I'm a bit late posting this blog, but I've had a lot going on as of late. Family time, work, and a few personal things all kept me from really having the time to write all this out.
A little over a week ago I had a glorious, yet very UNSAFE ride to work. I've had my head in a dark and smelly place lately, and decided to have some fun with a very shiney new Corvette. We both decided the back-country road we were on would be a good place to test the limits of our machines.
Anyone who really knows me will tell you this is very un-characteristic of me. I'm normally very reserved, and respectful of most speed laws. For some reason, however, I've had a real case of the stupids as of late, and saw my bike bouncing from the rev limiter in top gear.
What does that mean? 185mph indicated on a road known for woodland critters crossing at whim. This was not a smart idea. I made it to work, thought about it for a few, and pushed it aside. I had a blast, and rode home obeying the speed laws... mostly.
The next morning I woke up, followed my morning routine, and headed out the door. The bike roared to life, and after a minute or so of warmup, I was off. I knew I was going to need fuel before coming home, so I decided to stop on the way to work.
I made it to the road just in front of the gas station, and heard a loud snap as I started the turn-in. This was immediately followed by a loss of power and clutch action. I flipped the kill switch, and the chain bound the rear wheel just as I was pulling into the parking lot.
I managed to keep the bike upright, and put down the side stand so I could get off to survey the damage. I figured my fresh clutch had just let go and locked up my trans. What I found was much worse.
I looked down, and saw my chain laying on the ground. I also happened to see a rather large puddle of oil forming under the bike, and pieces of the side cover all over. I knew then, it was not going to be good.
I was running late for work at this point, so I called my wife to come rescue me. After work, a good friend of mine took me out to retrieve the poor ailing Suzuki.
Upon getting home, and further inspecting the damage, we found that the chain had actually gone through parts of my lower crankcase. So much for it being a cheap fix! That chain had effectivley destroyed a very fresh, very expensive stroker engine.
At that point, I was ready to find the degenerate at the Suzuki shop that had put the chain on, and use it to do some fairly serious cranium damage.
That's when the whole thing came crashing down on me. Not 24 hours prior to the chain breaking, I had been doing nearly 200mph on that machine, in a very dangerous place to crash. That chain should have given out then and there. Had it done so, I would most certainly not be typing this blog today. It's amazing how one rash decision could have such an impact!
So now the big Zuk sits alone, in the back of my garage, dripping life-blood into a catch-pan. It's a sad sight, to be sure. Because of someone's inability to properly complete the simplest part of their job, I now have to find her a new heart. I've called every cycle salvage yard in the Midwest to no avail, and even followed up on some leads for privateers. You know where they are all going?
SPRINT CARS AND GO KARTS!!! So, to all of you people out there hijacking all of these engines, could you please back off a bit!? Seriously, there are plenty of other engines to pilfer besides these! Use the oil-cooled ones that ran for an additional 10 years and counting!
I guess it isn't all bad. The same friend that rescued my poor baby, also rescued me again. He had recently purchased a new bike, and sold me his 600 GSXR on very easy terms. Honestly, this guy has been a closer freind to me in the short 9 months I've known him than people I've know for my whole life. He's there to be a comforting ear, but he isn't afraid to be a voice of reason either. If I'm acting like a fool, he's more than happy to let me know. I need that sometimes. Granted, my wife does it well, but anyone who's been married for more than 10 seconds knows how we tend to tune out our spouses, and dismiss their advice as nagging.
You know I love you, right honey? I really do!
So, I continue to ride, at an infinitely slower pace. And to quote a song with a lot of meaning to me:
"And the road becomes my bride, I have stripped of all but pride. So in her I do confide, and she keeps me satisfied, Gives me all I need. And with dust in throat I crave, only knowledge will I save. To the game you stay a slave.
ROAMER, WANDERER, NOMAD, VAGABOND, call me what you will!"
