Subject: Re: tank and fenders (paint)
Author: Richard Clegg
Date: May 17, 2001, 8:21 AM
Post ID: 1706759690
In a message dated 05/16/2001 9:41:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
haw-@frontiernet.net writes:
<< I have, however, a confession to make; again. I was minding my own
business at work the other day and I get a phone call from my psychologist
friend. He outright proposes that we trade bikes; my Guzzi for his 1992 BMW
R100. I was set back on my heels a bit. He owns a 1996 BMW also. He goes
on to explain that he thinks it would be a good trade for both of us as I
would get a reliable bike and he would get a "cool bike". He continued that
he would get something to tinker with and I would get a bike that I could
actually ride. Keep in mind that my friends around here hear much more
whining and sniveling than you or any other list looper ever heard. They get
to see a grown man cry, wail and knash his teeth etc!! It's all so immature
and childish! So this friend of mine knows all the ailments of the Ambo.,
he's been on rides with me when the bike quits in the middle of nowhere and
six riders, all on BMWs, have to stop and help poor, pathetic Bob! He wants
my bike because he already has a reliable bike.
So, anyway, I went to his house tonight to get a good look at his BMW. I
have seen it before but never really looked at it. I also took it for a ride
in the city and highway. Brought it back to his house and we sat around and
talked about it's virtues and looked under the seat, looked at the saddle
bags etc. I thought to myself, 'this really makes sense, I could have a
reliable bike, that starts all the time and would probably not poop out on me
in the middle of nowhere. That was that and my friend and I said good
evening and that we would each think about this deal.
I got home and thought about his bike. I know I would ride more if I owned
his BMW, there is nothing wrong with it, nothing at all. It has good pick up
and OK handling. There was also something else. His bike had no 'fun' to it
at all. Even though there was nothing wrong with it it was not perfect.
There is no fun factor. His bike is too competent.
I am pretty sure I will not bite on this deal but I was tempted. I'm glad I
was tempted. I am developing a finer sense of what biking is for me. It is
not necessarily about getting from point A to point B without breaking down.
It is not even about getting from point A to point B without breaking down
and having fun at the same time. There is something more about it or
something more subtle about it. I am starting to ramble a bit here so I'll
cut off for now.
I will keep working on the Ambo. I think I will get it going. I may not
always have the Ambo. like you and some of the other guys but I don't think
I'll be trading it for a "competent" bike. I guess I'll just think this over
a bit more. Thanks for reading this Ian. Best, Bob >>
hey Bob - I can 't resist- I am not a shrink so I defer to merely the
physical universe of metal and tires. You and I have talked about BMW's and
your Ambassador before both on the net and in person at Fairport(Country Rode
Motowerks- BMW dealer). Now for everyone here- I love my Ambo - and I have
not even gotten it running in this last year of ownership and i still love
it.. For those that do not know - yup I ride multiple airheads- one of the
many reasons I have not gotten the ambo going- you can't ride and repair at
the same time - to me it is a choice - the ambo is next on the agenda tho
-and I look forward to it. Anyway Bob- BMW's are very simple and"competent"
-too, as you say. But they are of the physical universe and I can testify
that they do break down too. and need repair and have problems that you can
not always make sense out of - eventually you get it - sound familiar. I am
not speaking of K bikes- I do not ride them - I prefer the visceral pleasures
of twins - the design of which started in the 1923 era and continues in your
friends 90's - although somewhat more advanced in the periphereals- including
electrical updates etc - it is possible his 92 even has a K75 front end on it.
I am not going to be the one on the list to tell you stop snivelling- I
understand frustration in these planes, however
maybe I 'll be the one to "suggest" that a second bike that works and you can
ride
while working on the ambo and loving it is a really good idea for you . Part
of the fun of motorcycling "riding" is riding - it should be the larger part.
we endorse the two bike theory here anyway
you need a spare when the other one is down for repair.
I saw a sticker in Maine at an anonymous patron of MG - this is not about you
Bob - but i thought it would be a timely place to share
it said
motorcycles used to be about motorcycles , now all it is a Fking fashion
show-
hope somewhere out there enjoys this one
Richard
71 ambo police civilian
76 R60/6
74R90/6- worked and for sale soon
78 R100S
and a few others here and there