Why I Bought Another Bike...
It seems to be a common path for many riders, especially as we gain a few more years: the decision to downsize to smaller, lighter motorcycles. For the past couple of years, this thought has been increasingly on my mind. As I quickly approach 70, I'm determined to keep riding for as long as possible. So, rather than wait until necessity dictates, I decided it was time to get a jump on preparing for that eventual shift.
There was a time when speed and raw power fueled my passions. Fast cars, powerful bikes – heck, I even operated heavy equipment just to command those massive machines I could never dream of owning. But over the years, something fundamental has changed. I'm not sure if it's simply a natural evolution of life, or perhaps a delightful perk of "old age," but my priorities have definitely shifted.
These days, I find a profound patience in the workshop. The old urgency to finish projects in record time has simply vanished. Now, a leisurely ride through the countryside, gently carving smooth corners at 60% of my ability, is profoundly enjoyable. It's this very shift in perspective that led me to a significant decision: to purchase a 1970 Honda SL175.
My criteria for a new bike were quite specific. Approaching my 70th birthday, the bike absolutely had to be light, yet still possess a satisfying power-to-displacement ratio. A big bonus would be an older, vintage model, much like the bikes I've cherished in the past. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, the bike needed to be fundamentally sound – a robust foundation without a tangle of electronic gadgets. In short, something uncomplicated, easy to service, maintain, and repair myself.
Initially I thought a bike like one of the Royal Enfield 350 singles would be a perfect fit for my needs. They are fairly easy to maintain and I would be able to do most of the required maintenance. The problem was, they are all fairly heavy bikes, built sturdy with lots of steel. Normally this would be a big plus, but when you're looking to shave pounds and go for a light-weight bike it's a problem.
Then I moved on to the Yamaha MT 03. It's a 300cc twin and gets rave reviews, but in my case I thought it might be to complicated for me to maintain. It's got fuel injection and an electrnic dash with some other gadgets too.
I guess time will tell if I made a good choice or not. This 1970 SL175 is in excellent cosmetic condition and has all the original parts. It has been part of a collection however and as such will need some mechanical TLC to get it back into road worthy condition. Sitting, unused is hard on a bike, and this bike is no exception.
The new bike has been a blast to ride. It responds with an eagerness that my bigger bikes just can't match. It's the perfect antidote to riding my larger heavy bikes, riding—a simple, joyful machine that reminds me why I fell in love with motorbikes in the first place.
Riding the SL175 is a true revelation. It is all about pure, unadulterated fun. Its lightweight frame and nimble handling make it feel less like a machine and more like an extension of my body. Zipping through the little village that I live in, it's a breath of fresh air—a reminder of what riding was like before horsepower became the main metric of enjoyment.
Ride safe & take care - Dennis