Follow Kimba on Facebook

Q & A with Kimba

How long have you been riding and what do you currently ride?

Kimba - I bought my 1st motorcycle in August of 2014, a 2003 Yamaha V-Star Classic. I currently own two Yamaha FJR1300s. They are both silver and both happen to be 2010s. I bought the 1st one in January of 2019 and  I named it Silver Stallion because it sat up higher than the two cruisers I previously owned, and it felt like I was on horseback. I loved it so much I bought a 2nd one in August of 2020 because I was once without Silver Stallion for a few days while my mechanic was waiting for a part. I enjoy riding so much, I didn’t want to ever be in that predicament again. I named the 2nd one Stealth because of the relatively quiet FJR motor.

How did you first get interested in riding a motorcycle?

Kimba - I saw a post on the work bulletin board for a 2003 Yamaha V-Star 650cc, it had the classic black with chrome look of a cruiser which I always appreciated. I’d never ridden one so when I went to go look at the bike all I could do was sit on it and start her up. The owner was nice enough to trailer it to me for no additional cost. This was August of 2014. Because of my crazy work schedule, I was unable to arrange to be taught or schedule an MSF course so the bike sat for seven months.  The weather was starting to warm up and I finally decided I wasn’t going to wait around any longer. I hopped on it late one night (because there’d be less traffic then) and rode 9.5 miles (in the direction of my job) and didn’t go over 3rd gear. Then I turned around to head back home and got it up to 4th gear that time, for a total of 19 miles.  Afterwards, I’d mostly ride just to and from work, while getting myself comfortable with the route and being around vehicles.  Next, I ventured out on the interstate early one Sunday morning (again when I thought there’d be less traffic), and I continually progressed from there. I’ve been riding ever since. I enjoy riding so much, in Spring of 2020 I decided to start riding every day. 

What is your dream bike?  

Kimba - I’ve always loved the quintessential look of Harley-Davidson’s Heritage model. However, I’m in love with my FJRs and can’t imagine riding anything else. 

What is the farthest trip you’ve done on your motorcycle?  

Kimba - I just got back from a cross country trip where I rode thru 48 of the 50 states and logged over 10K miles.

Where would you love to visit on a motorcycle?

Kimba - Now that I’ve ridden through 48 of our 50 states, I’d love to ride to Canada and even Mexico.

What is your most memorable experience on a motorcycle to date?

Kimba - My most memorable experience on a motorcycle to date was my IBA Bun Burner Gold. I’m still waiting on the official verification and certification, but I have the receipts and a tracking app to prove that I rode 1,616 miles in 23 hours and 3 minutes. It was memorable because I tested my endurance and pushed myself past comfort levels.

Do you prefer group rides or solo rides?

Kimba - As much as I enjoy riding with my wind sisters and brothers, I’ve come to appreciate riding solo, especially on my long distant rides.

What is the toughest thing you learned on a motorcycle to date?

Kimba - The toughest part for me was having to rebuild my confidence after my motorcycle accident. I totaled my 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan on the interstate. I was out of commission for about 6 months until I upgraded to my current bike, a 2010 Yamaha FJR1300. Not only did I have to rebuild my confidence, I had to relearn how to balance the FJR because it was top heavy unlike the low center of gravity that the Vulcan had. So, I found the slow maneuvers to be difficult.  My Silver Stallion now sports several scratches from all the times I dropped it. However, I was determined and I never gave up.

Name an inspirational riding figure you look up to, and why?  

Kimba - Dee Jones better known as Momma D.  She, like myself started riding later in life.  She’s ridden all 50 states more than once. She’s faced much adversity, has endured life’s challenges, and is still able to smile and shine her light with others. Not to mention, I also admire that @ 60+ years young, she lives a healthy lifestyle and has stayed in shape.

What’s your advice to newer riders?

Kimba - To practice frequently, consistently, and push yourself past your comfort levels. That’s the way to grow and progress.