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Edbear
8th October 2010, 18:29
I've been feeling guilty and anxious about the fact that my beloved Boulevard has been sitting forlornly in the back of the garage since February, due initially to the pressure of work and since May due to having an accident and breaking my back, resulting three weeks ago in major spinal surgery.

All I've been able to do is gaze longingly at it and fret about the fact that I couldn't even clean it let alone ride it! So the rego has been on hold an it hasn't moved for 8 months. I've been wanting to start it up as it should have been every month to keep the oil up around the engine and I've felt particularly bad about the fact that it hasn't been started since Feb.

Finally I couldn't stand it any more and with our son borrowing the Pulsar today and Jill taking the MX5 to work leaving an empty garage, and with the drugs maxed out, I snuck into the garage and tested whether I could swing my leg over the seat. With some difficulty due to the stiffness and full torso body brace, I managed to sit astride it and ease it off the sidestand. Paddling it back towards the door I stopped before it dropped off the lip of the floor. Now the test... I hesitantly turned the key to be greeted by the lights flicking on bright and that familiar whine of the fuel pump priming up! After 8mths, the battery was still fully charged! :gob:

Now, with a grimace of mechanical sympathy I pulled in the clutch and pressed the starter... It fired almost instantly with some mechanical noise due to the dry top-end but that lasted only a few seconds before it got the oil up and settled down to a quiet idle. After another minute or two I gently blipped the throttle and got the engine running up and down until it was thoroughly warmed up before finally, reluctantly, switching off.

So 8 long months of sitting gathering dust, the trusty steed fired immediately! :love: Now I'm looking forward to getting well enough to clean it and eventually riding it again. :scooter: I'm not going to leave it another 8 months though before starting it up again! :yes:

I got told off by Mrs. Bear as I'm only three weeks out from major back surgery... :innocent: but I assured her there was no strain on my back...

220817220818

Maha
8th October 2010, 18:37
Yeah dont over do things young Ed, but cool story buddy, thanks for the pic today too.
I was without my bike for three weeks once, nearly drove me insane to be honest, cany imagine what it must be like for you?...

Edbear
8th October 2010, 18:49
Yeah dont over do things young Ed, but cool story buddy, thanks for the pic today too.
I was without my bike for three weeks once, nearly drove me insane to be honest, cany imagine what it must be like for you?...

Being already insane the difference is probably not too noticeable... :blink: But my mates are kind and come to visit on their bikes to remind me of what I'm missing out on... :bye:

Boy it felt soooo good! Sitting on it and blipping the throttle! Then went to the Doc this afternoon for a check-up and he said the wounds were healing up nicely! :yes:

I hope to know on the 20th when I see the surgeon for the follow-up appointment, how long I'm likely to be in the brace this time. Whatever the outcome, I know the C50T will be ready when I am! :sunny:

Big Dave
8th October 2010, 19:05
But what does Suzuki's rock look like?

Edbear
8th October 2010, 19:11
But what does Suzuki's rock look like?

Ummmm... Maybe something like this meteorite...?

220821

davebullet
8th October 2010, 19:35
There you go. She's saying she doesn't want to be sold and she's waiting for you. A loyal bike. If only wives and dogs were the same :laugh:

willytheekid
8th October 2010, 19:58
Good on ya ed

Great to hear your healing up and getting stong enough to miss behave :apumpin:
Your an inspiration! :drinknsin:

And remember, If you need anything or any help, I bloody sure the KB members in your area would step up and help out if required (I sure would if I was in your area)
Soon mate..Soon!, you and the Boulevard will back doing what you love.

Nice ride by the way! :drool:

Mully
8th October 2010, 20:02
Of course Suzukis rock.

Glad to hear you're improving Ed.

bastardsquad
8th October 2010, 20:12
"to be greeted by the lights flicking on bright and that familiar whine of the fuel pump priming up"

I ride to work every morning before sunrise, an early starter. When I push my bike out of the garage into the driveway and start it (so GF wont be woken up), that sound followed by the starter and 2Krpm autochoke reminds me that I'm up for a great ride and that it feels good to be alive. If it wasn't for the coffee and the $ at the end of the ride, i'd just as soon keep going however !

Edbear
8th October 2010, 20:12
Good on ya ed

Great to hear your healing up and getting stong enough to miss behave :apumpin:
Your an inspiration! :drinknsin:

And remember, If you need anything or any help, I bloody sure the KB members in your area would step up and help out if required (I sure would if I was in your area)
Soon mate..Soon!, you and the Boulevard will back doing what you love.

Nice ride by the way! :drool:

Thanks mate! Yep I've had visits from KB'rs including luvverly hugs from some luvverly members of the fairer sex... :love: I try to misbehave as much as possible, as it's fun when the Missus and the caregiver tell me off... :innocent:

The Boulevard has been the best bike I've ever owned! Not perfect in any area, well maybe in the looks department, but a great all round ride that does everything I want and isn't that what it's all about when you can't afford a stable of different bikes? :scooter:


Of course Suzukis rock.

Glad to hear you're improving Ed.

Thanks mate! I'm very trying... :innocent: :facepalm:

Edbear
8th October 2010, 20:19
"to be greeted by the lights flicking on bright and that familiar whine of the fuel pump priming up"

I ride to work every morning before sunrise, an early starter. When I push my bike out of the garage into the driveway and start it (so GF wont be woken up), that sound followed by the starter and 2Krpm autochoke reminds me that I'm up for a great ride and that it feels good to be alive. If it wasn't for the coffee and the $ at the end of the ride, i'd just as soon keep going however !

I was commuting on it for months, too, and pretty much exactly the same scenario as you! Rain or shine, I loved it! My injury though, has changed my life and I won't be under the same pressure as I was before, so I'll be making sure I've got more time for leisure in the future. We're spoiled having both the Boulevard and the MX5 to choose from depending on our mood, too. Both are great fun! :woohoo: And I'm determined to spend more time with the wife than working! :love:

Edbear
8th October 2010, 20:25
Good on ya ed

Great to hear your healing up and getting stong enough to miss behave :apumpin:
Your an inspiration! :drinknsin:

And remember, If you need anything or any help, I bloody sure the KB members in your area would step up and help out if required (I sure would if I was in your area)
Soon mate..Soon!, you and the Boulevard will back doing what you love.

Nice ride by the way! :drool:

Oh, PS. If you want to get away from the shakes for a while, you could cruise on up for a visit... Must be a pain having this go on and on like it is for you guys!

hellokitty
9th October 2010, 06:34
thats great news Ed! I thought from previous posts that you weren't going to be able to ride anymore :love:

nadroj
9th October 2010, 06:43
The pulsatinng vibrations from sitting on the bike with it running are probably theraputic in more than the mind!
Heal well.

Edbear
9th October 2010, 08:51
thats great news Ed! I thought from previous posts that you weren't going to be able to ride anymore :love:

I had serious doubts due to both the Osteoporosis and the way my back was going prior to the op. Now the prognosis is much better, still a question mark over the Osteo but it felt so good sitting on the bike... :innocent:


The pulsatinng vibrations from sitting on the bike with it running are probably theraputic in more than the mind!
Heal well.

Hmmmmm... I wasn't sorta thinking bout dat at the time...

Dadpole
9th October 2010, 10:07
The Boulevard has been the best bike I've ever owned! Not perfect in any area, well maybe in the looks department,

So they didn't fix your eyes then? :innocent:

Oakie
9th October 2010, 10:27
Boy it felt soooo good! Sitting on it and blipping the throttle!

Therapy comes in many different forms. Seriously, there's often a mental component to physical rehabilitation. Start it up once a week and tell anyone who complains that it has a theraputic value.

Edbear
9th October 2010, 11:21
So they didn't fix your eyes then? :innocent:

:bleh: :bleh: :bleh:


Therapy comes in many different forms. Seriously, there's often a mental component to physical rehabilitation. Start it up once a week and tell anyone who complains that it has a theraputic value.


Perzackery! :yes:

Antonio
9th October 2010, 11:31
Being already insane the difference is probably not too noticeable... :blink: But my mates are kind and come to visit on their bikes to remind me of what I'm missing out on... :bye:

Boy it felt soooo good! Sitting on it and blipping the throttle! Then went to the Doc this afternoon for a check-up and he said the wounds were healing up nicely! :yes:

I hope to know on the 20th when I see the surgeon for the follow-up appointment, how long I'm likely to be in the brace this time. Whatever the outcome, I know the C50T will be ready when I am! :sunny:

I hope you get better soon and after recovery start as your bike did with fully charged battery,
Btw, i love boulevard :), awesone bikes

Edbear
9th October 2010, 11:39
I hope you get better soon and after recovery start as your bike did with fully charged battery,
Btw, i love boulevard :), awesone bikes

Thanks mate! I do miss my old GSX600F, ('89 model), as it was a great play bike! The C50T though is the allrounder when I can only afford one bike. All I'd like to do is make the pillion seat more comfy for the Missus as it doesn't suit her for longer rides, she keeps slipping forward and the only way to fix it is to get it reupholstered. I have a couple of mates who can do that for me, though.

PrincessBandit
9th October 2010, 20:47
So 8 long months of sitting gathering dust, the trusty steed fired immediately! :love: Now I'm looking forward to getting well enough to clean it and eventually riding it again. :scooter: I'm not going to leave it another 8 months though before starting it up again! :yes:

I got told off by Mrs. Bear as I'm only three weeks out from major back surgery... :innocent: but I assured her there was no strain on my back...


Hmmmm, I'd have told you off too! I think a :spanking: is probably in order...
However, I can completely sympathise from my own experience, so the telling off wouldn't have been too harsh :msn-wink:

Just take it easy and know she's patiently waiting for you, all raring to go when you are.

Gone Burger
9th October 2010, 21:08
See Ed.... there is a reason the mighty Boulevard is still lovingly at your side! You'll get there again one day, no doubt about it. Must have been lovely to hear the deep rumbley purr they put out again huh?

Despite the struggle that I have bee having with mine, I mangaed to take my MUM for a ride on it the other night. Firstly, I can't believe she said yes to it (was staying with me from out of town for a week), secondly, I can't believe I said yes to it, and thirdly, I can't believe I stayed upright at the traffic lights! As if the bikes weight wasn't enought for me? hehe but all went well, she loved it and behaved perfectly. A couple of helmet bangs during gear changes, but we had a good ride (although a wobbly one as usual), and both she and i were most impressed. :gob:

scumdog
9th October 2010, 21:13
So 8 long months of sitting gathering dust, the trusty steed fired immediately! :love: Now I'm looking forward to getting well enough to clean it and eventually riding it again. :scooter: I'm not going to leave it another 8 months though before starting it up again! :yes:

Pah...MY Suzuki fired up easily after sitting for over 12 YEARS....8 months indeed...

Edbear
10th October 2010, 09:24
Hmmmm, I'd have told you off too! I think a :spanking: is probably in order...
However, I can completely sympathise from my own experience, so the telling off wouldn't have been too harsh :msn-wink:

Just take it easy and know she's patiently waiting for you, all raring to go when you are.

I keep telling Mrs. Bear I need a good spanking... :innocent:


See Ed.... there is a reason the mighty Boulevard is still lovingly at your side! You'll get there again one day, no doubt about it. Must have been lovely to hear the deep rumbley purr they put out again huh?

Despite the struggle that I have bee having with mine, I mangaed to take my MUM for a ride on it the other night. Firstly, I can't believe she said yes to it (was staying with me from out of town for a week), secondly, I can't believe I said yes to it, and thirdly, I can't believe I stayed upright at the traffic lights! As if the bikes weight wasn't enought for me? hehe but all went well, she loved it and behaved perfectly. A couple of helmet bangs during gear changes, but we had a good ride (although a wobbly one as usual), and both she and i were most impressed. :gob:

Goodonyer! I did offer to take my Mum for a ride last time I was down there but she wasn't feeing up to it at the time. She used to ride and it was she who encouraged me to ride. I learned on her old BSA Bantam 125!


Pah...MY Suzuki fired up easily after sitting for over 12 YEARS....8 months indeed...

Like I said, Suzuki's rock! My conscience wouldn't let me leave it that long though...

PrincessBandit
10th October 2010, 11:37
Despite the struggle that I have bee having with mine, I mangaed to take my MUM for a ride on it the other night. Firstly, I can't believe she said yes to it (was staying with me from out of town for a week), secondly, I can't believe I said yes to it, and thirdly, I can't believe I stayed upright at the traffic lights! As if the bikes weight wasn't enought for me? hehe but all went well, she loved it and behaved perfectly. A couple of helmet bangs during gear changes, but we had a good ride (although a wobbly one as usual), and both she and i were most impressed. :gob:

Great that your mum went out on the back with you! Mine won't. She's braved a brisk (very brisk) ride with katman on the back of his katana once but won't go with me. She reckons it's nothing to do with faith or lack of in my riding ability but just that with me being a weakling in the muscle dept I wouldn't be much chop with trying to look after her in the event of an oopsie, and she hasn't got any muscles either to help me! Mind you, she is now nearing the middle years of her 70s so she probably wouldn't head out my brother either nowadays...

Edbear
10th October 2010, 19:04
Great that your mum went out on the back with you! Mine won't. She's braved a brisk (very brisk) ride with katman on the back of his katana once but won't go with me. She reckons it's nothing to do with faith or lack of in my riding ability but just that with me being a weakling in the muscle dept I wouldn't be much chop with trying to look after her in the event of an oopsie, and she hasn't got any muscles either to help me! Mind you, she is now nearing the middle years of her 70s so she probably wouldn't head out my brother either nowadays...

Yeah, my Mum's 78 now so maybe she's feeling her age a bit too.

Toaster
10th October 2010, 19:26
Yeah, my Mum's 78 now so maybe she's feeling her age a bit too.

So, Mum was a teenager when she had you then???

Katman
11th October 2010, 07:47
Great that your mum went out on the back with you! Mine won't. She's braved a brisk (very brisk) ride with katman on the back of his katana once but won't go with me.

Just to clarify for the peoples.......

"Very brisk" as in very cold.

(And on a GPZ750 to be exact).

Edbear
11th October 2010, 08:41
So, Mum was a teenager when she had you then???

LOL!!! Not quite, she was actually 26 at that time... I just sound really old.... :blink:


Just to clarify for the peoples.......

"Very brisk" as in very cold.

(And on a GPZ750 to be exact).

Ahah, here we were thinking she was a daredevil on pillion... :scooter: