Wow I feel horrible

[Parr8hed]

Started a new job about 6 months ago that I cannot ride my XS to. Now have a 2 year old running around (and a fresh one on the way). Been into dropping some pounds and riding my "pedal bike" alot. The bottom line is that I have not ridden my XS in about 5 months. (as long as I am making excuses; it is in the middle of winter here too!)

DO NOT BE ALARMED, I am not talking crazy about selling her or anything stupid like that.

We are selling the house and i went out to the carport to try and move her to an undisclosed location that it safer while we have people coming to look at the house. AND THIS FINALLY BRINGS US TO THE POINT OF THIS POST!!!!!!

Battery is down, posts are corroded, motor oxidized, gear lube "black stuff" all over final and middle drive, DIRTY AS HELL.

I feel as if I have neglected my first love. As soon as we buy that new house I think that I owe it to her for a tear down. New paint, clean carbs, send some stuff to be chromed/coated. I have lots of ideas about what i want her to look like and hope to get her there soon. I will actually have a garage at the new house, so I am very excited about that. She has lived in the carport for the 4 years that I have owned her and it is finally taking its toll on her.

Just wanted to get that off of my chest. I have been a horrible owner over the last 5 months, and hope that it stops soon. Can't wait for that garage.

[JWSanders]

I feel the same way. I haven't touched mine since Sept. myself.

Luckily, I was able to bring them home, of sorts. They are in my neighbor's garage awaiting me to build my own garage.

I have already vowed to get started on the 11 this spring. Polish the motor, put on the spagetti pipes and a complete teardown as well. Time to do all the work I put off all last year. Really looking forward to it.

But hey, it's the thought that counts, isn't it?

[prometheus578]

"A good way to start my day right..."

I opened the site... saw your heading,"I feel horrible"...
"YEAH, AND YOU DON'T LOOKS SO GREAT, EITHER!"
But then... I read your post, and a deep profound sadness filled my heart. I always have a deep caring feeling for the less fortunate of humankind... those without garages.
"What Ho!... what is this?" Do I read a garage in your future?
Ah, Parrothead... I know you feel down right now, but think of all the clutter you soon can accumulate!
There will be boxes from your move to store, that you'll never have time to sort out. That old lamp from the living room that just doesn't seem right in the new house. Crate upon crate of old National Geographics that you just can't part with.(That special one from your pre-teen years..."Women of the Congo Basin")
But yes, there will be a spot in there, just as the spot in your heart, for your trusty friend, the ol' XS11.
There will be tools, there will be a workbench, there will be a stereo belting out old Barry Manilow show tunes... while you stand there every morning, cup of coffee(or bottle of Boone's Farm) in your hands, admiring your bike and dreaming of possabilities.
You sir, are the envy of us all!

[prometheus578]

"Almost forgot..."

Oh, yes.
The pictures... don't forget the pictures!

[Parr8hed]

Will be sure to post plenty of pics of the new pad. Can't wait to be able to buy an air compressor and a little wire feel mig welder. My garage will surely be PHAT. (for those of you that are "generationally challenged" that means bitchin') I would post some pics of the bike now but I think that TC would delete my membership for sheer neglegence. I will keep a photo scrapbook of the re-rebuild and keep you posted.

Barry Manilow???? I am sure that most of you can tell by my screen name that it will be Buffett playing on the CD player. And no Boones anymore, nowdays it is either Coors Light or Knob Creek Bourbon. Sometimes both! One thing that you forgot is the brass pole in the corner and the poker table that lowers from the ceiling. Oh, and the man 'fridge (wich I already own!!)

[jimboreeno]

Mine is sitting waiting for me to get to that "list" of maintenance I have been working on! Soon...Soon...

Wes... glad you got them closer to home. We gotta ride this summer... and on to Suches in the fall!!

[randy]

Didn't get to do much maintenance last winter (fire interrupted a lot of stuff), so this winter I've got Swamp Thing torn down to just half a motor and the frame.

Repairs:

Lesee, valve job, shims, cam chain, tensioner leak, steering bearings toast, swingarm (yikes!) bearings toast, replacing carb #4 (it came with a broken post), u-joint lube, cables lube, right petcock drip, (no, they don't make good pets), middle gear ouput shaft seal is weeping oil.

2007 Additions:

750 mod - pulled the final gear and it was wet all over, might as well!

Oil press and voltage guages.

Oil cooler

Big list and the clock is ticking, wish me luck.

[DeanR]

Randy, noticed you missed out on that 750 drive last night. Me too!

[webbcraft2150]

Neglected for 5 months!!! Oh, this ain't good. I feel a new rule coming on. Didn't ride for 5 months!!! This is getting worse by the minute. I am sure the Gurus are contemplating a just punishment for your selfish abondonment of your rig. 2 years old is a perfect age to show the attributes of Simichrome and the workings of a trickle charger.

The way I figure it, you OWE your XS a regular palace. Textured walls painted bright white. Checked flag floor tile. Wall outlets every 5ft. Multiple light fixtures to allow the gleam of polished chrome and engine cases to reflect there brilliance. Shiney new 5hp ricop air compressor (non of this oil free junk). Steel framed workbench with hardwood top protected with stainless steel sheets. TV placed for proper viewing (cable included). Posters of scantiley clad women touting adult beverages (old National Geographic picture will NOT work). "XS Parking Only" sign placed in clear view. Working fridge w/icemaker. Add a couple of old office chairs with the backs removed for shop stools and you have it covered!!!

[Parr8hed]

You are so right, the only thing missing would be a friend or two for my scoot!!!

[DiverRay]

You can get small ones for the "new" riders

[prometheus578]

Pegboard, Webbcraft... you forgot pegboard!

[Czekus21]

Vented indoor grill will top it off.
How dare you neglect the XS. I see many hours of " I'm sorry honey" engine polishings, and sulking in many beers. But,,, the future IS bright. With the many more hours of " thanks pop for the new oil and polishings " the XS gives back, I can see the smile on your face from way up here in deep snow land.
Got to think of the XScuses now, Before it happens. "Honey, we're out of room for my hats,shoes,and this pound cake we got for X-mas 3 years ago." XScuse # 1, No room in the garage and I've got parts scattered. #2, Get rid of that stuff then, #3, Dear, cars Were made to be outside, That stuff was made to be in the house, This bike was made to be stored in the garage AND thru my journey in this walk of life, I've found that my soul reason for life is to support, service polish and ride this ol' XS.

[desert1]

Start a Picture thread

How about owners submitting pics of there sheds and garages where they store and work on there bikes! I call my garage the "Vinyl Chalet" see if I can bring in a photo and post it....its one of those steel framed/ vinyl clad jobs...both ends I've framed in and covered with wood....wooden pallets for flooring with roof sheathing atop the pallets! Its quite a site but dry and its not leaking . Yet.
Bruce

[Czekus21]

If ones not started by tomorrow evening, I'll start one. If one is started, I guess I'll have to fess up and post a few pics.