From: arturo@informix.com (Arturo Vega)
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles
Subject: Back in the saddle again!
Keywords: YeeeHaw
Date: 17 Nov 92 10:32:51 GMT
Organization: Informix Software, Inc.


Well, it's been two months since I had a run-in (literally)
with a car, during which time I've been "caged" with two
busted hands. In the interim, I'd managed only to disconnect
my bike's battery and drain the carbs, and to re-examine and
reinforce all the negative thoughts I'd ever had about
motorcycling.

This past Saturday I decided I'd attempt repairs, since as far
as I could tell nothing major was damaged on the bike--the crash
bar bore the brunt of the impact, with some help from the right
header; the plastic bucket behind the headlight was cracked,
and the left side turnsignal stalks and shift lever were bent.
One spark plug boot was snapped. The weekend before, I had removed
the damaged header and "straightened" the shift lever.

After a few phone calls, I found a used exhaust pipe (& headlight
housing) at a salvage shop & set off with checkbook in hand; by
late afternoon I was back home, ready to begin repairs. I had
managed to find a spark plug boot as well, although the parts
guy who sold it to me said it was a short boot, not the long
kind like the piece I brought in. "I'll take it," I said, since
it was getting late, and without it I knew I wouldn't be able to
even try to start the bike. I would find out the full implications
of the long vs short varieties later.

So, finally, at about 18:00, I pulled out my meager assembly of
tools and began. First order of business was the headlight
housing--it was immediately obvious that I'd gotten the wrong
one. Damn! Ok, I grabbed the turnsignal and bent it back into
approximate alignment and the cracked housing also bent more
or less back into shape. Well, it would have to do.

Next, the exhaust system. I had intended to replace only the
damaged header, but got a good deal on both headers plus a
collector; the current collector had a small hole in it, so
I decided I'd do the whole thing. This went pretty smoothly,
except removing the mufflers from the old exhaust system--
this required a few hefty heaves, causing my hands to complain
loudly, but eventually I got them off. The installation was
simple, until I discovered that in my feverish haste, I had
misplaced two of the nuts which hold the headers in place.
A few minutes of frantic searching unearthed one of the little
buggers, but I couldn't find the other. Hmm, well, I figured
the bike would run anyway, so I installed everything minus
the one nut.

Now, the spark plug cap. It took several more agonizing minutes
to get the rubber covers over the wire and cap, and when I tried
to slip it on, I realized why the original was longer than my
replacement--there wasn't quite enough clearance around the
cylinder head! Oh no! After peeking under the tank, I decided to
pull the wire out of the bracket which kept it clear of the 
engine, and thus managed to get enough wire to get the boot
over the plug, in a convoluted sort of way. Good enough,
even though the wire now touched the engine. Reconnect the battery.

Right, now let's try ... oh wait, after the accident I'd noticed
that the left turnsignal had ceased functioning--it would remain
on continuously, although the front running lights were fine.
Until now, I had assumed that the wiring inside the headlight
housing had been smashed and shorted somehow, and was about
to pull the headlight out again, when it occurred to me to check
the bulbs. Sure enough, the rear bulb was smashed. Aha! Luckily,
there was a spare bulb in the car, which was installed forthwith.

Now, the moment of truth...almost trembling with excitement, I
turned the gas back on, pulled the choke lever up and wiggled
the twist grip a few times (do cm400's have accelerator pumps?
I wasn't sure, and wasn't about to check the manual at this
stage, but thought it couldn't hurt.) Then, turn the key and
press the starter button. The starter turned willingly, but
nothing else. I sniffed the muffler--nothing. Ok, try again.
Nothing. After several fruitless attempts, there was a terrific
bang inside the closed garage! I went inside for a couple of
minutes, until my ears stopped ringing, but felt encouraged,
since I felt at least there was gas + spark somewhere!

Well, ultimately I ran the battery down, with no luck, until
a housemate took pity on me and helped me to push (well, I pushed,
he rode.) The bike started immediately.

Up 'til now, I had been having major doubts about my riding
future, the spectre of The Careless Cager looming ever larger
in my motorcycle-deprived mind. But now, seeing my bike humming
away, I could not restrain myself. I ran back in, grabbed my
jacket and (now ventilated) gloves, and my old helmet.

As I started off, it felt strange to be back on two wheels; the
engine sounded louder, and I was sitting up straighter than I
remembered. In addition, the handlebars were noticeably crooked,
as were the footpegs. Not enough to be unrideable though. After a
few seconds I felt more relaxed, and began to enjoy the sensations...
The wind penetrating the chinks in helmet and jacket felt great!
The easy acceleration revitalized me. As I approached an intersection,
(I had a green light), some dweeb in a Nissan 280Z breezed through
a right turn (without stopping) directly into my path. This time, I
saw him in time and merely flicked my hi-beam on before switching
lanes and giving him a long, meaningful look as I went by.
Welcome back, I guess. Then I remembered I had removed
the license plate (groan), so I turned reluctantly and went back home.

Art
arturo@informix.com

"Look Ma, no hands!"