The end is nigh

[steve hawkins]

Well lads and lasses, due to circumstances beyond my control i.e. I am to be made redundant next year,  I am having to thin the herd.  i.e. boats and bikes.  

For the time being, I have resolved keep only one bike and go down to only one boat (sailing dinghy).  It is necessary, and long over due.

I was in conversation with my brother the other day, as he was talking about getting another bike.  So I offered him one of mine - both the same price.  He selected the R65 over the R100.  I knew he had always admired it.

It was always my plan to strip it and refresh it this winter, after I had finally finished the conversion from Café Racer to Bobber/Scrambler.  The powder coating on the frame had always le the bike down, with its cracking and fading.  I have really enjoy riding it in this configuration.

So my brother is taking over the project.  He wants my assistance and guidance with the tearing down for paint, which I am glad to give.  He wants to put his mark on the bike, I just need to diplomatically guide him the right way, so it will still be an attractive bike to me when I buy it back!
  

I would like to still hang around, I will probably mod up the r100 into a similar configuration to where the R65 currently is.  It should not be too costly, as I already have the spoked wheels, surefoot, koni's etc.

Lets just see where this goes.

Cheers

Rev. Light

[montmil]

Well lads and lasses, due to circumstances beyond my control i.e. I am to be made redundant...

In similar words, just what my ex-wife's lawyer said to me.
Turned out to be a very good thing; as this life episode may well be for you, too, Steve.

Please continue to be a part of this forum. Your input, comments and humor are a large part and parcel to the success for our R65 asylum. And do recruit you brother into this herd of cows.

Much like your brother taking over your R65, I have sorta temporarily kinda given my '83 R65 to my son. His 'rice rocket' is down for major engine work and has stalled out... he does love the R65! Anyway, our agreement is that he cannot sell the R65 and whenever he scores a new bike, I'll get it back. There's been no money exchanged on this agreement.... I just ran outta shop space.

Take care, Steve, and, as my old dad said to me when I left home, "Write when you get work."

[MR.E]

Steve

Sorry to hear it mate.
Where did/do you work?

Just let us know in advance what you want us to 'advise' him on!!

Are you still gonna do the scrambler on the r100?
I've an idea for an R65 with WP enduro forks and 10cm longer swingarm!

All the best

[steve hawkins]

I currently work for Alcatel-Lucent.  R&D is coming to an end in the UK by end of 2015 for my project area.  But I could be out by early next year.  

My job will now be done by a: Frenchman/Chinaman/Indian/Romanian/American

pick one of the above....once I have trained them

Can't complain, I have had best part of 13 years wages out of them, in this every shrinking Telecoms sector and they will honor my contract for redundancy, which will give me a bit of breathing space.   47 years of age - Time for something different?

As far as the r100 is concerned:

I rather like to keep to a roadster that can do an occasional jaunt across a bridleway.

It will not stay in its current configuration.  But it will only be a 'chucking away' exercise, as I will be doing it on the cheap!  Which is how the r65 started out really.  I will have to be very careful on what if anything I spend any money on.  Perhaps a new saddle, and some alloy mudguards/fenders.......I dare not shorten the swing arm to mimic the r65 wheel base, as it would cost too much - swing arm, drive shaft and shocks etc.

Anyone need a classic wooden sailing dinghy?

Cheers

Steve Hawkins

[nhmaf]

Hi Steve,

We're very sorry to hear of the impending cutbacks and hope that you'll be able to find an even better position somewhere else that will give you more satisfaction, happiness, and money to buy more motorcycle stuff.   As the others have said, do please stick around as we enjoy our community we've formed here, and all members are like very good neighbors.   A burden shared is made the lesser.   And please invite your brother to our neighborhood, too!

Best of luck,
Mike

[steve hawkins]

I will have my twin brother join, by the end of this thread...He is also my neighbor......You can't split twins for long!  

Although very similar, we are, apparently, not identical.  And no, we are not 'telepathetic'.

Although we have similar hobbies.

He already has a R100 GS special....

[Luca]

Although very similar, we are, apparently, not identical.  And no, we are not 'telepathetic'.

I've got an identical.  I think the whole "telepathy" thing comes down to learning subtle cues from spending an entire childhood side by side.  When we played hockey as kids we hardly had to speak to coordinate our plays... we were both defencemen.

Doesn't hurt me one bit when I punch him though       Now if only I could get him to give up on Honda  [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]

Sorry to hear about your job, but when one door closes, usually you find another has opened.  Wish you the best of luck with finding that opportunity.  As proper "Yanks" would say, we're pullin' for ya!

[clonmore1]

Hi Steve,

Sorry to hear of the news, another example of the "brave" new world in which we inhabit!

We too have had to cut back due to the state of the NHS and the public sector (take note USA, socialised medicine has its drawbacks...).

In almost 32 years of commercial life never have I known so much uncertainty!

All the very best for the future.

Chris

[Lucky_Lou]

In almost 32 years of commercial life never have I known so much uncertainty!

All the very best for the future.

Chris

I will second that ....... I do hope you remembered to put a buy back clause  in the deal.
Lou

[steve hawkins]

Its okay, just got to get my house in order and I have months to do it.

And I will relish a bit of time off if I can get it.

As long as its just a bit!

Cheers

Rev. Light

[Barry]

I've been there Steve and although it did take a while for another door to open I look back now and welcome the change of direction. Got some major work done on the house too. You start to wonder how you found time to work.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Steve, it's great to have you on the forum.  In fact when I first saw your R65 it reminded me of how much I had enjoyed my previous one and prompted me to get another and to join this forum.  I've made some good friends here.  As for the job, yes, that's a bum deal.  ( lost my butt on Lucent/Alcatel stock when the French bought them)  Just remember, you were looking for a job when you found that one.  A man of your imagination and resources will bounce back.

[Dustybin]

Hi all, Steves brother Tony here, finally I have got my hands on his r65, i have coveted this bike for years and even tried to source my own, but have not been able to find a suitable example. Anyway the bike is now in my hands (by moving 12 feet side ways into my garage). I've just got to resolve the small matter of payment.
Anyway to all intents and purposes the bike is mocked up the way I would like it to be, but needs a couple of repairs and a paint job. So as soon as I can support it off it's side stand I shall strip it down for ready for a frame/ tank repaint, and probably a name change as Ruby only suits a red bike!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Hi all, Steves brother Tony here, finally I have got my hands on his r65, i have coveted this bike for years and even tried to source my own, but have not been able to find a suitable example. Anyway the bike is now in my hands (by moving 12 feet side ways into my garage). I've just got to resolve the small matter of payment.
Anyway to all intents and purposes the bike is mocked up the way I would like it to be, but needs a couple of repairs and a paint job. So as soon as I can support it off it's side stand I shall strip it down for ready for a frame/ tank repaint, and probably a name change as Ruby only suits a red bike!

WELCOME!!!
Sorry to hear about Steve's job situation, but thrilled that his R65 is staying in the family!

[nhmaf]

Tony - welcome aboard !!!