These threads get to me. Love them. I rode bikes most of my life. Started on mini bikes/dirt bikes as a kid. I'm a long legged 6'5'' lummox type of guy. Crotch rockets were just becoming a thing and I didn't fit on any of them. So my street legal bikes were mostly dual purpose/enduro bikes. They were more comfortable on my legs and I could hit the trails and explore. I did own a '84 Honda V65 Magna when stationed in Cali.....that scooter could scoot and was so smooth. However I was a little cramped on it. I once rode a Suzuki Bandit 1200 and loved it, also test rode a HD Springer and felt comfortable but never pulled the trigger on either one. Not my thing but good a friend had a Gold Wing. That was like riding a comfy couch with a a nice built in stereo! I sure miss riding.
I've had multiple ATV 4x4's over the years, mainly for hunting purposes but also for some trail riding. But my medical issues even began preventing light trail riding on a ATV. A couple years ago, last outing before my knee replacement, I was feeling froggy and pushing it too hard and caught a bit of air on a downgrade and upon landing my entire left side went numb after what felt like a lightning bolt hitting my lower back. Pulled over and struggled to get my cell out of my pocket. No service. My kid and the others I was with were far ahead, as I would take it slow usually. I was freaked out to say the least. Thought I was crippled for life....my surgeon had warned me about it. When I didn't show up at the meeting spot, my kid came back looking for me, found me and stayed with me until I somewhat regained feeling and mobility. That was my last trail ride. I've putted around the property but that's it.
Last summer a buddy came over on a KLR650. I took it up the road and back. Very comfortable.....my juices started flowing again. I'm currently waiting on a SI Joint fusion surgery. I mentioned a couple weeks ago to another friend at dinner that depending how my surgery goes I wouldn't mind a KLR650 to putt around town on when I retire, hopefully next year. My Wife gave me the evil eye and gave me a verbal whooping.
So I ride vicariously through these type threads.
I miss it.
