Looking back, my first motorcycle was the one that all others would be
compared to. A brand new 1972 Honda CB350 K4, bought from Ralph’s Honda in
South Orange, New Jersey, an unauthorized Honda dealer, such were the good old
days. Gold, soon 8” bars were added, and a sissy bar with pad, we were all Easy
Riders in our own mind. And the 6500 miles put on in five months were my initial
learning curve into motorcycling, and still today, every time I learn something
I find out how much I really don’t know. Along the way I removed the mufflers,
loved the sound, but never imagined how many police didn’t, they were
everywhere. From looks to warnings, they soon went back on. My first
interstate long rides were on that Honda, it took me through the spring of my
senior year in high school, my first summer of freedom from school, and to
college. But as the desires for longer trips grew, the Honda fell short, and a
1972 BMW R60/5 replaced it. Selling it for $600 after buying it for $825.
Figure $1.25/day for fun, where else could you do that?
Over the years and the dozens of bikes I have owned, this one still stands
out n my mind. So many saw me on that Honda, that many conversations were
started with “how’s your Honda?” With explanations of what I replaced it with,
why, and where I have gone on the current one. But my friends back then always
identified me with that Honda, you never forget your first bike, it will be the
one all others are compared to, and probably the best motorcycle you’ll ever
own. The hardest to buy, and the hardest to part with. At least until the next
one comes along.....
After 10 years and 79,000 miles, it was time for a new bike, and the new
Triumphs captivated me. My 1985 FJ1100 that had taken across time zones,
states, storms, and moving to California was about to be traded, for a new 1996
Triumph Trident. Like a nervous parent, I reluctantly traded it, and leaving
the lot, wondered how long it would take to warm up to the new bike. Exactly
1.3 miles on the odometer later, all Yamaha memories had vanished, it was all
about the new ride, and the new rides it would take. It had been with me for
more than 10 times the miles and years of my first Honda, but I still remember
more about the Honda and its rides. Maybe it’s the metal flake helmet still in
the garage that came with the Honda, gold to match, maybe it was the newness of
motorcycling and the freedom I was experiencing, maybe I’m just getting old and
sentimental, but I look back fondly at that first CB350, and occasionally look
at ads for one. The ones in the ads have come close, but not the one I had.
And that makes all the difference.....Many bikes and over 1 million miles later,
that Honda is the one all my future bikes were compared to. And in some small
ways still are.
I entered motorcycling with a blank slate, with the exception of Easy Rider
and Little Fauss, and Big Halsey. It was all about the ride at first, then it
became all about the bike I was riding it on. My Christian life started the
same, all about Jesus, and it didn’t matter the church or teaching, it was all
about Jesus. But slowly and much faster than I expected or knew, religion had
crept in, and soon it was which church, what version of the Bible, what
standards do I live by, and others guiding my life. I finally had to take a
step back, look at where I was, where I was going, and make a decision. Was it
Jesus or religion, was he the difference in my life or the things of man made
religion? And the two can be very similar, but only one gave me the true joy.
It was Jesus, where I could live my life, find joy in the spirit, and not worry
about all the laws and things my friends did. Like my first Honda, Jesus was
the criteria all teachings, studies, and religious activities would be based
on. Jesus was the standard I built my life on, not what others said. Which set
me apart, as a weirdo, a malcontent, and to some not even saved. But as I got
closer to God, the more I walked in his spirit and discounted what others
thought, I grew, and so did the peace within me. I began to live my life for
Jesus instead of for others, just like when I rode for me instead of with
groups. I found true motorcyclists are in for motorcycling no matter what you
ride, and true Christians are in it for Jesus, not to be popular or bringing
glory to themselves within church. I had to go back many times when seeing my
joy fading to that initial ride with Jesus, and the foundational teachings I
had. Where opinions were like Hondas, everyone seemed to have one, but only a
few cared about the facts. Very simply put, when my riding became all about
motorcycling instead of just the motorcycle, I grew in my riding. And when
Jesus became more important than what others thought, how the church saw me, and
how I lived for him, I began to see scripture come alive in my life. Seeking
him first, letting him add all the other things to my life, made the
difference. No quibbles over teachings or pastors, it was Jesus first, then no
others. I found the freedom I was seeking in the spirit, while others still
search. In vain, when the truth is right there in front of them.
Years ago I sat in church with a man who was saved for many years. Every
week his men’s group studied a different book, and his latest one excited him.
It had taught him “how to pray,” he told me. When I asked “did you really need
a book to learn how to pray,” he seemed hurt. “Did you need to read a book to
talk to your wife? Then why do you need a book on how to talk with God?” Mired
in religion, my words fell on deaf ears.....
Scripture tells us all our works that are like hay and stubble will be
burnt up on judgment day. Some are already storing up wood for the eternal time
of fire, how much of our actions and attitudes include Jesus? Will we find any
gold or silver in the stubble? Yet why wait for the reward, when we can live it
now. Just because Jesus saved us means he has put some in our lives, are you
hoarding it or sharing it? If Jesus isn’t the best part of your religious
experience, maybe you need to go back to your first ride with him. To when it
was all about him, when the spirit was fresh and new. Repent, and get on with
what he has for you. For like that first motorcycle, he will be the one that
all others are compared to. When you find that none can compare, you begin to
see more of Jesus in your life. How long does it take to put it all behind
you? 1.3 miles for me....it is not where you have been that matters, but where
you are going. And if Jesus is where you have been, the where you are going is
that much better. In fact, it makes now all that more valuable. I’ll never
forget my first bike, but now when asked which is my favorite, I say “the one I
am on now.” Can you say that about your God? I can.....and I still have the
old helmet to prove it.
love with compassion,
Mikematthew25biker.blogspot.com