Sometimes you gotta get back on the horse that kicked you off...
Aprilia Shiver 750. V-twin goodness in an all-around bike. A few random thoughts...
The dealership was in Irvine. About 3 miles east of where my accident was. Of course that meant that for the ride home I'd get the pleasure of traveling that same stretch of freeway on 2-wheels for the first time. I'm happy to report no wildlife was harmed during the exercise.
The last couple of nights have been fairly toss-and-turn, as I've debated the pros and cons of getting another bike. Part of me though that I'd just freak out and not be able to do it. The other part...well, wasn't sure what would happen. But it was just something that I felt like I had to do. If I just didn't have it in me, I'd be able to sell the bike quickly (it is a new model and in very short supply) and just take my loss and take up knitting or something.
From about Irving until HB or so, I was pretty nervous. Kept it at around 65 or so in the number 3 lane. Thankfully it was a medium traffic day, about 90 degrees out, and very few people seemed to be in a hurry. I just kept up with traffic and got back into feeling 360 degrees around me.
The riding position is pretty upright, good leg room, and the mirrors are quite good. Bike is stable at speed but easy to flick one way or the other (Aprilia is known for their great chassis). The sound of the v-twin is intoxicating. This is water-cooled, but the stock exhaust emit a very nice note - much better than stock Duc pipes.
By the time I passed the 605 freeway, I was feeling ok, and was thinking that the first part of the ride actually went by fast. By the time I passed the 110 I was seeing and feeling the bike and the environment. As I approaches west LA I was lane splitting at bit (at a very sane pace though).
I hope to prove the naysayers wrong, but what happens, happens. By the time I got home, the last thing I wanted to do was shut off the bike and go in the apartment. I just wanted to ride some more. But daddy duty calls, and the boy will be back here in awhile.
If you don't ride, you don't really know what I'm talking about. My friends were mixed on the idea, but a few who know me best essentially said, "no question - you have to get another bike." Of course if there were extenuating circumstances I could live without it. We can live without a lot of things we like. But if for no other reason, if you have a chance to stare down your fears and leave them behind, you have to seriously consider doing it.
