A little story from 2001 in response to another post here

[solo1]

I wrote this shortly before my wife died. I posted this before. A true story



                                                   WHAT'S IN A NAME?   (2001)

I have never named any of the many motorcycles that I have owned. I don't know why. Certainly all of them deserved some kind of name. However I never gave it a thought until now.

Today, my wife told me that I should go riding. No big deal, you might say. You're right except that my wife told me by mouthing the words because she has a tracheotomy. You see, since January of this year my wife of 45 years has been twice taken to the hospital by ambulance suffering from what is known as respiratory failure. In fact she is in the hospital as I write this, recovering after spending over 14 days in intensive care. Day after day, I have been at the hospital and I now know the full meaning of the words that the wife and I uttered many years ago "in sickness and in health". I have worried and prayed, along with our family, friends, and church members for my wife's health to be restored. Now it appears that our prayers are being answered. My wife of 45 years, who has only ridden once with me on a new 1955 Matchless twin, now has told me to go riding!

It is the next day. The weather is so-so for Indiana this time of year, the sun is shining but it is cool and quite windy. I start the Valkyrie, put on the riding gear and go. Although northern Indiana is flat and offers no real challenge to me, I chose a route that I have traveled much, Wayne Trace southeast of Ft. Wayne. It has a few curves but nothing to tax the Valk's suspension and power. The hum of the Valkyrie's engine changes to a loud throated roar as I twist the throttle. The wind rushes past my helmet, the rhythm of the road lifts my spirit, and I am free once again to sample the satisfying peace and relaxation that this sport still brings to me, even after almost fifty years of riding. The Valk hums along as though it can sense my mood, its six cylinders droning quietly in tune with my thinking. As I countersteer through the few turns that Wayne Trace offers, I am aware that I am approaching Monroeville Road and my curvy ride is just about to end. In this peaceful setting, I realize that this motorcycle will be my first to have a name. I have chosen a name that will remind me of our family trials in the last few months and the peace that I have come to know while riding.

Though this name at first, might seem at odds with the name that Honda has given my motorcycle, since one name is a MYTH and the other name is the TRUTH, this doesn't bother me. The name fits. I have decided to name my motorcycle Emanuel. God With Us. I can't think of a more fitting name
 

Wayne, Solo1

[BF]

Unless it will come when I call it, or at least turn it's head in my direction, I see no need to assign a name to inanimate object that can't respond to me. 

[solo1]

In my case it was a reminder

[old2soon]

She WILL respond after she is running. Don't believe that? After you start her up drop her into gear-ease out the clutch-the TWIST her tail! RIDE SAFE. Thanks Wayne. You DO have a way with words.  RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've never had names for my bikes. But I'm glad you named yours Wayne  

[Fla. Jim]

Thanks Wayne. Sometimes the ride being perfect as it is, calls out His name! Thanks for sharing. I also have yet to name a bike... The ride, perfect as intended, continues however. 

[specialdose]

                 Having been a member here less than two years this is my first time reading this. I just rolled into the garage from
           taking home my main riding partner, my 10 yr grandson, Jordan. Have a intercom and often ride along talking about Gods
           beauty in nature. My Black Beauty as brought us closer and we were already pretty tight. Your post got my eyes misty
           and lifted my Spirit. Awesome choice for a name.
                                                               Larry, Atlanta

[Felonious Thump]

Wayne. I love the name. After rebuilding mine I may name it, or not.

[Momz]

Every one of my many motorcycles (and the wifes) has a name.
We don't use those names in public as they are a bit "salty",....know what I mean?

[John Schmidt]

Wayne, I know exactly what you mean re. your life's co-rider. Although my Rita hasn't been able to ride with me for about 12 yrs., she insists I still take the time to go out on my own. If she's doing well that day, I often will take a ride if only to run errands. If she's unable to function alone, or seems to be questionable, I stay home. "In sickness and in health"....it will often test your mettle so I don't even attempt it on my own power.

Here's an old favorite with Billy Eckstein and Sarah Vaughan(hate the commercials all the time at the beginning); I'll Be Loving You Always.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDp439rc8ik

[Robert]

Thank you for sharing that with us and what a great name. I have never been good at names but when reading one day I found this, Boanerges pronouced [boh-uh-nur-jeez] It was just different enough and I liked, "Sons of thunder".
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Boanerges
Has a voice record of how its pronounced.
sons of thunder, a surname given by our Lord to James and John

[wiggydotcom]

Thanks, Wayne. I haven't read that story in the past. I'm glad you shared it again. It made my day.
 

[Rams]

Never understood such things as naming objects, regardless of how loved they are but, have no problem with others doing so.

I love my Phat Lady but, she does not have a soul.    She brings life to mine though.   
She makes me appreciate every breath I take, for that I am thankful but, she's not alive nor does she have her own will.   She does my bidding through mechanical means.    I love her but, she's still a tool.   Some folks think I'm the tool. 

[0leman]

Wayne, thanks for bring up the story again.   It is a good name.

When I acquired my Valkyrie in 2008, I inquired what they called her.  Then couple who owned here were selling cause of their age.   The woman said that they just called her "Valk".   Seem like a good name to that is what she has been called since then.  Not very original, but a good name.  Never change a dog/cat nor a person name once its been given.

[solo1]

Thanks all!

As Paul Harvey used to say "Here is the rest of the story"

When i sold the Valk,  L'll D (Deb), Albion NY, bought it.  She had it repainted blue AND had Emanuel AGAIN inscribed on the front fender. I used a decal, she had it hand painted.

It most certainly made my DAY!

Great friends, Deb and Darrel (Big D)

[Jess Tolbirt]

we call ours, "The Bike"

[czuch]

All mine are named.
Even tagged with WWII aircraft designation.
A friend of mine though it was weird. Harvey and I havent been back.;-)