Motorcycle prompts youthful memories

Over the years, I’ve owned several two-wheeled modes of transportation — motorcycles of just about every size and style imaginable.

As a kid, it started with a dirt bike, then a moped back when those were all the rage.

In high school, I had a couple of pretty nice street bikes and enjoyed the freedom of riding them.

When the U.S. Navy saw fit to assign me to a command in sunny San Diego, the climate was perfect for a very nice Honda CB-750 Four that I purchased while living out there.

In 1987, the command I was with departed San Diego, and after a global circumnavigation cruise, we arrived in Philadelphia.

It wasn’t long before I found a great deal on another motorcycle that I couldn’t pass up — a 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R.

To say the Ninja 1000R was a game changer would be an understatement. It was lightning fast and designed to stick to the road like it was glued there. 

I’ll never forget that first ride when I realized it could hit 68 mph in first gear at redline, 93 in second, and there were still four more gears to go.

Thankfully, I developed a healthy respect for it and never pushed past my abilities. 

I managed to stay safe on it, which is saying something considering how young I was at the time.

Just recently, one of my grandsons pulled into our humble Hoosier farmhouse driveway on a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R.

Of course, that sight piqued my interest, though for different reasons now.

I distinctly recall the euphoria of owning and riding something like that when I was young. But now that memory is tempered by the natural protectiveness I feel as an older adult who knows exactly what he’s riding and what it’s capable of.

It’s funny how my perspective has shifted. Sure, it’s cool to see, but concern for his safety kicks in quickly. I can almost feel more gray hairs sprouting as I watch him on that machine.

I guess owning one at his age is both a blessing and a curse — especially when you’re the one standing in the driveway, watching a much-loved grandson ride away.