A milestone of sorts I suppose. I  hit 40,000 miles on my motorcycle today. I have had it for almost 11 years. Since April of last year, I have ridden 8,000 miles.

In April of 2014, the drive shaft broke. I had right at 32,000 miles at that point. It sat for a couple of years before being repaired. I didn’t think I had the money to repair it. I hadn’t even checked in to it. Some good friends arranged to have it repaired for me as a Christmas gift. It still wasn’t ready though. It was leaking oil.

So, last April I bought the parts I needed and repaired the leak myself. I have been riding ever since. Suzuki makes a good dependable motorcycle. I’m glad I bought it. My only issues have been the driveshaft and the oil leak. And those turned out to be minor issues. It needs a few other maintenance repairs. It shouldn’t be a huge deal though. I think it will take me several thousand more miles down the road.

One day I will get another, bigger bike. I don’t know what brand it will be. It will be much bigger than the one I have right now for sure. Today as I road across a couple of bridges I thought the wind was gonna blow me right over. It was a little frightening. I have ridden a bigger bike in some of the same conditions and circumstances without the fear of being blown down by the wind.

Harley Davidson seems like the logical choice. But there are also other bikes I like; the Indian Chieftain, the Honda Goldwing, the Triumph Rocket III. There are several of the HD models I like. They cost a lot more money, as much as my car in fact. So, I probably won’t be getting one until I pay off my car or get another job.

Anyway, just wanted to report my 40,000 miles and no accidents. I have had a few close calls, but thanks to the motorcycle class I took when I got my license, the strategies I learned made it possible for me to escape. I recommend taking a beginners course if you are thinking about taking up riding. And if you do ride already, take an intermediate course or an advanced course. It could save your life.