Signing Off

There were some strange emotions as I cleaned out Max for the last time. 

I went thru the underseat cargo area, decided what to keep and what not to. It was mostly tools and some accessories. Bungee cords, strap tie downs, duct tape and a road tire repair kit. Most of these tools I kept except for the silly tools, (yes, silly) that Max came with. 

I texted my son in law to see if he would like to have the tire kit and maybe my battery tender. He was interested in both. I told him "They're Yours!"

The temporary tag when Max was first acquired. Don't ask me why I kept it.

I  also cleaned out the top case. It contained a pair of "not so great" winter gloves, some glove liners, 2 balaclavas, other misc stuff. I decided to donate some of this to a new owner.

I also had a bag in the garage that had a motorcycle cover. Decided that a new owner could use this as well.

I also had a notebook with receipts for repairs and accessories that I had bought. I found the receipt for the top case and recalled the day it arrived and I put it on Max. Was a pain in the ass to install, but turned out well. Found the temporary tag from the dealer when first bought. Threw out most of the junk but kept any papers related to the bike itself, the owners manual and a lengthy parts diagram and parts list. Made a note that there are multiple places on the internet where a detailed repair manual could be downloaded for free.

Just yesterday This is what I paid for gasoline. When Max was acquired gas was approaching $4/gal and got as high as $4.50/gal. Still, I don't think I ever paid more than $6.00 for a tank of gas.

I took off the license plate tag. Ironically, we had just paid the property tax and insurance for another year. Should get some refund on that. 

Max has a new battery and a new spark plug and all the gear oils have been changed. He's ready to roll except that the carburetor needs some cleaning. 

The little cardboard emblem resided under the license plate. I bought it from Aerostich and I was very proud to display on Max.

There's a couple of things I'm keeping.

1) My helmet. I just might take a ride with my daughter or her husband some day. 

2) My summer weight Aerostich gloves. I literally cannot part with these! Don't ask me why I'm so attached to them. It's illogical! But they're mine and nobody else can have them. 

3) Lots of great memories. Can't adequately describe this. Over 9,000 miles, most of that in first 2 1/2 years. Met some great friends. Two longer trips to Lincoln NE and Topeka KS. 

I did a lot of commuting on Max, an excellent machine for that purpose. He's quick and agile.

So, you ask why. 

Ultimately it is health reasons. And no, I'm not dying, but I'm not sure I'm as competent a rider as I was. My reactions aren't as quick and I'm quicker to fatigue. 

And I'm not going to do it if I can't do it right! 

I'm just that way.

So there you go.

I tried to sell Max. Didn't work! Not even a bite. There was a story recently about a guy with a young family that had his scooter stolen. Tried to donate Max to him, but I insisted that he have the motorcycle endorsement on his drivers license. He didn't.

An early morning shadow on the way to work.

So I donated Max to our local public radio station, KMUW, through the "Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program". I even got an email from "Frau Bluecher" Fenollosa if you can believe that! #carsintoprograms

And this may sound a bit like a funeral, but it's not!

 It's a celebration!

So here's a final "wave" from Max and I. 

Had some great years with Max! Now it's time for him to find a new friend. I know he'll take good care of that new owner.

Ride On, Max!

And Ride On, and Carpe Diem, my very very good friends!