From: viking@iastate.edu (Dan Sorenson)
Subject: Santa's bringing me an XLH!!
Summary: April is paying me back with interest!
Keywords: Harley, XLH, yippee
Organization: Iowa State University, Ames IA
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 1992 07:29:54 GMT

Merry Christmas!

	At least, it's going to be for me.  A long while ago, my
girlfriend had to borrow a bit of money from me.  This is not uncommon,
and I really don't mind helping her out when she needs it.  She has
said she'll repay every bit of it, and I believe her, but we've not
been keeping really great track of how much is owed.

	She also knows I love motorcycling, and also that I'm getting
a bit tired of trying to keep the old rat bike running just because I
couldn't justify spending money on a new bike while still in college.
So, one day she promised me that, if she ever got the money, she'd buy
me a motorcycle to repay her debt.  Is she great or what?!?

	Saturday, she got a phone call.  Seems she now has a fair sum
with which to repay various debts, and a brand new  XLH 883 Sporty
with my name on the tag will find its way under the tree, or at least
the order for one.  Due date is early March, and we'll place the order
around the end of the week.

	And while I'd really like the 1200 Sporty a bit more for giving
her rides, the 883 is a far better fit and more comfortable for me,
in addition to being more in line with the debt owed.  'Sides, I can
always punch it out to 1200cc and add a few go-faster mods should I
feel the need, and the 883 will make an excellent bike for her when I
graduate and get that 1200 Sporty anyway.  The insurance will also be
lower, and since it's getting full coverage that's important!

	Anyway, it's a great Christmas for me.  Now for the requests.
Please note this is cross-posted to rm and rmh, so let's keep it
relevant for the first week or so.

1) This will be the first machine I've ever had that wasn't already used.
Mail me all of your tips on breaking in an evolution motor properly, and
any downfalls of this machine I should pay special attention to.  A place
to read a review would also be welcome, since some reviews seem to be
more biased than others and I'd like to know who to believe.  I've turned
wrenches on everything from Chevy's to Suzuki's, but I don't want to
rely on experience to be my teacher here.

2) Do you have any particular brand of accessories I should look for or
stay away from?  Remember, I'm dealing with a limited budget, and from
what I saw in the catalog genu-whine Harley accessories are a bit high,
though from what I've seen are of top quality.  Plans are for a pillow
seat and low backrest to help her on those longer rides (she's used to
a cafe racer's fiberglass seat, so these should be fine for a while).
If you have preferences, let me know.  I'm 5'9" 170lbs, she's 5'7" 135
lbs or thereabouts.  The 3.2gallon peanut tank is also on the list.

3) Magazines.  I've read a few of the Harley-only magazines, and frankly
I'm not quite into the format of Easyriders.  American Iron I liked, but
it seemed a bit lacking in the tech department.  Suggestions?  I'll be
reading for information, tips, warnings, fixes, and the like, not to
hear about the latest happenings at either Daytona or Sturgis.

4) I've wanted this bike since it came out.  I've also wanted a '52K
for sentimental reasons and an XLCR for hormonal reasons, but if you
have a particular gripe with the model please bring it to my attention.
If you just think it's "not a real Harley" and tell me to get a used
Shovelhead or something, keep it to yourself.  I don't ride to impress
others, and this bike has far more redeeming features for me than
others.  Those who recommend another make may do so, of course, but bear
in mind I've been riding Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki since 1971, and
they just lack something I want in a motorcycle.

5) April, my girlfriend, deserves a wonderful, thoughtful, touching,
warm, and above all inexpensive gift.  Any ideas?  She's already getting
the first ride of spring.  Somehow what she's given me just makes anything
I've thought of pale in comparison.

	Anyway, thanks in advance for any tips and pointers you all
can give, and I sincerely hope your Holidays are a wonderful as mine
are shaping up to be!

< Dan Sorenson, DoD #1066 z1dan@exnet.iastate.edu viking@iastate.edu >
<  ISU only censors what I read, not what I say.  Don't blame them.  >
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