Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Ruckus Stolen from Driveway






I have really never understood theft. It not only deprives one of hard earned money, but is a mental insult that leaves one violated.

I was out of town, and two nights ago, some one came up, close to the house, and stole my Honda Ruckus from in front of our carport.

I really liked the Ruckus, road it several times a week, and just had an oil change a few days ago.

My daughter is now feeling funny about staying home alone, I am upset, and Progressive insurance company is only going to give me about 1/2 of what it will cost to replace it. Oh, that is after I fill out an insanely complicated form, and wait a month or so, to see if the police will recover it. It is interesting how Progressive insurance company determines value. They use the NADA guide, that is out of date, and just gives an average of nation wide sale prices of used vehicles.

My Ruckus was broken in carefully, had it's 600 miles service, and an oil change at 1000, 1500, and 2000 miles. It always had proper tire pressure, was warmed up before full throttle riding, and never ridden in a way that would be hard on the brakes or suspension. The brakes were adjusted monthly, and over last winter, was prepped with Stabil. Before riding in the spring, another oil change, and thorough check of all mechanical equipment.

I maintain all my equipment in this manner, and it is the reason that I do not buy used vehicles, as very few people provide this level of attention to maintenance.

So, is the NADA price fair in my case? I say no, not even close. Another complaint is that since gas has risen so high in price, Scooters like the Ruckus have climbed in value, and are difficult to find at any price. Even if I do get it back ( which is doubtful ) I am sure it will have been severely abused.

Besides all this, KiKi used to love sitting on it, waiting for us to come home.

Sad day.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Bye bye BMW

Hello Can Am Spyder



The K12GT is 4 sale.


Well, I have 150 miles on the new Spyder, and I am sure I made the right choice. As a matter of fact, I now wonder about my new 650 Burgman scooter. I have planned on having a long haul road bike, and the scooter for shorter trips and in town.

The Can Am Spyder can do it all. so. I am thinking.

I am going to Ohio tomorrow, and am going to take the Spyder. When I get back, the 06 K1200GT goes off to Motorworks in Chicago to be sold, unless some one offers me a reasonable sum for it before I put it on consignment.

My kid does not want the Burgman, so I need to choose keeping it for a change of pace ride, or unloading it and just taking the hit. We will see about that when I get back, but the Spyder really can do it all.

This is also the end of an era for me. For 11 years now I have had one BMW or another. Being BMW free will be a little different, but the folks at the Chicago Region BMW club allow members even if they ride something else. And they are nice people.

More later......