This is why I love Hondas...

[LukeM]

I decided it was a nice enough Saturday, and got the Shadow out of mothballs.  I had used some SeaFoam in the gas tank, and emptied the tank on my wife's Metropolitan. I had the batteries on both bikes on a Battery Tender on alternate weeks, so both would benefit.  I turned on the petcock on the Shadow, hit the switch to prime the fuel pump and carbs, pulled the choke, and cranked.  About 15 seconds later, the engine fired.  A little smoke from the exhaust, and a minute later, the RPM climbed as expected.  A few quick trips around the block, and it runs just like it did when I put it in storage in November.  Next, the Metro.  Quick trip to the gas station for some fresh unleaded, put about a gallon in the tank, and cranked it.  30 seconds later, it started, and a minute later, it was running like a Swiss watch.

So, my wife and I did some laps around the block, not quite like CHiPS, but getting used to riding again.  She was wanting to sell the Metro due to some balance issues in her inner ear, but now she's not so sure. I reminded her she doesn't _have_ to sell it: it's paid for, and if her balance improves, keep it.

The Shadow will get an oil change (Rotella T5 Synthetic, I think), maybe some new brake pads and shoes, and later this year, new tires. Gotta turn on the insurance again, too.

Luke M

[Lincoln Highway Bullitt]

Glad to hear you got out and doing a little riding. It sure was nice! You said you have to turn your insurance back on? My insurance company "ALLSTATE" said that it was only like $10 more a year to keep the insurance the full year. Years ago I used to have a 6 month policy but now it seems like you get a couple nice days even in the winter months to go out and get a riding fix.

[LukeM]

Well, with me working all week long away from home like I do, I would only ride on the weekends.  This year I'll be living in Ohio on the weekends, and working in Long Island during the week for the rest of the year.

State Farm is nice enough to turn down the insurance for the winter months, and with all the bikes on standby, it was a savings of about $40/month.  I don't know about you, but that $40 adds up over 4-5 months.  Almost a car payment for the wife's work vehicle.

I know it was a very mild winter in Ohio, but I figured the one weekend I'd get the bike out, I'd do something stupid, end up on State Farm's bad people list, and then they'd jam it to me with higher premiums.  My wife was an insurance agent in a previous career, so I trust her judgment. :-)

Anyhow, I'll turn it back up here in a week or so, and then it'll be biscuits AND gravy on the weekends.

Luke M