you don't forget

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For the first time in two and a half years, since September 12th, 2008 and Hurricane Ike...  for the first time I was back behind a set of my own handlebars, flying.

Went over to Iron Mike's today to pick up the FXE. It was a gorgeous day in the high 70's... sunny...  perfect riding weather. Sat on the her for the first time since I finished making payments.  Eight long months. I didn't want to get too attached as my son is going to be riding this one but oh! What a ride she delivers!!! I am in love.

Riding her home proved to be a bit difficult.  I pulled out of the shop and she died on me. My fault, I assumed. I'm a bit rusty and this "ain't no" sporty either. Got her through the light and down the road a few feet and she died again. Wouldn't restart. Walked her home on 146 the few short blocks, got out my gas can, and gave her all there was left. She started up after that and I made the two videos below. Then she died and wouldn't restart. She was done.  

Decided to give her a break, after all it was an exciting day for her too. She hadn't been on the road since '92.  Her one owner stopped riding her and let her sit for years. She needed to rest a bit so I took my son to Noah's Ark for a burger. He said, "I think she's going to be fine Mom. I've got a feeling." Sure enough, he was right. She started right up when we got home.

First thing I noticed when we got ready to rock and roll is that the controls below are not in the same spot as Hope's were so my legs felt out of sorts... different. I had forward controls on Hope. The clutch was really hard to pull in and the shifting is a bit of a challenge. On Hope, you barely had to lift your toe and she shifted but I could never get her into neutral. She didn't want to go there. The FXE wants to go into neutral and stay there between first and second. To get her into second I literally have to raise my entire leg with my foot. Once she's in second though, third and fourth are not a problem.

Rode side roads and started learning this scoot's rhythm. First the neighborhood streets so I could walk her back home if need be. Then out to the main street in my little town and down to the water and the park. Then back up and out on 146, so I could get her up to speed for awhile and in fourth gear.  

She performed perfectly! What a great scoot. She feels like a trooper. She's got a lot of attitude too. I love it!  Even though I am sharing her with my other baby ~ she was worth the wait to ride. There are a few things she needs. Not anything big. New grips for one. Down the road, a new seat. But for now, she's perfect just the way she is and we're going to enjoy the ride together.

She's already christened my garage... and stole my heart.  

It is a beautiful feeling... to be home again.

It feels so good to breathe.