James Fraze: TEAM Arizona Rider of the Month May 2015!
Last Updated: December 1st, 2020
The richness of motorcycling doesn’t come without its peaks and valleys. James Fraze, TEAM Arizona’s May 2015 Rider of the Month, wouldn’t change that fact. Yes there have been tip overs and crashes as part of the experience. These moments don’t deter him from motorcycling as he understands perfection doesn’t exist and happiness is found within discovery. For him, INSTANT ZEN is the reward for his efforts. The benefits of riding far outweigh the risks he accepts on two wheels. We love this spirit and are happy to share his perspective.
James visited us in November of 2011 and since then has packed 27,000 miles on various well-considered motorcycles. He started sensibly with a Kawasaki Ninja 250; a bike that permitted him to acquire skills in a low threat manner. After accepting 1-on-1 private instruction from TEAM Arizona, he progressed to a Ninja 650. It was perfectly acceptable as a commuter and James learned even more about motorcycling. Eventually, James wanted a taste of liter-bike performance so he moved up to Kawasaki’s top performing 1000cc motorcycles. The key here is that he chose not to rush his motorcycling experience. James wrote about his active decision to progress through the brand’s lineup rather than going right to the biggest, baddest motorcycle they offered:
Start small if you are new. Gain confidence and skills without relying on a huge motor. Practice realistic skills like parking lot drills, clutch control, slow drags, fast stops, figure 8s, at least 2x a year. Keep mentally alert at all times – pretend like everyone is trying to kill you and make it look like an accident. Wear gear (worked for me all three times)! Buy insurance. Join a meetup that does track days and if you ride with others, find people who encourage you to be safe. Read books, watch training, attend classes.
What’s next for James? With the recent purchase of a Suzuki GSXR-750, it seems track time may be in order. In his never ending pursuit to enjoy the Zen moments of motorcycling, he finds those moments are increasingly accessible as he increases his speed. That means taking it off the street and onto the track; an idea that he embraces.
I have yet to actually track a bike yet (for my shame). I had plans and tickets but real life stuff happened and now I’m waiting for the next group track day I can afford near me. I really look forward to it. When I’m on a bike my mind is in a different world and every other thing that I don’t like about life is forgotten. I’m at peace. The harder I push, the more peace I find.
That sentiment definitely resonates with us. Have fun at your first track day James!
Riders, we want to honor YOU! Do you know someone who should be TEAM Arizona’s Rider of the Month? Entering their name is SIMPLE.
- Email Bill (bill@motorcycletraining.com )
- In the subject line, type “Rider of the Month”
- In one paragraph, tell us why this rider deserves the title TEAM Arizona Rider of the Month!
Let’s have some serious FUN with this gang! There are some great stories out there and we don’t want to miss them, so tell us about yourselves!
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