Sell or Keep My Monster

[SDRider]

Keep it.  I have a kid too and the thought of making my wife a widow scares the crap out of me sometimes but I can't imagine not riding.  I love it too much.

Might take a couple years for you to get back on it but just take your time and do it when you're ready.

[Elevhun]

Sorry for your friend and his loss, that's a huge hole all at once. Don't let others misfortune determine how you live your life,  there's risk involved in everything. It's probably as dangerous if not more to walk down a busy city street. Your more likely to be killed doing an everyday task then riding a few miles on your motorcycle. If your riding paranoid all the time then it's time to take a break.
I have been a paramedic for 23 years and have seen the worst of the worst as far as accidents are concerned (far more car than motorcycle) and never for a moment did it make me want to stop riding. Last October a good friend and fellow firefighter / paramedic hit a landscape trailer that was being towed by a truck and almost lost his leg, the accident happened wile I was following behind him, he said he won't ever get on a motorcycle again and  I can respect his decision considering all the pain and multiple surgery's he has gone trough but I  know that's going to eat him up inside not riding.
Keep the bike, if it's in your heart and you sell it there's nothing but regret. And like Barney said, there's bragging rights to owning a Ducati even if it's covered up in the basement.

[Case S2R]

You have no right or wrong decision, and lots of good advice here.

IMO-- You likely knew street riding can be dangerous before your friends parents accident.  While it hits close to home, you already accepted the danger when you decided to buy a motorcycle.  Now you are re-evaluating your decision, go with what you feel...

IMO-- When your head is not in the game, it is time to sell or park it (your choice).

I had a good friend, and a good rider, say he is done riding, after many years, up and sold his bike, said he had a feeling his number was coming up.  He still shows up at track days and loves bikes.  We support him 100%.  Listen to your gut.

Me-- I have a little girl, love motorcycles, and do not ride nearly as much as I did, I do try to get a few track days/year because IMO they are A) safer and B) more fun.  Even still I like to look at my bike so when I am not riding it, it looks pretty pregnant dogin, and most of the time that is all I need.

Best of luck on your decision, only you have the correct answer,
Case

[ab]

Sorry about your friend.

Everyone of my riding friends urge me to sell my bike, but I just can't do it.  She is dying and yet I still look to swap her engine and keep her going.  I just can't part with my first decent bike.  The $ I would get to sell her would not be worth much. Likewise, in terms of the $ value you would get on your bike,  I would think you can hang on to her for the future and ride her now and then.  

Good luck with your decision.

ps. when my 620 tipped over when the stand gave way, the hinges needed to be weld and the JB weld has held well all this years.  Not sure if your damage is similar but good luck.

[koko64]

Life has risks. There's no sure bet. Motorcycles and Love are risky and not easy, but they make life feel so much more satisfying.

One of my kids is taking up motorcycles and one is embarking on a boxing career. While I have raised them not to live in fear I have raised them to manage risk as best they can no matter what they do. While I'm excited for them I am also concerned, but not fearful. By supporting and training them to survive I am trying to contain risk, but it's never eliminated.

It's about getting the risk levels down to a level you can live with and manage.

[red baron]

there's bragging rights to owning a Ducati even if it's covered up in the basement.

This.

Even still I like to look at my bike so when I am not riding it, it looks pretty pregnant dogin, and most of the time that is all I need.

and this.

[ducatigirl100]

I  have an old  1983 fender stratocaster. I bougth it almost 20 years ago ...took some lessons and store it away... It's underneat my bed and I the last time I payed it was around 5 years ago....but I would never sell it....... just to make sure I carved my name on it ....  it's collecting dust ...

But some day's about 1 time every 5 years. I take it out and play.... and it feels  amazing !

One day you will wake up craving your bike...

Keep it, store it   

Now I have to go and play some music...

[the_Journeyman]

I'm kinda in the same boat.  I have a Stratocaster SSH (humbucker by the bridge so I can get the Telecaster sound) that I can hardly play, and then I've got the M750 in the garage too.  I enjoy them both!

JM

[77south]

Keep it, and start that rebuild project.  You know there's parts there that could be upgraded or repainted or powder coated, and with no pressure to get it done in time for spring or whenever, you can take it slow and do most of the work yourself.

[koko64]

Great idea.

[Speedbag]

Keep it, and start that rebuild project.  You know there's parts there that could be upgraded or repainted or powder coated, and with no pressure to get it done in time for spring or whenever, you can take it slow and do most of the work yourself.

Basically my thoughts.

Keep it and sloooowly make it the bike you've always wanted. Tear it apart, clean and paint to the last detail, and enjoy. You can always add more fancy bits if money allows as well.

[He Man]

building a bike is as fun as riding one for some.

sorry to hear about your friends parents man. My buddy was severely injured on a street acident and since then, ive really not ridden much. I did however started off road racing where the stakes are higher, but in a different way. You can just no go as fast and ride for the fun of riding without worrying about drunk drivers. Thats why my ducati has seen less than 3000 miles in 2 years.

[herm]

If it's paid for ( i assume so)

Keep it.
Fix the tank. Get it coated while you are at it.
Store it properly.

Some day you might want to ride again, and this a cheap re- entry.

Or, someday this bike may be worth more to "the right person", and you can sell it.