There it is, the Kawasaki that may or may not change my life. It's hard to know at this point. But it felt ordained: I'd given up on getting a (motor)bike this year because everything I liked was too expensive. Time was going. And I felt greedy. How many two-wheeled vehicles does a gal need? (Three, apparently. Three.) Then the Universe intervened. Housemate Robyn, who was moving to the States, discovered he couldn't take his bike with him. He sold it to me, cheap.
This happened in August, a couple weeks before my learner's licence was due to expire on Sept. 5th. I couldn't book a road test appointment in time. Best I could do was call up Pro-Ride (where I did my motorcycle training in Sept. 2013) and get on the cancellation list. Sure enough, Pro-Ride called on Sept. 2nd and said 'Hey! We have a cancellation! Can you do your practice test tomorrow and your road test on Friday??' I said I'd go for it. The Universe obviously wanted me on a motorbike.
At that point, I'd only crept around the neighbourhood on the Ninja, stalling randomly and trying to remember how to change gears, I hadn't even taken it through a traffic light. When I knew I just HAD to do it, I got on it that night and rode all over town. No problem! I swear, motorbike riding is 95% in your head. And I passed--the day my learner's licence expired. Suddenly, I had a bike and a licence. My soul needed time to catch up!
Here's, me, my soul, and the Ninja, catching up on the spit in Squamish, with The Chief in the background.
There's definitely, um, a huge leap in nirvana-factor between a scooter and a motorbike. I'd describe it as one of the more visceral experiences of my life--like being an extension of a machine, suddenly capable of going very fast, while feeling strangely secure and connected to the engine. And this, from someone who definitely rides like a girl. I think the overblown safety concerns re: motorbikes are clearly related to the dominant demographic who tends to ride them. Every time I take a step 'up' the motorized ladder on two wheels, I actually feel safer. Like 'Wow! I can actually keep up with traffic!' (Now, when I drive an actual car, I feel huge, as if I'm going to bump into everyone. No room to maneuver!)
So I am indeed sticking with three two-wheeled vehicles for the moment. The insurance for both the Ruckus (50cc) and the Ninja (a 250cc) is pretty cheap, and the downfall of 'real' motorcycles is that they can't handle long-handled cargo (i.e., garden tools), so I need the Ruckus for work. The Ninja, however, doesn't have a fantastic prognosis: there are cylinder issues (and I'm not spending any more $$ on it). I could take it on an Epic Ride that would simply end when it chokes on a cylinder. Could end anywhere from Surrey (woo) to mid-Alberta. I wouldn't wager much farther.
This blog has seen me through a full evolution of two-wheeled transportation, and I have a feeling it's not over. Recently, my trusty work vehicle (Honda Ruckus 2012, centre) hit 18 000 km, which is how much mileage was on my 2009 Ruckus when it hucked up its engine and died. I don't believe in jinxing, mainly because I've changed the oil on this one religiously, every 1000 km. So chances are, it will last longer.
I, however, have been reconsidering the bicycle lanes! Honestly, density on the North Shore has increased SO MUCH in the past few years that the free-flowing bicycle lanes are starting to look good again. Not to say I'd go back to pedaling like the manic gardening cycling maniac I was...five years ago. I have discovered, though, that Motorino makes an electric scooter with the same frame as the Ruckus, which means I could haul tools and claim the bike lanes at an acceptable 30 km/hr.
See? Looks just like a Ruckus, but electric! 
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