Originally Posted by Def Mute

Instead of asking how...

I always wondered why! Seems to me, and, (for those that may believe I am dictating that everyone do as I do), this is just my opinion...

If you never own a bike for more than 2-3 years, how do you come to feel it is ever actually yours? Would kinda be like renting to me. Takes me at least three years to fully get to know my bike, inside out of course.

I don't buy things to impress anyone. I have never felt jealous of things other people own. If I want something, and can't afford it, I'll build it or fix a broken one. That's where the greatest joy of owning anything comes from IMHO.

That's just me, I don't care to discuss the good or the bad about anyone who does otherwise.

aybe I'm just different...

Originally Posted by texaswiz

The key to owning a new home, a new bike and having all the toys that life offers is having a really high paying job. The other alternative is to be on good terms with a banker and have a good credit score. Then life gets in the way and we are back to somewhere in the middle.

Originally Posted by mmcbeat

Different people have different tastes. A buddy of mine says he can't afford a bike but he goes on very expensive vacations. Another spends more on golf than I do on my bike. Then there are bass boats, hunting trips, etc, etc. I can't indludge in everyhing I want, but having a bike is one thing I do and enjoy.

. . . and by the way, as cheap is interest is right now there is no way I am paying cash for a bike.

Originally Posted by Ganooch

It is all about hard work and not losing focus. When I was in the Army, I was making $30K while getting shot at with a wife and three kids back home. There was no way I could afford a nice motorcycle. When I got back to the states and out of the Army I got a good job in the telecommunications field, bought a house and a car. Found out six months later that my wife had stopped paying the bills and buried me in debt and I was going to lose the house and car. No way I was getting a motorcycle then either.

Then all of a sudden I was divorced, sole custody of three young daughters, renting a house because my credit was destroyed and couldn't get approved to buy anything. That seemed like the low point in my life, but I decided not to give up. I committed to going to school. I slowly repaired my credit. I got a Bachelors in Information Technology. Then an MBA. I moved up in the ranks to a Director position at work. I busted my ***. Along the way I got an 07 Wide Glide. Then an 09 Street Bob.

Now I am in a position where I can have a new Touring bike at 2.19% interest. I have a 13 Ford Expedition EL at 0% interest. My new wife has a Nissan Rogue at 0% interest. I have an awesome five bedroom house that I own, not rent.

There really is no substitute for hard work. If you are a fire fighter with low income, but your credit is good, you are way ahead of where I was. Set a goal of where you want to be in 5 years, then 10 years. Make sure that you get there. I could have used being a single father with sole custody of three kids as an excuse, but I refused to stay down on the mat. My daughters are my inspiration that got me where I am today.

If I was still enlisted in the Army, I don't think I would have the money I do today. Providing for my kids and giving them more than I had was my reason for changing careers. If you love being a fire fighter, there is no more noble career. If it isn't what you love, chase your dreams. That is what is great about America. The only barrier to what you can achieve is the work you have to put in.