Motorcycles, Wrenching and the City

Hey everyone! My name’s Tim. I’m really excited to write and share some of my adventures with Liberty + Lunch. Particularly ones spent on my motorcycle. This is the first one I’ve ever owned (or even ridden), and ever since, it’s been nothing but lessons learned, friendships made, and scary moments had.

I ride a 1981 Kawasaki KZ1000. Most people’s reaction is “That’s a big, fast motorcycle to be your first.” And they’re definitely right. I’ll admit I’m overconfident when it comes to things like that, but also well aware of the risk and dangers involved. I did tons of research before buying my first bike and being 6’5″ tall, this is one of the few motorcycles that I am comfortable on.

Aside from it being big and fast, it’s also old. And one of the risks that come with an older motorcycle, and maybe a little less known, is you’re going to spend just as much time riding it as you will sitting on the sidewalk wondering how to fix it. Living in Brooklyn, motorcycle maintenance doesn’t mean a comfortable garage with lights and organized tools. It means a dirty sidewalk that swallows nuts and bolts, a sun that sets too soon, and a backpack with a bunch of wrenches and sockets. But that’s half the adventure, and half the fun.

I’ll be sharing stories from some long trips I’ve taken with friends – how to plan for them, the importance of understanding that everyone’s experience and limitations are different, and that sometimes it’s the best decision to get a hotel and not go any further.

Stay tuned!