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Bitter sweet news from me

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 14, 2026, 11:13 am

First the very bitter news

If anyone has wondered, the reason I have not been posting much for a while is that my other half passed away on January the 2nd this year.

The cancer she had been battling so hard against for the last 2 ½ years finally beat her.

She said that her cancer was just “bad luck”, she was only 62. She had never smoked, she drunk very little, and was very conscious of what she ate.

Also over those 2 ½ years her Father, my Mum and an Uncle passed away, so I have had a pretty shit time.

Since her illness came out of the blue I have made 2 big decisions.

First is to retire next year March to be precise – should have been retiring this year but I need something to distract me from my grief.

Second is to spend some money, after all you cannot take it with you and there are no pockets in a shroud, so I went out and bought a “new” bike.

It is a bone stock 1972 Kawasaki H2C, showing stupidly low miles 494 to be precise, which very possibly is right – yes the speedo does work.

It was owned by a collector in Canada who bought it new, rode it for a while then parked it up.

Nothing shows any sign of wear – it even has the original tyres on it.

There are other things that suggest low mileage / been parked up.

No wear on the footrest or kickstart rubbers. Kickstart pivot and gear linkage not worn, no wear in chain or sprockets, chain adjusters at minimum, brake pads / brake shoe linings not worn down, engine / frame as clean a whistle and no smell of degreaser, in fact most parts have a light coating of dust – the list goes on.

To be honest whether the mileage is correct or not I don’t really care. If the mileage is correct I have another 500 miles left of running in.

Have to do the usual recommissioning and registration to get it on the road, but it will give me something else besides work to distract me from my grief, and something to look forward to.

I regretted selling my previous H2, so thought WTF just get another one and be done with it, as I say you can’t take it with you.

To be continued.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Some bigger pictures

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 14, 2026, 11:18 am, in reply to "Bitter sweet news from me"

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Some bigger pictures

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 14, 2026, 12:59 pm, in reply to "Some bigger pictures"

That is a sad occasion Andy. It does figure that sometimes its not the way you live or eat that brings this illness. Best of luck as you carry on and the pain will ease but those that depart are never forgotten and memories remain.

Re: Some bigger pictures

She will never be forgotten Geoff that is for sure.

She really was brave and courageous throughout, probably had a lot more of both than I would have, faced with the inevitable.

I dont normally name my bikes but the new H2 will be named Colette in her honour.

She did say to get shot of the Speedmaster, as she would never be going out on it again, but as I said to her no way, that is "our" bike and always will be for as long as I have it.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Some bigger pictures

Posted by 6TDen <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=6TDen' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 14, 2026, 5:07 pm, in reply to "Some bigger pictures"

Each and everyone that suffers the loss of someone so close to them has to learn how to deal with the heartache it leaves them with. Everybody’s loss is personal. Mine has been just so. I haven’t ridden since her onset illness or in the 20 months since she passed, I hope one day soon to do so, when I do she will ride with me whichever of the two bikes I choose to ride. I purchased two old tax disc holders for the bikes and used her picture portrayed on the sheets left over from her service to place in them thus ensuring she will ride with me. To be honest she never wanted to ride with me, or anyone, when she was here but I have put the pictures there for me and in the knowledge that nothing here on Earth can hurt her anymore. Stay firm Andy and tuck your memories away for those lonely moments. My sincere condolences.
Den

Re: Some bigger pictures

Den, thanks for your kind words, cant really describe the loss I feel.

Colette used to ride with me on the Speedmaster from time to time, we never though that the ride we went on last summer would be the last, that is one reason for keeping the Speedmaster.

I am having a couple of decals making up one with her name on to go on the H2, another with both our names on for the Speedmaster.

I feel sure that she will be riding with me / and helping to keep me safe, I made a promise to her that I will go careful on the bikes.

My bikes always had her blessing.

I am trying to carry on as normal as I can, but I am sure you will appreciate how difficult that is, only time will ease the pain.

I am very lucky to have my wonderful daughter still living with me at home so we can both support each other.

We will get through this, it is what Colette would have wanted, but it will take a long time.

Simple things like posting here again will help me.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Some bigger pictures

I like you have a daughter who has provided a massive support to me as has her husband, my S.i.L. They live 35 miles away but she is on the phone every day even when on holiday. My son lives in Manchester and phones occasionally and maintains contact through WhatsApp, bur Sara and Phillip are the crutches I lean on. Lean on your daughter Andy but never forget she is grieving the loss of her Mother so watch for the signs and do not forget to let her lean on you to. Also speak about your wife openly as if she is there. The tears will still come, I know, but so will the smiles.
Den

Re: Some bigger pictures

Den, that is pretty much what my Daughter and I do - support each other.

And yes, we do still talk about Mum as if she was still here.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Some bigger pictures

Posted by Hants Ian <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Hants+Ian' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 14, 2026, 5:43 pm, in reply to "Re: Some bigger pictures"

So sorry to hear of your loss Andy. Time is a healer, but can take some time.

The light at the end of the tunnel maybe an oncoming train

Re: Some bigger pictures

Thanks Ian - very true what you say.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Bitter sweet news from me

Posted by Will <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Will' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 14, 2026, 6:13 pm, in reply to "Bitter sweet news from me"

Sorry to hear of your loss. I hope time will help heal your grief although none of us ever forget our loved ones.

Re: Bitter sweet news from me

Posted by DBDBrian <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=DBDBrian' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 14, 2026, 6:33 pm, in reply to "Re: Bitter sweet news from me"

That is very sad news indeed. Nothing I can say Andy apart from offering my condolences for your loss.

Brian
Made In England

Re: Bitter sweet news from me

Thankyou Brian, much appreciated.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Bitter sweet news from me

Thanks Will, appreciate your words.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Bitter sweet news from me

Posted by calidavid <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=calidavid' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 15, 2026, 9:01 am, in reply to "Re: Bitter sweet news from me"

There are no words that I can give you that improve on those above, Andy. Just another biker that feels for you. But I do often look at the pic of my late wife on my T120R that she used to ride with me and that always makes me smile.

Re: Bitter sweet news from me

Posted by Tonupdave <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Tonupdave' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 15, 2026, 9:13 am, in reply to "Re: Bitter sweet news from me"

So sorry Andy there are not any other words I can say just I feel for you
Good luck with the new bike hope it brings happy days TUD & MAZ.

Tonupdave..T.U.D.

Re: Bitter sweet news from me

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 15, 2026, 9:24 am, in reply to "Re: Bitter sweet news from me"

Thanks Dave - appreciate that, words for something like this are always hard.

I am very optimistic about the new bike, and I certainly hope that it will bring me some happy days in the coming year, as well as helping to take my mind off things.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Bitter sweet news from me

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 15, 2026, 9:21 am, in reply to "Re: Bitter sweet news from me"

David - thanks for your thoughts.

I am sure that when I put a leg over the Speedmaster in the Spring time Colette will be there with me.

Also have plenty of pictures / videos to look back on.

Who needs a signature anyway......

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