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See how wonderful my new sprocket and chain look? Not even a mile on them. My trusty buddy, Runkle, had his 12 k tuneup in August 2013. It was expensive. Then I heard I needed a new sprocket and chain, which was another $300. Imagine my dismay. I spent about $800 that month just to get Runkle serviced and up to par. Crazy time. Especially considering I'd done regular services, kept the chain oiled, and basically babied the little runt. It made me so mad I parked the runt, hooked it up the the battery charger and covered it so I wouldn't have to even look at the thing. I'm whacked like that. For months I've been riding in the fields by my house on the Polaris, ignoring Runkle other than the occasional lifting of the cover to see if there are families of mice enjoying the comfort of my beautiful but ignored Runkle.
Yesterday I pulled the cover off Runkle and found a few mouse turds and some dead flies. It wasn't a pretty sight. I dug out my motorcycle pants and realized that in the months I'd been ignoring Runkle I'd also been ignoring any hint of exercise. My pants wouldn't button. My shiny BMW jacket barely zipped, thanks to Pepsi, brownies, and too many margaritas. The one bright spot is that my BMW socks fit perfectly. Things were looking up.
I tossed what gear would fit onto my plump form and jumped on the bike to ride around the block. I didn't even bother putting my side bags on. I just rode. About a mile away I thought I should be a little more concerned about ensuring the bike was ride-ready and safe. I headed back to my house and checked the tire pressure and did a fast check to make sure no wires were eaten by the mice who thrive in my shop. Everything appeared fine so I hopped back on the Runkle runt and waved goodbye to Trout.
We rode about hundred miles past fields of wheat, strawberries, cows and farmland. Along the way we became reacquainted and dare I say, we even fell in love again. It wasn't long before I decided Runkle's been a good pal but love is fickle. Love is fleeting and love is often filled with betrayal.
It was on this glorious first ride of the season that I realized I love riding but I'm craving something more. Something new, peppy, and fully of spunk. I'm thinking I need a 2015 800GS. But, I'm also thinking Runkle reserves one last summer. Besides, I spent so much on service, I deserve to ride it like I stole it.
Stay tuned for Runkle's summer adventures. Ride on.
Well if you are thinking of a shiny new bike, a summer on Runkle will either make you love him and want to keep him or help you with the fickle decision.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is there are too many good bikes out there and so little funds and garage space. At least you got out and rode. YAY. I don't ride much in June because of allergies.