Its been close to four years I've ridden my phantom.
In that span of fours years, I've grown accustomed to my ride. I used to ride an SP150, TA200 and finally a CB400. There were other rides tht I've tested too, CBR400 RL and RN, Kawa636 and even a Blade1000 series. One thing tht i've learned, is tht comfort is a very important factor.
My ride hav gone thru many modifications. Groundin, xhaust and even a cosmetic overhaul. I guess they say tht the ride is a reflection of the rider. Maybe its true. Always, when washin my bike or tweakin here and there, I can see many scars and dents of my ride. Sure, its still shiny and my TA still retain its custom shotgun everytime I close my throttle (thx to my mechanic for tht xhaust mod) but i can see tht the years hav begun to take its toll of wear and tear.
My xhaust is scarred. Its been a couple of times I self-skidded. Most of the time it was because of hidden patch of oil on the road or even debris. I've been thru many episodes of road rage. Namely those cars tht think they are drivin motorbikes instead of cars. Or those drivers that delights in blindin the riders wif mods like Zeon Lights and high beamin right behind me.
Four years. There were often times I feel like ditchin my ride for a bigger, bad ass bike. Namely a Superforce or Shadow. But good sense coupled wif shallow pockets make me recant tht decision. Sure, who doesnt want a powerful ride? But remember wht spidey always said, "Wif Great Power Cums Great Responsibility" but for a rider like me, its more like "Wif Great Rides Cums Greater Injuries"
So far I've been fortunate tht most road mayhap often occured when I ride alone. Even lately, I've becum less reckless and less prone to speedin. Haha.. but i've gotten into another bad habit, namely pluggin my ear wif my mp3 phone when I ride alone. But hey, if a car can blast its audios wif the windows up and still be LEGAL, why not me? At least I dun blast my earphones. In fact, I feel tht it helps me ride more safely as I rely more on my eyesight. (check blindspots more often)
Lets see... i believe my Earth Angel requires time for an xtensive overhaul. Brake fluids to top up, air filter to change, Interior Engine overhaul, Cone bearin to change and Engine to tune. Total cost... well... i dun wana knw YET.
I've always wanted to install side bags. Now tht I'm returnin back to the path of education, I need the xtra cargo space. 2007 hav brought many changes in me. i've begun hittin the weight regiments again. Did many things that I've left hangin years ago. I sincerely hope tht I can finally brought tht chapter of darkness to a final closure.
Yet.. like they always say. The more things change, the more they stay the same. One thing tht never changes... is my passion to always be in motion, always ridin in the nite. Here, on the road, let it be drizzlin or the light fails, I knw I am goin sumwher. I am free. You. Always you...
