ODE AN DIE FREUDE

Fellow blogger RR caused me to recall a beloved  school master who taught us German and music. 

Sadly he died before his time, many years ago, but  THIS is to his memory

It brings chills to the spine and tears to the eyes. Well done Ludwig! (and Schiller, of course)

LAST OF A LONG LINE

 Over some 63 years I have owned various motorcycles (56 actually) some together, others singly. As life has gone by I have adapted. My first, a small BSA Bantam 150cc, I bought from necessity when doing my National Service to get to and from the army camp. It was the start of a lifelong involvement with and enjoyment in motorcycles of all kinds. you can see most of the story in a previous blog post.

Now I am 81 and neuropathy in my left leg/foot (result of a stroke about 5 years ago) has made it increasingly difficult and painful to operate the left foot gear change on a conventional bike. "Why not get an older machine with a right foot gearchange ?" you ask. Well, that would mean no electric starter and I cannot contemplate jumping up and down on a kick start any more!

I have had a number of "twist and go" automatic scooters (a shame that no motorcycles are made that way) that require no input from the feet at all. It has not been a good year for me (heart attack and hospital-acquired Covid whilst being treated) so I thought about a little treat. 

I already had such a "twist and go" (see a couple of posts back). But it was made in 2011 and had no prop stand so I needed to get off, balance on one foot and lift the scooter onto its centre stand - not easy with a dicky left leg. I tried fitting an after market prop, but to no avail. So I decided to get Honda's latest model SH125 with its updated engine and a prop stand which I could just kick down as I came to a halt. I specified all the bells and whistles - screen, hand guards and heated handlebar grips (I have poor hand circulation so these last will be useful in winter). I did consider the more powerful and faster 300cc model, but the sort of riding I do these days on country main roads and lanes and no motorways did not warrant the extra expense and weight as this 125cc can maintain an easy 60 mph if necessary and only weighs 135 kgs.

The lot came to a trifle under £4000, but the dealer, eager for sales after lockdown, allowed me £1000 on my old one. Being new it comes with a full Honda 2 year warranty, which will probably last me with it until I eventually have to give up motorcycling for good. Then I shall sell it for a good price as a recent model with a very low mileage.

So, my 57th "motorcycle" and last of the line. I would it was still my old BMW 1000cc, but one has to make necessary adjustments for age and health if one needs to keep the glass half full.

(And I will still have and enjoy riding my pedal ebike)