Evolution of a Rider

I had always pictured myself as a rider. All that was missing was the bike. Not just any bike would do. Hyabusa's are fast, Harley Davidson's are heavy. The internet was awash with advice for the perfect 'beginner' motorcycle. Kawasaki's Ninja 250 was considered. As was the Hyosung bike of similar displacement. I finally settled on the Buell Blast. Not because it was the best available, but because it's the one I liked the most.

Navigating the bureaucracy of the NCDMV can seem daunting to the ill prepared. An internet search or even a phone call can equip me with the information I need to have a pleasant visit at any office of state government. My first attempt at the motorcycle learner's permit test was a fail. The officer who administered the exam (taken on a computer) suggested that I take on a manual and study for a second try. The next day, I passed.

Two weeks later, the day came when I strided into the Harley Davidson dealership of Durham (where I'm originally from) with a wad of cash. Having done my research, made my phone calls, I already new which bike I wanted and I knew the blue book value. The salesman (we'll call him 'Jake') was friendly and was genuinely excited about getting me on my first motorcycle, even if it wasn't one of the bigger, more expensive models. We negotiated, he conferred with his manager, offers and counter offers were exchanged. A deal was made. Money changed hands. I was the new owner of a 2009 Buell Blast.

The motorcycle wasn't new. Yet it had never left the dealership or had been titled to a new owner. It had been used for Harley Davidson new rider academy program. It had obviously been dropped a time or two at low speed. But it had been prepared by the service department and made 'race ready' (Jake's words). A friend who rides (Harley Davidson 100th Anniversary Edition Soft Tail) brought his truck and we hauled it home.

My first attempt to ride it was a real hoot. The notorious on/off clutch really caught me off guard. In retrospect, the gravel driveway I was trying to learn on was no help. I hit a hole, grabbed a handful of brake and spilled it straight away. My arm was scraped up badly and my pride took a real hammering. I went inside to clean my wounds while my friends put my bike away.

A couple of days later, I got back on. This time I was ready for the pull. My friend and I went riding together. We rode all afternoon without a hich. It felt as if I was born to ride, as thought it was a natural as walking. I was hooked.

Two years later and I'm still riding. More confidently with every passing mile. Now I have a Sportster parked next to my Blast. The Sportster is a logical next step in my progression as a rider. Another way I could have gone would have been an XB9 or an XB12, both featuring Harley Davidson derived v-twin engines. I'm most comfortable when I'm riding my motorcycle. It's like some primal part of my brain takes the wheel and makes me optimal.