One of my favorite bloggers is Gary France (
Flies in your Teeth). He posted the question for fellow bloggers - "How and why did you get into motorbikes? (He is from England hence the term motorbikes instead of the US term motorcycles). He provided an interesting answer about his journey-
Link.
Here is my story.
How I got to where I am now.
I had limited exposure to motorcycles when I was young. A neighbor's grandson had a small dirt bike that he would allow me to ride when he visited. I rode less than 4 hours total over the years he owned the bike. A classmate had a small Honda when I was in junior high school that I rode once by myself and several times as a passenger to another small town where we would visit some girls.
One of my brothers owned a 500CC bike for about a year, but after he had an accident in a parking lot (a lot of road rash) he sold the bike. About 20 years later I worked with a fellow coach who rode. It was about that time (2003) a friend in Orlando, Florida bought a Harley Elctra-glide and started riding.
I had harbored a desire to have a motorcycle, but never expressed it. In the early days of February 2004 I discussed taking the safety course and getting my license with my wife. We decided to take the course together. Four weeks later we took the class and got our licenses and within 10 days I had my first motorcycle, a new 2004 Suzuki Savage! The Savage was a single cylinder 650cc cruiser. It was a great bike to gain experience.
2004 Suzuki Savage - single cylinder 650cc
Once I started riding I was hooked! I loved it. Most Saturdays that spring and summer I would leave the house by 7am and let my wife and son sleep. I explored country roads throughout North Texas and gain valuable experience. I also began riding with my co-worker and other friends and I joined the
Christian Motorcycle Association in Greenville, Texas. I learned about group rides and motorcycle culture.
In June of that year two friends, my son and I loaded up a truck and trailer with our three motorcycles and traveled to Red River, New Mexico where we rode the Enchanted Circle and took a loop up through part of southern Colorado which included Wolf Creek Pass (which over the years has become one of my favorite passes in Colorado to ride). For four days my son rode with me. That trip whet my appetite more more motorcycle trips.
By February, 2005 and 8,000+ miles I knew I wanted a bigger bike. After some research and shopping around I purchased a pre-owned 2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100 with 13,700 miles.
Two-toned V-Star - great handling, good power, comfortable, and reliable
I loved the V-Star immediately and beginning commuting to work on it.
(My thoughts on the V-Star) I rode as much I could get away with. It was at this time I decided I would ride to Orlando, Florida instead of flying with my son and his mother. In June I took an indirect route to my in-laws in Orlando. Along the way I visited family in Arkansas, rode through the Mississippi Delta (stopping at some historic Blues sites and museums along the way), cut through Alabama and Southern Georgia before heading south to Orlando. After a week in Orlando I headed home. It was a great trip that solidified my desire to take long summer trips on the motorcycle.
Over the next four summers my son and I rode the V-Star on trips to Colorado, South Dakota, Arkansas, and two more to Florida. In the Spring of 2010 the
odometer hit 100,000. I had a trip planned to go to Colorado and Wyoming, including Yellowstone National Park, coming up when a couple of mechanical issues arose I decided it was time to get a new bike.
One of my riding buddies had a Yamaha Venture and he loved it. I had ridden it a few times and like the comfort, handling and other features so I read up on the Venture and decided to test ride a new one. In April 24, 2010 I purchased my third bike - a new 2010 Yamaha Venture. This bike had all the extras - stereo, fairing, warranty, and great comfort. The trip summer trip with friends to Yellowstone was great. The bike performance was faultless and was very comfortable.
My wife and son really liked the comfort of the Venture. I like the performance.
By August 17 I had ridden over 10,000 miles on the Venture - then a Tahoe hit the Venture with me on it.
Read about the accident.
While recuperating I had time to reconsider my choices of bikes. I had wondered for quite some time about the sport-touring bikes so I did some researching. I had ridden a friend's Buell a few occasions and really enjoyed the speed, power and handling so I figured the twisties would be more fun on a sport touring motorcycle and still have the comforts and load capacity for my long trips.
After researching, talking to friends, and a few test rides I decided to go with something completely different from my previous motorcycles. I chose the Yamaha FJR 1300. I found a 2010 FJR with only 750 miles and about $4K less than new. I grabbed it.
FJR without the saddlebags or trunk
Wow! What a bike! I love it. Still my favorite of all the bikes I have owned or even currently own, actually favorite of all the bikes I have ridden. Review of the
Yamaha FJR 1300
During my 2011 summer trip I gained new admiration for the bike as I rode some
great roads in the Smoky Mountains.
Four years on the FJR and 60,000+ miles with a lot of smiles gave way to another change after a self inflicted accident on a misty day. I really enjoyed the sports touring motorcycles and I decided to try something different. After some searching, input from riding buddies and test rides I decided on a Honda VFR 1200.
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| The VFR performed great on the trip to Alaska! Wrap was done by a friend. |
The VFR had smooth V4 power, nimble handling and overall top-notch performance. I did some customization to make it really comfortable for mJR since the VFR riding position was a little more aggressive than the FJR. I added
Helibars and some peg extensions to allow me to sit more comfortably. Here is my long
term review of the Honda VFR 1200 and a
YouTube video review. I rode the VFR for over seven years! That was the longest I had kept a motorcycle.
I purchased an older Suzuki 650 VStrom during the same time I had the Honda VFR and kept it for 3+ years. I used the VStrom primarily for exploring and camping trips. It was my first chain driven motorcycle so I had to learn about chain care and maintenance. I enjoyed the versatility, economy and the handling. It was so light and nimble compared to the other motorcycles I owned.
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| San Juan Mountains in Colorado are great for camping. |
I made several camping trips to Colorado and Arkansas with the VStrom before some life changes limited my camping time.
Retirement from public educations after 36 years and a wife that wanted to ride more and more comfortably led
the way to another change. Research, conversations with friends
and salesmen and test rides convinced me the Pursuit would be great for
us. I have not been disappointed. Here is my
Review of the Pursuit after 22,000 miles and 13 different states.
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| The Pursuit handles the Rocky Mountains with ease. |
My wonderful wife has known I missed the lighter and quicker ride I had previously so she was very supportive of getting a second bike I could take out when she was not riding with me. I thought on it for several years and we finally bought another Suzuki VStrom to scratch my itch.
I have really enjoyed riding the VStrom and I am looking forward to more adventures, exploring and camping with this bike. I am more willing to take the VStrom on some roads and to some places I would not want to ride the Pursuit. Here is the future fun!
Why do I ride?
Riding is exhilarating and liberating. It is fun and relaxing, a ride clears the thoughts and allows me to disengage from the electronic world. I get to experience nature i.e the sounds, smells, temperatures and the road more intimately. The camaraderie with riders is strong no mater what make or model you ride. I have met so many people because of the mutual experience of riding, many of my current closest friends I met because of motorcycle riding.
Truth is - it is difficult to explain to a non-rider. But, I know I will ride as long as I can and as often as I can.
What about you? I would love to hear your stories. Please leave a
comment and/or story below.
Ride carefully and prayerfully!
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"Trust in the
Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all
your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
