6 months ago, I purchased my first motorcycle helmet. I enrolled in the Basic Rider Course at Trident Technical College and two weeks after graduation, I purchased a 2023 Moto Morini 650cc Scrambler: my first motorcycle. Writing this blog post in late December, thinking about the past 6 months of my riding experience, I am honestly a bit amazed at what has transpired. I am more confident in my riding ability and have venture to many parts of the Lowcountry by two-wheels. Even during my local rides, I always find something new, and these discoveries make my heartbeat faster with excitement. It is the discovery and adventure that makes motorcycling so unique for me. Considering that 6 months ago, I did not know how to start a motorcycle, I now can honestly say I feel I am coming into my own as a motorcyclist. But there is more to learn and many more roads to travel.
I distinctly remember the first time I rode down Camp Road at 35 mph and thought how damn fast I was going! I immediately turned off onto a residential road to catch my breath and get my heart rate down. It was fear but that fear is what keeps me alive. After a few weeks of traveling around James Island I set my goal to commute to work by my Moto Morini. This brought new obstacles and a completely different vibe. For one thing, I had to figure out what to carry for the workday. I purchased a 40-liter dry bag to bring my work clothes and other essentials for my commute. The AM commute presented me with the crazy morning rush hour, which teaches me how to handle my motorcycle in traffic. Of course, my ego feels wonderful with I arrive at my office on two-wheels. Looking out from my cubicle at the parking lot and seeing my Moto Morini waiting for me, is something that NEVER gets old. Flash forwards a few months, I have learned to leave for work earlier which makes the roads to North Charleston less congested, and I no longer bring a bag. A quick reminder of how much progress I have made.
At the heart of my motorcycling experience is a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and knowledge how delicate life is especially when riding a motorcycle. As I look back at 6 months of highs and the lows in my motorcycle career, I honestly feel a bit overwhelmed. To think that in my mid-40’s I would begin a new life. A life of motorcycling that makes me cry out in triumph, as well as bang my head in disappointment. Some highlights of the past 6 months include the first time I rode the historic highway 61 to Summerville, traveling to Kiawah Island during the dead heat and humidity of summer, or the first time I visited The Battery in downtown Charleston. Not to forget, how I have transformed my mom’s garage into a workshop to keep the Moto Morini running in great shape. Add to the fact the fantastic gear wall I have assemble that meets all seasons of riding, I truly feel blessed. I am excited for the next 6 months of riding my Moto Morini.
What has it been like riding the 2023 Moto Morini 650cc Scrambler the past 6 months? Wonderful. When I went to purchase my first motorcycle, I did not know what I wanted. I did a bit of research and found out I had no clue as to what I wanted. Luckly, I did have an idea that the bike I would buy, would be able to ride the streets and off road. Thankfully, Dana, at Charleston Triumph knew what I would like, and kept me within my budget. Today, I love my Moto Morini just as much, maybe more, than the day it arrived at my mother’s home. Throughout the past 6 months I made a few changes and have been able to reduce weight as well as change the appearance of this amazing bike. Gone are all the plastic parts and a few parts are painted to really give this bike a strong look. Overall, the engine has performed great, and all the fluids are holding with no leaks. I will need to get new tires on this machine in early 2025 as well as an oil change. In the Spring I plan to dump the coolant and replace it before summer kicks in. Yet overall, this bike runs well, is fast (for me), turns amazingly, and handles itself well in traffic. Having reached speeds above 75 mph on a 650 engine is life changing. The Moto Morini handles high speeds well and is steady as a rock. Being a scrambler, which is a type of naked bike, wind blasts are expected. I have learned to embrace the wind hitting me it all types of directions. It is another skill set I am developing. Honestly, I feel my Moto Morini found me that hot and humid day in August when I test rode this bike in an empty parking lot two weeks after graduating from the MSF Basic Rider Course. And maybe it was faith that summer day. Looking back, I couldn’t think of a better first bike for myself. Looking forward, I will ride my Moto Morini into 2025 full of confidence and eager for new adventures to come.
To close out the past 6 months, I feel rewarded. I am alive! Which is very important so I can ride another day. As fun and addicting as motorcycling is, I have learned to take breaks and step away from riding for a few days. It is important to have balance with anything new. This is very important for me. Writing this blog, reading, and going for runs all helps me refocus myself before I hop on the saddle again. And thank you for reading this post. I don’t know where this blog will evolve too, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences over the past 6 months, and maybe, just maybe, inspire you to start practicing the Art of Motorcycling.
Rolf