Riding again

[kevin mowen]

Four years ago, I was working 60 miles south of home. Daily commutes were approximately 125 miles. Then, high gas prices hit. A major portion of my budget was going in the tank instead of in my pocket.

To reduce the strain on my budget I decided to buy a motorcycle. I researched what was the best beginner’s motorcycle. I had previous experience on trail bikes and one street bike, but I had not ridden a street bike in over 25 years. I felt inexperienced, and that a small motorcycle and the MSF course was the best way to safely start riding again.

I read numerous reviews of starter motorcycles, and went to dealers to look at the various recommended models. The Rebel 250 was too small, the Suzuki GZ250 was OK, but also felt small. Then I read reviews for the Virago 250. It didn’t look or feel small like the other 250’s, and its v-twin seemed to perform (and sound) better. I was never in the market for a “sport” bike. I knew that a high center of gravity, short wheelbase, and the power and speed available was dangerous for a beginner.

I found a used Virago 250 in a town about 100 miles south. But on the day I was to pick it up, the friend with a truck was not available. So I had my wife drive me down there, and I rode the bike back home. Believe me, it was scary doing this after not riding for almost 25 years. But my co-pilot was right behind me, working as a blocker.

The ride home was uneventful. The Virago 250 was an immaculate 2006, with 4000 miles. Everyone liked it, most thought it was a bigger motorcycle. I didn’t have any trouble riding the first 2-3 weeks, staying local and south of town on country roads. However, I got overconfident and decided to give my wife a ride. On the way home, I hit a water bottle in a driveway and almost dropped it. Of course, this scared the crap out of my wife. Since then, she has never ridden with me.

I passed my local learners test and was going to take my driving portion of the test, when something unusual happened. The DMV decided to “re-paint” the markings on the parking lot where they give the driving test. So, they extended my learners for 3 months until the lot was painted, and they let me “practice” on the course anytime I wanted. They even left the cones out over the weekend so I could practice! This was a big advantage in my “re-learning” of how to ride, since I had decided not to take the MSF course (bad idea). But I had a safe practice area in the country south of town, and the course at the DMV. I passed the driving portion of the course 3 months later (on my Virago 250).

I rode that little Virago as often as possible over the next 2 years, some expressway, some back roads, and almost every day to work. I had close calls and some learning experiences, but overall, it was a great motorcycle to “train” on.

After 2 years on the Virago (and over 25,000 miles), I was looking to move up, but the engine on my wife’s car went out. The only available down payment was my little Virago. The dealer was really interested in it, and several salesmen tested it in the parking lot. They all said if I didn’t trade it for a car, they would buy it outright. I parted with my little Virago and drove away in a nice car for my wife (how many guys would do that?).

My wife agreed that since I used my Virago to get her a car, the next time gas prices went up (and I had a bonus) I could get another motorcycle. That happened early this year. So I started the search again for a replacement motorcycle.

My bonus came in, but was less than anticipated. So I had a limited budget, and a short time to buy. My search sent me in the direction of the Shadow VLX. Oddly enough, it is considered a beginner motorcycle to some. And others complain about the 4 speed transmission. An older VLX not only fit my budget, it was a very practical “next step”.

I found a 1997 VLX in average shape (very rusted) with a perfect engine. It seems the owner had taken the Japanese motorcycle repair course and was using this bike to practice on. So the engine was tuned, the carbs were re-jetted, and it had aftermarket pipes. Complaints about the 4 speed seemed to be unfounded (different sprocket?). This bike ran on the expressway with no problems.

I spent several weeks getting most of the rust off, and generally cleaning up the bike. It had been stored in a barn for several years, and was really dirty. Now it looks great, I get compliments everywhere I go. It is a VLX 600CD, two-tone red and pearl.
However, the purchase of a new (sort of) bike caught the attention of my co-worker. He then began research on purchasing a bike of his own. It seems gas prices were affecting his budget also, but he decided to take a different path than I did. He settled on a 400cc Yamaha Majesty scooter. Like me, he had not ridden a motorcycle in over 25 years, so he should have considered himself a beginner. But he owned a Honda 750 four back in the seventies, so he thought he could handle a scooter.

I recommended the local MSF course, and told him how I had an advantage when “re-learning” to ride several years ago. He decided to buy the scooter and learn on his own.

The first week, he dropped his scooter in his garage. It seems he went in too fast, hit the rail that holds the garage door, and tore off the exhaust cover. He dropped it on the left side with only minor scratches.

The second week, he hit a piece of Styrofoam when turning into a parking lot, and dropped the scooter again. This time the damage was more severe (also on the left side). I brought him a can of matching spray paint to cover up the damage.
We planned a “ride” two weeks later, and my co-worker had plotted out a circular course that would be entertaining. But he never showed up, so I went on and visited my parents.

I called him when I got home, and as it turned out, he had another accident. He had decided to take his driving test that morning, and stopped by the DMV. However, during the emergency lane-change and stop maneuver, he over-applied the front brakes and flipped. He broke his collar bone and several ribs. He was out of work 3 weeks. I don’t know about the future of him riding his scooter, or if he will sell it or not.

I guess the moral to this story is the following. No matter how much “flak” I may have received about buying a small bike to learn on, I have never regretted it. It turned out to be the best decision I have ever made. I put over 25,000 miles on that Virago. In the early 80’s, I put about 3,000 on a small Harley (Aermacchi 350). And now I have put over 2,000 on my VLX. That adds up to almost 30,000 miles.

I don’t want to jinx myself here and make a statement. I just thought that another beginner might read this, and decide not to buy a big sport bike or cruiser to start out with. It just might save their life.

[sunshine229]

Hi Kevin and welcome!

Your story is very interesting. It's not uncommon for people to jump on the same bandwagon, kind of like when one person on the block buys a new car or puts their house up for sale, neighbours often do the same.

We've had debate in the past about whether scooter riders should have to take an MSF course or not and your story definitely speaks to the side that believes they should. Hopefully your friend is alright and if he decides to get back on two wheels, start with some training.

[mogster]

Great story!

I too had a long break from riding (20yrs), but unlike you have not opted for smallish bike.

However I did undertake an intensive week lon refresher course before I bought my bike.

The laws & restrictions are stricter over here but I would always advise proper accredited training to anyone thinking of riding wherever they live.

Welcome back to riding & I hope you enjoy it as much as I do

[flw]

Kevin-

Your friends story is more common than most people know because many people hide thier bike drops from others because of ego. We all screw up but we only grow from it when we learn from our mistakes and in my case I try to share it like you did so hopefully someone else may not get hurt.

I started with a smaller bike 500cc, the 250's frame was so small that my knee's always hit the handle bars when turning. I took the MSF course and stayed in my local residential area for the first couple weeks. I read posts here and other places to learn from others. Yet I still dropped my bike. I was in a rural area, there was a 90 degree turn and unknown to me sand left over from winter all over the road. When I realized I had no steering do to my speed coming into the corner, I kept the bike up but had to go off the road.

Bent my gear shift lever and broke a rib or two. Learned a important lesson. You cannot be too prepared, physically, mentally or you ability/knowlegde. This includes my riding gear.

I friend of mine is a accident investigator for the State of Il. I always ask him details of bike accidents when I see him. Not the injury stuff but what was the casue and was it preventable.

Hopefully someone can learn from my screwup. I've learn from others that have shared and really appreciate it when people do.