We Need a New Bike

Well, the Interceptor isn't going to be making this trip. Just got back from the mechanic -- nobody can work on it. The only real shop up here that works on old bikes is closed all next week for vacation, and this thing isn't doing any major miles with a back tire with too much dry rot (the tire was manufactured "4805" -- Nov., 2005). So shit.

Looking for a replacement bike right now ... here's what's I'm thinking ...

1993 Kawi Concours 1100: http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/mcy/1261900832.html

$2,300 for a bike that's all set up to tour. Lots of work has been done to it -- rebuilt a lot of the engine, cams and timing assembly and stuff. OK (just OK) tires. Otherwise, pretty good. Kid is selling it for his uncle (Bill of Sale problems, flag!). Says his uncle had it for a long time, and rode is here and there. Doesn't sound like the kind of enthusiast who would have a) been a stickler for maintenance and upkeep or b) one who tricked the bike out with goodies. Still, $2,300 is a nice price for a whole lot of bike ... And, as a '93, its less than 20 years old, which means the Kawi dealer will work on it without acting like I'm asking him to kidnap Lindbergh's baby or something.

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93 BMW K1000LT: http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/mcy/1251162185.html

$2,900, meh. Turquoise, ick. Fairing shape, ugh. Cockpit view, bleh. Still, under three grand and I'd be on the road with a BMW set up for touring. Things could be worse. Like I said to RP last night -- having an ugly bike is like having an ugly haircut -- you don't have to look at it. Might send an email. Last resort. Wouldn't be sad to lose it.

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BMW k100: http://newyork.craigslist.org/stn/mcy/1261273995.html

$2,500. Well, K. Love the body style, love the price. The color's a little Glam-Rock for me, but I suppose I could deal. All my Stars-n-Bars Americana gear is going to look out of place on this. I guess I'm going to have to go for taxicab-themed gear. That aside, you know this thing is going to be a lot of problems, like a MG or an Alpha. Its older, looks great, and yeah, its going to spend a lot of money and spend a lot of time at the shop. Still. I'd be on a BMW, riding, for under $2,500. I wonder how the tires are ... Emailed the guy, no reply yet ...

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Honda Ruckus: http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/mcy/1262721621.html

$1,400. A money saver, good on gas, not much storage, rough on the superslab. Would require another look at the route. The thing looks like it would float, so maybe taking it through Lake Erie instead of around it is an idea. Still a contender if nothing else turns up.

What a drag.