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