One Year Anniversary

Today marks 52 weeks since I attended the MSF basics course and first operated a motorcycle.

That weekend I purchased a used '09 Kawasaki NInja 250 as a starter bike which I figured to be something like a VFR (riding position mainly). I was going to hold off on getting a VFR until this summer, but in January I saw an advert here for a low-mileage '03 force silver VFR in Berkeley that had plenty of goodies that I wanted (ABS, factory hardbags, custom seat, helibars, mirror extenders, etc.). Plus, I got a short vacation in NorCal and visited family.

My two older brothers had had motorcycles off and on over the years and, although appealing, I kept the idea on the back burner for decades. Last summer while researching bikes I found this site and VFRD. What you guys were describing was exactly what I was looking for in a bike. From what I was reading, this was a bike that had the right power, the right weight, could be ridden aggressively or sedately, was reliable, and had a strong base of mods and options. The cost of ownership seemed favorable as well (setting aside the valve adjustment thing).

In my work, I occasionally need to do day trips to various cities - this bike makes those trips fun. I've decided the daily commute to the office is too short to be worthwhile (I also do not want to challenge my ATGATT commitment). The South West quarter of Wisconsin is called the Driftless Area - the last glacier didn't smooth out the landscape - so there are plenty of twisties 15 minutes away.

What I'd like to do are longer rides, such as a weeklong ride on the east coast : Civil War history sites, Appalachian roads, etc. I think I'll do that in 2010. I've got to get my skill level up a bit higher.

Thanks to the folks here for doing what you do. You led me to the bike that's a near perfect fit for me. :smile:


GregPaul

 

We're glad you are enjoying your new toy! Come down to the Southeast and we'll give you a double serving of twisties to help you get rid of those chicken strips on your tires.

Regards,
Rollin

 

So Greg....how many miles did you put on that thang in the first year? Did you ride it, or look at it?

 

Thanks, Guys!

Rollin,

I've been to northern Georgia and western North Carolina many times . . . on Google Maps. Being a courteous guy, when I actually get there you'll see me pulling off to the shoulder of the road to allow my more proficient and skilled brothers a better ride.

P.S. I've thought about a Gulf coast trip as a season-extender (I'd be trailering to the location). We've got abbreviated seasons here in Wisconsin, y'know.



Randy,

Well, I'm not admitting to anything here, but I think Charlie Rich once sang "No one knows what goes on behind garage doors" (or something like that).

I was surprised that I've added 3,000 (miles) to the odometer. At least a bit of that was twisting around light poles in local parking lots.


Thanks, guys. :smile:

 

Congratulations, Greg! I didn't get a chance to take any multi-day rides this year, but last year I got out to your section of Wisconsin on my way out to MN, and I agree, it is nice riding. I think the bike is just made for hours in the saddle. You've got a great attitude. It will serve you well!

 

Congrats, I hope to have as much fun after a year of ownership as you.

 

Congrats! :biggrin:

 

i think that you'll find that as your experience on your bike grows it will just get better and better.

you made a great choice:thumbsup:

 

Thanks, guys. I indeed do feel welcomed. :smile:

GregPaul

 

Congrats!! Hope to see you on the road when you make it down to Georgia.