After two years of riding, 11,000 exhilarating miles, and one near fatal crash, I’ve come to my senses and decided that I am in fact going to be buying another bike. This bike however is going to be bigger and faster than my former Ninja 300. I’m already expecting everyone to question my decision and suggest quite the contrary, that I have not “come to my senses” but rather I’ve completely lost my mind if I ever elect to ride a motorcycle again. Returning to riding after a wicked crash is a challenge I’ve never been faced with. And it’s definitely not an easy topic to bring up around those who are close to you. For whatever reason people think it’s a bad idea to get back on a motorcycle after almost being killed on one. I say this sarcastically of course, but does being involved in a car accident deter people from ever driving a car again? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve pondered the decision extensively and understand that it is certainly an unpopular one, but I can’t let that influence me to refrain from doing what I so passionately enjoy. Riding motorcycles is just something that I’ve fallen in love with, and I don’t expect that love to waver because of a crash. That feeling of thrill and danger as you rip open the throttle and see the RPMs on your dash climb higher and higher, is a feeling that is so extremely valuable to me that I never to want to surrender it. (If you’ve ever ridden a supersport of any kind or even a smaller engine displacement sport bike, you know exactly what feeling I’m describing)
Unfortunately now, each day seems to just wither away in vain, all because I am being starved of the liveliness that my motorcycle offered me. When you’re restricted from riding for a day because of some bad weather, well that’s just unfortunate, but when you’re unable to ride for four plus months because of the injuries you sustained in a crash that completely obliterated your once beloved Ninja 300 sport bike, then that’s a horrific tragedy.
Luckily for me however, Kawasaki’s ZX6R 636 with an inline-four engine is the perfect medicine for the emotional illness that envelops me. Aesthetically, it is precisely what I am looking for. I am a huge fan of Kawasaki’s aggressive racing style features, which are arguably one of the greatest facets of these Japanese bikes. The ZX6R is the perfect amount of power to suit my liking, and the next step up from the 300 that I feel I’m ready for. Specifically, I am after Kawasaki’s 2018 model. Though some cool additions have been made to the 2019 model, I prefer the previous years styling, which in my opinion has a much more aggressive and “Ninja” like look to it. Furthermore, this years release just appears to be a mere facsimile of the Ninja 400.
The 636 is Kawasaki’s rival to every other 600 class bike, and for me personally, there’s no competition. Mind you there are many middleweight class sportbikes that are beautiful in appearance and just as good in performance, (Some might suggest the Honda CBR600RR. I wonder who?) but my reasoning for choosing Kawasaki’s 600 class is sound. First off, I’ve already honed in on a 2018 model at my local dealership that is available for under $9,000 MSRP with ABS included. This bike in particular is Metallic Matte Silver and Metallic Spark Black, a color combination that looks very sleek, but also includes hints of Kawasaki racing green, which I admire greatly. Secondly, I’ve sat on the bike and it certainly feels more comfortable than other competitors. I know that sitting on a bike at the dealership is a whole lot different than riding it for a couple hours, but I can tell the ZX6R renders a slightly more upright riding position than say, the Yamaha YZF R6, which is known to be extremely uncomfortable. Lastly, I am going with the ZX6R because it was practically chosen for me; by HeroRR in fact. Seriously, Hero reaffirmed my decision to declare this bike as my next when he uploaded a video about the ZX6R being the best value motorcycle. It was just the Motorcycle God sent sign I was in desperate search for.
Now that I’ve decided on my next bike, it’s only a matter of healing from my injuries and saving up enough money to purchase this beautiful sportbike. And though it’s only been 4 months since my last ride, I can’t help but feel extremely deprived of that thrilling feeling which I’ve so fervently chased after during the past two years. I may be somewhat apprehensive during my first few rides, but my excitement outweighs my anxiety by far and that’s what will facilitate my return. When I do find myself back at home on two wheels where I belong, I am going to remain ever steadfast in my commitment to safe and smart riding. This includes wearing full gear all the time, riding defensively, and riding with the impression that you are invisible to everyone around you. Now I could compile a laundry list of the do’s and don’ts of riding motorcycles, but you get my point. I will do everything in my power to make it home safe so that I can ride another day. My friends and family would definitely not want it any other way, and so for them, I will ride as if my life depends on it.
