I recently read an article about a woman adventure rider who rode through Mongolia on a Honda CB 500X (Honda, CBX: The Unsung Hero of the Adventure World). So, last Saturday I decided to go check it out Honda motorcycles in La Uruca.
While there I ran into the Honda Red Riders leader, Felix Franco, whom I adore! 🙂 He had me sit on another bike, a 500F, just to feel it out. I realized I would probably be able to handle one. The possibility of someday riding a bigger bike was quite exciting to me! (Also a bit intimidating, but I know the road is made by walking. Or, riding, that is!)
On Sunday, on the way home from the long, 13-hour trip, my Honda started making a funny noise. As I feared, it was the oil pump. It had failed. So, at the moment, my Honda XL is at the doctor’s again. 😦
The problem is fixable, but expensive. (I will have to cancel a trip I had planned to the South Caribbean next week.)
I have to say that the thought of being without a motorcycle for a while was quite distressing to me. 🙂 My Honda is part of who I am. She gets me around, and I enjoy getting around on her. Traffic in Costa Rica is impossible now. A motorcycle makes it bearable.
So I am quite relieved that my Honda can be fixed. I also have to start making plans to buy a new one. As a friend said, “It’s time.” Yes. Time for an upgrade.
I may not go as big as a 500. Or maybe I will. 🙂 I can have two bikes: my XL for dirt-roads and quick city trips; and a bigger one for highway riding with the guys! 🙂 We shall see. (Maybe a 300 is enough of an upgrade for me.) Either way, an upgrade would help me experience Costa Rican roads in a whole new way. Faster, smoother, more-comfortable riding. Which would be best for the long highway rides. Ideally, to other countries! Hahaha! (And, also, my body is aging. I will be 57 next month. Yikes!)
Song for my Honda: Life is better with you.
Yeah. Life is better with a motorcycle. For sure!
I close with this old photo and quote. Because it is true for me. 🙂
Riding in Costa Rica 
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