Purchase and uncrating...

It all started three weeks ago. After finishing my official motorcycle training courses, I decided it was time to start looking around. I'm convinced that every motorcyclist goes through the same initial thought logic when deciding to buy a bike.

First, there's what I'll call the "Naive Ducati phase," wherein every rider thinks to himself, "I want a Ducati. It's *the* name in bikes, and everyone will recognize it. I'll be cool." This phase lasts a few days, but is quickly assuaged when the practicality of riding hits. Why? Because when you get past the name, you realize that the looks aren't that unique except for the "Ducati" name sticker, that the engine is a finicky, unpredictable beast, and the ergos are designed for 14 year old Italian waifs.

Then, there's the "Broadening Aesthetics phase," wherein every rider expands his preference set to include the bikes he finds most visually appealing. Afterall, isn't riding all about image, he thinks? This phase might last as long as a week - maybe more for the most stubborn of riders - and revolves around most Japanese sport bikes. But as the rider begins to price out extras and amenities, a wave of practicality strikes, and terminate this phase.

Naturally, the "Practicality phase" is next. Simply put, this phase is all about BMW bikes. "Oh!" the rider thinks to himself, "BMW bikes are so practical, useful, and they all come with great features." That's all great, but sticker shock comes all too soon, followed by the realization that it's no fun piloting what are known in the biker community as the manatees of motorcycles. This leads to...

The "Financial phase". This phase is all about the green. How much does the bike cost? How am I going to pay for it? How much will it cost to upgrade and mod? How much will insurance be? This phase is the ultimate filter for preferences, as it always is, and ultimately explains the prevalence of scooters and single-cylinder bikes you see everywhere.

So picking a bike is really just a matter of where in the various phases described above you fall. I'm convinced that every rider has these thoughts... or should if they're serious about riding.