- This topic has 5 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 11 months ago by redcromwell.
Less expensive than a girlfriend but probably just as dangerous
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May 26, 2010 at 9:13 pm #3996redcromwellParticipant
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.
May 26, 2010 at 11:37 pm #26746MunchParticipantCongrats…… and as far as cheaper goes…. be happy with it stock… otherwise you will be fooling yourself. First aftermarket part you buy is a small stone in the avalanche that’s about to happen.
May 27, 2010 at 2:13 am #26754owlieParticipantCongrats. Post up some pictures, we love to ooohhh and aaahhh.
And Munch- I have to agree with redcromwell- even if he takes up track days, its still going to be cheaper than a girlfriend…
Although- if he has to buy the wife off with more than a hot tub, perhaps not.
May 27, 2010 at 8:17 pm #26770redcromwellParticipantBut, a friend of mine happened to mention a rear fender eliminator kit, and I had no idea what he was talking about. So, I looked it up and really like the look of a sportbike without the rear fender hanging over the wheel.
Maybe I’ll just do this one modification… and a “hugger” for the rear wheel…
May 27, 2010 at 8:33 pm #26771WeaponZeroParticipantRear fender eliminator kits are illegal in many states. However, most of the time cops won’t bug you about it. Just an FYI though, it does give a cop another reason to pull you over and hassle you and possibly even ticket you if he feels like being a dick…
May 27, 2010 at 8:54 pm #26772redcromwellParticipantI’ll check the laws in my state. I really don’t want to be pulled over for any reason.
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