After a quarter-century hiatus, I’ve finally done it - I’m back on two wheels. The decision to get a motorcycle again after such a long break wasn’t an easy one, but now that I’ve taken the plunge, I can’t help but wonder why I waited so long. Here’s a look at my first week back in the saddle, the familiar feelings that quickly resurfaced, and the skills I’m still working to perfect.
After 25+ years got back to riding again (I know…) and am now a proud owner of this 2020 Ninja 650 KRT edition.
A Mix of Nerves and Nostalgia
As I swung my leg over the seat for the first time, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of anxiety. Would I remember how to do this? Had too much time passed? The controls felt alien under my hands, and for a moment, I questioned my decision. The first 30 minutes were awful, but after a couple of days, it all feels like home again.
But as I fired up the engine and felt that familiar rumble, something clicked. My muscle memory kicked in, and suddenly, it was like I’d never been away. The initial awkwardness melted away as I eased out onto the street, and within minutes, I was grinning inside my helmet like a teenager again.
Rediscovering the Freedom
That first ride from the dealership back to home quickly turned into a several hour-long cruises in my prefecture. The sensation of the wind, the connection with the road, and the pure joy of leaning into curves - it all came flooding back. I realized how much I’d missed this feeling of freedom and adventure that only a motorcycle can provide.
Relearning
While many aspects of riding felt like second nature, I quickly discovered that there were areas where I was decidedly rusty. Here are a few things I’m still working on:
Low-speed maneuvering: Parking lots and tight spaces are still a bit uneasy. I’m practicing my slow-speed control to build confidence in these situations.
Cornering confidence: While I’ve noticed that the bike turns really well, I’m not feeling entirely comfortable with cornering yet at higher speeds.
Shifting smoothly: Sometimes I find myself doing bad shifts, struggling to find the right gear. I’m not entirely sure what I’m doing wrong, but I know I need to practice to get that smooth, seamless shifting back.
Emergency stopping: This is a crucial skill that I need to relearn and perfect.
Looking Ahead
This first weeks back on a motorcycle has been a exhilarating reminder of why I fell in love with riding in the first place. And a bit surprised I’ve spent already over 17 hours and 466 km on the bike. Yes, there’s still room for improvement, and I’m committed to continuing my improvement journey through practice and perhaps even a refresher course.
But more than anything, I’m excited about the road ahead. The adventures waiting to be had, the places to be explored, and the community of riders I’m eager to connect with.