"Is this an early midlife crisis?" It's a question I've been asked a lot recently. The reason? This:
That's right, after 9 years of being deprived of my favourite means of transportation, I am back on the road with a motorcycle. A Honda VFR 800 to be precise.
No, not a Ducati this time. Why not? Because the new Ducati models do not have that same je-ne-sais-quoi as they used to? Because the Ducatis I really like are either too fast to drive safely or too 'naked' and hence not really fit for the longer distances and for driving to work? Because Honda was, in fact, my first love? And you know what they say about first loves...
Or is it because I have more faith in the reputation of the VFR? All of this and none of it at the same time. Let's just say it was love at first sight with this machine. Besides, the advantage of motorcyles is you do not have to stick to one make. Perhaps there will be a Ducati in the garage again, some day. Or, why not, a BMW R1150 RT? After all, as one grows older, so does the need for comfort... :-)
Anyway: here are some more pictures of my first "midlife crises". My Honda CB 1000 "Big 1" and my Ducati Monster:
BTW: Motorcycle Emptiness is still a classic Manic Street Preachers song if you ask me. A bit too pathetic and bombastic for its own good, but hasn't that always been, to some extent, what makes The Manics The Manics?