🚀 My Motorcycle Journey: From Dream to Reality! 🏍️✨
I got my motorcycle license at 51—finally fulfilling a dream I had since I was 20! Join me on my journey as a short (160 cm), curvy rider navigating the challenges of finding the right bike, gear, and confidence on the road. The Sparks of Joy Moto YouTube channel is all about the ups and downs of my motorcycle life—tips, experiences, and lots of fun!
🔔 Subscribe on YouTube for more moto-adventures!
Why the Name “Sparks of Joy”?
The name is a reference to several things:
- The joy I felt when I finally got an A on my motorcycle license was absolutely incredible. The road to get there was full of bumps, turns, and potholes, so when the examiner gave me a fist bump with the words “You have your license!”, it was sparks of joy all the way! ✨🤜🏻🤛🏻✨
- Besides, you need a spark ✨ to make an engine run, and
- last but not least, it’s a tribute to our beloved dog Sparky ✨, who crossed the rainbow bridge far too soon.
So, motorcycles. What kinds?
The short version:
- ’96 Yamaha Virago 535
- ’97 Yamaha Virago 1100
- ’21 Honda Rebel 500
- Triumph Tiger 900 GT Low
But if you insist on the long story:
I’m Norwegian, and I live in Sweden also known as part of Scandinavia, and a part of Europe.
Here in Sweden, getting a motorcycle license follows a tiered system:
- A1 (125cc),
- A2 (max 35kW), and
- A (unrestricted).
You need to pass a theory test, risk training (Risk 1 & 2), and a practical riding exam to get your motorcycle license in Sweden. I took my riding exam on my own bike—a ’96 Yamaha Virago 535, my dream bike from the ’90s.
It’s quite uncommon to do the test on your own bike—normally, you use one of the school’s bikes. But since I’m 160 cm (5’3″), all of the school bikes were too tall for me to feel secure—or even get on.
My Virago was perfect—or at least, I thought so. It was only later that it occurred to me that if I took my exam on an A2-registered bike, I would only get an A2 license! Of course, I wanted a full A license, so I also got a ’97 Yamaha Virago 1100, rather naively thinking it would feel the same as the 535. It didn’t. And I never really got along with it.
So, when the practical test came, I chose to ride my Virago 535. It was really hard work, and I flunked the first time. But the second time—I did it!
Later, I bought a ’21 Honda Rebel 500, which I named Lakriz, like black licorice because of its matte black (gray?) color. Suddenly, I had three bikes—and I loved every single one of them! 🏍️✨
I rode a lot—and got better and better. I wanted a bike that would allow me to develop even more as a rider—something like an adventure motorcycle. Then I discovered that the Triumph Tiger came in a lowered version and could be restricted to comply with A2 regulations. I was in love.❤️🔥🐯
After test riding a Tiger—and drooling all over it—I said:
I’ll sell all my motorcycles—just give me a Tiger!
-Verene
The dream comes true!
In the summer of 2023, my dream came true and I got my Tiger. I also got to learn how to tip over (since I can’t quite reach the ground properly) and a bike that is simply a fantastic machine.
The Tiger is truly a joy to ride—both a thrill of excitement and a thrill of fear. Joy mean fryd in norwegian. Thrill of fear is Skrekkblandet fryd. So, it was only natural that it got the name Tigerfryd, or just Fryd for everyday use.
All my “old” motorcycles were cruisers, and the Rebel could even be considered a bit more of a bobber. That was the type of bike I thought I liked best—especially because of the seat height (I could reach the ground with both feet!) and the riding position. But after studying tips from Jocelin Snow and Doodle on a Motorcycle, I realized that even if you’re short, you can definitely ride a bigger motorcycle—with the right technique! 🏍️🔥
After riding Fryd for one season, my friend and MC instructor Jörgen recommended that I lower it even more so I could feel truly secure while riding. So, I lowered my already low Tiger by 2.5 cm (1 inch)—and it was perfect. Absolutely perfect.
Out on a Ride – But What Kind of Ride?
Any motorcycle ride is a good ride—except when it’s raining. I love riding around where I live (in Sweden), but also going on longer trips with overnight stays.
Any experienced camper sleeps in a hotel—at least, that’s my experience. So, you won’t see any tent camping here… probably.
In spring, I like to chase rapeseed fields (it’s not much of a chase really, there are plenty where I live, and they smell amazing when in bloom). Otherwise, I enjoy finding places I wouldn’t normally go to. If you have tips or suggestions, feel free to contact me.
Now that I have an adventure bike, I’m excited to see what I can do with it—how we can “learn to dance together,” as Jörgen Evander says. I’m planning to join several of his adventure rides, which “may contain traces of gravel.”
