I winterized the Sportster today. While I was out in the driveway, under the fall sun, installing the Battery Tender, Jr., I had a chance to reflect on the prior riding season.

My wife and I got back into motorcycling, after a 22 year break (kids). We bought our 2005 Road King Classic in the Spring and put over 9,000 trouble free and very enjoyable miles on her. Every time I lay eyes on that bike, it seems like it was made just for me. Sitting on it is like coming home to an old friend. I have heard of others having mechanical problems with their bikes. This one has been trouble free. Stage 1 upgrade worked, no problems. No leaking seals. Nothing. Rides and performs like a dream. Riding the bike allowed us to reconnect with some old friends and I shared some great times with the Mrs.

The Sportster was a late season addition. I wanted to get a 2005 bike for my wife and avoid the EPA stuff. This ride has also been trouble free. Granted, I dealt with some "operator error" on the pop-up oil dipstick, but once I mastered that, it was all gravy. 900 miles of true, simple motorcycling fun. I love taking that bike out on the twistys, when I can get it away from the wife.

Anyway, after changing the fluids, filling the tank, putting in the fuel stabilizer and washing and waxing her, into the garage she went. Pulled the plugs and air cleaner, turned it over while I sprayed fogging oil into the motor, buttoned her up, pulled the cover over and plugged in the Battery Tender. As I walked out of the garage, I realized how blessed I am. A great family, good friends, enough resources to enjoy this hobby and healthy enough to ride and maintain my own bikes.

Yeah, it's getting cold up here and the riding season is almost gone. A few more chilly rides on the RKC lay in the next couple of weeks and then she's getting serviced and then she's down for a winter nap, too. Can't wait for spring.

Thanks for listening. Ride safe and thanks for the fraternity.

 

Good post - Not sure what I am gonna do yet but I think I will ride it until the first snow is in the forecast -

 

Great post! Stories like this keep me from missing my bike too much. Hope you enjoy squeezing those last rides out before the other one has to be stabled for the winter. By the way, I know about the operator error on that oil dipstick!! Is the only problem I ever had on my Sportster, as well. But I cheated, I replaced it with the oil temp gauge, and now I don't have to figure out how to pop and turn...