Ever have one of those moments where the daily grind gets a bit too...grindy? In 2017, I found myself craving a change of pace. A few friends, fresh off getting their motorcycle licenses, were buzzing about their upcoming bike purchases. This sparked a memory: the electrifying scene from Tron: Legacy, where Sam Flynn tears through the city on a Ducati. It was pure cinematic magic, and it rekindled a long-dormant desire within me.

Peppering my friends with questions about the licensing process, I learned about Virginia's requirement: the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. A quick search revealed a course nearby in Virginia Beach, and I eagerly signed up.

The three-day course was a mix of classroom theory (essential for the written exam) and hands-on riding instruction, culminating in a riding test. On a Friday evening, I joined my fellow motorcycle hopefuls in a classroom filled with introductions and excited chatter about dream bikes.

The instructors dove into motorcycle safety, covering accidents, risks, and how responsible riding could keep us out of trouble. After the theory session, we faced the written exam. Despite my usual test anxiety, my love for motorcycles prevailed, and I passed!

Bright and early the next morning, we gathered at the training site, ready to meet our two-wheeled companions. After a motorcycle overview, I selected a basic Suzuki TU250X, her name was Monica. We started with safety checks, learning to start the bike, find neutral (my Suzuki was stubborn on that one!), and shift gears.

Then, the real fun began. We practiced accelerating, turning, U-turns, and even navigating obstacles. The most challenging? Mastering the figure-eight maneuver within a tight rectangular box. Let's just say it tested both my skill and patience.

The following day brought the riding exam. Nerves and excitement mingled as I completed the course, nailing that pesky figure-eight. Many of us passed, receiving signed cards to present at the DMV for our temporary licenses while our official motorcycle endorsements were processed.

Soon after, Harley-Davidson invited us to a pizza party with bike discounts. I reconnected with classmates, some already proud bike owners. The Iron 883 and Sportster 1200 models were tempting, but I decided to wait for the perfect bike to call my own.

Coming up: My Motorcycle Matchmaker: Facebook Marketplace and the Yellow Yamaha FZ-09

Facebook Marketplace became my unexpected motorcycle matchmaker, leading me to the vibrant yellow Yamaha FZ-09 of my dreams. Discover how this online platform connected me with the perfect ride and learn the insider tips that helped me seal the deal. (Read more…)