Got the itch

Ok fellas, I need some support right now from my fellow Rocketiers. I haven't been on my bike or any other for that matter since July of last year. I have had some health issues and 3 surgeries and looking at another here in the next month or so. The doc's are advising against riding anymore because of the strain it creates on the neck. One with as much horse power as these beast have anyway.
So I have had a lot time on my hands and have kinda got the ITCH for maybe something new or different. A buddy has just bought a Wing and Snuffy has just bought a Wing. I have set on one and without a special seat I can't fit on one either. I have been looking at the Kaw Concourse and maybe even the new BMW 1600 Sport Tourers. But I know the first time I twist the throttle, I would be left wanting more.
Then I keep coming back to what I have and looking at the latest picture I took and I get confused. I think the reason is because I haven't been on the bike since last summer and because of the surgeries, I have too much time on my hands also.. Maybe if I could just go for a ride on the beast, all would be well. LOL. That doesn't look like that is going to happen until maybe May or June. So until I get to ride again, I am going to have to contain this Itch to ride something different. So maybe you guys can help me reinforce why I would not be happy with any thing other than the Rocket.

T Evans said:

...I have had some health issues and 3 surgeries and looking at another here in the next month or so. The doc's are advising against riding anymore because of the strain it creates on the neck. One with as much horse power as these beast have anyway.
...So until I get to ride again, I am going to have to contain this Itch to ride something different. So maybe you guys can help me reinforce why I would not be happy with any thing other than the Rocket.

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Sounds to me like you have a bigger dilemma to solve rather than simply wondering what other motorcycle will satisfy that itch, Mr. Evans.

Are the doctors you are consulting the "best of breed" in their fields of expertise in your region? If not, I'd seek a second or third opinion with regard to their advise to quit riding. Nerve damage/spinal chord injuries are not to be trifled with. If the advise you are getting is sound it is more likely than not that you should follow it. If it is questionable, certainly you'll need to rest post-operatively and allow the damage to repair. Perhaps there are some aggressive/alternative forms of physical therapy or preventative maintainence regimes that might be worth researching and adopting?

The two bikes you mention as alternatives point to your being in denial of the possibility of following the advice you have already been given to cease and desist motorcycling, as boththe Kaw and the Beemer are agresive machines with, IMO, much worse ergos for the physical conditions you loosely described. If the medical advice you have been given proves to be based on good, medically sound information, maybe (hopefully) you could stay in the hunt with something relatively equal in class to a motorcycle , like, say with a trike or something like this:

New experience in open road riding | BRP Can-Am Spyder Roadster

Whatever the outcome, I hope that your discomfort is alleviated and that you end up not having to change your lifestyle too radically. Good luck!

Thanks TriumPhill, good advice for sure. Back in 75 I injured my neck in HS football and was told I could not take advantage of any of the scholarships that had been offered to play college ball and that was it, I never gave it another thought. 36 yrs later that injury has come back to haunt me and come to find out I have been just really lucky that I haven't taken the right fall or hit that could have easily finished off the injury that I had on my spinal cord that could have resulted in paralyzing me or worst, would have killed me. After fixing my right shoulder rotator cuff in July, they thought was part of the problem and when that didn't fix it. They keep looking and found the injury in my neck. They have fixed it in November along with the carpel tunnel in my right arm at the same time. So I have been rehabing and finding that they have yet to find it or get to the source of all this pain and weakness through my shoulders and arms. So I am now in search of a new specialist for a second opinion. But until I can ride again, I will live vicariously through you guys and your post here on the board and wish I could just go for a ride.

Big T

Small consolation that I know it is Big T,
but I'll offer it up none the less.
Here it is a beautiful day, the snow melting the roads are mostly clear now,
and I can't get this big assed mofo out of the garage cause there's snow half way up it,
even IF I got out there and shoveled it all away, there's still that ice covered driveway, and road to contend with till I got to an open road.
now back to the topic at hand.
You KNOW you're use to the torque, power, and speed coming from a hoss to a R3.
Nothing else looks like it or runs like it.
just look back up there at that picture you posted.

BEAUTIFUL

Like a work of art, an original, like the mona lisa on steroids.

Hang tough bro, you'll get better, and then the grins will be right back like they never left.

I agree with Skip, just look at that beauty. Take care of the injury and rest till you can get out on the bike and see if you can ride it. Be patient my friend.

I've always felt a lot fitter after a summer's riding man, I think the therapy is fresh air and just the feel good factor on the bike, any bike really. The Rocket demands a certain level of physical strength to manhandle and there's no alternative to that, but technique and know-how can help.
Why not go half way first - get something lighter to build up the muscles again, like a Bonnie or anything you fancy, get yourself happy with riding that and try the Rocket now and again. If it's your upper body that's had the probs, there's nothing wrong with your legs to hold it up , you just need to use the head and be careful.
I've had brilliant fun on small bikes too so don't write them off as useless - any bike is better than none!

Big T,
Another fellow Okie here, I am apparently about your age, (graduated in 76), and I too had neck surgery to fuse C6-C7 to repair an injury suffered fighting fire. I know it can seem like forever waiting to heal. I would say to follow the doctors expert advice and I believe you will be mended quicker than you think. I have always been one to neglect "doctors orders" and did so with the neck one day early in my recovery. Suffice it to say I learned the hard way from that DA move and I pretty much went to bed for 6 weeks after that, just like that **** smart ass doctor told me to, and I was much better for it in the end. Personally I think that if you shouldn't be on the R3, you really should'nt be on any bike anyway. Sweet Rocket by the way!

Better days are coming my friend, hang in there and You will ride again, I'd love to do it with ya!

Lonnie

A Bonnie might be a great option. Dealer loaned me one a while ago and it was F U N to ride. So light and nimble - I think it would be my second bike of choice if I could afford it. It's a tough call to contemplate getting rid of your Rocket though.

Of course if you want to save your neck muscles and those of anyone (pedestrians) you pass you could always get a Harley. HD riders actually have fewer back and neck problems because the wallets they're sitting on are so thin.

T Evans, that's a wonderful looking R3 Classic you have there. i don't think you'd ever find another as nice as it is. take your time, there's no hurry to sell it, and even though they have that "pissed off big ass gorilla torque", there's no reason to use all of it, or at least till you feel you can. i hope you get well. i'm a fellow okie from south of muskogee on the edge of lake eufaula. if you get down this way, look me up, we'll go riding. but for now, concern yourself on getting better, the riding will come along at the right time for you.

That picture is the answer, nothing in the world beats that.