Motorcycles

   

In 2003 I entered the wonderful world of motorcycling. They never really appealed to me before then, but one day I just suddenly started looking at them in an entirely different way. I read everything I could get my hands on to learn the operational mechanics, and I then took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course. Prior to that I'd never been on a motorcycle, not even as a passenger, and by the end of that weekend I was zipping all over the parking lot like a pro. I cannot say enough good things about the course and the organization.

Shortly after taking the course I bought my first bike, a 2003 Kawasaki Ninja 250. It's a great bike in so many regards. It's perfect for a new rider, since it's more forgiving of mistakes, and it's relatively short and light. The great thing about it is that it grows with the rider. A knowledgable rider on a Ninja 250 can leave lesser riders on bigger bikes in the dust. A fond memory of mine is passing a pair of riders on a GSXR1000 and a Hayabusa on the twisty roads of western North Carolina.

I have had an absolute blast with my Ninja. As of August 2008 I've put 65,000 miles on it. I've ridden it on several multiple day journies, including to Kingston, Ontario, Canada. It's a great motorcycle, truly the best value in motorcycling. It's MSRP is under $3000, it's inexpensive to insure and maintain, and it sips gasoline at a leisurely 70MPG. The motor may be small, but the bike will still out-accelerate all but the fastest of cars and will reach a top speed of 100mph, fast enough to get you a ticket anywhere in the U.S. It's so much more fun to squeeze every ounce of performance out of a small motor than to use only a fraction of the potential of a large motor.

In April 2005 I added another bike to the stable. About a year earlier I first saw a Honda VFR up close and personal; it belonged to a coworker who parked in the same lot as me. I distinctly recall the first time I saw it; I was blown away by how beautiful a machine it was. When I later met the owner and heard him crank the bike, the V4 engine and gear-driven cams were music to my ears; I knew a VFR was somewhere in my future. I found a 1998 model in pristine shape for sale about 200 miles from me, and I ended up buying it. It's a superb machine; as of August 2008 I've put about 35,000 miles on it.

I ride my two bikes about equally. The VFR is great for long days of riding, especially if a lot of interstate is involved. The Ninja is a better choice for commuting, shorter rides, and riding twisty mountain roads. They are a great complementary pair.

I'm also a fan of motorcycle racing. I regularly attend the WERA GNF/Suzuki Cup races in Atlanta, the Mid-Ohio Superbike races, the VIR Superbike races, and the Barber Superbike races. This year I'm super-excited about attending the MotoGP races in Indianapolis.

Related Pages

VFR Specific Page

Maintenance Records

My Riding Gear

My Touring/Camping Gear

My profile on the Ninja 250 Riders Club Forum

Various Photo Albums of Mine

My motorcycling blog

Copyright © 2006-2008 Payne Seal