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I have another bike that is just the bike for you." I explained that I was a beginner but did not reveal to him the age of my youthful appearance. After all, I was about the business of reclaiming my youth.

The service manager presented before me a 2004 Honda 1312cc VTX Cruiser but, for insurance purposes, would not allow me to test-drive it within the parking lot. With just 1991 miles on it, and in mint condition, my mind went into a tailspin. I spoke to several strangers nearby, to include a police officer: each one seemingly knowledgeable about bikes as they contemplated their own purchases. All convinced me that for my size, that if I purchased a smaller new bike, that in about 6 months with regular riding I would be wanting a larger bike. Being my first bike, not wanting to be looking for another bike anytime soon and the advice given about falling on one's first bike all had now influenced my reasoning to purchase a used one.

Okay. Life is short. Was I about to venture on making mine shorter? I went for the Honda VTX. I put off taking delivery of the bike until I could acquire adequate protective equipment in the way of a new helmet, new gloves and a new jacket. I rehearsed in my mind all that I had so far learned about riding motorcycles. The day to ride my VTX had arrived and here is where my story takes a turn and with a fall.

I had arranged with a sales person to receive tips about handling the bike before safely trying to ride it less than 7 miles to my home using back roads. However, store activity took up his time and he forgot I was in the parking lot. I had also arranged to have 2 experienced bike riders accompany me but circumstances precluded them from meeting me. With more than a hint of anxiety, wanting to take to the road before rush hour traffic began and take care of other scheduled things on my to-do list that day, I attempted to turn right from an uphill parking lot driveway onto a level asphalt highway. I made certain the nearest oncoming vehicles were at least 10 miles away. Well, maybe about a quarter-of-a-mile away. As best as I can tell, and in hindsight, I probably released the clutch with a little too much throttle. The change in "friction zone" for me, jumping from a Honda 250cc Night Hawk to a 641 pound Honda 1312cc VTX Cruiser, did not fair well for me. Had I begun my acceleration of the bike from a level surface not involving a turn, I am certain I would have proceeded just fine. With more of a riding affair with, and introduction

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