On the Road Again
Monday, September 21st, 2009I don’t know if my stars and moons are aligned or not but things are just right for me right now. My kids are happy and fed, my wife is beautiful, I still have a job, and the Softail is on the road again. After a few weeks of electrical problems I thumbed the starter on Monday night and she roared to life. It was an oh so sweet sound to my ears.
During the down time my wife let me ride her bike to work and to teach motorcycle safety classes (thank you Baby). She rides a 2006 883 Sportster that I bought her for Christmas in ‘07. The bike has served me well over this time and I am thankful that we had a spare in the garage for me to use. I found out some things about Sportys during this time that I was not totally aware of. The first thing is that these bikes are extremely responsive to the twist of the throttle. Sure, I had heard they were peppy but I had not experienced it. They jump very quickly when you crank the throttle, even with me on it. I was also extremely impressed with the gas mileage. I was able to get 53 mpg which is about 10 mpg better than I get with the Softail.
The other thing that I learned about a Sportster is that I am way too big for it. Now, I know that those of you who know me personally are seeing images having to do with a monkey and a football if you know what I mean. My knees were way up the sides of the tank and I could not see out of the mirrors without moving my elbows in to my sides and giving a slight lean away from the mirror. Not the safest way to ride but hey, I had to do something. The other thing that I learned is that some people will make fun of you no matter what.
I took some heavy ribbing from fellow instructors and other riders when they saw me pull up on that bike. But, you really know that you are riding the wrong motorcycle when you come upon a scooter rider approaching you from the other direction and as you pass you can see the heavy, gut wrenching laughter coming from him. All I can tell you right now is that I will ride it if the Softail goes down again. But, this time I will wear my full face helmet!
Ride Safe…on the bike that fits you! LOL
