I Bought My First Motorcycle at 48 Years Old

September 19, 2020 : Today I bought a Yamaha XT250 Dual Sport Motorcycle.

I’ve never ridden a motorcycle and the last time I was on one (that I can recall) was on the back of my uncle’s when I was maybe 10 years old.

I swore up and down that I would ALWAYS be against anyone I love (including myself) riding a motorcycle.

And here I am. 48 years old. Mom of 2. ON A MOTORCYCLE.

I’m excited!

I’m scared.

I’m STOKED!!!

Check out the bike on Yamaha’s Page

Why Did I Buy Motorcycle?

I just started living in my RV full-time and want, no, need to be exploring. I’ve taken the RV out to Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and California to dry camp, hike and see the sights. Yet I’m very limited once I park the RV where I can go on foot and on bicycle.

I have a small Ford Escape that I could pull behind the RV yet I did some deep, rational thinking about this and wanted a motorcycle.

At first I was thinking “dirt bike” so I could access so many dirt roads and trails but those types of motorcycles aren’t legally allowed on streets (I won’t go into details why so if you need to know search “dirt bike vs dual sport”).

Then I discovered this wonderful type of motorcycle called a “dual sport“. It can handle the dirt trails as well as asphalt!

A few months later, much research and lots of discussions with my eldest son (since he knows WAY more about motorcycles than me) I ended up with my new Yamaha XT250!!!

4 Reasons I Got a Motorcycle

Reason for Motorcycle #1 : Dry Camping w/ My RV

Dry camping in National Forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other public lands has it’s parking challenges for RVs; basically, I’m super limited when roads get impassable for the 26′ Minnie Winnie and not all camping sites are suitable for the size RV I drive.

I need a second vehicle to navigate roads to get to trailheads, grocery stores, National Parks, state parks, towns, etc. A vehicle like an SUV, truck or even car is definitely a good choice for this purpose yet due to the already limited access I have for my prefered camping lifestyle, a vehicle being towed behind me is not my best option.

Towing a motorcycle on a hitch carrier is a far better option to save space to access campsites.

Reason for Motorcycle #2 : Access to Places Most Can’t Go

I’ll admit, I want to explore, and not just the road most traveled.

When I was hiking the AZT in the southern section of Arizona there were moments we were the only people around. As a matter of fact, since the area we were in was only accessible by foot, horse or a select few smaller offroad vehicles, there was a huge chance the landscape we were seeing was not seen by many. I felt so privileged to be one of the few.

Hiking gets me to places others don’t witness first hand very often. There’s a thrill in that type of adventure. A motorcycle (my dual sport) will award me similar experiences.

I plan to use the bike and my feet to take me places of solitude and adventure.

Reason for Motorcycle #3 : Cheaper to Own

I have a small SUV. It’s 6 years old so insurance and registration on it are not high but the motorcycle will be cheaper.

Overall, counting insurance, registration and gas mileage (76 mpg), a motorcycle beats my SUV everyday in lower cost.

I can say though, buying all the gear, clothing (for safety and comfort), hitch rack and training to learn to ride, has taken a chunk from my finances. But I’d rather be safe and secure with my bike.

Reason for Motorcycle #4 : It’s Freaking Fun!

The thrill of it!

Of course I’m excited to get on the road and feel free.

I grew up in Southern California where my dad owned cars simply so he could cruise, he was one of those original “cruisers” in the 1950’s and 60’s (picture American Graffiti). And my mom drove a Thunderbird like the one featured in noted movie.

Car culture in SoCal is huge and I grew up in it, it’s in my blood.

The backbone to this culture is the riding the open road. Yes, California, though highly populated, still has open roads.

Check out my Instagram announcement of my new Yamaha below! (And follow AllieRambles for more rv – hiking – motorcycle adventures!)

And that is why I got my Dual Sport Yamaha XT250 motorcycle.

Now I just need to learn how to ride her….

Next stop : motorcycle training.

~Allie