So today I put in a new HD battery, changed the plug and wires, cleaned the tank and got some fresh gas in the bike. Fired RIGHT up. Sweet! Sounds so good.
I really wanted to see if it would keep running while it was in gear, but honestly up until this point I've been, frankly, too scared to try it.
On a side note, owning a bike for the first time is an intimidating and scary thing. I'm nervous. I really can't wait to get the jitters out and stretch my legs out. I can't wait to twist the grips and get this thing opened up.
So I decided to keep it safe and putter around my driveway (which is pretty darn big). I thought I'd get it into first and putter around...so I kicked it into gear and started moving...hey the yard looks like a great idea...let's coast though the yard. One lap, not so bad! Nerves are high but this is great. I can't wait to get moving for real. Ok one more lap just to see if it stays in gear. Around the driveway, turn to the back yard.
Here is where it gets a little tricky. And a lot embarrassing. I hit a muddy spot in a dip in the yard and there goes the back end...slides right away from me...what do I do? Who knows. Down goes the bike, thank goodness my goofy butt didn't get caught under it. What an embarrassing and silly thing to happen. The bike went partially down and hit the grass. That's why I chose the grass!!
So I stepped back, laughing it off, trying not to get nervous. I pushed my hands under the bars and tried to lift...had my cowboy boots on and the yard was muddy...bad combination. SLIP. Down I go. Muddy knees, dirty boots...bike on the ground. Dork. Got it up though, one last try, not too hateful...at least I know I can get it up if worse comes to worse. So I started it and coasted it back to the drive. Laughing and thankful it was on grass.
The best part my neighbor Jeff, he rides a trick electraglide, was outside and asked how it was going. "hit a mud hole in the back and almost lost her...the good news is that she's running great." He said it sounded really good! Music to my ears.
So get the garden hose and wash the rear wheel. All that mud and grass...I guess soft grass isn't the best idea...what a learning experience. After all that I'm still excited to get it to an open parking lot and try to work on some real riding skills. Another small step down the road...
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Let's get up to speed.
Let's get up to speed.
So far it's been an interesting experience looking for and finally finding my motorcycle.
I new I wanted used, and I new I wanted HD. That's about all...
So I researched like crazy and asked around, all the usual things that someone does before a big purchase. What I realized is there is more to learn and more to consider when it comes to buying a bike. It's not quite as easy as what model looks good and what do I think I'll like.
I visited every HD dealer within an hour and sat on at least 50 bikes. They sure must have been annoyed at me. But it helped me realize what I was looking for. I knew it would be either a Dyna or a Sportster. I thought I'd end up on a Street Bob or Low Rider just based on the way the 2010 models felt. With that in mind I began scouring the internet and quickly realized that my budget wasn't going to allow me to get much more than a serious basket case...and even then, not much of a basket case. I started looking more and more into Sportsters and thought it would be a good idea to go sit on a few. So I did. And the more I sat on, the more they started feeling good. The problem was in the position of the controls and the reach of the handlebars. Ah-ha. Here is what I first loved about my bike. Mid-controls converted to forward controls, mini ape-hangers, a Mustang seat and a bigger sportier tank. That made for a slick looking ride that felt great when I sat on it for the first time.
So back and forth I went all week. To buy or not to buy, is this the right choice, and printing off at least 5 other bikes to go look at. Finally after the weather broke and we had a string of 70 plus degree days, each and every bike I printed off was selling off immediately. People are motivated. What if I miss out on this bike I've started thinking about? What happends if someone else gets it... can't let that happen.
So calls and emails go back and forth and the fever has me in its grips...
After about a week, I go back down to see the bike and the exhaust note has me... insert Jerry McGuire quote here.
So skip through the misfires, old gas and fouled out spark plugs and I think I'm on to what could be a pretty good buy. Talking the seller down wasn't hard, he seemed ready to sell and willing to negotiate. The good news is that the seller was an obvious gear head and his roommate was clearly just as good with a wrench. In fact the bike was parked next to an old Dodge Challenger. I agreed to $3200 (at first) and was even ready to pick it up as long as it would run and I could take it for a test...
I decided to go see it one last time and try to take a ride. It just wasn't mean to be though. When I got to the seller, he tried and tried to get it started. I suspected old bad gas and a dirty carb...he tried so much the battery died. Well that didn't go so well...oh well, I was sold by this point in time. I'd take it.
Later that night when we decided to go get the bike it started to rain, I mean pour! Downpour and hail. Sadly that meant I wasn't going to be able to get the bike that night.
The next day was pretty rough. Without going into too many details, I went home sick from work and wasn't going to be able to go get the bike...
However, later that day, I was able to make it out and about and my brother joined me to go get the bike. We headed down and loaded it up on the back of my truck. Tie straps and harbor freight ramps later and the bike was sitting in the back of my truck. We made it slowly back to my house and much to our surprise, unloading was much easier.
Too bad I had to park it in the garage and get to church...another day another step in my journey with Harley-Davidson.
So far it's been an interesting experience looking for and finally finding my motorcycle.
I new I wanted used, and I new I wanted HD. That's about all...
So I researched like crazy and asked around, all the usual things that someone does before a big purchase. What I realized is there is more to learn and more to consider when it comes to buying a bike. It's not quite as easy as what model looks good and what do I think I'll like.
I visited every HD dealer within an hour and sat on at least 50 bikes. They sure must have been annoyed at me. But it helped me realize what I was looking for. I knew it would be either a Dyna or a Sportster. I thought I'd end up on a Street Bob or Low Rider just based on the way the 2010 models felt. With that in mind I began scouring the internet and quickly realized that my budget wasn't going to allow me to get much more than a serious basket case...and even then, not much of a basket case. I started looking more and more into Sportsters and thought it would be a good idea to go sit on a few. So I did. And the more I sat on, the more they started feeling good. The problem was in the position of the controls and the reach of the handlebars. Ah-ha. Here is what I first loved about my bike. Mid-controls converted to forward controls, mini ape-hangers, a Mustang seat and a bigger sportier tank. That made for a slick looking ride that felt great when I sat on it for the first time.
So back and forth I went all week. To buy or not to buy, is this the right choice, and printing off at least 5 other bikes to go look at. Finally after the weather broke and we had a string of 70 plus degree days, each and every bike I printed off was selling off immediately. People are motivated. What if I miss out on this bike I've started thinking about? What happends if someone else gets it... can't let that happen.
So calls and emails go back and forth and the fever has me in its grips...
After about a week, I go back down to see the bike and the exhaust note has me... insert Jerry McGuire quote here.
So skip through the misfires, old gas and fouled out spark plugs and I think I'm on to what could be a pretty good buy. Talking the seller down wasn't hard, he seemed ready to sell and willing to negotiate. The good news is that the seller was an obvious gear head and his roommate was clearly just as good with a wrench. In fact the bike was parked next to an old Dodge Challenger. I agreed to $3200 (at first) and was even ready to pick it up as long as it would run and I could take it for a test...
I decided to go see it one last time and try to take a ride. It just wasn't mean to be though. When I got to the seller, he tried and tried to get it started. I suspected old bad gas and a dirty carb...he tried so much the battery died. Well that didn't go so well...oh well, I was sold by this point in time. I'd take it.
Later that night when we decided to go get the bike it started to rain, I mean pour! Downpour and hail. Sadly that meant I wasn't going to be able to get the bike that night.
The next day was pretty rough. Without going into too many details, I went home sick from work and wasn't going to be able to go get the bike...
However, later that day, I was able to make it out and about and my brother joined me to go get the bike. We headed down and loaded it up on the back of my truck. Tie straps and harbor freight ramps later and the bike was sitting in the back of my truck. We made it slowly back to my house and much to our surprise, unloading was much easier.
Too bad I had to park it in the garage and get to church...another day another step in my journey with Harley-Davidson.
My Journey with Harley-Davidson
It began some time ago with an interest and a desire to ride...
That interest took some 5 or more years to manifest into reality. This week marks my first motorcycle, and fitting that I start things off right...it's my first Harley-Davidson.
Some say you never forget the first time you sit in saddle of the bike that's meant to be yours, some say you know the minute your hands hit the grips. Some say your bike chooses you and when you find the one that's right for you, you'll know it. They're right!
Mine, 1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL. 1000cc Ironhead. Purchased used for $3,000. Twin sport tank, powdercoated frame and custom-painted tank and fenders, mini ape-hangers and a rebuilt engine...what a way to start. I'll be posting more information and specifics about the bike later...
I got the bike a week ago, but the road started long ago. Let me say that I did not go into this cocky and arrogant, ready to ride and show the world how cool I could be. I very thoughfully planned this purchase and what it would mean to get a motorcycle. As a newly-married, new home-owner I have plenty of responsibilities. No kids, but a wife that loves me and who I love more than I can write. There were many factors that lead me to the decision I recently made. And there are many factors that rest heavy on my mind and especially as I consider taking the road for the first time.
This begins my journey and my long ride with Harley-Davidson.
That interest took some 5 or more years to manifest into reality. This week marks my first motorcycle, and fitting that I start things off right...it's my first Harley-Davidson.
Some say you never forget the first time you sit in saddle of the bike that's meant to be yours, some say you know the minute your hands hit the grips. Some say your bike chooses you and when you find the one that's right for you, you'll know it. They're right!
Mine, 1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL. 1000cc Ironhead. Purchased used for $3,000. Twin sport tank, powdercoated frame and custom-painted tank and fenders, mini ape-hangers and a rebuilt engine...what a way to start. I'll be posting more information and specifics about the bike later...
I got the bike a week ago, but the road started long ago. Let me say that I did not go into this cocky and arrogant, ready to ride and show the world how cool I could be. I very thoughfully planned this purchase and what it would mean to get a motorcycle. As a newly-married, new home-owner I have plenty of responsibilities. No kids, but a wife that loves me and who I love more than I can write. There were many factors that lead me to the decision I recently made. And there are many factors that rest heavy on my mind and especially as I consider taking the road for the first time.
This begins my journey and my long ride with Harley-Davidson.
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