Hi Ian
Thanks for the positive comment especially as I thought Frank Westworth's reply was a bit rude. I think he read the letter as me having a go at him for being able to afford bikes that I can't which was never my intention. I think you have discerned the meaning of my letter correctly; that I am tired of the 'classic' scene being more about money than riding. Most motorbikes, whatever their age, can be made to run and be used if one takes a practical approach to maintenance so in my eyes there is only their value as a means of going places.
I realised the other day that whenever I look at a bike I decide if I like it based on two questions, where has it been and where could I go on it? And part of the pleasure for me is going places cheaply. I know that is highly subjective but if I can have a really nice trip away for a few days and then look at how little I spent, including on fuel etc, then I'm a happy man.
I too have cancelled my direct debit for Real Classic as I think there are now more enjoyable magazines out there which reflect my motorcycling better than this one does now.
Spartacian