what my new motorcycle won't do

There was a time when we rode for fun, not to impress our friends or members of the opposite sex.  It didn’t matter what you rode, just that you did.  Engine size may sound cool when bench racing, but it was not a subject of discussion when riding.  Simplicity was the rule here, until Honda put the idiot lights in a console, then Kawasaki did the same.  BMW on my R90S had a voltmeter in case you couldn’t tell the starter wouldn’t spin, and a clock to tell you how late you would be to work waiting for a jump.  Which somehow worked when the bike wouldn’t start.  On my 2018 Street Triple R, complete with TFT screen, don’t ask I don’t know, I can change the brightness of the screen, adjust the clocks six different ways, get temperature, gear position, miles to empty, miles travelled, miles per gallon, and other so called important info while riding at break neck speeds.  Oh and also the  engine speed or rpm’s.  All this when my eyes should be on the road ahead, or looking out for the law behind.  It really isn’t much different than many newer models, that can tell you what engine mapping you set, or pair your Bluetooth to the bike.  Adjustable front and rear suspensions, all things that I cannot live without, as I miss them when I ride another bike that doesn’t have them.  Until two weeks ago.....

When I bought a 2020 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.  A what?  A who?  While you were busy reading about riding, Royal Enfield has been pumping out Brit based bikes in India since 1954.  The same vintage engineering wise, but to the tune of millions of them.  But their new 650 is modern, 4 valve heads, Brembo brakes, steel brake lines, twin shocks with reservoirs, a six speed trans, ABS, a center stand, remember when they were standard, electric start, and Pirelli tires on spoked black aluminum rims.  An oil cooler, and right on the left engine cover it says Royal Enfield, cast into the cover, how cool is that?  It is modern in every way... but there are a few things it won’t do.  It won’t tell you the time, so wear a watch.  You have to pay attention to know what gear you are in.  No engine mapping lights, just a speedo and a tach. No entertainment system, isn’t riding enough?  Want the temp, stick out your finger, can help you find wind direction too.  No voltmeter, no miles to empty, just  light warning your last .93 of a gallon left.  First three tanks of 51, 52, and 59 mpg.  It isn’t the fastest, but faster than a Harley, and won’t win many races, but it does one thing too many bikes won’t or don’t do.  It puts a smile on my face every time I start it up.  It is fun to ride, think of an old BSA or Triumph Tiger without the vibration or oil leaks.  No joy stick for navigating like my ST3, just a simple start button, horn, and high beam switch.  Simple like me....and all for under $6000 retail.  Three year unlimited mile warranty, plus free roadside.  Try that BMW or Harley.  Triumph, two years.  And did I mention the color, Ravishing Red.  Suddenly it’s 1965 and I am a kid again.  And the last thing my new motorcycle won’t do is run over 100 mph, it falls just five miles per hour short of the ton.  And I don’t care, I cannot wipe the smile off my face when riding it.  It even feels like a motorcycle, looks like a motorcycle, and sounds like one too.  I think I’m in love...can riding at the legal speed limit be fun again?  Quick, where’s my helmet....

Now some people study hard before they buy a new and untried motorcycle.  Some read all the reports, get the approval of their friends, and then take the plunge.  This may be OK when it comes to bikes, but I see a failure rate when it comes to Jesus.  While I am low on the scale of Bible knowledge, I am high on the relationship with him.  We talk, and when I listen, and then read my Bible, it all seems to make more sense.  I see it from his perspective, not a denominational one, or an evangelical theme, but as the truth of who Jesus is.  I had a poor opinion of Royal Enfields until I rode one.  And I will admit I never read about them either.  But now after reading a dozen or so reports of my new model, I get it.  Yes many opinions of the bike, some too fast, some not enough braking, but all agree it is a good bike and some even have purchased one.  Like with Jesus we all are given opinions from those who don’t know him, or only know about him, but have not made it personal.  I now read my Bible more because I know the author and the main character, Jesus.  It is familiar because of the places I read about are similar to the places he has taken me.  I have seen promises preached on come true, and seen opinions proved false because I trust him.  But as you get to know Jesus, you find there are things he  won’t do, and for that I am thankful.  He won’t force himself on you, won’t make you pray, read your Bible, go to church, be nice to others, be a giver, or live a Christian life.  He offers you the choice to enjoy the fruit of his spirit, and we can say no or yes.  But I find the more I know him, I want to read my Bible more, I pray more as a conversation with him, I am nicer to others, I give more, love more, forgive more,and enjoy life more.  On his terms, which consists of one thing, love.  You cannot study your way to heaven, just as you cannot read a road test and think you are a rider.  Until you participate by faith, and then trust, you miss out on the ride of your life.  And the life of your ride.  So you see there are things in life that cannot be done until you participate.  If it works with riding, what is your excuse for not trusting Jesus? 

Like Paul, I found all my experience, background, culture, and friends and connections in motorcycling meant nothing until I took the ride.  Paul had it all, but answered the call of the spirit, defying public and church opinion.  And because of that he was able to see sides of Jesus they never imagined.  Oh they may have read about him, or heard about him, but until they took the first ride Paul did, until he felt the wind of the spirit in his face, it was all theory.  Now he knows it is all fact.  The question is, do you?

Royal Enfield like Jesus Christ has risen from the dead.  I’m on board, will you join me?  Jesus Christ, he just may change the way you like at life, and live it.  The last thing my new motorcycle won’t do is save me.  Only Jesus, and you know, the Bible was right the whole time....after all....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

I hope you're getting the point of this exercise

In every house there is always one room, maybe even just one closet where when you cannot find a place for it, it goes there.  For years it has been the closet in my office, stuff just stacked upon each other, where of course the things I placed there because I use them are on the bottom.  But encouraged to clean up and clean out such closets, and also curtail the attack on my garage, another depository, I attacked the garage first.  In particular two boxes, one marked electrical, the other tools.  Two names I can do without based on past performances.  In the electrical box I threw away 50 feet of coaxial cable left from a cable conversion, almost the same amount of various phone cords, some cassette boxes with no cassettes, a mug from a company I worked for over 30 years ago, power cords with identifying marks, a booklet on setting up my phone, from two phones ago, some cassette tapes without markings, an old torn American flag, and a CD player removed from an F150 from 2001.  But the other box had some real valuables in it.   A box of broken bar end mirrors, a trailer brake kit for a 1992 Ranger, a roll of kite string, a rusty trowel, an ax head and wedge for splitting wood, what I think was an old Cub Scout project sail boat minus sail, a ratchet that didn’t due to rust, a wire brush wrapped in kite string, two seat straps from Bonnevilles I once owned, a foot peg and mount which don’t match each other, three grab rails from bikes over 20 years old, some old tank badges for a Triumph Scrambler, an old empty now can of Coke, still sealed, two old baseball gloves, and some other things just taking up space.  Almost all went into the trash, and I am not even sure why I held onto the few things I did.  But such is life...and now I have more room for new things to gather and never use.  Do we see a pattern here.....

Out with the old and in with the new is not a new concept, and one based on a life in Christ.  We become a new creature in Christ when saved, and become a place for the holy spirit to dwell in us.  But it doesn’t always work like that, as I hear some say “I’ll give this to God, but never that which gave me pleasure.”  We all have our own excuses, mine was a popular one, twisting scripture to fit my sin rather than letting it go and getting on with Jesus.  Drugs was easy, drinking was hard, and to sipping saints leading double lives today hiding it, making the excuse “Jesus drank wine.”  Where and when, show me please.  But also other damaging traits are hung onto, keeping us from the fullness of God, by our own choice.  Bad habits like the things kept in my boxes, taking up space and when dealt with and disposed of open that part of my life to Jesus even more.  We all have them....some even hidden in plain view.

In Colossians Paul writes for us to take advantage of each situation.  To make the most of each opportunity.  In my travels many times I passed on roads thinking I would return some day, only to look back and wish I had.  Same with some habits.  As I live and pray each day, do I ask God to maximize the spiritual blessings coming my way?  Do I let the spirit lead or am I in charge here?  Do we care more about us than people seeing Christ in us?  There may be more to the old statement “you may only be the only Bible some read,” than we care to admit.  I have habit of following after some Christian was drinking or cussing or acting rude towards women and then being asked, “well he’s a Christian and does all those things I do, so I must be one too.  I don’t need your Jesus or religion.”  And they have a point.  But God in his wisdom sees the heart of us, and sadly I must admit I may have led some astray by my sinful actions while posing as a Christian, allowing them to think it’s OK.  Everyday is a real world adventure in living the gospel and of being a servant and witness of Jesus Christ, ambassadors he calls us.  Maybe those things in my garage gave me some insight as to my life, what things of my past do I hang onto, that cause me to stumble and fall?  If I was accused of being a Christian is there enough evidence to convict me?  Do I seek God or my own selfish gains?  And I hear the mutterings among you beginning...

“You’re judging us.”  No I’m describing you.  And why is it that only those caught in sin don’t want to be judged?  I love it when I can share Jesus, when I am known as a man of God.  Maybe today is the day to cleanout your soul and give it to Jesus.  All of it, all the sin.  And it may hurt for awhile, major surgery does.  For me it cost me many old albums when I accused my son of listening to poor music, so I let him remove from me what he thought was bad.  Are we willing to give up things to influence our kids in Christ?

One last thought on sipping saints.  How would you feel in your son or daughter called and needed you and you had been drinking?  “I don’t drink enough to get a buzz,” not knowing you have a buzz until  you have one, like sleeping, you don’t know you were asleep until you wake up.  Is sin more important than your kids?  I choose my kids....and Jesus.  So rather than being gloomy over giving something up, be excited about what Jesus has to fill it.  If love, joy, peace, and patience are your desire, only he can provide them.  Become that new creature in Christ God wants us to be, the old things are past, put on the new of Jesus Christ.  Or be prepared to suffer the consequences like old King who was told by God to destroy all his enemies, and left one standing.  Guess which one came back to kill him....

A small sin like a small stone in your shoe can be very painful.  Now back to the closet....and the closet of the heart.  We all need cleansing, don’t forget the spiritual, the most important.  For the things seen are temporal, the things not seen eternal.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

fast will be fast until someone goes faster

I was reading an old Cycle Guide from 1986 the other night that now resides in our library aka bathroom.  Great reading material, and in this particular issue the headline was “World’s Fastest and Quickest Motorcycle,”   an article that I had read and reread many times.  For me it was hoping the outcome would be different, as the FJ1100 I had only went 147 mph and 10.5 in the quarter, beat by Suzuki’s GSXR1000 and the Ninja 1000.  It was all about speed in those days, who got there first and was the fastest, and those numbers would be bragging rights for some time to come.  No matter each bike came specially prepared from its importer, or that Jay Gleason, the fastest man in the quarter at the time rode them, the numbers were there in plain sight for all to read, and coming in third in a five bike race was no moral victory for me.  Chances are I would never and never have to prove the magazine wrong, but I had friends who used the article for bragging rights, even if they never went over 70.  Somehow none of us really never challenged the next guy to a race, but would depend on those words in print to do all the bragging needed.  Five bikes, one article, with one winner.  But looking back and past my ego, there were no losers, fast will always be fast until someone goes faster. And although most readers wouldn’t and couldn’t perform at those levels, in our minds it gave us bragging rights, as if we were that fast.  Oh to be young and foolish again today......

Now if you were there, you can remember it was all about the Japanese bikes, no one I knew rode Harleys, never confused with a performance bike, no Ducati’s either.  But conspicuous by its absence was Honda.  Still searching for the ultimate UJM, they were going to the V-4 like the Sabre and away from the racing image.  Their bikes were just as competitive but lacked the racing look we all clamored for, the fairings with low bars, resets, and fancy paint jobs.  For some the look was just as important or more important than the speed, it was all about the image or illusion of speed.  And with cops on every corner, the insurance companies wanting to ban Ninja style bikes, led by GEICO and State Farm, two companies now trying to get our insurance money, that I will never buy, we would prefer to be known by the articles rather than the tickets or our own speed contests.  The guy behind the bars on the street was not the same guy behind the magazine article many times....

We read in scripture that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.  Feet planted firmly in the middle, able to go either way as the crowd or argument demands.  It is one thing when it comes to riding and brand loyalty, another when it comes to the things of God.  When Jesus told us to deny our family and pick up our cross and follow him, he wasn’t telling us to hate them, but to let go of the past, and to follow him as an individual.  Not follow church or religious teachings, but to hear what the spirit was saying and obey.  I have tried to be religious at church and then myself at work, it won’t work, one or the other will win, and soon we get a reputation for being a hypocrite, a liar and a fool.  So Jesus asks us to make the ultimate decision, to be born again, and live life for him, and not religion.  At one time motorcycles were our religion, how many changing brands as newer and faster came out each year.  Some stood by brand loyalty no matter what, but we were as finicky as any one else.  An area where pride can be subtle or speak in harsh and loud terms.  Is my brand better than yours?  Is my church better than yours?  Bigger and better?  Based on what?  Man or God?  Stop and consider Jesus for a minute and our position with him, it might just scare you.  Does religion rule in your life or Jesus himself?  Why do you attend where you do?  Is that pretty girl your gospel, the false teachings that tickle your ears and make you feel good?  Do you have a position in the church and like the attention?  Whatever it is, if anything comes between you and Jesus it is sinful.  You may stumble and never fall, but stumbling in life is as dangerous as at 120 mph, no room for error.

I have some great Catholic friends who love Jesus, yet used to attend a church that found them inferior.  Don’t like your Lutheran church, many synods to choose from.  Don’t want the truth, listen to Joel Osteen or some of the TBN crowd.  But if you want all you can get out of life and eternity too, Jesus is the only way.  What I have trouble with is no one I know wants to buy an inferior motorcycle, it is a personal thing, so why settle for anything less than Jesus in life?  Religion gives us no choice, Jesus allows us to choose.  So choose him, the correct answer.

Now you are not inferior because you attend a wrong church, but not getting all the blessings God has.  If you only know Jesus through Sunday services or your pastor, or a friend, you miss out on Jesus.  Many will come in his name, only the truth will set you free.  Jesus wants to participate in your life, still think that cross too heavy?  Remember he says his burden is light and easy, and to lean on him.  We are not alone....yet we can choose to be.  So who and where you worship is important and has eternal ramifications.  Some only support the brand of Jesus, do you truly call him Lord?  Do you do the things he asks? 

Some know about Jesus, while I prefer to know him personally.  Like those that hide behind the article and never ride as fast, too many hide behind religion for safety, while making themselves vulnerable to all the lies of Satan.  Some ride, some own.  Some are religious, some are saved.  Double minded, no place to be in Christ.  We do not know when the final competition will happen, but we need to be prepared for the finish of it, no do overs in hell.  You red light you lose.  You may meet religious requirements, do you meet God’s?  Fortunately we all are born into sin so we all qualify.  Drag races are lost in the blink of an eye, don’t bet your life on anything else but Jesus.  Fast will always be fast until someone goes faster, but Jesus will always be Jesus.  Only in him will you truly enjoy the ride, knowing where it will end.  Oh to not be old and foolish today....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

changes in the garage

It would be unfair to blame Art, although he is partly responsible.  It would be unfair to blame Jim, as he too had a part in it.  Maybe even Theresa, as she had jokingly reminded me of how we always have money for motorcycles, even if we don’t have any money for food.  But the truth is, I made the decision with no influence, and when the deal was too good, jumped at it.  It is the new 2020 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.  A what?  Royal Enfield, making bikes since 1901, first in Britain, and in India since 1954.  Millions of them, like the VW Beetle, not changing anything, and it showed.  Hundred year old technology with the same manufacturing procedure, not a winning combination, but in 2017  things changed for the better.  New president, new bikes, and a new outlook and marketing, and now I have one in my garage.  All the goodies of the expensive bikes, ABS, Pirelli tires, 4 valve head, 6 speed tranny, steel brake lines, Brembo brakes, great engine management, slipper clutch, great paint, black aluminum rims, and a three year warranty with unlimited miles.  Sounds like me.....and directly imported to the colonies from the factory, where combined with no middleman and Indian labor, they retail for $5999.  For a new bike.  Which reminds me of my Triumph Scrambler and it is very much fun to ride.  Even getting compliments when filling up at 50 mpg.  Even the magazines who used to make fun of them love it.  But like I said, it would be unfair to blame Art, but I’ll let you decide.

My two older Tigers with over 150,000 miles between them needed to be sold.  But no one wants to take a chance on a high mileage bike, even if the mileage is not high for them.  So telling Art, who is my Triumph pusher, he made me a deal I couldn’t refuse, and I rode one home.  And yesterday Jim and his son picked up the Tiger 955, our old touring bike with over 113,000 miles on it.  Lots of memories went down the street as I heard it for the last time......but we weren’t done yet.

Over the years I have accumulated enough jackets, gloves, shirts, hats, boots, and helmets to start a store.  Some only worn a few times, some still like new, and in need of someone who can use them.  Mentioning it to Jim, he said they were starting a used or low priced inventory of these items for those who are low on cash.  He explained how he had sold a high priced Jacket of his to a guy for $20, and he would buy my stuff.  Which I donated instead, maybe there was a young Mike out there in need of some good stuff and just needed a chance.  So with two bikes gone, and a lot of my clothing inventory thinned out, many things have changed in my garage.  But I still have another closet of leathers, and a cabinet I am not sure what is in it, last time I looked it had seven helmets, all but one an Arai.  But it is time to clean out and clean up, and no better way than to honor God by giving to those who are in need, I never expected an Indian bike would be the catalyst.....

As human beings we like things, lots of them.  Which may explain why so many cars are parked in the street instead of their garage.  Overflow, combined with a reticence to sell, rather to keep or hoard, collect, to just to say I have more than you.  Over the years we have adapted our packing for a trip to just what is needed, traveling light and enjoying the ride more.  Now we are adapting that to our lives.  Funny how a change of heart has affected our actions and attitudes.  Things can pile up quickly and get in our way, I cleaned off my workbench last night and filled half a trash can.  Where did I get all this junk?  I wasn’t even sure what some stuff was.  But just as our heart can affect our actions, our actions can affect our heart.  And our relationship with Jesus.

At one time based on pride, peer pressure, pride, bad teaching, pride, and pride, I thought I had to be doing something for God all the time, to be religious.  I even knew men I wanted to emulate, but found no joy in trying to please God by my rules.  Or to impress men I really didn’t care for. I finally decided I just wanted to sit in the back row and listen, and then my life changed.  Without all the clutter, I could hear the spirit directing, and found a joy I had been missing, being the person Jesus wanted me to be.  Maybe the hardest thing I ever did, be myself, and let God bring about the changes.  A process still ongoing, lot of little steps, and learning to avoid the big ones.  At least to me big, to God, just part of the plan.  I will not say I always went willingly, I had to be urged and sometimes kicking and screaming inside followed, but God is faithful even when I wasn’t.  From our relationship to giving me a ministry, to allowing me to ride to my heart’s content.  Which he again proved yesterday when the Tiger left for the last time without.  Almost 114,000 miles in 48 states with Theresa, the bike I was on when life flighted for open heart surgery.  Just hearing that off road pipe stirred some emotion, then I caught myself.  My life is no longer about things, it is all about Jesus, and the heart is the best place to keep those memories, just as Jesus designed it.  He has written his word on it, so he is always with us, his spirit inhabiting but not forcing himself on us.  It was my decision to trade the bikes, I feel a sense of joy and relief, but also the presence of God, knowing it was his way to show he cared, even down to my garage and what was in it.  To share things I had hoarded, to give and see true blessings, while still receiving.  Only in Jesus.....and he knew about it the whole time!  No more Craigslist, phone calls, bargain hunters, or strangers in my garage.  Now if I can only let him duplicate that in other areas of my life.  Key word is let him....

When there are times we feel we don’t have enough, 2 Corinthians reminds us he is adequate in all things.  We get religious, he wants to get personal.  He can do anything, yet includes me.  Last week it was just another ride until I accepted Art’s offer, and the process began for me.  For God it was always in process, and has brought me a fullness I had forgotten, and to me, now I am more excited about giving more clothes and cleaning out things others may need.  Remove the clutter, so I can see and hear Jesus better.  Lots of changes in my garage now, from nine to three bikes, from over 400,000 accumulated miles to under 40,000.  Having less and enjoying it more, which leaves more time to spend with God and give to others.  Maybe an afternoon in your own garage or closet will influence you, but it is up to God to show you.  This is how he worked it out for me.....he’s that personal.  And to those of you who are still bound in religion, where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.  Only in Jesus Christ will you experience true fullness of life.  Jesus and motorcycles, it just don’t get any better!  And then all things will be added unto us!

By the way, they call the color Ravishing Red....and did I mention it is way fun to ride!  You see, it really wasn’t Art’s fault after all! 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot. com