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I got my bike fixed

Sorta.

I don't know if I mentioned this, but the movers dinged my tank en route to the Springs. I put some gas in the tank, jumped the battery, and rode it to the shop this morning.

It's a rare bike--it was only made in 1988--and the mechanic said they probably don't make parts for it anymore.

I had expected this. I had front brake troubles two years ago and the mechanics I had in Montgomery had to rebuild the existing one for me because they couldn't find a new one.

So anyway...I left instructions to price a tank, check the carburator, replace the battery, and check the electrical system because the lights flicker and dim...and check to see what else it needs in order to be safe and roadworthy again. I miss riding and finally have time to get out and about. Plus, I've been telling myself I'd get the bike fixed up for years now. It needs a paint job (it has faded from exposure and has hundreds of micro-scratches), and it needs re-chroming.

While I was chatting with the mechanic, my ride back home wandered through the showroom floor, and returned with the news that they have my bike. I said, "I don't think so. They have one similar, no doubt."

When I finished with the work order, I went down to look and...well, I was wrong. They did have my bike. It was identical, down to color and mileage, only this one had more extras and was in almost mint condition. They were asking $2999 for it.

I asked the salesman how long it had been there. He said someone traded it in about a week and a half ago. I asked what he'd give me on a tradein. He checked with the manager, who looked at my bike and said it needed too much work to be worth their investment, since almost no one is willing to buy old bikes, but since I was getting some work done on the other, he'd give me this one for $2500. I took it for a test drive, and it was...perfect.

So I bought it. I'll probably fix the other one up and give it to my brother. I haven't decided. He asked a few weeks ago when I was going to give him my bike. :)

The new old bike has a plexiglass windshield (invaluable in Colorado), a decorative leather tank protector/cover, a sissy bar and saddlebags. Except for the sissy bar--which is short, anyway--it came with all the things I need on mine to make it more useable for work. I figure buying this one outright is cheaper than fixing up the old one, all told.

I can't believe my luck sometimes. :p Time to head for the mountains....w00000h000000...

d

This entry was posted by diana and filed under home.

8 comments

Comment from: Hinermad
Hinermad

Diana,

What kind of bike do you have? I thought you told me once, but I don’t recall and I can’t find it in your archives.

The bike shop manager is partly correct: people don’t want to pay used retail prices for an old bike, but there’s definitely a market for used cycles. Especially where I live. People get the bug, buy a bike, then get bored with it because they can’t ride year-round and sell the bike.

Anyway, congratulations on the find. And if you need to find a home for your old bike, I’m sure I could find a home for it. (Grin)

Dave

08/26/06 @ 21:02
Comment from:

It’s a Honda Shadow 800VT, circa 1988. Silver and wineberry red.

Or I guess I should say both of them are. :)

Here’s a pic that looks quite a bit like erm…them:

http://motorcycles.about.com/library/fotos/blshadow1988b.htm

d

08/27/06 @ 10:45
Comment from: Hinermad
Hinermad

Diana,

Oho, a shaftie! VERY sweet looking bike. My son was looking over my shoulder as I viewed the picture and said, “Ooooo, pretty!” I concur.

It’s hard to tell the engine configuration from the photo. V-twin or 4 cylinder? I found another picture with a rider mounted. That’s a big steed!

Dave

08/27/06 @ 20:17
Comment from:

Yep, she’s shaft-driven. V-twin, so it has a nice growl to it, too.

I went up Pike’s Peak yesterday on it. I had to turn around 3 miles short of the summit, far above the treeline. I was freezing. I mean…it was warm in the Springs. Was I supposed to take a cue from the snow on the peak and wear a jacket and gloves or something?! Hmph.

d

08/28/06 @ 09:25
Comment from: hinermad
hinermad

Diana,

Okay, now you’re just showing off. (Grin) I’d love to ride Pike’s Peak. My current bike probably wouldn’t make it, but I’ll bet it’d be fun coasting back down.

If you were riding a Harley the requisite gear for climbing the mountain would have been the same jeans, T-shirt, and do-rag that you’d wear in town. But since you’re riding a metric bike, I think you’re allowed to wear something that actually protects against the elements.

Are helmets required in Colorado? They are here, but the definition of “helmet” seems to include a Tupperware bowl with a DOT sticker on it.

Dave

08/28/06 @ 11:00
Comment from: Jeff
Jeff

Hey, we should form a gang. Separated by many states between, but I’ve always wanted to be part of a biker gang. A good, clean-fun kind of gang… We could do Sturgess in matching vests or somesuch lame thing.

My little Yammy 650 probably wouldn’t make it up to the snowline either, but I’m used to wearing gloves and a jacket to protect me from dirt and bugs anyway. Plus my chain splatters the backs of my shirts with oil from time to time, so the jacket helps with that.

I am casually shopping around for something more in line with my, well, size. I should be working as hard to reduce my size, but even at my most fit, the 650 is a bit old and vibrates too much for a longer trip than across town, and I’d like to, well, visit the Springs again…among other things.

Helmets are only required here if you’re under 18 (passenger or driver), or are riding on an instruction permit. I wear a helmet anyway, ‘cause while I’m not really that pretty, I’m kinda fond of what’s inside. Not quite tupperwear, I do wear a half-helmet in the warmer months, as my all-black full-head helmet is affectionately called “the oven.”

Ride on!

08/28/06 @ 11:31
Comment from:

Helmets are optional in the Springs. I would’ve worn the jacket and gloves but it was quite warm at 7,000 ft. Who’d have thought it would get that cold?

I wasn’t wearing a helmet because I don’t like them, so I got a vicious windburn below my do-rag. Lovely. Serves me right, riding without a brain bucket… I have a very nice full-face one that I’ll wear most of the time. However, helmets actually limit your perception, which has almost gotten me plowed down a few times. You’re safer wearing one IF YOU GET HIT. The thing they don’t tell you is that you have a greater chance of getting hit if you’re wearing one.

Come on down, Jeff! We’ll gaggle together in a geek gang. Go for ice cream or something…

d

08/28/06 @ 18:53
Comment from: Jeff
Jeff

I’m in. I can’t imagine I can make the 19-hour drive in one sitting any more, but I’ll try…

As mentioned, I’ve got the half helmet, which gives the crown and a bit of the back of the noggin a bit of protection, but doesn’t have that obscuring cheek covering.

It does have a face shield (I don’t like the bug juice on my teeth) which tries to pull the helmet off as you turn your head too far to the side at speed, but with care and practice, one learns the angle at which it’s safe to tilt and turn at the same time.

08/29/06 @ 11:25