Less expensive than a girlfriend but probably just as dangerous

It's how I jokingly justified getting a motorcycle to my wife. I've always wanted a motorcycle, but have never even been on one. So, I decided that I would make it a "mid-life crisis" gift to myself. I then set in motion a plan, that began a year ago, to get myself on a bike.

I signed up for the state sponsored Motorcycle Safety Course and got on a Kawasaki Eliminator (125cc) and learned to ride. I highly recommend the course to new and experienced riders alike. For there were a number of experienced riders who learned important techniques and had to break bad riding habits.

I was thrilled to finally be on a bike even if it was just doing laps around a parking lot at 20MPH (if that). I don't know what the other class participants must have thought of me, the "old guy" with the big grin on his face.

I passed the test, got my Motorcycle endorsement on my license and was set with the daunting task of selecting the right bike for me.

Thanks to this site I did feel starting with a 250cc bike would be best for me. Start out small and build my confidence and when I'm ready, upgrade. I also knew that I wanted a Kawasaki... just something that goes back to my childhood. I thought of a cruiser, and nothing against them, I just wanted "something else".

I did research on the Ninja 250Rs and liked what I saw. Talked it over with my wife to make sure she was still onboard with this. "As long as you up your life insurance," she said. So I looked up a local dealership and with my wife in tow, we walked-in.

And lo and behold my first bike was right there at the entrance waiting for me. A 2010 Ninja 250R Special Edition two-tone Red/Black. I love it! I've been on it every night after work, weather permitting, hitting the back roads and venturing out on the highways.

I still feel guilty having purchased something that is solely for me... but, my wife says I owe her a hot tub so, I won't feel too guilty.