I've had it

I can't keep working on the VFR.

It's not in me to keep throwing money at a toy that I cannot use.

I can't ride it.

First, it was just put levers on, a few small parts, and change the fluids.

Then, the fork seals. Easy enough job, once I figured it out, but that was most of a weekend.

After that, getting levers that worked right was such a pain in the ass, and then making the clutch side fit took much more than it should have.

Then, the starter clutch. After the starter clutch, I found out it had no coolant.

The coolant seems to have gone away because of the leaky head gasket.

I haven't fixed the head gasket. I could do it. It's about $30 for the gasket, and I could do it in a few hours, and I've got friends who might even come and help me. Wouldn't be a big deal.

But, the carbs need to be sync'ed.

The clutch seems to be slipping.

The rear brake isn't working properly.

I need new springs in the front, because when I hit the front brakes, it bottoms out under even moderate braking.

I need new tires soon.

It just isn't worth my time or money anymore.

So, I'm parting it out. I'm going to lose money on it. I think I can lose less if I part it out. But most importantly, if I part it out, I don't have to deal with the moral burden of setting someone else on this project.

Yes, this means I'll be bikeless, as I just sold the rebel as well. It sucks. But, you live, and you learn, and then you don't buy shitty bikes anymore.

It's not all lost money. I have learned a LOT about motorcycles, wrenching, and myself. Thanks to this project, I now feel comfortable tearing into most projects. I learned about suspensions, starters, controls, and I've accumulated a good set of riding gear (boots are supposed to arrive on Monday), tools (some that I've been needing for a while), and confidence in myself.

However, I've also lost some confidence in myself. I've lost some money, not a whole lot, especially considering that the time spent at most other activities would have cost considerable money as well.

The VFR has become an extension of myself, and not being able to fix it seems as though I can't fix myself. I've seperated myself from it over the past few days, and I am finally able to say it was a mistake, and that I'm getting rid of it.

I've posted it in a few places for parting out, and I'll sell what I can, and then dump the rest on someone for parts or something.


...strangely....I want to pull the tail section and learn to do fiberglass and body work...is that strange?


Anyway, I'm also selling my boat. It's been fun, but I won't have room for it in Redmond, so it goes away. Luckily, selling the boat won't be a loss, as I got it for much less than it was worth :).


So, I'm kinda feeling down today...kinda sad. Oh well. In the end, I will be happier.




Oh, and my pickup is now paid off, and I got the title. I sold the rebel for what I owe, and I put the money in the bank, and setup the auto-payer so it will pay itself off this month! The payments I'm getting rid of (together) are less than a bike payment would be, so I *could* afford a new bike, but I'm not ready to take on another payment yet. I've got a goal that I've been meaning to meet, and at that point, I'll be able to buy a bike. Hopefully either this fall or next spring (maybe sooner if I'm good).