If you're an avid 'plower, then you probably know all about my excursions on the Ruckus and how I gave up four-wheeled travel altogether for quite a while and then moved on to my little Ninja, or Ninjette, as they tend to call it.

I'd had an itch for some real power and a cool, unique new bike caught my eye. The 599, or Hornet as it's known in Europe, has the power of a real sport bike, but without all of the plastic fairings (what covers the engine and guts) to get scratched up. It also has more of an upright seating position that will keep me from turning into the Hunchback of Notre Dame on longer trips.



Of course, I've been scouring Craigslist as far out as I can fathom driving. I found a nice specimen at the right price (isn't the Economy great?) near Atlanta. After watching it sit for a couple of weeks and weighing the 350 mile drive, I decided to go for it. It was yellow to match my car, after all.



Hours and hours after departing, we showed up and checked the little guy out. A little rougher than pictures showed, but not bad. A little haggling, scoring a free matching jacket, cover and gloves and I was off with a much lighter pocket.

Nearly six hours, 50,000 bugs and a few squirts of Windex later, I was home with just enough time to get ready for the work week. Now if I can just find space in the garage, I'll be set!



...another car needs to fit in there, by the way. Now who wants to buy my Ninja?! Until then, look who's hanging out on my front porch...