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One other Machine within the Storage
Anybody following my weblog or YouTube channel is aware of I’ve been eager about getting some kind of bike for cruising the backroads of Central Pennsylvania. The Triumph Bonneville has lengthy been in view. However after driving a Bonneville and a Avenue Twin I dominated them out. Don’t get me fallacious, they’re high-quality bikes. However they only didn’t set off the sentiments whereas driving that I used to be after.
I had just about targeted on the Royal Enfield Basic 350. It had the traditional commonplace bike look I used to be after, had a subdued engine, and appeared good for the meandering I preferred to do. Velocity and energy had been simply not a priority.
So, how did I find yourself with a 2001 Kawasaki W650 bike?
Serendipity
The Kawasaki W650 was not on my radar. I solely had a imprecise recognition of its existence based mostly on a suggestion in a remark that I ought to take into account it. How I got here to purchase one is a narrative of probability, serendipity, and a coincidence of excellent fortune.
I had taken my Royal Enfield Himalayan to the Kawasaki supplier a couple of miles down the highway from my home to have them do the annual Pennsylvania Security Inspection. After the mechanic took it for a take a look at experience she instructed me it was an fascinating bike. She had by no means seen one earlier than. Whereas speaking I instructed her I used to be taking a look at presumably shopping for a Triumph Bonneville to cruise the backroads however wasn’t solely comfy with the load and energy.
After which she says she has a 2001 Kawasaki W650 that she’s planning to promote if I’m . She confirmed me a couple of footage on her telephone and I instructed her I might give it some thought. At this level I used to be nonetheless leaning in direction of a Triumph and I didn’t actually know something a few W650.
Falling for a Bike
A couple of month later, a couple of days earlier than my 69th birthday, I texted the mechanic asking if I might take it for a take a look at experience. Preparations had been made for her to experience it to work and I might cease by and take it for a spin.
After I arrived she was busy changing the wheel bearings on a giant Indian bike so she tossed me the keys and stated have enjoyable. Just a few miles later I used to be winding down the backroads towards Coyler Lake with a giant grin on my face. The Kawasaki W650 was precisely what I used to be searching for.
This bike ticked the packing containers for the issues I used to be thinking about — simplicity, styling, efficiency, and that elusive feeling I’ll name the “Zen expertise.” From the analog gauges to the twin carbs the W650 exuded simplicity. I liked how a lot the bike seemed like a 1968 Triumph Bonneville. And on the highway it was calm, subdued, however had loads of energy for any state of affairs I might think about. And most significantly was the “Zen expertise.” I felt instantly at dwelling driving it.
This was the bike.
Comfortable Birthday to Me
I instructed the mechanic, Julia, that I might have to consider it. I’ve realized to not instantly leap on selections that I knew had been proper. Primarily as a result of expertise has proven that they aren’t all the time what I feel they’ll be.
My spouse knew I needed one other bike. Not being a rider, and usually not thinking about scooters and bikes, she didn’t actually perceive why I would like one other. However she knew it was vital and stated if I needed it then purchase it.
Just a few hours later, on my birthday, we had been at AAA transferring the title and earlier than I knew it I had added a 2001 Kawasaki W650 to my small fleet of scooters and bike.
Together with the bike got here a pair rear racks, the unique headlight, and some different odds and ends together with the Kawasaki service guide for the bike. And I bought a LongRide Small Traveler bag to hold meals, water, instruments, and cameras.
I’m prepared for journey!
The video under offers you an thought of the way it sounds and what it’s prefer to experience.
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