We suited up pulled the bikes out of the garage and headed down the street. We made it down the block and I see her in my mirror shaking her head ‘no’ as she pulled up beside me. I asked what was up and she said the smartest thing any rider has ever said to me, “I’m not comfortable”. Although I am sure this was difficult for her to say, it was great news to me. I knew then that she was definitely on the wrong bike. We spun around and went home, she went on to explain exactly what it was about that particular bike she didn’t like and I told her that I’ve owned bikes before that just didn’t feel right. One in particular was the Sprint ST I had, I bought it on impulse and I did everything to love that bike, but I knew that it wasn’t the bike for me. I didn’t feel the love, the magic wasn't there, the feeling of being one with the machine, I wasn’t comfortable and I knew exactly what Trobairitz was trying to tell me about the Ninja.
I am glad she told me rather than fighting the bike and injuring herself, or worse. I wish more new motorcyclists had the courage to say what she did; maybe they’d be better riders on the right bike.
So we figured out what she was looking for in a bike, what type of riding she wanted to do. She really likes the new Triumph Bonneville but knows it's too big right now and has her heart set on the baby bonnie.
Has she stepped back to a smaller bike? I think she just became a better rider just by acknowledging her ability and accepting her current limitations. She's also not letting anyone tell her what to ride, a Triumph rider in the making.
I figured I could easily get away with a 250cc vespa for what I do- 26 miles commuting and the occasional long ride. Thw rost thing about the Vespa was the lack of respect from people in cars. The second worst was thta it was unreliable.The dealer told me I was using it too hard which sounded like crap.
ReplyDeleteRiding the Bonneville I have enough power to pass cars that need to be passed and enough presence to be left well alone. Also I feel I am barely using half the available horsepower and thus supposedly prolonging the life of a motorcycle that suits me to a T.
My noistalgia is for the kick start Yamaha SR500 single. A lightweight machine which I remember very fondly and whic seems like it should be plenty for me. I tried a Suzuki 650 single and the engine was greta but the cruiser riding position and tiny tank (reserve at 90 miles) drove me nuts.
Back to the Bonneville. My perfect bike. Had the TU250 been on offer I might have tried that, I suppose. I wouldn't mind a Triumph Speed twin 500 in modern guise
If a person is a real rider, the size of the bike doesn't matter. We are not the bike. The bike's job is to serve our pleasure.
ReplyDeleteYou have a wise partner.
I am so glad she came out of the closet and admitted the bike wasn't for her...when I first read she got the Ninja...I knew then the marriage wouldn't be consummated and if it did, a divorce was in the horizon....the way she looked on it, in her first or second post didn't look right...plus the fact she wasn't keen on riding it spoke volumes...anyways..to make a long story short...I am glad she told and I am happier that you are taking action on it
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted
Thank you all for supporting her with me, I've got the candle lit I just need to keep it burning.
ReplyDeleteShe is excited about riding, we just need to find the right bike and she'll be riding soon enough.
Stay tuned.