06/25/2003 Archived Entry: "Motorcycle!"

Yes, folks, the rumors are true--I am now the proud owner and rider of a 2003 Yamaha V Star 650 Custom, with Vance & Hines CruiZer pipes.

This sudden change of my transportation came about because my wife's car exploded two days ago. Not literally, of course, but just about. The torque converter went out and shat metallic fragments all inside the transmission housing, which broke just about everything inside there. The total bill was going to be $1,500. The total value of the car was $1,500. We opted not to do the repairs and to sell the car to the transmission guy for $500. Easy enough.

So, now, I am driving my mother-in-law's Impala while frantically trying to work up enough courage to ride the bike anywhere but behind my apartment complex. The problem is one of reflexes--I don't have them yet. When you drive a car, you quickly develop the reflex to slam your foot on the brake when Something Bad Happens. I don't yet have similar reflexes for riding, and while I am sure that they are quick to develop, everything I do right now is a conscious action--I haven't reached the level of unconscious operation that is required by most complicated, repetitive tasks (like driving). Soon, very soon--in fact, we have to give my mother-in-law's car back either tonight or tomorrow, so I damn well better figure things out quickly.

We shall see.

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