the need, for SPEED!
Take a moment with me and think of something that you’ve desired for a REALLY long time. Something monetary, and within reason of course. I’m not just talking about an item you’ve stumbled across on eBay a few days ago, I’m talking years back. Something that since you were a child, you’ve wanted so bad that you could taste. But, there has always been a reason for holding back. Whether it be financially, place of residence, other priorities at the time – you name it. You’ve had reminders on a monthly, weekly, and sometimes daily occasion since you were that child, making that desire exponentially grow. But, those reminders kept your hope alive and just when you thought the passion had been lost – it struck right back up again stronger than ever.
Well, the stars finally aligned for myself last Monday, and I was able to venture out and make this dream I’ve described (so intensely) a reality. That little voice in my head said, “it’s go time” – and I kindly agreed. :)
Without further adieu, I introduce you to the “Black Raven”. It’s mean, it’s lean, and it’s the ’05 limited editeeen. That’s right folks, I purchased a motorcycle – the Yamaha YZF-R6. I’ve had my eye on the Yamaha R6′s for about 4 years now, and was truly obsessed with the Blue model until this “Black Raven” edition was introduced last year. The red accents on the wheels and body put me over the top, and I never looked back at the Yamaha blue color.
Here it sits at Cycle Sports Center here in Orlando, receiving a pipe transplant. I saw this custom Micron pipe within the store, and I just had to have it. The stock pipe was just way too obtrusive and plain to go on such an incredible looking bike. The new pipe (as shown below) is a gradient from red to black – which is quite sweet. That, and it adds a little bit more horsepower than the stock pipe. Here’s a little interesting tid bit to munch on. The bike, with standard/stock parts, kicks out a total of 123 hp. That’s just crazy considering my Jeep pumps out 181 hp, and weighs 8 times the amount of the bike. Hard to believe, I know.
Now since I don’t have my motorcycle license, or even a learners permit yet, I had them throw it on a trailer and follow me home. If you’re reading this, and live in the Orlando area, AND searching for a bike – go check out Cycle Sports Center on John Young. Ask for Mike, one of the sales guys. He was extremely helpful and professional all the way from our initial “hello” to his “thanks for your biz, have fun man!”.
Doesn’t it look perty?
I have enrolled in Motorcycle Safety classes the weekend of August 6th. Am I waiting to ride until then? Ha, yea right – would you? I quickly went out to the DMV and passed the written test after three diligent attempts (maybe I should have studied a bit eh?) and currently posses a 90 day learners permit. My only restriction is ‘No Passengers’. So, basically I can ride wherever and whenever in which gives me some nice practice until our class begins.
I’ve never owned a brand new vehicle before, so seeing 5 miles on the Odometer is a bit surreal for me at this point. It’s a nice feeling knowing that no one but yourself has ever owned the vehicle, especially a bike because of the strict break-in period. Once I hit 600 miles, and that break-in period is completed, I’ll be taking it back into CSC to replace the factory installed synthetic oil back with standard petroleum. The Black Raven will also have a few maintenance items attended to so I can keep this bad boy purring.
Let the fun begin!
