Proper Care and Feeding

I was recently blessed with a late model Triumph Bonneville. Its truly a beautiful machine. I am not the original owner, but I am the owner now. That is important to understand. The bike now belongs to me and for the sake of this fantastic bike, my ownership is a very good thing.
Eric down at Lone Star BMW/Triumph called me one day and told me he had this Bonneville coming into his inventory of used bikes. I had been looking to replace my recently departed T-100, so I went to see the bike. It was in good shape but a few things didnt add up in my mind. While the bike had only 1800 miles, there was surface rust on the rims, under the headlight and on the bars. Not too noticeable, but it was there. There was oil build up on the swingarm and some stains on top of the case. I realized I was looking at a nice bike that didnt come from a good home. It had not been abused but it certainly had not been loved. Probably kept in a car port with a cover thrown over it, never ridden, never cherished.
Last night I sat in my garage with that Bonneville. I rubbed and polished, check linkages, tighted spokes, and listened to her stories of her old home. How sunny days passed one after the other and she was never taken out for a run. How her old owner walked past her time after time without a glance. No sparkle in his eye, no excitement, no passion for her at all.
I whispered goodnight to the Bonnie around 11pm. She shines and sparkles now. She in my garage. She is in a good home. It will be a different life for that bike now. Also, a different life for me. A new relationship is just the thing to get your passion for life moving again. Proper care and feeding for us both.
My latest issue of VMX (Vintage Motocross) magazine arrived in the mail this week. My wife had it layed out on the kitchen counter when I came home from work. She winked and smiled at me and pointed at the magazine. The subscription was a gift from her for my birthday. Like that lovely Bonneville, Im in a good home, getting proper care and feeding.
Enjoy your bikes and care for them well. Moreover, cherish the people that are taking care of you and return the effort. We all need each other.
Have a good time with your fall riding season. Take care and come see me soon.