independent shop had at least two for sale last time I was in there... still good parts all over ebay too (I've a set of forks and tank for a '98 on there myself lol). Quite a lot of new bits still available from main dealers also. Honestly feel like this is the last bike I expected to see this kind of comment about. Plenty of life left in them imho, helps that they're built like bricks (feckin 6-pot tokico's aside).
@@starfox_wr-45e93 yea plenty of good ones about still, pity we can't say the same for parts. I've needed a good tank for mine for two years, only damaged onea turn up, and as they changed liveries every year, even if you see a half decent one it's usually the wrong colour or even wting model.
@@starfox_wr-45e93 i also just refurbished a set of the six pots, vids on my channel 😂
Sounds like my missus....
Agreed! I had most of my best rides on an old Yamaha FZS1000. It was way more reliable than my R1250GS, faster, less maintenance and it never let me down. Four European tours.
I traded my FZS 1000 in for a R1200RT SE in 2012…one of the few bike moves I regretted
Dynamic fazer1000 fast in the twisties
I have a Fazer 1000, owned for 10yrs, worth next to nothing but bloody wonderful, just had it “Ivanised” which makes it even better.
I once bought a £1,900 VFR750 for commuting and put 40,000 miles on it and loved it. A colleague bought a new CBR600 and was sooo cocky about it. We both left them parked on the street in London for a few hours, when we returned his bike had been stolen while my lowly VFR remained parked in the same spot. Ten years later I sold the VFR for £1,600 to buy a £3,000 1150GS, which is still going strong. Buy a good bike and use it, some good bikes are cheap and some shit bikes are expensive, choose wisely.
Nothing but respect to riders with cool old quirky bikes.
I had a 1200RT eight years ago and loved it for touring and commuting into London.
Love the theme of this video. Spent £1500 on my first big bike and to me it has more character than any of the newer models. I love it dearly. Hats off to you Chris for being so open about your own issues. Keep it up lads!!
I love rolling into a bike night on my 06 Speed Triple 1050 because I'm pretty confident that nobody else there will have the same bike as me, and its clean with good upgrades, exactly the ones I want on it, still sounds amazing with its twin arrow pipes, totally raw, with no electronics and it is super cool and its mine, and I have ridden it enough miles, in all conditions, to know I can ride the wheels off it because it feels just like an extension of my own body. Anyone w credit cards can go out and buy a new shiny plastic bike, but those bikes are all the same. Mine is a survivor, like me, and its as unique as I am.
Love this video, one camera shot & long ramble about the benefits of cheap old basic bikes, not many people could do that without everyone switching off after 2mins, great work Chris 🙌🏻
Yep, police bikes tend to go completely unwanted, there's a 2006 for sale near me (has been for 14 weeks) for 1,755.76 gbp with 89k miles. The thing people don't realize is that police vehicles are fine at higher miles, it's not like a civilian owned vehicle that gets driven into the ground and never has maintenance done on it.. Police vehicles get maintained pretty much weekly or at least monthly and get all the best parts when they are replaced and done by actual certified mechanics. So unlike a $2250 AMF Harley Davidson that who knows who's wrenched on it, you can fully trust police bikes to be reliable.
Thanks for this Video Chris! I've been feeling this way a lot lately. I like my old stuff, that I spend weeknights working on, so I can ride Sat/Sun, doing whatever I want, wherever I want, for how long I want.
I fully agree with you on the points you made about what's the coolest bike. I ride a 2006 Suzuki M1800R that I bought from a dealer this year. It doesnt handle well in corners and its fuckin chunky but I love it. And you can force it to corner better with some body positioning and a little input on the footpegs
I have had a few BMW, including GS, GSA and RT. The RT is an underrated bike in the UK. I would say it’s better touring bike than a GS.
I’ve been fortunate enough to own brand new Italian superbikes etc and I completely agree with your sentiment Chris! Older and cheaper bikes are more fun and less stress.
The things you own, own you. It takes a level of maturity to not care what others think and genuinely be yourself ☺️
I've been riding a R1200RT for years and I love it!!!!! And people still rock up and say, "love your bike!".🤣 I've done track days, flat out, and (brutal, falling over) Traffic Police College training for many years (as a citizen) and it rocks! Soggy suspension, rubbish, change the setting to Sport. Speed? I can do 240 kmph no problem, with the screen down and paniers off. Not a sports bike but still plenty fun. (And I can still overtake a few sports bikes 😄)
ps: I also have a 1979 Honda 1000 CBX (6 cylinder for the uninitiated 😄) which I pretty much 100% restored because I love that it sounds like an F! car 😅
I am looking at buying a used BMW 1200RT here in NZs South Island.
I don't love the look of them , but I believe I will love the ride
I had this same epiphany when I bought a Sprint ST for commuting. It took away a lot of the anxiety of bike ownership being able to leave it anywhere, service it for cheap and also kit it out in luggage.
In a similar vein, I was once spoke to an experienced vintner and she explained that the best wine in the world is your favourite one. Everyones taste buds are different like a fingerprint. My favourite bike was my brand new Thunderace. Although currently enjoying my Gen 3 SDR. Very true words Chris
I completely agree. I knew a guy who drove an old ZX-7R. He didn't have a lot of money and the thing took a certain amount of mechnic know-how to get it running properly. It was such a unique bike to see in the modern day though, and in my opinion it showed a greater love for bikes than just going out and spunking £17k on a brand new ZX-10R.
A lot of people on the nice bikes don't even ride them to half of their ability anyway, they were too busy making money to buy the thing in the first place!
06 zzr1400 flat bars still scares the shit out of me , love it
A fine steed good sir.
08 zzr1400 lsl flat bars- agree!
Thanks Chris, from someone who doubts himself - me - and I am a Grandfather LOL, and I have a 2005 R1200RT - a bit older than that one but has new suspension, radio doesn't work anymore, but my brakes do and so well, and it is reliable, easy to ride, is heavy, but I am one with the bike. I do have a second much newer bike - a modified 650 Interceptor which is fun in its own right... but I feel more relaxed on the RT, and they both give me good vibes!! Yes looking for support at times, you do need to have a way out - someone to talk to - I agree. You are doing a great thing here in this vid, explaining weaknesses but sharing a solution!! BetterHelp!! Well done - and thanks for the country ride!!
It's the way you feel with a new bike (all precious and mustn't scratch it etc) to how you feel 2-3 years down the line when it has a few battle scares and you've had trips/moments/anger and joy from the machine.
Great video. Older bikes *do* have character & soul. Every bike was new and desirable once. Frankly, I can’t imagine giving a bike like that away!!
I have a 1150 rt drives as a truck
On rails ....engine is rather noisy and as a stuburn wife but at the end of a long trip you will love her
My RT sits in the garage beside my XR, and the RT is a bit of a "sleeper" to be honest, it does stuff it just shouldn't be able to do given its size, even fully loaded. Need to remember that when it comes to braking of course. Its an awesome bike!
Great vid - i drove a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 2, which wasn’t worth much, but just like you said, I could feel the history…the people who’d been in it before. It was only a 40 mile drive, and was about 30 years ago, but that feeling has stuck with me.
Whatever bike you are on is the best bike ever.
However, my fave is an old 93 super tenere. Completely anologue, doesn't even have a fuel light. It's like a big friendly dog and I love it.
I like how you put it on the side stand before mounting. I do that all the time, dont care how "uncool" that is, it cooler than loosing your footing and ending up flat on your arse underneath 200+ kg of motorbike.
I did that with my very first bike on the driveway and everyone on the estate saw me and I’ve never done it again
@@TheSudsy I’ve always done this.
First time I have seen your channel, and I can understand your association with mental health, motorcycles, and what people think. Now all I need is an RT-P!
Chris this has to be the best video you have ever made!!! Perfect explanation of why we do what we do.
Totally agreed. I’ve been fortunate to have owned, ridden, driven and raced some really ‘cool’ stuff.
I have a few cars at the moment, ranging from an Aston to a clio 182. I am most attached to the little clio. It’s also the most fun!
Please please please look into the Better Help controversy, it's a pretty shady company...
Yeah, genuinely just went through the process to sign up as I'm struggling, to then find it's £51 a week
with financial aid. Not exactly helpful when finances are part of the problem. Guess I'll sit in silence some more..
Biking is all about what you like and what attracts you to the bike. I adore the 1990's style of bikes, zzr's, vfr's, gixers, etc, bikes you can work on yourself, no silly rider aids etc but then some people like the new trendy looking triumphs or the adventure style. I have a 1200GSA but everyday bike is a 96 VFR750, best bike in the world in my opinion.
After 7 years of moto adventuring & camping everywhere on my Versys 650 (which has been through a lot) I just got my first big bike, a police RT with 72K miles on the clock. It's got all kinds of issues and I'm having a blast with it. Just trying to get a grip on its basic issues before heading off on a trip.
Totally agree. Being a retired Police cyclist I wanted a mile muncher flying brick. My K1300s offers everything I could ever need
Actually bought a 2011 RT this year. Just ripped around the alps with it. Sometimes I do wish it was a bit more sporty and had a bit more ground clearance. But on the other hand, it was good fun pushing it to it's limits, I offroaded it pretty hard, destroyed the tires in the twisties and in the end it was begging for more while being very comfy. It's got character.
Lovely stuff Chris. I didn't know you have struggled and I think what you have had to say is fantastic.You have gone a long way to explain cool to people if they didn't get it already.
As a 70-80's rider I bought a used 2016 MT-10 in 2018 after been away from bikes since the early 90's. To make a long story short all my friends thought I was crazy- like, what were you thinking? An old guy like having a bike with 160-ish hp?
But I totally agree with you about the growing together that we have done, me and "Ronja", yes she has a name😊, over these 6 years. Done track days, a European Tour in the alps, commuting and a lot of weekend active driving. Riding about 12-15000 km per season since I bought her and there's now over 90000 km on the speedometer.
She is not as agile as when I bought her but the love affair is unchanged cause we have a history - which might be one of the points you make in this video.
Love it! Couldn't sell her and the bond is there till the day I can't ride anymore!
Finally, a really nice topic for a video!!! Well done!
I got an 07 RT and it took me through 2 trips in Europe 2023 and 2024, what a machine, the windscreen going up and down is amazing on the motorways and rain, the "aero" on it is amazing, I am protected from wind and rain, just a little bit too much when there are 40 degrees outside in Italy 😂, I call it my "Tractor", because of the noise it makes. True what you say, you need to experience your style of motorcycle, so I bought "cheaply" a K1200S, K1200RS and K1200LT to see which one suits me and I'm keeping the RT and the RS 🙂, now I just ahve to sell the LT and the S 😂
Been riding my Honda CBF1000 for 11 years. 50k+ miles. I fuckin love it. When I ride it I feel like one of those blue folk from Avatar when they plug into their flying horse thingys
Good point well made there Baron. It's too easy to get caught up in the hype of having the newest bike and miss the whole point..
Maybe the best video ever about biking. Keeping it real and affordable
Not worrying about leaving it somewhere is a big bonus. u can always be unlucky but especially if u need to go to London etc if u have a super nice bike you won't take it. The tool part of having a bike is taken away. The stress part will be too much. You know the police will do nothing to help or investigate if u park ur bike in central to go to a meeting or do something. So now u are missing out on convenience. A nice running but ratty-looking bike u can use it and leave it and for the most part be able to relax. U have the convenience back.
A wonderful philosophy of life Chris. I am very tuned into your thinking. I live on an older but much loved smaller sailing boat in Greece... do I want the latest 50 footer... yes, but it's not what I need! My CB500X parked at the Taverna ashore, having owned RTs and a wonderful 1200RS. I try to keep it simple now, and I must surely be cool for what I do, as opposed to what I do it with. Always loved your irreverent vids. Best from paradise.
Couldn’t agree more me and my old track bike have been on some of the most iconic circuits in Europe I wouldn’t swap those memories for anything. If I had a Panigale or M1000RR or whatever I just wouldn’t enjoy those trips because a couldn’t afford to damage them.
I have a 24 yr old Triumph and a 16yr old BMW. For me its about keeping them going myself. Modification and improvement. If i have spare money now , i want to use what ive got, not be paying a bank for something newer to just sit in the garage.
I know sports tourers aren't seen as "cool" bikes, but being able to tide through scenic roads in comfort, is pretty cool to me. I just need to find me a low mileage vfr 800 with all the dad mods (29 and not a dad btw) and i'll be gucci.
I have two functioning bikes, and a few projects in the shed. My hobby-model (like a business model but for hobbies) is to buy bikes cheap that need work, fix them and sell them on. The benefit of this is twofold. Firstly I get to try out lots of different bikes and see if I like them or not.The second is that I learn how to work on different bikes. The two I have that I am holding onto are a 94 Honda CB1000 Big One in the red and white livery. What a machine! The other is also a Honda but a little different. It’s a 1985 Honda Lead NH125, a two stroke 80s throwback survivor that is perfect for around town. I have two more projects in the stable that will fund my third and final keeper which will be another Honda, this time an ST 1300 Pan. When that joins the pack I will have all the bases covered; summer riding on the Big One, winter and long trips on the Pan and hooning around town on the Lead. The real joy is in bringing bikes back to the best condition I can and having every bike I could ever need for less than the price of a new SV650. Love your work. Great vid.
Always remember’You do You’. Great message Chris and I think possibly a lot of people miss out on the experience of riding waiting for the right bike. I have a 2015 Tenere 660. It’s a big single and pretty basic but I love riding it whether it’s away for a week or down the to the supermarket. Just get the one you can afford and get out and ride!👍
I've only seen bigger mirrors on front of a barbers chair.
This looks like a comfortable ride, no more and certainly no less.
A nice smoker, Cool.
6:53 looking at that spectacular sky, cruising around in a comfy sofa chair with that lovely engine purring is my kind of cool… and I’m 34
I have a Panigale V4S and I love it. It gets ridden in all weather and (once I changed the spring rates) it handles amazingly, BUT! At this time of year with school holidays and everyone going out in the sun, it’s just not fun on the road unless it’s 5am. So, I’m having a total blast on my World Raid getting lost on the Welsh trails. When I park up nobody comes and looks at it, nobody says “nice bike mate”, but it is such a cool bike and cost £15k less than my V4.
Very clever ‘Casey Neistat-esque’ edit for the ‘BetterHelp’ acknowledgement. Different locations with a seamless script. Loved it and added to the underlying message. Congrats Chris!
This is so true. My Ducati 749s gets all the attention and it’s beaten and bruised.ive almost completely rebuilt it at this point and nothing is more rewarding.
Love my similar R1200RT, get the SE with all the toys, service it, fix everything - get a stage 1 remap, learn to ride it like a pursuit copper. Have fun 😊 not giving a shit ❤. 44teeth all the way brother, respect 🫡
I do enjoy Chris's insights on life. I do think you're actually rather accurate. There's nothing better than getting a good bike for peanuts and then its also really good and reliable that's all you need
I have a few bikes and my current favourite is a 75000 mile old 95 Fireblade that I picked up for £1500. It's almost standard, I'm working on that, but so many parts have been replaced
over the years it's like Triggers broom. Meaning just at the moment it all works and rides as well as it could for almost 30 years old. My MV Agusta F4 and 996 are having a very quiet summer thanks to the CBR.
Good vid Chris. I've always had a soft spot for that generation RT.
I don't know about cool but the connection to vehicles is definitely about the memories you make with them. That said, there's always something new around the corner and fresh memories to be made
Totally agree, one could argue that my Multistrada 1200 Enduro is technically better in every respect than my CBF1000, but I have been on so many adventures and tours on the CBF over the years, it is still a special bike for me, the plan was to get rid of it when I got the Ducati, but I’ve decided it’s staying with me for the long run, it’s a brilliant, cheap, capable, fun bike, and I think it’s cool!
Spot on fella.. I ride a 29 year old gixxer 750ws which looks it been through one to many hedgerows. And it is still the coolest bike to me,,, carry on the good work...
Great video, you bike is your own pride and joy through your own eyes. Great to keep people aware of your mental health 👏
Your absolutely right Chris. Ive been lucky enough to own and ride many modern motorcycles, but the old TL1000s in the corner of the shed just oozes character and history every time dust it off and give it a run. Been riding for 50 plus great years.
Love this video Chris.
Many, many good points you make - and I’m guilty of thinking just how you shouldn’t.
Its mental seeing some of my daily commute on a video like this.
Chris your hedges look like they need trimming and im a local self employed gardener 😏😂
Very wise words, love watching you ride around areas that i know! watch those average speed cameras!
You are Soo right! Car wise, I have a Ferrari and a Porsche. But my daily is a 190k diesel Skoda estate and I love it! Bike wise I have a 3 new 24 plate bikes but again love my 96k Zx10r!
I can totally relate to this vid Chris.. I was in the fortunate position back in 2019 to buy an H2SXSE with all the goodies, absolutely love this bit of Kawasaki wizardry.
But do you know what, I’ve also got a Honda Crosstourer DCT and if I’m totally honest I probably enjoy riding that more because of its history, I’m not over OCD about it and it’s a real giggle to ride too, especially two up and fully loaded. Unfortunately our Pico tour this year isn’t happening due to unexpected heart surgery in January, but we’re booked up for next year already… More memories here we come😎👌🏽
Bought my first bike after passing my test in 2018, it was a 40k mile 1999 Cbr600f for £1100. I thought I’ll ride it for a bit, learn to actually ride a bike, probably drop it a couple of times then I can upgrade to something newer in a few months. 6 years later I still have it and have done multiple day tours on it, I’ve done a track night, take it to work, rode it home to the outer Hebrides to see my family, probably spent more than double what I paid for it on bits and I still can’t fault it. Still looks ok (from a distance) and I think I’ll struggle to change it.
Totally agree! I ride an 02 FJR 1300, absolutely love it, wouldn't trade it for any mad fast super bike now.
I’ve just bought an 05 at the grand old age of 25 so I hope they’re good 😆
@@jackisonline2 I reckon you'll love it, just gotta remember it's weight and size when mooching on a bit, I've put 48k on mine, and still enjoy every ride on her.
I know exactly what you're saying. I'm 55 my big bike is a 2001 bmw k1200rs it puts a smile on my fuzz hog when I'm on it and makes me feel so alive. My bike number 2 (don't laugh) is a 2020 ktm duke 390 that makes me feel like a teenager again, I ride it with a biggest grin on my face and I feel like a kid again with the single cylinder thump is great.
Ride safe. Great vlog man
I have a 24 year old gsxr 600 srad, and to me it’s the dogs danglers, don’t give a stuff what others think of it (I’m 66 you see) it has a big arse and quite heavy, but it’s full of character which is sadly missing from todays generation of sport bikes, great vid by the way Chris 🤘
Yea I have a 2015 R1200RS that's got 70k miles on it. Upgraded the suspension to Wilbers, service it myself. It was cheap to buy, it's cheap to own and insure. I just goes. I used to have brand new bikes before, but found little joy in them that justified the cost, and worry of course of it getting scratched or stolen.
Had a 1250 GSA on PCP, got rid of it after 3 years didn't want another spent £1900 on a 2002 fjr1300 no abs no computer dash.
Love it
I agree 100% with this I'm 27 year old and own what I class my dream bike and I also own a 96reg triumph sprint 900 and wow what a bike I love the little thing the smiles I get pushing it to limits I never thought possible on a bike the same age as me is crazy
I'm lucky enough to have more than one bike but by far my favourite is my '98 Pan European!! Not a cool bike in any shape or form but what a belter to ride!! Love it.
Bought my first bike 5 years ago. Triumph street scrambler 900. I wanted to be Steve McQueen. Loved it, until it broke down more than a couple of times. Thanks Triumph electrics 🙄 bought a 97 reg honda blackbird and I effin love it!!! 2000 euro 😂 it's a beast which always starts. Haven't looked at my triumph since. It's going for sale. I look forward to updating a few things on the blackbird, not because I need to. But want to. With money left in the bank 😊
You're dead on Chris. Just like with people those scars and experiences form the character of a vehicle and it's soooo good to have a beater. And that's not a nice thing to say because beater sounds negative. They usually turn out to be your favourites because its the pleasure without the pain or worry. Great video, thanks. AndyB
Fantastic video and great message. I love Superbikes and what not but cheap bikes embody the spirit of freedom of motorcycling