How i got into motorcycling
The motorcycle is a much faster mode of transportation than the car.
As a UCLA student and local Los Angeles county resident, I've been
subjected to countless hours of waiting upon freeways. In
California, we have a great proposal: you wear a helmet, and we'll
let you share a lane with a car. That's right, in California
motorcycles are allowed to split down the lanes of traffic in order
to arrive to their destinations quickly.
Unfortunately, this comes with consequences. Motorcycling in the state with the highest traffic density is very dangerous and should be done with great caution. I've been involved in numerous displeasurable experiences and despite the pure adrenaline rush of unparalleled speed, freedom of gliding through open air, and ridiculous amount of control of a motorcycle, you are still subject to the irrationale of others on the road. Which, in this diverse city, varies accordingly. So please, if you're ever going to ride, WEAR YOUR GEAR.
the duc
My first motorcycle was a 1991-1998 Ducati 900SS purchased from my friend Eric. As with the trend of things I own, it became far from stock form. It sported a dual Termignoni carbon fiber exhaust system, K&N air intake, open airbox, K&N high flow injectors, Lexus RX330 Projectors, dual Philips 6000K HID kit, 999S front fairing, Zero Gravity smoke tinted windscreen, rear seat cover, stainless lines, and Evoluzione clutch slave cylinder. This complements dual stock Brembo 2-piston front brakes on vented rotors, Brembo rear brakes, Brembo rims, Ohlins suspension, and an aluminum swingarm. I owned it for about four years before it was involved in an after work freeway accident when a phone-distracted driver did not check his mirrors before changing lanes. Luckily, I came away physically unscathed as I was wearing proper protection. I'd like to repeat: WEAR YOUR GEAR.
the 999
I loved the 900 so much, I ended up getting a Ducati 999, the world's premier superbike (at the time), also on a very good deal. Mods included Termignoni carbon fiber exhaust, Power Commander III (ECU/chipped), Sato aluminum rear sets, red anodized clutch plates, Philips 6000K HID, monoposto conversion, and a lot of carbon fiber.
I ended up selling it because someone gave me a significantly high offer which could not be refused (and I felt the economy was going down shortly after).
Hopefully after a one-year self-imposed no-riding hiatus, I will be considering a Yamaha R1.