Get the frozen turkey out to defrost, shopping
2 hours ago
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Basement Projects
Recently we've had a lot of rain and snow. The snow hasn't lasted, but I think it's pretty much the end of my outside projects that require warm dry weather. Anything having to do with paint, varnish or fiberglass is getting put on hold.
Unless it can be done in the basement. My basement is a dirt floor horror show with barely any room to work. On the bright side, it's heated and any paint spills are not a problem. Before the snow really sets in the smart thing to do would be to get the boat ready. Some of the woodwork can be pulled off the boat and varnished in the basement. Better do that soon before I have to shovel three feet of snow of the boat.
Then I got an idea. I've an old 1974 KZ 900 sitting in a shed. It's so old the insulation has dried up and cracked off the wiring harness. The last time I rode it the battery was always dead because wires kept shorting out. It had to be kick started anytime I wanted to use the bike. Lights starting buring out so I parked the old beast.
Out of curiosity I did quick search on the Internet to see if parts were available. Sure enough, everything down to complete wire harnesses can be purchased. The price isn't all that bad either. When I parked it I sprayed oil into all the cylinders. Right now I'm curious to see if the engine can be manually turned over.
It's very tempting to get the bike on the road. I still have a motorcycle license. If I can get my other projects out of the way, that old bike just might find its way down my basement.
It's funny. I used to use it a lot years ago because it got much better gas mileage than my truck: 37- 39 mpg. Now my wife's car gets the same mileage. Putting an old motorcycle on the road really isn't all that practical, but it could be a heck of a lot of fun.
Maybe a road trip on an old motorcycle might be in my future?
-Sixbears
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think you should fix the bike. Then sell it for gas money to travel with your wife. OR you could ride it and your wife can travel on your LIFE INSURANCE money. Has she had this conversation with you already????
ReplyDeleteShe only bought extra life insurance back when I owned a snowmobile. For some reason she never worried about me doing triple digit speeds on an ancient bike. Dumped it once too and have the scars to prove it. (not at triple digit speeds or I would not be writing this)
Deleteyeah, you can find parts to fix anything but yourself
ReplyDeleteWildflower
My body requires a certain level of adrenaline to function properly.
DeleteFix the bike and keep it. An extra option never hurts, just drive a little slower than you did back then! - lol
ReplyDeleteI'm supposed to be wiser, not just older. Slowing down a tad might be in order.
DeleteMaybe I should save my money and buy a moped. :)
I still need to see this machine!
ReplyDeleteIt's hidden in my shed that the tax man never found. Hope to check it out and see how it's doing.
DeleteIn Indiana, our neighbors had a dirt floor basement and snakes loved coming inside. I'd hear "Dana! Help!" and knew it was time to grab my pistol and go.
ReplyDeleteBut there's no problem with oil staining the concrete floor and if it makes you happy to do it, DO IT. It has nothing to do with whether it's sensible or not. Any time there's enjoyment, that's the goal. When it starts being more aggravation that it's worth, you're not out anything.
Wish I had snakes. They'd take care of the occasional mouse problem. Thanks for the advice!
DeleteAfter spending the past two years, learning to walk again...then building up the stamina to go over a mile at a time....
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I'd recommend motorcycles any more lol
At some point in life, one must concede his age has put certain things as not wise.
Not because of the cycle ! It is the fact of the mindless idiots out there driving two ton tanks on the same roads while they're using their "smart phone"....
Nuff said
Point well taken. It's not like I haven't dumped a bike a time or two in the past. Guess I was lucky to just get a few stitches.
DeleteYou know, I thought I was starting to hate driving. Turns out I was starting to hate driving in Florida.
Pretty pleasant on these back country roads.
Totally agree on the country roads.
DeleteI'll have another bike sooner or later, but its use will be off road only !
The woman in the VW proved to me that no matter how dilligent one is or how experienced, one can be wiped out. My injuries are such that I'll not get a second chance and I kinda like being able to walk lol....