For a while now, John’s been telling Shawn that for his 50th birthday and associated mid-life crisis, she’d be buying him a motorcycle. While still over a year away from the actual crisis, having not ridden a motorcycle in about 30 years (and that was dirt-bikes in the woods and gravel pits), John began this summer to prepare for the event.
Step 1 was the motorcycle Learner’s Permit. After a little bit of on-line study, John trundled off to the RMV filled with confidence. The first question on the exam had to do with how long one would lose one’s license for a drug offense. No clue. The second had to do with the fine to expect for violating the rules of the Learner’s Permit. What the heck? Fortunately, he managed to find enough questions that actually had to do with rules of the road to pass the test.
Step 2 was the Motorcycle Safety Course. John spent half of a sunny summer Saturday in a classroom and two mornings the following week doing drills in a large parking lot. Along the way he picked up some operational basics, some safety tips, and a little bit of riding confidence. He also walked away qualified for his Massachusetts Motorcycle License.
Step 3 was scanning the want-ads for a good deal on a “starter bike” on which he could gather some road experience before stepping up to a “real” motorcycle. He found what might have been a steal in the form of a 1993 Honda CB250 Nighthawk for $500. This was the same type of bike he’d used in the safety program: lightweight, comfortable, standard, simple – it was the perfect bike to learn on. It was going cheap as the motor didn’t run – a minor inconvenience. But except for one ding in the tank and a scuff here and there, it looked mechanically sound and John took a risk. Our neighbor Danny helped John haul it home in his truck. It would prove a worthy risk as, with a new battery, some fresh fluids, and a few tweaks and adjustments, John quickly got the bike running and ready to ride!
But not quite. The unexpected Step 4 involved straightening out the title snafu caused by the fact that the guy who had sold the bike to John had never really taken legal possession of it. Fortunately, the guy made an earnest effort to make things right and after a few trips to the registry and a couple of weeks of agonizing wait, the sale was legally completed and registered and the plate was finally attached! The bike was rolled from the shed and onto the highway!
So he’s on the road! Clear the sidewalks! Prepare for heavy metal thunder! And you really better take cover next year!
Righteous, dude! Now all you have to do is make it to your 50th birthday! (50th birthday? How’d we get so old, so fast?)
The only recommendation I have is you should really get a helmet with “chin protector” on it. I started with a helmet without one and then read on the injuries sustained by riders without the “chin protector” versus those riders who had one – big difference. So, I got a helmet with the “chin protector”. Yeah, in the summer they are hotter, but safety first. In the cooler weather you’re going to wish you had one! Of course, it’s up to you, I just don’t want anything to happen to you when some knucklehead driver tries to take you out or something unforeseen happens.
By “real bike” what are we talkin’ about here? Honda Gold Wing, decked out with radio, driver to passenger communications system, adjustable suspension, 1200cc engine, and a REVERSE gear and a $30,000+ price tag! Or you going for the rice burner crotch rocket, $20,000+? Hey, Shawn said she’d by you motorcycle for your 50th birthday. I don’t think the $500, “I had to get it running”, Nawkhawk counts!
Have fun on the road and enjoy the bugs in your teeth (extra protein)!
Charlie
Mean biker dude.
Just in time to be oppressed by the BOS! Good letter to the editor. Not that they will listen to you. if your name is not O’Leary or Hall, you can’t move in this town.
i like how you coordinated your shirt with the bike color. nice work there.