Just traded my 06 in on a V Star 1300.
Its been a good run with lots of trackdays, more mountain & canyon runs then flatlanders can dream of and many tours of the Western States.
Was thinking of pushing the Big Red big in a corner and taking it out once in a while. But really, I am in a new chapter of my riding life. After a very hard winter gig on as a deck boss in Dutch Harbor Alaska I realized a few things about Me. One, I dont need to ever run a dirt bike again. My 57 year old joints wont take it. The other was I have no business on a sport bike of any kind. I am just too dangerous. My lawyer actually thanked Me!!
Someone is going to get a well sorted out 14. Hopefully they have the capacity to use it. Its NOT a posers bike. Way too brutal of suspension, engine mods for a casual rider.
As i dont have the drag bug I saw no need to keep it. And for what I got for trade in I can get a barely used bike later if I miss the rush!!
The first five years were a rush of track days and high speed mountain runs with my insane road racer buddies.
I am the last of those speed warriors. Several died and the rest walked away to saner pursuits.
Past two years were a attempt to turn the 14 into a quasi-Concours. Lots of touring with my Lady and rides with mortals or lesser bikes.
After numerous test rides and Demo days on all sorts of cruisers and adventure type bikes I am going the cruiser route.

Awesome!Congrats on that V-Star...really cool bikes.Hell....this bike does come with an enticing side to it for sure...it IS a dangerous machine...or can be...not because it's poorly built...hell...you know exactly what I mean....it begs to be opened up...not always the safest deal in reality.You take good care...stick around if ya wish....V-Star...ya...cool bike fer sure;)

I really like Yamaha Star motorcycles, you've made good choices.

I wish for You and Wife a very long and happy life together.

You'll be missed here...

Bob

Congrats on your new ride. Don't forget you didn't only trade in the throttle...you got rid of the brakes as well. I think as dangerous as a 14 can be a good set of brakes helps even your odds of survival. I never really rode a crusier very much but I can't imagine there very good at evasive maneuvering. But hell with all the miles and years you've logged I'm not telling you anything new. Ride safe and come back soon.

Sounds as though you have earn't a break.
Enjoy your life the way you want to.
As long as your free to go and do what you want when you want is all that matters..
Get On It..

When I get too old for a sportbike that is when I am going to go on my hell ride. If I still have a license, maybe I'll get a cruiser.

Farewell skiffman. Long may you ride -- whatever it is that carries you.

Thanks Guys. When I swapped bikes today there was a green 14r with trick exhaust. Made Me wonder....,lol.
Actually got a little sad on the ride in. But on the ride out my decision was reaffirmed. It was cool taking in the sights at a casual pace. Without a highstrung mount under Me demanding my attention.
Looking forward to many long putts aboard my new bike. And there is quite a bit of engine, suspension and bodywork mods available too. There will also be a Triumph/HD Bobber/speedway bike build in the near future....
Keep up the insanity boys!!!

Gonna ride it to my grave, put it on the kickstand and see what Gods riding!!

* Last updated by: skiffman on 9/4/2013 @ 11:25 PM *

You already know what God is riding, man.

* Last updated by: tooncinator on 9/5/2013 @ 5:56 AM *

...if I was going to ride a cruiser that be it! Nice ride.

I'm sure you made a good decision. Nice bike.
Many of us will have to make a change at some point. You get older and lose your edge. Not a good thing on a bike like the 14.
Right now I consider myself lucky. I can ride my 14 like a cruiser but still have that acceleration put a smile on my face whenever I have the room.
Enjoy your bike. Come around to say "hi" and give us older guys a report on life with your cruiser.