2 of 42

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 4

to my VTX, I am hopeful that my physiological motor skills will come to be intimately meshed with its idiosyncratic "friction zone."

Instinctively braking from the unanticipated acceleration of the bike (probably a mistake also) to make my ascent onto the highway, I landed in the left most lane of the highway separated by a median with my right leg pinned under the bike. Certainly, it was too late then to be thinking more acutely about proceeding into the turn slowly using the clutch lever in conjunction with the throttle after scanning my environment. Right after taking the fall and getting help from passer-bys and observers, as well as finding myself in one piece, I had several tried-and-true riders on the scene tell be to get right back up on my bike and ride it again. What I momentarily wanted to do was give the bike away, cut my loses and quit while I thought I had come to my sanity. I even internally asked God, "What was I thinking?" I soon did come to what I think are my senses though and now relish keeping my VTX.

The advice given about getting back into the saddle reminded me of learning to ride a 26" girl's Schwinn bicycle as a kid without training wheels, helmet or any bicycle protective gear as required today. That bicycle was just as tall as I was if not taller. I fell a few times learning to ride it, suffered a few scrapes and bruises but did learn to ride it for my efforts. With my VTX Cruiser, no doubt, the stakes and risks were immensely higher. My helmet and leather jacket definitely have already for me saved the day.

The tried-and-true riders all had war stories about having taken falls on bikes as well. They instantly became a source of comfort to me rather than a thorn of ridicule. After regaining my composure, and getting some coaching from these experienced veteran riders of the beastliest of bikes, I mounted the VTX again. I practiced taking off and making figure 8 turns until becoming parched with fatigue and thirst from the scorching sun that day. I was back in the saddle again.

I managed to scrape and bruise my right leg somewhat during the fall, but suffered nothing more thanks to my HJC helmet and Alpinestars jacket. I was hurt more from "bruising," i.e., scraping and scratching my VTX. The scrapes and scratches are very minor to the right brake lever, gas pedal, footrest and windscreen. At any rate, after my honeymoon with my VTX is complete, and once I too become a seasoned, tried-and-true rider, the scraped parts can easily be

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Reflections: Motorcycling?
We want to hear your view. Write now!