learn to ride, and then own, a motorcycle.

but pleasantly so, I think. My sights are now set upon the Ural Patrol, the funky little 750cc motorcycle with the sidecar. Man, it looks like fun and would be MUCH more functional than just a two-seater. The next coupla years….

expectations. Rather than starting with a Harley (read:expensive, heavy, and expensive), I’m going to start with something a little smaller (upon the advice of several bikers I know and trust).

So, we’re looking at the Honda Shadow Aero. It’s a 750cc, so it’s smaller, sure, but probably what I need to get my legs under me, skill-wise. And cheaper, too, by about $10,000, increasing the likelihood that I’ll get it sooner than later. It’s gotten great reviews for control and power for its price. Oh, how I’d like to check off this goal soon, soon, SOON!

Harley-Davidson has DISCONTINUED the very bike I wanted to snag someday. The Road King Custom is no more. (a moment of silence)

So, I’ve been reading lately that it’s not wise to learn to ride on such a big bike at first. that’s a problem. I really want to learn well and be safe and I do NOT want to lay down a $20,000 motorcycle. At the same time, I don’t have the ability financially to buy a lesser power bike to learn on. I plan on going through all the classes I can get my hands on in preparation for my riding. Will that be enough? Can one learn to ride on a big, heavy HD? Is it safe? Is it wise? Someone with context and experience, tell me if I’m being foolish pursuing this bike as my first!

I met a guy in Idaho Springs, CO while passing through who owned an ‘5 version of this same Road King Custom, and in yellow, to boot. I’m resolved all the more. Plus, I’m encouraged that the new ‘07s look just fine, too. One day…

If I were to buy it today, it’d be this one. A Harley-Davidson Road King Custom. It looks just like I think a motorcycle should look, don’t you think so, too?