Foray...NYC/LI...To get a bike!

[madmax-im]

I knew you'd let us know what bike you got sooner rather than later.
Congrats on getting a great bike.
Can't wait to meet all of you guys at XSEast.

Thanks George...because of some public comments you made here i couldn't keep it quiet any further, but reality is I gave all the hints ...so its my own fault for not being more discreet...then again my memory isnt what it used to be and i really did want to document this as a ride report while it was still fresh in my mind...Cant wait to get to XSEast...i still have to make new reservations at the new motel in Bridgport WVA

[BA80]

I would think that having that saddle shape would spread the weight around and be more comfortable for longer saddle times.

If you don't want it let me know. I need one for this E.

[madmax-im]

I would think that having that saddle shape would spread the weight around and be more comfortable for longer saddle times.

If you don't want it let me know. I need one for this E.

Its a funny thing abt comfort...its 100% subjective. Compared to my Russell Day Long on my ST this Saddleman double bucket is a torture rack to sit on for any length of time...then again i am an old fart now so i want to be coddled in comfort. For now there are no plans to change the seat...i'd still have to find something that would work for me...plus i need more time to actually asses the seat properly...and the only way to do that is to take a short 300 mile ride I suspect about halfway thru that ride that i would already know.....

[motoman]

one pic before I hit the sack...at home shes' a repatriated southern belle

BTW Thanks to all of youse that knew and kept it under their hats...I wanted to make this a surprise for XSEast but i just felt it was time to make this ride report while it was still fresh in my mind...

Wow......how the years go by! Should match up with your fist sentence..........IIRC, and from those early pics back then, it litterally was buried and pulled out of a Louisiana swamp. I remember that this was an undertaking that the larger percentage of us here would NOT have tackled! You would have had to of seen those early pics when scoot was found!

[madmax-im]

Wow......how the years go by! Should match up with your fist sentence..........IIRC, and from those early pics back then, it litterally was buried and pulled out of a Louisiana swamp. I remember that this was an undertaking that the larger percentage of us here would NOT have tackled! You would have had to of seen those early pics when scoot was found!

He did have it all written up into a blog,but the server he had was lost so there went a the cool write up...i did recall reading it a couple yrs ago...not sure whats fact and whats fiction...but i dont believe the bike was actually buried in a swamp although it is from Louisiana...it was acomplete basket case. When you see this..hear it feel it ride it...you're just amazed of the genius of the man!

[madmax-im]

Just found this pic of the old girl before resurrection...geez it was a real POS...I think this shot is after he brought back to PA where he was living at the time...quite the transformation!

[BA80]

Just needed some rubbing compound and Turtle wax.

[madmax-im]

yeah...it buffed out real nice...

[motoman]

yeah...it buffed out real nice...

...........mechanic in a can............

[DAVINCI]

Just found this pic of the old girl before resurrection...geez it was a real POS...I think this shot is after he brought back to PA where he was living at the time...quite the transformation!

This shot was taken after I began to dis-assemble it and figured I'd better document the process in photos. To be fair, it didn't look this bad with all the parts on it and the motor tested out at 150# across the board, so i dove in with both feet. It actually ran prior to dis-assembly.

I bought it from my bro-in-law who brought it up north with him from New Orleans, hence the name Swamp Thing.

I took it apart to the frame and got it back to PA inside my Jeep, mostly in boxes.

BTW, Greg, that Saddlemen seat is only one season old, the seat I bought from you only took me one season and my fat ass wore it out lol. For me, at least, the Saddlemen was like getting a new couch. To each ass his own. and Ben, you can spend all the money in the bank and these bikes will never handle like the ST1100. You can get them to handle well, and this one does, but to compare the two is apples and oranges as they say.

[madmax-im]

Completely agree with you Randy...but I know Swampy can be better...as you said the shocks are 10 yrs old and had what? 60k miles? So they're at the end of their useful life...but again I have to also look at all causes for the symptoms i have...need to check swingarm and front forks as well. The 412 shock springs are most likey shot but they may not be...also need to check the damper units in those shocks...Later this week i'm heading to mlew's and we'll pin it down...ok off to bed...have not had enough sleep today and i go into work @ midnite....

[xs11lover]

Welcome back Ben, I knew you'd come around.

[madmax-im]

Welcome back Ben, I knew you'd come around.

Thanks Garrett...

[GLoweVA]

Over in the XSEast thread DAVINCI says that we should help you re-name the Swamp Thing.
I did a little googling and came across this quote from the TV series:

"The swamp is my world. It is who I am; it is what I am. I was once a man. I know the evil men do. Do not bring your evil here, I warn you. Beware the wrath of Swamp Thing."

Now knowing a little about the origins of the bike, it seems fit that it keeps some of its 'heritage' with its new name.

Also, if you plan on changing colors or anything else on it, then that will also tend to steer the naming process too.

I did notice that you reffered to it as a she, so now she has a gender too to add to the mix.

Wait< I had an idea, the Swamp Thing's Girlfriend.... Alice. Seems like a bit southern too. Just a thought...

[BA80]

Wait< I had an idea, the Swamp Thing's Girlfriend.... Alice. Seems like a bit southern too. Just a thought...

Ha ha Alice.......Dallas Alice......

http://youtu.be/SaRCE83Epqs?t=1m2s