It was 2017, fresh off obtaining my motorcycle license, when Harley-Davidson's showroom in Virginia Beach beckoned. Their new rider outreach program had piqued my interest, with promises of raffles and dreams of owning a Night Rod like the one that captivated me as a kid.

But as I circled the showroom floor, the reality of my inexperience hit. I had learned to ride on mopeds and smaller bikes in India, nothing compared to the rumbling beasts of American steel. The idea of wrangling a Harley 883, let alone a 1200 Sportster, suddenly seemed daunting.

A Vulcan 650, with its plush seat, initially tempted me, but I found myself drawn to a different breed altogether: the naked streetfighters. They were sleek, aggressive, and screamed for attention.

Months turned into two years, filled with research but no purchase. Timing just wasn't right. Until that fateful day on Facebook Marketplace. There she was, a yellow FZ-09, I was smitten, but also cautious. Every YouTube video warned this bike was wild, not for beginners. Yet, that only fueled my desire. With Brian, my motorcycle-savvy friend, and my ex as backup, we met the seller. The bike had its battle scars – scuffs from a lowside, a leaky headlight – but with 34,945 miles under its belt, it purred confidently. A conversation about bikes ensued, Brian mentioning his own FZ-6, which eased the seller's apprehension.

Brian took a test ride, returning with a grin. He urged me to do the same. Nervously, I mounted the beast. A deep breath, a twist of the throttle, and I was in love. The FZ-09's notorious first gear twitchiness jolted me awake, but the subsequent gears were smooth. The Akrapovic exhaust sang a symphony of power. I knew this was the one.

Negotiations were quick. We settled on $3,600, a steal for this untamed machine. The next day, fresh plates adorned her, and I rode her proudly back to work. The feeling was exhilarating, addictive. This bike was not just my first; it was my gateway to a world of adventure.

The yellow FZ-09 didn't just change my life; it introduced me to a whole new world. A world of like-minded riders who quickly became my closest companions. We'd meet at the local coffee shop, bikes gleaming in the morning sun, and plot our next adventure – whether it was a quick jaunt around town or a weekend escape to the Back of the Dragon. That sense of camaraderie fueled my desire to explore, and soon, I found myself embarking on my first taste of motorcycle travel.

Coming up: Creature Comforts on Two Wheels: Essential Gear for Comfortable Motorcycle Adventures

Accustomed to the creature comforts of a car, I was determined to find ways to make my motorcycle journeys just as enjoyable. My next article will reveal the gear, safety measures, and accessories I invested in to bridge the gap between four wheels and two, ensuring both safety and a touch of luxury on the open road.