img_0845.jpgI did it.  I finally did it.  Someone–out of nowhere–found out that I was interested in selling my Suzuki Katana and bought it on the spot.  Got enough money for a down-payment on a new bike.  I decided to go with a Honda because I wanted something affordable and reliable for my first official big-boy-all-growed-up motorcycle. 

Ray and I drove out to the big Honda motorcycle dealership near Tucson.  I took my riding classes there and figured they were all official and corporate and would take care of me.  I was wrong. 

After finally wrangling a salesman, I knew we were in trouble when he told us his name was Lumpy.  He handed me his card.

“Lumpy Lumpkin”

I shit you not.  Lumpy-fucking-Lumpkin.  I was interested in the Shadow Aero but Lumpy wasn’t making the deal I wanted so I started looking at the Shadow Spirit.  It’s a small step down from the Aero.  I was sitting on the Spirit basically telling Lumpy that I wanted the bike.  He started mumbling about being short staffed and the finance people were busy or something.  Basically, he wouldn’t sell me the bike.  I was flabbergasted.  Bitch slapped as it were. 

On the way back home, I decided to go to Cochise Motorsports here in Sierra Vista where I bought my chaps, jacket and helmet.  They had excellent customer service.  Shamefully, I didn’t go there first because they weren’t a big chain.  My bad. 

I called them and spoke to Stephen.  He had an 07 Honda Shadow Aero and he offered me a great deal over the phone.  I figured it had been there sitting on the showroom floor collecting dust.  It probably had a few miles on it too.  I was wrong.  This is what it looked like:

img_0081.jpgIt was still in the crate!  A 2007 Titanium Shadow Aero VT750C!!  Now this is not a big old fancy schmansy bike.  It’s kind of on the lower end…but it’s all I could afford. I really liked its hint of classic styling.  I originally wanted the red and white one but Ray suggested that the Titanium was more handsome.  He was right.  It sparkles in the sun.

We did all the paperwork while the shop guys assembled my bike.  It sounds so nice saying that.  My. Bike. 

I guess the coolest thing was walking out and seeing the bike all shiny and put together just waiting for me.  I’m its daddy.  No one has ever touched it before me (and the guys that put it together).  img_1551.jpg

It rode like a dream.  Purred like a kitten.  A big kitten.  I’m not sure what to name it.  I’m sure I’ll come up with something clever. 

I bought it Wednesday evening and I already have 85 miles on it.  Ray said that he may be interested in learning how to ride.  That would be awesome.  This is one of the best areas to ride a bike.  Lots of open road and it’s warm.  I have a feeling I’ll be riding more now with this bike than I did with my old crotch rocket.  Man, that thing was a bitch to maneuver. 

Lesson learned; When you don’t get what you want, when you want it, there’s something better around the corner.  If you don’t see it right away, keep looking.  The universe has been very good to me and I am very, very grateful. 

img_1567.jpg
Me and my Shadow on the road to my house. 
Who could ask for anything more?

3 Thoughts on “Me ‘N’ My Shadow

  1. vroom.

  2. Congrats on the new purchase!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Post Navigation