Sorry I sold it, wish I hadn't, and wish I had it back. Ever say that about any car or motorcycle you sold? Well, if you answer yes, you are not alone. And whether for reasons of style, finance, or it just don't run right, there are some I wish I had back, and some I have now that once I sell, will regret. Here are some in no particular order, your own list will differ, but these may bring back similar memories.
My first bike, 1972 CB350. I rode it for 6000 miles the five months I owned it. And every time I see one, the last time was three years ago, I remember how new I was, the bike fast and forgiving, and how when I sold it to buy a 1972 R60/5, I thought I was styling. And although the BMW took me more places, you can only have a first bike once. If you have one, can I borrow for the afternoon, I have some memories I need to set straight.
I had one of the first year Suzuki GS750's. And it never ran right. Got horrible gas mileage, and not quite the power it should. Traded it again, this time on a R100S, and the tech who bought it, sorted out the carb problem. And I heard that after 10 years, it still ran great, like it should have for me! For all I know, Al still has it.
I bought a used Sprint ST, and it was the one that took me coast to coast in under 70 hours. It ran great, was far superior to the new bike that replaced it, but traded it with my Sprint RS for my Tiger. I miss that ST, and riding the new Sprint GT, brought back precious memories. And even though the Tiger that replaced it has gone more miles, more places, and is more comfortable, a bike I can't see ever trading, when I see one I wish I had it back. Preferably red. If you dream, dream big.
One that I was glad to see go was my 650 Nighthawk. Rode it back east, and had horrible mileage. Low 30's, when all the magazines got close to 50. I even rode it once for 75 miles at 40 miles an hour, belly on the tank, because of no gas stations. Coasted into a Horn station in Clayton. Cars may pass you, but when old pickups pass, and wave, and ask if they can help-it's embarrassing! And I was able to trade up to my FJ1100, seems the dealer couldn't sell it, so he gave me what I paid for the Honda on trade. A happy ending to a sad story.
And the list goes on. And I find the bikes that just ran great, and never gave me problems, I don't remember as well. It seems the highs or lows of ownership are the ones that stand out. The ones you wish you could have back, or had never bought in the first place. Similar to our testimonies. We remember the times where God bailed us out of trouble, and promise to serve Him forever, or the times of great blessing, where we pledge the same thing to Him. But we forget the day to day living-life we call it, where we just lived. We worked, played on weekends, and life went on with no excitement. Then-POW! Trouble, and we are back to seeking God, and asking Him to forgive us for not honoring our desire to follow Him. And then repeat this over and over again, throughout our lives. Sadly some think this is Christianity, but it is not. It takes a relationship with Jesus to get us through everyday. We need Him. I like John Fisher's song, appropriately called "The All Day Song."
Love Him in the morning when you see the sun arisin',
love Him in the evening 'cause He helped you through the day.
and in the in between times when you feel the pressure coming,
remember that He loves you and He promises to stay... with you!
Motorcycles will come and go in your life. Times change. But Jesus never does. If you accepted Him years ago, He is still the same, and hopefully you have grown. Don't trade Him for any trend, thought, code, denominational dogma, or anything else. Stick with Him, and watch as the miles get better as you ride more with Him. As you change to be more like Him, and you know in your heart-He will stay with you. No new revelations, or new gospels. He is the truth, and not a road test.
So take some time, soon, maybe even today, and go for a ride. Let Him take you through the curves, and remember all He has done in your life. Make it an all day ride, loving Him in the morning, and remembering Him in the evening. But remember that most of our lives are spent in the "in between times," and enjoy that part of the day the most. You may find that is where the best memories are. When it was just you and Jesus. Nothing special, just you and Him. And you just may find, that's what made it special after all.
"Remember He ain't in a hurry, He always has time for you"...can you make some time for Him?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com