Living On The Dark Side

I've owned tons of vehicles over the years and a few of my own motorcycles, but for the last two purchases I was drawn to the dark side. Yes, a black motorcycle!

The newest bike for me is a 2008 Night Rod Special, which takes black a few steps further and even has a matte, or denim as Harley calls it, finish.

I've owned a chrome Harley before, in fact I laugh when I see people say "everything chrome you can get" about their bikes and I notice about 10 parts right off the bat (including brakes) that are not chrome. Chrome can be an addiction, but black tastes just about the same.

And the end of the day black parts do cost less, well until I get to the forks, but that is a story for later. As I said, black parts cost less but it all comes with a price elsewhere.....and that is cleaning the beast!

If anyone ever tells you that chrome is hard to clean, they have never owned a truly chrome bike. Nothing is as easy to clean as a chrome bike and nothing is as hard to clean as a black bike.

In the end I'm finding that both have their appeal and regardless of which way you go, you'll always have a conversation or two at gas stops.

Nice & Shiny

I guess there are two camps in the world of riders, those who wash and those who are too lazy! Haha

Well, I am obviously in the camp of those who believe that a clean bike, is a happy bike. I was told that I would hate silver wheels on my bike, but I love the fact that I can see all the dirt to get it off.

This time of year is awesome, but the bugs are beginning to show up and that means more time washing the bikes. The good news is that it is warmer, so not so bad on the hands and the water dries up faster as the year goes on.

Ahh, I think I might crack open a beer and enjoy the view.

Keeping Clean

Well, after a week of being sick, walking in the garage and looking at
a dirty bike I had enough.

Out came the cleaning supplies and now I have a much better looking
Uly. While cleaning I think I have determined that it is indeed time
for new tires. So, time to order those up!

Early Christmas!

About a week ago a friend of mine Dean asked if I could help hide a bike that he was buying for his wife Lisa and if I could also help clean it up before he gave it to her.

I of course had no issue, as I like to clean things and garage space I have.

So, Friday night he called up and even though it was pouring rain we headed over about 15 miles from my house to pick the bike up. Dean use the cover story that I would be helping him work on an electrical issue with his bike to geet away from the house.

The Bike was a 1998 Suzuki S1200 Bandit, not in bad shape, but very very dirty.

She spent the night and next day in my garage.



On Sunday Dean came over and we toiled away restoring the Bandit to her former glory. About 5 hours later the results were sparkling and Dean (being too excited to wait weeks more) took the bike home to his wife.

About 20 minutes later I got the text message that she LOVED the bike.

Since Dean had left his bike at my house he and Lisa returned later. She was beaming with the happiness of new ownership and I certainly can't wait for her to join us on some rides.

Merry Christmas Lisa!