September 18, 2015 to most is just another day. To me it started out as a day to take off work to ponder my 56th birthday. Woke up poured a cup of coffee and got on the computer. I go to Craig’s list about every Saturday morning and look at guitars, motorcycles, and boats. Mostly to see what is of interest and dream. On this Friday nothing new in the guitar area so on to motorcycles. I was 6 bikes into the first page when she caught my eye.
2005 Triumph Bonneville America-Green-2843 miles-$3500.00. I look at the 5 pictures.
Honey come here and look at this? What do you think? If you like it, Buy it!!!
As I look up on the wall at a picture of me sitting on my father’s 1958 Triumph 650 in 1961 I e-mail the address listed telling the owner I live about an hour away and would like to see the bike and give him my cell number. Another cup of Joe, a quick shower and off to the credit union. No problem they say so I am waiting for a call. Then I find the bike on e-bay and a couple other sites. That evening I get on Craig’s list and send another e-mail. I am a serious buyer give me a call.
While we are waiting for the call I will give you a bit of background.
Got my first bike at the age of 14. It was a 1968 Bridgestone 175.
Bought a Honda 1977 CJ360 new, rode it till I joined the Air Force in 1979.
1984 and I am out of the military and on my 1979 KZ650.
In 1986 bought a Suzuki Madura 700.
Got married in 1988. Built a house in 1992 sold Madura to buy furniture.
In March of 1995 put down a $500.00 deposit on a new Sportster. April 1, 1995 my wife informed me she was pregnant with our first child. Told Harley dealer I was cancelling order. She told me the refund was nonrefundable, and asked why I was cancelling it just 2 weeks after ordering it. Told her my wife was pregnant. She gave me back the $500.00 and a kiss.
April 2015 my son is now 19 and my daughter is 14 and my wife tells me we need to start spending more time together and I need to buy a motorcycle. God I love her.
Across the street from my office moved in the new Indian Motorcycle Dealer who is also the Victory, Polaris, and Triumph dealer. I went in to look at the Thunderbird LT. Did not really like it. The tank is too wide. Sat on the America and liked the feel. Sat on the Chieftain and fell in love. Got home and made the Chieftain my background on the computer.
I loved the Chieftain, but it kept bugging me. Getting back on a bike after 23 years. Why do I want a 900 pound motorcycle and how am I going to swing those payments. The summer got busy and my dream didn’t get any close. Then summer was over and my birthday was here.
Saturday September 19th wait, wait, and wait. Did he sell it? E-bay is up to $2075.00 with a week left does he want to let it play out? 1:30 I get a call from Larry who is the owner. His son listed it for him and had just called giving him my number. I tell him I will be right there. 2:40 I am ringing the doorbell. 3:00 we close the deal with a yes sir and a handshake.
Went down and picked her up on September 23d. Rode her home. As I drove her through dusk and into darkness she is everything I hoped she would be. As I cruised down the road it crossed my mind how much I had missed this freedom. This 500 pound motorcycle feels just right to me and green is my favorite color. My only other wish. That my motorcycle jacket from 1992 in the back of the closet still fit.
http://s612.photobucket.com/user/Bobill5...?sort=3&o=0
