First thing I did was rebuild the front brake. My none-too-bright neighbor put new pads on the front caliper, but f$!@$d up the cylinder in the process. All it really needed was a thorough cleaning, and whammo, it stopped leaking fluid, and started braking. Next, I removed the chain, and gave it a thorough cleaning and lube job. It had not stretched too far, and I was able to continue using it. Finally, I got some new lenses for the ticker lights, and I was in business.
I bought insurance. Then, during the next two weeks, I taught myself how to ride by practicing and reading about riding techniques. I wanted to take the free safety class that is offered in Illinois, but evening activities and working for Andersen are not always compatible. I had to do it on my own time. Finally, I went down to the DMV and took the test, and passed on my first try.
And it was good!!
In the summer of 1997, a guy offered to buy my bike from me. His
initial offer was $225, but I bargained him up to $280, and the CM450 was
no longer mine. It was a great bike to learn on because I didn't
care if I wrecked it. However, I was ready to move on. I started
looking, and decided that I wanted at least a 750, and I wanted a cruiser,
not a sport bike. I looked at the Yamaha Vulcan, which is a little
bit less expensive, and I looked at the Kawasaki equivalent, which I just
plain didn't like. I also looked at the ACE edition of the Honda
Shadow, but decided it was more than I wanted to spend. What finally
sold me on the Magna was the four-cylinder power, the long wheelbase, and
the forgiving shifting. You can be in about any gear you want at
40 mph.
The picture to the left is a bike just like mine. The so-called "bitch pad" in back is brutal. A custom saddle from Corbin did wonders for Melissa's enjoyment of the cycle