The final curtain

[Ned]

I haven't posted for ages although I still look in from time to time but yesterday got bad news - not the life threatening variety but I posted way back last year about an inner ear problem I was having. Now diagnosed as acute chronic unilateral vestibular neuritis. A big name for "the nerve from my right ear is shot and will most likely never mend" - result - poor balance, walk like a drunk and bump into things if I turn my head while walking. It hasn't got any better so now it's deemed to be permanent after more than a year. Bummed out - I can definitely never ride a bike again - I just made 46 year continuous riding (with licence) and was hoping to get to 50. So the old FJ has to go up for sale. The carbs leak/overflow and there's now some rust in the tank due to long term lack of use. Anyone in the Auckland area (NZ) wanting one? It will have to be a bit cheap as I haven't really got the enthusiasm to fix something I can't ride.
At least I can still drive a car. I thought about getting a Can-am Spyder but they are too expensive.

Ned

[The General]

Sorry to hear of your predicament Ned.

Don`t ask how I know, but it is definateley not the final curtain on motorcycles. Mate start studying tha science of Sidecars! 

You simply can`t help but smile in or on, one of these Newtonian law defying contraptions. Make sure you get one that has been set up with leading link suspension and preferably of Yamaha vintage. (Mine is a 1978 XS 1100). If you don`t wish to go over 100klm/hr consider a Ural if you want something new.
Taking a sidecar for a test ride should be on everyone`s bucket list! imho.   

[Tony Mac]

Sorry to hear of your predicament Ned.

Don`t ask how I know, but it is definateley not the final curtain on motorcycles. Mate start studying tha science of Sidecars! 

You simply can`t help but smile in or on, one of these Newtonian law defying contraptions. Make sure you get one that has been set up with leading link suspension and preferably of Yamaha vintage. (Mine is a 1978 XS 1100). If you don`t wish to go over 100klm/hr consider a Ural if you want something new.
Taking a sidecar for a test ride should be on everyone`s bucket list! imho.   

Hi Ned, I'm with The General.
I'm also sorry about your illness. It sounds a bit like Minnieres Desease that many of my family suffer from.
Look around for a Side Car or even have some one quote to convert your "J"
I hope it works out for you.
Be Good.
Tony.

[X-Ray]

Geezuz Ned, not good. Its amazing the number of ailments that seem not to be so serious, but can affect so many things we do. As The General has said, there are ways to keep the 2/3 wheel dream going, hopefully you can do this.
All the best mate 

[roverfj1200]

Bugger

Ned I remember riding with you over here.. Sorry to hear of you predicament. One thing I would say is the Doctors are not all ways right it still might be temporary.


Cheers Mate
 

[Steve_in_Florida]

Ned,
Sorry to read about your issue.

I read recently about a driverless concept car. Maybe a kit to retro-fit on bikes is just around the corner?

Steve

[novaraptor]

Yup, or Voyager trike conversion, or even a 300cc trike by Icebear. Not the speed and power, of course, but still keeps you in the wind... Best of fortune to you..

[yamaha fj rider]

Ned so sorry about the news. Don't give up on riding just yet. Keep looking for other options. Used Can-Am or others. Medical since keep coming up with new soiutions.

Kurt

[Mark Olson]

I am very sorry to hear this Ned, I know what a joy motorcycling has been for you .

[FJmonkey]

Ned, you have reached a mile stone with 2 wheels. As mentioned, you can make a few more miles on three. Last year I saw a guy pull up at the local bike stop on a trike. He pulled his folding wheelchair from behind him and wheeled away. Where there is a will, there is a way. Keep the wind in your hair (if you have any) and keep on loving what you do...

[Pat Conlon]

I echo what others have said...find a way Ned...

When one door closes in your life, another one one opens...it's just that staying in the hall way sucks.

Best wishes

[Ned]

Thanks Fellas
It's encouraging and I have given thought to sidecars. I rode a few big old british singles with "chairs" back in the 70s - good fun but I'm not sure about converting the FJ.
Yes - it has similar symptoms to Menieres. The specialist told me there is one likely fix, section the nerve from the right ear which will also result in permanent loss of hearing in that ear. That will allow the grey matter to focus on the left ear input without the confused signals from the right side. It's not guaranteed though and therefore not something I would contemplate. I've almost forgotten what it's like getting out of bed in the morning and the room not going round and round. A car ride along our lovely windy road to work is like the best ever roller-coaster ride. I'd rather be riding the FJ though.
I am going to try to get the old girl running sweetly like she used to though as I'd feel bad just dumping her after more than 10 years of outstanding service. I'll just have to let my son-in-law test ride her.

Ride safe, keep the rubber on the road
Ned

[fj1289]

I remember a "sport" sidecar conversion on an FJ many years ago - the arricle was called "Attack of the Sportworm"or something like it.  Or how about a trike conversion for the FJ?!

[Arnie]

Ned,

Very sorry to read of your troubles.
As a rider with similar number of years on 2 wheels, I know how hard it will be to give it up.
Its been a significant part of my life, and obviously yours too.
However, I know the time will come when its necessary to stop riding.
I just hope that I'll have the sense to make the decision, rather than have it imposed on me by accident.

All the best to you in your future, no matter your decisions.
Hope to catch up with you sometime in the future on the shakey islands.

Cheers,
Arnie

[anson45]

Ned,
Sorry about your medical problems. I've been thinking if I have to give up riding I'd get a Miata convertible.
Anson