I lurked for awhile when I was deciding whether to relent and let my husband get a motorcycle and start riding again. OK, so it took him nearly 20 years of politely asking (he rode in college) -- I finally broke down and did my due diligence, looked up the stats, extracted a promise from him to buy (and always wear) full gear, start "small" and take the MSF.
Probably one of the best decisions I ever made--- I did it, in part, because work was stressing the hell out of him and I thought this would bring a bit of joy. For the past several months he has been riding his used Virago 250 to work and taking 40-50 mile rides on weekends. Even his co-workers have commented on the new spring in his step (after they finished teasing him about riding a bike). I know that he would love it if I would ride with him-- but I spent my college years as a pinion (this was another guy, LOL) and I am sure that experience led to my premature greying...
I will fully admit that I find motorcycles fascinating. Which led to last week's "adventure". Sigh. We were in Myrtle Beach with the kids and every last bike down here is a Harley (or so it seems). So I (stupidly as it turns out) suggested we stop at the huge Harley dealer here and check it out. OK, so we were *both* entranced. Danger, Will Robinson! We should have split.... but my better half was happily astride on of the new 2007 Sportster XL1200 Low models (we're vertically challenged -- he's 5'4"). He looked so pleased that I asked the salesman if he could take it for a spin -- figured he would say "no" --- but of course he said "sure", so hubby went back to the camper, grabbed his boots and jeans, borrowed a helmet and went for a nice 15-mile ride. He looked darn nervous before he left (new bike and by far the most powerful he had ever ridden), but he's a cautious guy. The look of happiness when he came back was undeniable --- my son couldn't get over how "jazzed" his dad looked.
As I'm sure you all guessed-- I gave the green light and he is now the very thrilled owner of a HD 2007 XL1200L "Sporty" -- hah, talk about trading up "early", but I figure this bike will last a good long time, and it is beautiful.
He made a few comments about not bothering to sell the Virago until the spring (we live outside NYC)--- clearly he's giving me every opportunity to try riding. I may just relent and take the MSF ... will have to read and think about it a bit. I'm pretty small, 5'3 and 108 lbs, so I'm a bit intimidated.
In any case, I guess this got long-winded, but I thought you would appreciate the trajectory.
Jil
