I bought a new motorcycle last week. It’s been three decades since I owned a bike, and last time I rode, it was on a borrowed street bike. This Honda Interceptor 750 was very different from my little Honda Rebel 250 both in style and power. I crashed, went off the road, and found myself pinned in a ditch with the motorcycle on my back burning me. After a three-week stay in the hospital, I sold my bike and decided I’d probably never ride again.

After our fall vacation in the mountains each year, I find myself interested in touring bikes or adventure bikes for riding in the Blue Ridge mountains.

This year, I decided to buy a bike to ride and see if I enjoy it enough to eventually get a bike more appropriate for exploring the mountains. I looked at cruiser style motorcycles but eventually decided that I wouldn’t be as comfortable in the laid-back position with my feet so far forward. As a result, I started looking more at classic/scrambler style bikes.

I settled on the Royal Enfield Intercepter 650. It’s a beautiful bike, designed to be agile as a commuter, but also comfortable for longer rides. I figure it’s big enough that I won’t get bored with it in just a few weeks.