That was one of the coldest motorcycle rides I have ever taken! It’s 40 degrees out and raining, so it must have been a good time to bring the motorcycle over to Chuck’s house for the winter, as he is being so kind to let me keep it in his pole barn again this year. I think last year when I brought it to Chuck’s it was cold then too, I remember it was definitely raining harder, though it might have been a little warmer. It’s kind of sad though, because I hardly got to ride at all this season due to the weather and other things not allowing for the time. Even though it was a very cold ride, it was still nice to be back on the road. However, it had been so long since I last rode that I had to jump start it three times before it would stay running, that is the most I have ever had to jump it. Hopefully next season I will get to ride more than this season, but in reality any ride time is better than none.

I got the motorcycle back this morning from Nicholson’s. Everything looks great and the short ride that I was able to go on (just riding it back home) the new handle bars felt great. There is a huge difference now in how my hands and arms are positioned on the grips and so far it feels great!

That being said, the whole ordeal of getting the work done at Nicholson’s has left a very bad memory and I am not certain I will go back there for service again. The short version of a very long story is that they have had my motorcycle since March 21, 2009 and I am just getting it back today, almost three months later.

I had to go in and talk to the service manager (Warren) twice, the sales manager (he was supposedly the highest manager in the store the day I went) (Wayne) once, and the actual store manager (Brandon) once just to make sure my repairs got done. The store places a lot of blame on a single service department person that they recently terminated. While I am not sure if it really was all this persons fault or if he became a convieniant scape goat, the fact is that their service department was shoddy.

The overall work on the bike seems to have been done well once it was done, getting it done timely was a huge issue and a battle. During one of my meetings with the service manager I had to make sure the parts where there, and it was a good thing I did because the parts that the service department were supposed to order, they hadn’t. I have been told they are working on revamping the service department and getting more able technicians in to help fulfill work orders, so I guess I will just have to wait until the next time and see if I want to try them again or not.

On the other hand, there parts department was excellent! Ordering parts from them in the future should be no problem at all.

With the help of my buddy Chuck I brought my motorcycle to Nicholson’s today and  spent almost 2 hours working with Joe (the parts guy) on picking out new handle bars, yep just handle bars. If everything goes well, and the measurments that Joe and I came up with are accurate, the new bars will almost be drag bars coupled with 4 inch risers. This is due to my need for a set of bars with little pull back so my wrists aren’t forced to turn out while holding the grips. This one adjustment should add a lot of comfort and enjoyment to my rides. I will need to go back at a later date after the crash inspection is completed to see what else I am going to replace and with what. I am really looking forward to riding with the new bars, and hope they provide the enhanced comfort I am expecting.