So, when do you finally admit that you've entered the "mid-life crises". Well, for me, I'd say it is here now.
In the past few years, my life has been truly transformed. Its been a real taffy puller. But then again, my entire adulthood has been that way. But we'll save that looooong story for another time.
Proof that I have reached the MLC... Just won this sweet motorcycle in an eBay auction.
That's my 1973 Honda CB 500 (shot taken by seller in Florence AL, courtesy of eBay).
She is just 3 years my junior. Like me, she's got a few rusty bolts and doesn't quite look as good as she used to. But then, she's "vintage" and "classic". I guess I am too.
On Tuesday, Jan 5 Ruel - a trucker and father of 14 who sounded just like Mater from the movie Cars - rolled up to the corner with her in tow.
I tore out the house and helped to unload her. Carefully easing off the brake as she came down the ladder.
I tried to start her, but the petcock had been turned off for transport. I didn't know it at the time and was really disappointed pushing her up the street.
Coal, coal, coal.
The Center Stand spring is missing. The CS just drags below her belly. One ribbed-for-her-pleasure fork seal cover is cracked. There's spots of rust here and there.
And the worst part, she's not running. Ugh!
As I'm about to leave for work, I realize the fuel petcock is switched to 'off' (V8 moment).
I'd have to wait till I came home in the dark 40 degree night to get her to run (and boy did she run rough).
That cooooold Florida night was too flippin cold to tinker. I got her to start, and that is a good sign.
But I'd have to leave her sit until Friday, when we had a bit of a break in the weather.
I got home really early Friday and went outside to fiddle.
She started and stayed running for a little bit with the throttle lightly open.
I figured its the points or the carbs or some fuel issue. Now, where's the screw to adjust idle?
The rubber is really good. The chrome is mostly excellent. The tank and side covers look new. Sitting on her, she feels very comfortable... well-sized for me.
The kids come back time and again to sit on her. Its soo cute.
Neighbor, Sean comes over to tell me he 'saw his dream bike unloaded this morning' He looked at her from all angles and we chatted about his memories. His buddy in High School had one just like it, etc.
It was cool to see his reaction. Reckon she is going to be a bit of a conversation piece.
Later, Neil came by with Hamlet and the helmet. Hamlet the Bulldog was a hit with the kids and Neil seemed pretty psyched about the bike too.
So, clearly she can still impress. Got a few wrinkles, but still a hottie like Michelle Pfieffer.
Well, I'm going to maybe start blogging about my quest to ride and transform my '73 CB500!
Maybe a little about my MLC. Maybe I'll even blog about other parts of my life in too.
This will be the random journal experiment... ready... set...
Go
