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Hey, I would like to start a roll call for people that ride motorcycles here. I had a thread many years ago, but it got left behind and I would really not want to revisit it. I don't think... Well, maybe... I ride a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja. That's me in my avatar riding in my first track day. I ended up being fastest in my group by having an advantage in the turns. :haz: I went from growing up on trials bikes, quads and dirt bikes to riding my own motorcycle. I never did enjoy riding as a passenger. Seven and a half years ago, I went for a ride with a friend and came home 2 months later from the hospital. I'm now titanium reinforced in my spine. It took a lot out of me, but 15 mins after my last spine appt I was back on a bike again. It's been a long, tough road filled with lots of tears, shaking, vomit, dropped bikes and plenty of resolve to kick the PTSD. I went backwards and sold my Yamaha R1 and got a Yamaha YZF600 the "Thundercat". That was like trying to corner a couch and way too heavy, so I sold it and bought a Honda CBR600 and rode that for a while. I got to the point of just sitting on the bike, in the garage and I would sob and tremble. I almost gave up riding. Eric saw my despair, and bought me a brand new 2008 Ninja 250R. He bought the last blue one in Oregon, Washington and Idaho for the year. That was when they came out with the brand new body style. I love my bike. I've been riding it ever since and I haven't looked back. I've had some great, peaceful rides and some scary moments and some VERY close calls, but I'm always learning and riding. There's no better peace than riding my bike up on the back of Mt. Hood listening to my music. I live for those moments. They are my heart and soul. I've been commuting on my bike since I got new kicks for it on my birthday, and I actually drove my car to work today. I felt odd. Out of place. Enclosed. This is why I ride. To be free. To live in the moment of joy, peace, and to fly and be free. Why do you ride?