A Boy and His Dreams

When I was Nineteen I was broke and car-less. I found a small motorcycle for $500, a 1980 Yamaha SR-500 "thumper", that became my only source of transportation for the next two years. Of course I was young and dumb and knew nothing about motorcycles, riding safety, gear, etc. But hey I had to get to work and back and besides the weather was mild in Northern California. It
was fun while it lasted but all good things must come to an end.

Fast forward twenty-some odd years, a wife and three kids later, and the SR-500 (by now a Japanese cult classic and cafe moder's dream) still sits in my garage--not running. It doesn't need that much work. New tires, chain, air and fuel filters, re-upulster the seat, and she should be ready to ride. Well last summer I decided to have a mild mid-life crisis and became determined that I was gonna get that motorcycle running if it killed me. $500 later I got it to start and run down the street... but had to push her home (several times). It seems that some carburator work is in order (not my specialty).

Meanwhile my then workmate and friend, Mike M., spared no moral grief encouraging me to fulfill my motorcycle dreams. He has a firm philosophy that things with two wheels should be purchased with the highest happiness quotient possible regardless of cost (debt). He also happens to ride a beautiful and expensive Harley Davidson, aptly named "Fuego" to match the custom flames on the tank.  In fairness, I must give Mike some of the credit (and blame) for what happened next.

After weeks of postponed gratification from the failed SR-500 project, I began spending my free time pouring over Craigslist and drooling at $6000-7000 (used) bikes such as Yamaha's 1100/1300cc V-Star or Honda's 1300/1800cc VTX and the like. I began to narrow my search to the following requirements:

• 750cc or larger Cruiser
• Electric start
• Gas gauge
• Shaft or belt drive
• Under my $3500 budget (okay I was willing to spend $4000)

After looking for weeks I was beginning to think that I would have to settle for a 650cc Honda Shadow in order to be within my budget. But knew from the SR-500 days that anything less than 750cc is not enough to haul my fat butt up a hill or cruise comfortably at 65-70mph.

I finally found and rather quickly purcahsed (before I came to my senses) something that fit all my wants and desires: Behold, my 2003 Suzuki Volusia VL-800. Okay so its a FAR cry from a Harley, and its known as an "inexpensive" bike, but it got very good reviews and it came with all the goodies: aftermarket intake, Vance & Hines exhaust pipes, windscreen, light bar, saddle bags, even a helmet and vest. And did I mention that it was only three grand?!

 Can you say "Ooo, shiny!" The journey has begun...