Another New Guy

Hey everyone. I'm new to this forum, but not the 51. I'm the PROUD owner of a 2000 model. I bought my bike with 128 miles on it waaay back when they first came out. I've been riding for about 18 years and every bike I've owned has been a Honda. Just stumbled upon this site a week or so ago and thought I'd join. Here's my story:

Previously I rode a 94 CBR900RR but when I heard of an affordable "RC" coming out I knew I had to have it! I sold my RR for less than it was worth just so I could be in a position to snap up any available RCs. Back in 00 the RC was hard to find as most were purchased before they were released in the states. Some were then put up for sale online at a mark up. You'd see 51's go for as high as 14k! Anyway, one day in the spring of 2000 I stumbled across one for sale for 11k in Phoenix, AZ from a guy named Dan. It was around 2 p.m. when I called Dan...I told him I wanted to buy the bike but I was in Colorado Springs, CO. I asked if he would mind holding the bike until the weekend, giving me time to rearrange my work schedule, and secure transportation and financing. He said he would but if someone offered him more than 11k he'd have to take them up on it. Well, that's all I needed to hear! Three hours later me and my girlfriend at the time (who owned a Mercury Mountaineer with towing package) were on the road, uhaul trailer in tow. We drove straight through the night, arriving at Dan's house around 9 a.m.

I'd seen the pictures online but they did this bike no justice! Ah, the black frame, the snorkel, the silver radiators peaking out the side of the fairings...The thing just looked mean and purpose built! I absolutely loved the instrument cluster!

After a quick smile-inducing ride around the block (you know, to see if I really wanted it) money changed hands and bike went on trailer and away we went back on the long drive back to Colorado Springs. Just going down the road with the bike on a trailer brought me joy as people would give me a thumbs up as they were passing me (don't think I went over 50 all the way home! lol) Compliments were aplenty every time I stopped to fuel up or get a bite to eat.

Later during the drive, when it got dark, I'd lightly hit the brakes every few minutes just to illuminate my new pride and joy. I was so tired I actually thought I was dreaming the whole thing.

I can't remember what time I got home that night, but I know I was up by 6:30 the next morning to take her for a ride.

Well, here it is 13k miles later and I still love my bike. I haven't ridden her as much as I would have liked over the last several years (got married, had kid, etc).

Now I live in Montgomery, AL. This past weekend I took her for a ride north towards Birmingham where I found a nice group of curves and a place called 29 Dreams, a motorcycle-only camp ground/resort/club. It's a 240 mile round trip. I think I'll have to take my bike there on a fairly regular basis. Maybe some of you are in the area and we can meet!

Hope I haven't bored anyone to tears!

Brett