Sunday, June 05, 2011

There She Goes

I sold the Daytona Saturday.

I think it went to a good home, where it will get a more attention than I could give it, and near Mt Ranier where there are some nice roads. But I'm still suffering from some sellers remorse.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Confusing Myself

Yes, it's been a long time. But, then again, none of you are paying for this so... too bad.

I confused myself over the weekend. I'm not very bright so I get confused alot, it's normal. But the way it happened still has me ... well, confused.

I have a 1987 Suzuki Intruder 1400. It was Suzuki's big V-Twin cruiser from the mid-80s. I bought it already well-used in 1993. Over the years I've put alot of money and effort into making it look the way I want. Some changes were just bolt-on (exhaust, wheels, hand controls) while others were mrore involved (custom tank, rear fender, side skirts).

Sadly, no matter how much paint and chrome I put on it, the bike never seemed to run very well.

I gave up. I don't have the time anymore to keep it running. I just want a bike that runs. I decided to do a bike transplant. Yep, a bike transplant. (I hear this is how Dr Jarvik got started.) The Intruder 1400 was almost completely unchanged during its entire run from 1986 through 2008. Some colors were changed, a few odds and ends, but honestly it's the same bike. I decided I'd buy another bike and swap all of my custom bits.

As it turns out, you can still buy a *new* Intruder 1400. (Now sold as the Suzuki S83.) These are 3-4 year old bikes that have never sold. With some factory offers and motivated dealers you can get them pretty cheap. And with a warranty.

I do some research and find a bike at a dealer that's well regarded. I load up the trailer, grab the checkbook, and head to Everett.

The bike is great. A 2008 with 22 miles on it (including the 8 from my test ride). All of my accessories (with one exception) should transfer over. The price, although not free, is reasonable and quite a bit lower than the price on the only other new S83 nearby.

I hear myself say "I'll take it." in my head several times. But the words never come out. I leave the dealer with an empty trailer and I don't know why.

Maybe it was the color, it was gold. I decide to drive to Monroe where the only other new S83 in the area is (it's black). I'll make them the same offer I was given in Everett. The Monroe dealer had earlier quoted me a price about $1500 higher but I'm convinced he'll take this.

I drive 30 minutes to Monroe, pull into the parking lot. Then sit there. I never even get out of the car. I don't want it.

I just spent all about 4 hours (and about $50 in gas) and I come home empty handed by my own choice.

I'm still very confused about what just happened.