SenseiEpu

So. Here I am on the other side of 40 with a learners licence and a bike in hand. Am I sick of the riding like I quickly did with driving a car? Not even close!

Matter of fact I'd wished I did this sooner. But such is life. I started a family early with my beautiful - and very tolerant - wife. As I did so, I watched my brother and my cousins riding along on their VF750 Sports, CB600s and CX500 customs with envy. 20 years down the line and they no longer ride. My family have grown as has my income, so I had cash to do what I'd always wanted to do.

So why did I take up riding? Petrol prices. Plain and simple. At home I have a 92 Mazda 121 sedan manual with a 1.3 litre engine. Still in good condition. Now I mainly ride a 2006 Hyosung GT250 Comet. Pros and cons - Although I save on petrol, the cost of maintaining a bike (WOF, Rego, Servicing) is a lot more than a car. However being conservative on the speed, I can go 50km further than I normally would on my car. And even though the Mazda's a small vehicle it still chews through it's 30 litre tank in a week, compared to the Hyosung's 17 litre - taking almost a week and a half to empty.

But enough of that shit! Just over a week from now, I'll be tested for my 6R and I've never been more excited. So, what have I discovered as a novice motorcyclist on the daily commute between home and work? Bikeys are a courteous lot. I seldom go past a rider heading in the opposite direction without nodding to them in acknowledgement. It's the coolest thing! One word that comes to mind is camradarie. Bottom line, I guess we all go through the same trials and tribulations as riders. Some more than others.
Another thing is that most people part like the Red Sea when I hop of the bike with all my gear on, walking down the street (they're probably thinking two things - don't mess with him, or what a tosser!). Mind you, being a 6'3" Pacific Islander might be a contributing factor.

I've also discovered that there are lots of other bikers out there, on sites like this one, who are willing to give you good advice on how to properly maintain your bike, therefore keeping costs to a minimum. And thank God for instructional videos on Youtube!

So what's my next step after I get my 6R? Going for my 6F of course! Then getting a bigger bike - that's gonna take a lot of schmoozing with the Mrs. But like Captain Kirk, I need more power. Not much, just enough to pass a car if I have to. That's all I ask.

Anyway, wish me luck. When I return I should have 6R in hand.