[Musgofasa]

I just bought a brand spanking new motorcycle a short while back and learned a lesson on my way home with it i won't soon forget.

When I signed the papers on it, it was still being put together. The crate was still in the floor next to it and the ODO said 0 miles. The next day when I came to pick it up, the shop had just rode it out back and put 4 miles on it to test everything. It was still hot. I went over all the bells and whistles and was so excited to get it on the road that I "assumed" everything was working just like a new bike should. Lo and behold I was almost killed 3 times in just a few miles on the way home. The sphincter pucker factor was high by the time I got home and I was wondering what I could have possibly forgotten while not riding for some time.

My wife looked at me funny when I took off my helmet and asked if I had forgotten how a bike's turn signals worked. Turns out the front signals were hooked up backwards! When I went back the next day I was told the guy who assembled my bike was new. Now that inspires confidence when buying a new ZX10R! I have checked everything on the bike with a fine tooth comb since and all appears well. I did go over the suspension and the rear predamper needs to be adjusted. That will be the subject of another post though.

Moral of the story, always look the bike over before leaving with it. You never know what might not be perfect. (or who might have done the work) I will remember this if I ever let anyone service it too. (I usually do all my own so maybe this won't be a problem)

Take care,
Robert