A Two Wheeled Review Of 2025.

Yes, being old(er) certainly does beat the alternative! I suspect I have arthritis in my neck which probably got a head start back when I bicycle raced a lot. Bicycling these days is what seems to exacerbate it. I'm loath to buy a different bicycle but I am going to put a bit taller stem on my current bicycle. The surgeon who wrote the MRI order thinks I may have a pinched nerve in my neck so we'll see what's actually going on. I guess it could be both! But better to know and address the reality than continue to stick my head in the sand about it. I am hoping that whatever it is, that physio and exercises are the solution.

Yes, it is nice to have some flexibility in being able to schedule medical appointments and procedures. What I've found lately with things like MRI's and other imaging is that it seems those companies really (and I mean REALLY want your business). It used to take weeks to get on the schedule but now it takes mere days. Maybe that just means there are lots more imaging companies, I don't know. I needed to change my trigger thumb release surgery date and thought that would be a challenge. Nope. I wanted it two weeks later so I'd be off work for my spring break and I got it on exactly the day I chose and even at the time I chose! Again, I'm not sure what that all might mean but I'm certainly not unhappy about it. Re. the auto clutches, yep, I know they are out there but I will definitely ride a motorcycle with a clutch as long as humanly possible. Riding motorcycles and loving to shift is a big part of what led me to purchase my 6-speed manual transmission Mustang.

 

One of the classic signs of arthritis in the neck is if you look left then right as far as you can and you hear/feel a crackling feeling. One thing that surprised me when I was referred to a physiotherapist under the NHS was he prescribed a series of exercises which we built up over a number of months that I now do every day. This was very different to when I went private and paid for physiotherapy. Then they gave me a massage and linked me up to a tens machine or gave me acupuncture which was more of a quick fix for my condition. The NHS way has certainly made a long term positive difference and if I forget to do it I do notice a deteriation, so it's a case of carry on and do my bit. If you have it and want to know about my exercise plan let me know

 

Will do, @littleade! Thank you!!!

 

2025 was an excellent year for my motorcycle hobby. I rode 16,370 miles on my three different bikes, 7000 miles on my Triumph Tiger GT Pro, 6170 miles on my 2017 Yamaha FJR ES (Extra Sloppy) and 3200 miles on my 2017 Suzuki DR650. All in all it was a great year.

I have owned FJRs for 15 years. I used to think FJR were the best thing since sliced bread. After selling a 09 FJR with aftermarket suspension in 2019, I bought a the 2017 FJR with Electronic Suspension. This was a huge mistake. The ES (extra sloppy) is under sprung for the rough pavement in Eastern Washington. I never bonded with the 17 FJR and due to being pig headed it took a while to find something else.

Once I gave up on the idea of shaft drive it opened up my world. I focused on bikes with highly rated suspension and lower weight. The FJR is a portly 650 pounds and at 70 years young it is getting harder to manage and it does not help the electronic suspension contributions to the piggish handling.

In May of 2025 I was at the Triumph dealer with my friend who owns a 800 Tiger Sport. And there it was a 2021 Tiger GT Pro with 6000 miles on it with lots of extras such as crash bars, GPS mount, radiator guard and luggage.



Looking into it decided to try it. It hit a lot of the boxes, lighter weight, good suspension, comfortable and almost new for $10,500 it was low risk. It became my primary bike the remainder of 2025.

After riding season concluded in October I was determined to replace the FJR. While the GT Pro has very good suspension the 19" hoop and fork dive limit handling. I wanted something sporty, light weight that had an up right riding position. So I spent some time on Youtube checking out bikes and found manufacturers are making all rounders with up right seating position suitable for touring with 17" front tires. Perfect. A hooligan Dad bike is how some describe it. After an all nighter on YouTube I found the 2026 Tiger Sport 800 Tour. (I can remember when all nighters meant something besides watching YouTube videos but those days are long gone!)



This bike checked a lot of boxes. I was interested in the Honda CB1000GT but it isn't available in the US and at my age time is not to be wasted waiting for the perfect motorcycle.

So I put down a refundable deposit on the 2026 Triumph. I will sell the FJR and for the first time in 15 years move on.

I am glad a found the Triumphs. There is a good dealer in Spokane Washington. The bikes are lightweight and well suited for the crummy pave in Eastern Washington.

My only regret is being so devoted to the FJR for too long. Brand loyalty can blind one to new opportunities. That is my big take away from 2025.

 

Hi @littleade I also have a knackered neck, and would very much appreciate it if you could share your exercises...

Cheers,

 

No worries - it's a great bike. I had 3 S1000RRs before getting the Speed Triple RR, and I drive a BMW when I need more wheels so I'll certainly not hold it against you

I've found that bar end weights make the most difference with vibes, but to be honest they rarely cause me much of an issue anyway. For me it's more about trying to keep the mirrors usable, especially as I instruct on trackdays and it's useful to be able to see if they really are following in my wheeltracks...

 

Yes we went last year and could be converted quite easily.

 

Second that @littleade

 

I to have a troublesome hip the doctor says is arthritis. I use the tiger Balm and it never bothers me when riding. Only thing is if i have a white vest it gets stained and does not come out. Thrown a few away up till now.

 

I've created another thread here so as not to take this one too far off topic

https://www.thetriumphforum.com/threads/neck-exercises.45386/