The Bike...

This is my motorcycle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

Technically, it's not mine yet, but come the end of August, first week of September, I'm buying it from a fellow I work with who is giving it up for 800.00. It's a 1985 Yamaha Maxim XJ 700c.

I know squat about motorcycles, save for the fact that I have always wanted one. I was married for 7.5 years, so a motorcycle was out of the question. I was focused on school so a bike was out the question too. It was never financially feasible, and to be honest, I was alittle scared. Working as a paramedic, I saw the results of good bikes gone bad, throwing their riders, fracturing femurs, cracking skulls. It was enough to put me off for wanting one. Not to mention, the helmet messes up perfectly coifed hair!

Finally I am at a point in my life where I can get one. I am almost done with school, (after this long, re-entering society is going to take some adjustment) and as a graduation present, this is my gift.

I am also getting a heavy duty riding jacket, a pair of riding gauntlets and a DOT approved full head helmet. All for $75 green.

So, I have been doing the research, finding out exactly what it's going to take to get on the road. A Motorcycle rider's course is paramount ( soon to be scheduled here) which costs $195.00. They provide the motorcycle, a little 250cc job that will get my feet wet. Of course there's insurance at 214.00 for the year, and then the license and registration, which all adds up to about $1300 green. I have $1500. set aside for the bike because it's going to require an oil change and a new back tire. Everything else is golden.

I'll be back again to post pics of the bike, links to applicable web sites ( there aren't a lot of 1985 Maxim XJ's on the road, but there are groups out there.) and other fun stuff.

Until then, ride on.....