From Bikes to Bikes: Part 2
Part 1: The Pedal Years
How bicycles taught me to love motorcycles: the Virago years
Except for a few somewhat terrifying jaunts around the block with classmates, I had never really experienced the world of motorcycles until my mid twenties. On a bit of a whim I signed up for a Basic Rider Class being taught at the local community college. The low cost and minimal time commitment made it seem like a safe way to dip my toe in the water to see if motorized two-wheeling might actually be something that I might enjoy after all.
Our instructor was an off-duty deputy sheriff who carefully explained the safe operation of motorcycles and rules of the road. Most importantly, he patiently worked through the anxiety that students such as myself brought to the class. He showed us how to handle our bikes and took our concerns seriously. Having been thoroughly frightened by irresponsible riders in the past, I found even the sedate little 125cc and 250cc learner bikes a little intimidating at first.
The class turned out to be an amazing experience. The emotional baggage that I brought with me quickly dissipated. Our instructor walked us through all the maneuvers that we would be expected to demonstrate on the test. As we practiced on the range I gradually became more confident. After a few hours I was able to shift, turn tightly, and stop smoothly. Although there was still a lot to learn, I found that motorcycles brought me the same feeling of freedom and adventure that made me fall in love with bicycles, except at faster speeds and much greater distances.
Upon graduation from the basic course it was time to expand my horizons. My first purchase was a 1983 Yamaha Virago XV500. It was the perfect beginner bike for me. It was pretty much as basic as a motorcycle gets. The chopper styling made it low to the ground and meant that there was no plastic to break when I dropped it in the parking lot a couple of times. The shaft drive was a particular favorite of mine because there was no chain maintenance to worry about.
Despite being faster and louder than any bicycle I had ever owned, for a couple of years that Virago was used in precisely the same way. Most of my commuting happened on two wheels. Saddlebags were purchased and my summer vacations began to include motorized camping trips around the Midwest.
All of the fun I had ever had on two wheels continued unabated, albeit now in a motorized form. I was hooked. Soon it was time for the purchase of a new motorcycle that would take me even farther.
