A few weeks back an old man chided me for putting off dreams till the future. He said, "If theres something you want to do, you better do it now. If you wait like I did you'll just be too damn old." Good gritty wisdom.

It was a tough decision but I've decided to replace the XT225 with a 2006 WR250F. Its coming this Saturday. At least its still a Yamaha. I'm going to leave the WR an off-road machine for now but possibly dual-sport it this winter.

I'm not very good at splitting affection so with a pang of remorse I'll be putting the XT up for sale.

If its OK with Scott I'd still like to hang out here. Its really the people that count, regardless of what we ride.

Brs,

Don V.

I don't think you are a traitor at all ... dirty rat maybe ... but not a traitor. Actually, I'm very excited for you. The advice you got is good. Go for it!

[ June 20, 2006: Message edited by: Montana Tracy ]

hey Don,
I read you post on your bike for sale before this one. That answered my question. I'm sure it's alright for everyone here that you could continue giving us your thoughts even if you don't have a XT anymore. We accept Mike even if he rides a XR and smokes cigars, so what ?
I'm sure you'll have sleeping problem 'till next saturday ! :p

Jon

Don - You're not a traitor or a smuck. Not as far as I'm concerned anyway. You have always been a valuable contributor to this site as well as a strong biking force with good insight, hindsight and humorous stories. You're "grand fathered" in so to speak so feel free to continue on here as per usual. Just try not to post too many photos of the new bike until we get over the shock of it all. The new bike doesn't make you a lesser man it makes you more valuable given you can introduce us to yet another assaut weapon. I for one would be interested in your experiences with the WR as I don't know shit about bikes. I would imagine that bike will perform exceptionally well on technical trails. It's light and powerful and I hope the gearing can be set so low it's below low. When you get good and cocky on it we can run you through Crap Ave. as a test case. This could become a featured story available only to premium subscribers. Bike needs to be street legal for that to happen. Good idea to add the DOT junk onto it. I agree with the fellow on life being short. Don't miss the boat and get your riding baseline now so you can enjoy it for many years. Some of this rough and tumble stuff is damn hard to start beyond an age point. I didn't get started until 48 so I'm speaking from experience. Keep us informed. You are severly in the rears on pictures too BTW. Best tend to that ASAP. Congrats, enjoy and thanks for being a straight shooter about it. People do matter.

PS: If the wife gives you any troubles just put on your black nighty.

[ June 20, 2006: Message edited by: Muniac ]

Don Verbeck,

Yea, it's not like you are smoking cigars or riding a XR!

I wonder which is worse. They will both kill you.

Cigar Mike

Hey Don,

I do hope that you continue to visit here and add your input to the mix, because you have a good way of expressing yourself, and add a pleasant lilt to the atmosphere.

You're remaining here has a two requirements:

1. Complete detailed reports on the mechanical features as well as the performance of your new WR.

2. Lots of pictures!!!


Take Care,


Greg

Hi Don,

good luck with your new toy.

I just wish my little legs would allow me to reach the floor on a WR but they just won't!

Keep in touch with the clan.

Thanks to all for the warm wishes. That's what makes this site so unique.

Scott, funny thing about the wife, she actually encouraged me to get the bike. Maybe she'll let me keep it in the living room!

Jon, I'm honored to be lumped in with the likes of Cigar Mike, but I'll have to come up with an interesting trademark accessory. I don't smoke cigars but I do eat a lot of apples.

I'm getting the hint on pictures; I'll be sure to oblige!

Brs,

Don V.

Yeah, Don, you're forbidden to leave. You could ride a Kawasaki, for all I care, your input and insight is always most valuable.

Don

I rode a WR250F last year and they are a terrific bike, all the best. I would like to own one but I am up to my quota I have the Serow, my BMW R1100RS and my serow replacment in bits a Moto Morini Kanguro ( awaiting complete rebuild). My serow will be passed onto my son next year when he has done his year on his Honda MT50 and passed his test.

Regards

Robin