For many years now I have been intrigued with the idea of purchasing a motorcycle. Many of my friends have ridden them at one time or another and talk about the wind in their hair, the freedom of the road, and the sheer power of the beast underneath them. I had been able to talk myself out of it for quite sometime, better places to put my money, where would I end up keeping it, etc… But just recently a friend of mine knew a guy that was selling a used Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R for a very reasonable price. I even went so far as to go and take a look at it, just to humor the guy. I wasn't in the love with the color, at first, and tried to convince myself that my lust for this motorcycle idea was just another passing obsession.
Fast forward two weeks- I bought the bike. After all these years of waiting and talking myself out of it I finally just did it. I figured that I am still young enough to enjoy it and that it would be something that I would regret later in life had I not got it out of my system. I can honestly say now that I should have gotten one a lot sooner. But in my case, which seems to always be a theme in my life, everything came together; the moment, the person selling the bike, the funds, and at precisely the right time. Jung called it synchronization and I don't think he was ever too far off.
I am very happy that I purchased a used bike as my first one though because I've heard that there are two types of motorcycle riders; those that have dropped their bikes, and those who will. I happen to already be the former having dropped it from a short distance the other day. I have a fairly decent bicycle riding background and for some silly reason thought that I could swing a 400 lb sport bike around like a 17 lb bicycle, doesn't work.
A lot of people have called me crazy for buying a “crotch rocket” as my first bike and maybe it's true, but I just love the way they ride. I'm not a total idiot, however, and immediately went to a motorcycle academy to learn the finer points of motorcycle riding. I have to say this was a very good decision and my confidence after the class is through the roof. I highly recommend at least a basic MSF course for any beginning, or even experienced riders. It also helps on insurance, a big bonus when riding anything with an “R” in the name of the bike.
If you have ever had the desire to buy a motorcycle and are currently sitting on the fence wondering what could be, jump down off the fence and ride. You won't be disappointed and a good used motorcycle might just be the answer you've been looking for.
