Is she gonna start???

My worst mechanical fears were not realized (for once). Molly, on full choke, grumbled awake with only 3 tries at 40-something degrees. God bless the Japanese!

Molly (named by Kat)

This is my 1981 Suzuki GS850G purchased today in Pendelton, KY and ridden home to Louisville.  I gave Kat the honor of coming up with a name.  I really feel like I am a scooter kind of guy, but this is a nice little bike, well kept, and in very good shape.  I hope to ride it for a while until I find something that is perfect for me.  Who knows...if I get used to this bike, it may end up being with me a while.  I already like the way the large diameter wheels and big cushy seat gives a nice smooth ride.  I rode back KY-42 on the way home and got only got it up to 70mph for just a moment, but it seemed to have plenty of power.  Since I had never ridden a shifting vehicle before, it took some getting used to and I killed it a couple times at stops.  I am familiar with the concept of a clutch from automobiles which probably gave me a great advantage over someone who had never ridden before.

My biggest concern is starting an older carbureted vehicle (with a manual choke) during this colder weather.

Some other ideas

The thing is...there are just a LOT more motorcycles out there than scooters...

Some more examples:

1983 Honda VT500 Ascot - $1800

 

1999 kawasaki 500 vulcan - $1800

 

2001 suzuki sv 650 s - $1950

 

77 CB 750K Stretch cafe - $1200

 

1999 Yamaha V-Star 650 - $2200

 

If you're not too picky (which I can't afford to be at this point in time), then there might be some good bikes out there.  Some of you may be thinking a used bike would be trouble--especially an older one.  But I have found that parts are not usually an issue--somewhere in the world they can be had.  From there it is just finding someone who can work on the bike.  Dealers will not touch anything that is more than ten years old.  That is a statement of fact.  You have to find a trustworthy mom-n-pop place, but there are good ones out there that will service older bikes.  I have already covered the parts availability issue and finding a mechanic when I had the Roketa scooter.  I know this can be worked around.  

The stigma about a used vehicle never bothered me.  If it ain't used when I buy it--it sure as hell will be once I get ahold of it.  I don't purchase bikes to polish and let them sit.  If I had my druthers I would ride everywhere I go, year round.  Not everybody can say that and more than a couple who do might not be telling the whole truth.  

Bottom line:  Being without a bike is not mentally healthy for me.  I have figured this out in the last almost one hundred freakin' days.  Lets just say I don't look before crossing the street no more.

1986 YAMAHA RADIAN 600

1986 YAMAHA RADIAN 600

So, what do you think about this? It would need some saddlebags and a case immediately..

This would probably be my new dream bike.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/2155921768.html

The touring package on this bike is pretty awesome.  Too bad it’s about $4K more than I can afford right now.  I have opened my list of possibilities up to include motorcycles.  I feel like I am not right since the demise of my Majesty and I really feel the need to be back on two wheels as soon as possible.  I would like to move up to a Honda Silverwing or a Suzuki Burgman 650, but those are a lot more expensive.  I know the 02 and 03 Silverwings came in a really nice red color…

Vince on Goldwing

While Vince and I was at Station Park Honda picking up the broken mess that used to be my bike, he tried out a Honda Goldwing to see how it felt. I was thinking the behemoth Goldwing doesn't look quite as big with somebody on it...only when its empty and sitting there by itself.

Joe at Station Park Honda

Joe at Station Park is a heck of a guy. He said I have to let him know soon whether he's to put it all back together, or leave it like it is. He said he could even just slap it back together just enough so it would have the rear wheel and roll. He's only charging me an hour of labor right now. He also said no problem if I want to leave it there up to a month and try to find somebody who will buy it for parts.

Epic Fail

My bike is toast. Damage to crank shaft, piston, rings, cams, cam holders, cylinder head. This is basically replacing the entire engine. Nothing can be saved. As my daughter says "epic fail".

What to do?

I contacted all of my mechanically inclined friends for advice. Most of them said "get it to a Yamaha shop for a second opinion" but there were the few people in the scooter group who I know quite well and they insisted SPH would do a good job and were trustworthy. I went in Saturday and although Joe had no clue how it could have happened, he said that after Tueaday and one hour of labor they could tell the full extent of the damage. He called me later on the phone with devestating news. Joe said he suspects that when I did the oil change I put the new oil filter in backwards, and this completely destroyed the engine. I was completely in disbelief. I have changed the oil numerous times, and the way its set up, the filter has a small hole about the size of a pea on one end, and this fits up onto a peg. It has to go that way in order to put the cover back on. I could not believe I had done it wrong. He said he's seen this happen before on other bikes. Most likely I would be looking at a complete rebuild, not just rings, etc. I am gonna get in there on Tuesday so he can show me. I am still in denial...

Blown engine?

Some of you will know that my bike has been in the shop for over a month now. This is prime riding weather for me and its really killing me to be caged. On the tenth of last month, I changed the engine oil, transmission oil, and all the filters (both oil-1 and air-3). I had done this before so I figured I knew what I was doing. After the regular maintenance, my friend Ralph and I took it for a test ride. Between 1/4 and 1/2 mile it had a huge power loss. I turned in at the first side street and it died. I tried to restart with no luck. There were no indicator lights of any sort, so the theory was that perhaps I had sprayed the air filters with a little too much filter oil, causing air starvation. We quickly removed them and tried to restart with no luck. I had dinner & club reservations, and was going to propose to my girlfriend that night so we trailered it back to Ralphs. I came in a day later and changed out the plug thinking lack of air caused it to get too much fuel and flooded, fouling the plug. Changing did no good. Both of us were unsure what to do next, so we decided to take it to the shop. They closest one was Station Park Honda, but they apparantly can work on about any bike. I double checked with them and Yamahas are no problem. The mechanic told me "hopefully it will be something simple like the carburetor." which sort of worried me. My bike is fuel-injected and does not have a carb! I didn't hear from them for about a week, so I went in to see if everything was ok. That's when they told me it would be another two to two and a half weeks before they got to it. I was bummed, but resolved to get it fixed. I went in every week and they said "almost" and "just a couple ahead of you". Finally they got to it on a Friday, and called me with the news. "Your engine is blown and will need a rebuild costing $1000-$2000." I was shocked to find this out because nothing I have done would indicate the bike's engine was ready to go.

Another *$@#%& week!!!

They are now at 3.5 weeks. If it takes them very long to fix, they will have had it for over a month!!! As it is, I need to put my reg sticker on the plate & get it to the license branch somehow before 11/15.

13 days later

I have been caged (cage=car) now for thirteen days, and it feels like months. The weather today is PERFECT...overcast to keep it cool, but only a slight chance of rain this evening. If I didn't have so many friends who like to ride, I'd hope for rain just so I wouldn't feel like I was missing out. When I first got my bike, it was for a dual purpose. First, I wanted to save money on gas because it was so incredibly expensive at the time. The other reason was to have a second vehicle in case my car was in the shop. Three years later, I am secretly wishing I had a second bike instead of a car. Yes, I know its not practical...I have two children and would never be able to be without a car of some sort, but...

Get Stung!

Just spotted the Scorpion helmetsmobile here in Louisville...

Station Park Honda, Louisville KY

I refuse to bash a shop who has given good service to several members of the scooter group, but I must state my disappointment. With the help of my friend Ralph, I did some regular maintenance on my scooter on Saturday. I changed oils and filters--something I'd done a couple times before with no mechanical issues aside for some frozen bolts that had to be routed out. I didn't expect anything different this time, but after about a mile test ride, the scooter lost power then died and would not restart. Monday I replaced the plug which didn't help, so Ralph suggested taking it to a shop. At first we thought of Yamaha of Louisville but its all the way on the other side of town, so-knowing Station Park had a good reputation with Ralph and other members of LSG, we ended up there on Tuesday. Needless to say I have been fit to be tied forced to drive the cage so much. I called them to check in today and despite that I let them know its my main transportation, they told me they hadn't looked at it...and it would be another 2 to 2 1/2 weeks before they could! This can't have happened at a worse time weather-wise. This is the perfect two months of the year....60's, sunny, little rain. I ride about 340-350 days a year, but this is prime time. Also there's the fact that almost the ONLY parking on campus is m/c spots, and that I need my bike to take my m/c driving test before November... I am drowning my sorrows in a corn dog and large tater tots at Sonic right now. Ever since about April of 2007, I have been a rider. Anytime I've been without my bike, it feels like half of me is missing...the half that helps keep me happy and sane. I will not even be able to ride on my birthday next week. I'm not supposed to have much sugar, but I feel a ice cream sunday coming on...

Broke down

Bummer. Think i killed my scoot.

Twenty thousand miles

I now have over 20,000 miles on the Majesty. The bike has held up pretty well and has done just about everything I have asked of it. This riding thing instead of driving is truly in my blood. It has been almost 30K lifetime miles in three years, and all of it has been a blast!

Red light district

Although I hit just about every red light there was on my scoot-commute this morning, it was still a great ride. It was the first day in a while I wasn't cage-bound because of running my dog back and forth to the vet. I got to see a Ford Maverick rolling down the road (which was my first car...special thanks to Steve Lopp for trashing it with me). Also, you know its a good sign when you get to work bone dry though you hear all manner of thunderstorm hell breaking loose behind you as you ride. Song for the day: Riding the Storm Out by REO Speedwagon (but not the cheesy live version with the "little story" at the beginning).

The Transformation

It has taken almost 30,000 miles but I am finally starting to feel like a Rider. The other day I was riding in my cage and this frigging jackwagon in a pickup got pretty close to me and I was gonna give him some horn. Instead of hitting the middle of the steering wheel in the Alero, I felt my thumb pushing...where the horn button would be on my bike. . Last week, I was getting the mail for my girlfriend while she is out of town. This guy pulls up to get his mail and says "you're a pretty big guy for that bike. You ought to be riding a Harley." I didn't say anything, mainly because foremost I dont want to come off like a braggart. It would not be me: "I've ridden more in three years than most Hardly riders have done in...". No, it would be about the machine: "You can do anything on this little bike that you can do on a cruiser and save money doing it!" or "This scooter is more economical, more comfortable, and cost less than a Harley." etc.

Wishes he had a scooter

I ran in to Meijers to get a couple things (mainly the stuff to make a Bacon/Mayo/Tomato sandwich thanks to Becky) and this guy flagged me down to talk...twice! He said he has a 2000 horsepower Yamaha V-Max bike and wishes he really had a scooter. He said he was worried because he is used to all that power. I asked him "How fast to you cruise on your bike? 120? 125?" And he said about 60 or 65. I said "the Majesty will do that all day long and get 55mpg doing it." He started the accelleration argument and I said it still accellerates faster than any car or truck, and most cruisers too. I told him aboit the time Vince left a sportsbike sitting too...mainly due to the Burgman's power mode, and smoothe takeoff due to no shifting... The guy says he's gonna look for one. :D

Greeks Pizzeria

Until Saturday the 31st of July, 2010 I was unaware that Greeks existed anywhere else besides that fine line between on & off campus at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Happily I found out different! When I rode up to Greenwood this weekend, Kat and I shared a medium. I think she has eaten here six times in the past ten days! If that's true, then why did she get to keep the leftovers??? :D

This takes me back

I have not had pizza this good in over twenty years. And I believe I got to share the double green olive and extra cheese with the best girl in the world this time!

Welcome to (Geocaching in) Greenwood

On the way up to Greenwood/Indy to visit my girlfriend's mom in the hospital, I stopped to find one geocache. It was right off the road and not too difficult to find. I left a couple trackable items. The trip up was ok. It was a great day to ride because it was overcast and cooler. I wish I could have went out with LSG because Ralph had a good route planned up to Veevay.

Rain?

Another little audio note from the road.  Almost to destination...

I-65: The Ashtray of America

Voice note from the road.  Some cursing involved, so listen with care...

Ride home from work.

Usually I am really lucky. I ride to work and the most I get is a few
sprinkles either to or from. Today, on the way home, this might
actually be a little challenging.

Also....

......I rushed and left my rain gear at home!!

The Genuine CoolAss

Since I have been parking under a tree at work every day, I have been concerned about sap, and crap. I saw the Genuine CoolAss in last month's Scoot! magazine and decided to give it a go. It doesn't fit perfectly on the Majesty as it is made in four or five sizes to fit most all bikes. I had to fold & tuck to get it to not look like a big gay floppy hat. I think the part that I get folded under the seat will possibly keep it from getting stolen. Construction seems visually like aluminum foil, but I can already tell its much tougher. It comes with its own carrying pouch and folds/wads up to less than the size of a bottle of soda. The "instructions" are humorous and well written. It promises such benifits as: 50% cooler when exposed to direct sunlight, greatly reduced likelihood of developing monkey butt, protects your saddle from fading and cracking, simple installation & removal, easy no hassle storage, will last for years under normal conditions, and improves appearance (as compared to using a garbage bag or towel). It has a few disclaimers: you can't ride on it, you can't expose it ti extreme heat (read: muffler) and its puncture "resistant" not puncture proof. Lastly, it is not washable. If I had known this I may not have ordered it. Also it says to keep your CoolAss out of reach of children, and adults acting like children. They do have a customer satisfaction "if for any reason" guarantee, so I guess that's good. I will report how it does, and what the company says about removing tree sap...if I have to contact them.

Reconstruction

The rail depot which crosses the road to work is being repaired. It was really getting to be hell on wheels. My scoot felt like it was getting beat up pretty bad, so I would ride about 2 inches from the edge. Not so safe, but the only spot that wasnt beat to death. Today the manager of the industrial park (who was unshaven, jeans & t-shirt, looking more like one of the road crew) was escorted to my office by one of the warehouse guys. He gave me three pieces of rubber about 4" square and 1/2" thick and asked me to use them under my stand so it doesnt mark the pavement. Well...I was using something under my side-stand when it was blown over by the wind a couple weeks ago. The only reason I was using the side-stand at all was because they asked me to put something under it. After the damage, I didnt want to do anything which would cause instability. It is difficult to perfectly line up any kind of plate under your side stand, and even more so two seperate peices. Its almost impossible to do it by yourself. Plus my damn bike doesnt sink in to their precious assfault! I have been parking there for two years and there are no holes. I spoke to HR, and Judi said I should try parking on the concrete area between the office and shipping. That will be birdshit city, but its easier to wipe poop than it is to do bodywork. I still don't have the estimate!

Across to Indiana

Of course it would never be acceptable to take the same route home as we did on the way there. :) We came back through Indiana. I was not feeling to gerat...I think from the heat, and the juge stromboli I had, but I was able to stick in there almost all they way back. We had a great ride back!

Outside the Jail

Here's the crew getting ready to leave from Jailhouse Pizza.

Jailhouse Pizza

We ended up at Jailhouse Pizza in Brandenburg. Ralph and Steve had wrangled out a nice route. We had a new person join us: Holly. She has a MP3-250 and does a fantastic job with it.