Today I sold my 2009 Buell Lightning XB12scg. It feels like the end of an era. I was ready to sell her when we went into lockdown three years ago, right before bike week, but Covid 19 happened instead. I wasn't riding her, mainly because of dry eye. It wasn't so bad while I was riding, but then my eyes would hurt for hours after the ride.
The second time I rode the Buell after I bought her, she informed me that her name is Patience. First time a motorcycle had spoken to me so clearly. She said her name is Patience because it took me so long to figure out that she is the right bike for me.
First there was a Triumph Bonneville, a nostalgic choice but top heavy. Then a Buell Blast, which was super easy to ride to work. Then a Suzuki SV650, a stylish yellow bike, a bit tall for me, svelte in appearance and very fast. Then a Lightning Long, which was huge but nice for touring. Then Patience. Just my size.
When I bought my 2002 Blast, Bob got himself a Lightning XB9scg, which is the size they came in back then. I finally got up the nerve to ride it after a few months, and it terrified me. So much torque in the low gears. But so easy to handle. Gradually as I became a better and more confident rider, and was looking around at BMW's and Motoguzzi's, I realized the right bike had been there all along.
Her new owner knows Buells and already has three. He will ride her and take care of her. After Patience was loaded and strapped in, he said, "I hope you get another bike." I couldn't think of anything to say except, after a long pause... "Enjoy her."
