A look back at 2006 Biking

2006 has been a year of transition around my biking. On January 1^st, I took my first ride of the year, and what would be the last ride on the 1992 Yamaha FJ1200. The FJ was my first bike - a heavy, powerful, sports tourer that would see me through those first couple years of learning.

But the bike was not the “right one” for me. I am not an aggressive rider, and not flexible enough to sit for hours in the aggressive riding position that the FJ1200 deserves. It found its way to one of the better members of the FJ yahoo group who appreciates the bike for what it is, and can take care of it.

But the FJ gave me an opportunity to learn what I really wanted in a bike, how I want to ride, and the type of journeys I wanted to take. Day long trips of 200-300 miles, and multi-day trips across multiple states called to my heart. I heard the siren’s call of the road, mile after mile with the wind blowing against my body, the sun beating down on me, and the opportunity to meet people along the way.

The task to choose a bike was more difficult than expected, starting with overcoming the wife’s objections. I wanted a bike that could be set up for cruising (floorboards, windshield, storage, decent size tank, and a big comfy seat). My first choice is a Honda (I hate the overpriced, over marketed Harley’s…not because of the bikes, but their price and they type of weekend biker want-a-be’s they tend to draw). I went to VTX – Honda’s largest tourer and a highly popular bike. I got on, and my knees extended over the top of the tank! Dang.

There are lots of other options, but the category is overwhelmingly led by Honda Goldwing, the minivan of the bike world. I decided that there was a lot of practical reasons that would be a good bike for me, and decided to try it. I got on…nice size bike…. put my right leg on the floorboard and tucked my leg inside the fairing – OOPS…my leg wont fit into the fairing! None of the honda’s are big enough for my 6’4” 300lb frame.

Lots of research later, I found the Kawasaki Nomad – a beautiful bike with plenty of power, delivered with all the accruements needed for a long weekend with comfortable two up riding. The bike was heavy at 800 lbs (with fueled and riding gear), and styled after the famed but defunct Indian bikes. With that weight came size – big enough for me fit comfortably and ride safely.

At a bright green and silver color scheme, the name for the bike came easy – Kermit.
The summer passed, riding as often as my family and work permitted. I put over 3000 miles on Kermit, riding to Michigan, Indiana, and around Ohio. I have grown accustomed to the heavy weight, and have improved my slow maneuvering skills. And yes, Kermit has thrown my off once (I scraped a curb stopping the bike and throwing me over the handlebars. Amazingly, the bike sat on that curb and never fell over! No damage at all to the bike or myself - except to my ego.).

When not riding, I added modifications to the bike to increase safety, appearance, and ride-ability. I did some minor changes that required no more than tightening a few bolts, to what I would consider moderate changes that required new wiring and tapping into the existing wires. I put these changes on my web page if you are interested in seeing them.

I am looking forward already to the adventures of new year. I have ordered a radar detector mounting for the bike (have come too close too many times to getting stopped). Heading to two motorcycle shows (Detroit and Cleveland), planning on some riding trips next year, spearheaded a rally for the Great Lakes Vulcan Riders Owners Club in June, and am planning a few bike-camping trips with my son.

The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades.