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Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 3:43 pm
by MikeS
Just been reading/ posting on the touring section. I notice that several people mention being retired or about to retire. It made me wonder, does RT ownership go hand in hand with retirement or is it simple that retired people have a bit more free time to pursue their interests (which happens to be travelling on their RT's).

I retired from the NHS 2 years ago after a 35 year career, since then have managed to get 6 trips abroad in.


Although in fairness I have gone back to work part time in the same job.

Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 4:23 pm
by Casbar
Not sure, I've had an RT for 6 years, I retired at 59 nearly two years ago. Still do exactly the same trips as I did before, once retired I found I seemed to have less time. I do ride for a blood bike group and look after all the events and fundraising for the charity, so its like a full time job, unpaid, but very rewarding :)

Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 5:31 pm
by David.
In 2010, aged 51, I retired from a 35 year career in the iron & steel industry on Teesside.

Purchased my first RT in 2007, now on my third, therefore, the RT came before being retired.

Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 5:41 pm
by MikeS
David. wrote: In 2010, aged 51, I retired from a 35 year career in the iron & steel industry on Teesside.

Purchased my first RT in 2007, now on my third, therefore, the RT came before being retired.

You were still only three years from retirement when you bought it though.


I bought my first RT in 1991 when I was 29, a R80RT. But looking back I didn't see many people on them around my age. Apart from the police

Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 5:45 pm
by gogs01
As a "youngster" I used to go touring on a GPZ900R, then a GTR1000, then a FJR1300.  I traded the FJR for a 2007 R1200RT in 2008 and I'm now on my fourth RT.  :)


I turned 65 in 2012 and retired in 2015, so having a R1200RT and being retired is just a coincidence for me.  As I get older, I sometimes think I should be looking for something smaller and lighter, but I really like my RT .....  ;D



Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 5:55 pm
by David.
MikeS wrote:You were still only three years from retirement when you bought it though.
I just fancied an RT, retirement wasn't part of the decision at the time. Was just in the right place at the right time, could have been better by being aged 50.

Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 5:57 pm
by simbo
It's an 'old man's' bike for sure. šŸ˜

Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 6:00 pm
by David.
It's not what you ride, but how you ride it!

Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 7:16 pm
by Sprintgull
I retired just before Christmas aged 62.  I traded my K1300GT for the RT three years ago, knowing I would be retiring and setting myself up with a new bike while I could still afford it.  Love it!

Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 7:32 pm
by buzz
Just bought an Rt 5 weeks before going partially retired from the Prison Service, bring on the sun

Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 9:16 pm
by BoB21
Only 17 years to wait.

Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 9:47 pm
by Sullivj
I've got at least 20 more years before I can retire.  By then, all bikes will be electric and sped limited, so I'm enjoying it whilst I can!

Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 10:32 pm
by winglider
gogs01 wrote: As a "youngster" I used to go touring on a GPZ900R, then a GTR1000, then a FJR1300.  I traded the FJR for a 2007 R1200RT in 2008 and I'm now on my fourth RT.  :)


I turned 65 in 2012 and retired in 2015, so having a R1200RT and being retired is just a coincidence for me.  As I get older, I sometimes think I should be looking for something smaller and lighter, but I really like my RT .....  ;D
I am about to retire in about 3 months and bought a 2015 R1200 RT LE as a lighter bike for my retirement. After riding a Honda GL1800 for the last 13 years the RT feels very light :) :)

Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2019 12:49 am
by RTs4me
I'll be 57 at the end of July and I'm planning on retiring then. I've been riding BMWs since 1993 and have had every model of the RT since 2000. Currently on my 2nd RT LC, but can't justify a change to the shiftcam.


Hopefully, less time at work should give me greater opportunity to ride more, but to be selective and be able to pick the 'best' days.

Re: Retired or about to retire?

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2019 8:21 am
by Beagle
Work whats work.  Iā€™m 68, wife is 72. Went out on it yesterday. Glorious sunshine, coffee and custard slice (or two),Sat in the sun at the cafe in a village called Slaidburn. Love this retirement.


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