So personally, the harder part of choosing a motorcycle seems to be all the choices available, perhaps half the fun is learning about the many options.

Test drives are welcomed by many dealers, but the most accommodating so far has been Legends Harley Davidson of Wenatchee. The “no obligations” policy they promote, with a desire to give you plenty of opportunity to decide what bike is best for you, takes the pressure off.

Since we currently own a Honda Shadow 600, something similar is where I started, due to size and weight, my preconceived idea of control over the bike versus the bike in control of me….I mentally cringe at the thought of too much power beneath me…but am finding it all comes down to overall handling, so I gingerly have been testing different makes and models.

Suzuki - V Star  Classic set up like a Silverado 650; 1100

Honda  -Shadow series 750;  Stateline 1300

Harley –Sportster, Softtail

Statistics indicate bike and accessories with lighter, brighter colors, are better to see you, possibly avoiding accidents.  It makes me think there coul be logic aligned with the thought of a red motorcycle….maybe some would argue a mid life crisis instead. 

Practice rides are plentiful in our vicinity, Cashmere Canyons bring short stints of beauty and connecting to most valley routes. A little trip up to Lake Wenatchee, Plain, Lake Chelan all great destinations.  We found a satisfying breakfast at the end of a long order line, another to find a table, and wait for food @ Blueberry Hills in Manson, and all on a midweek Tuesday, but of course the whole point is not to be in hurry.