Waving the White Flag

Alas, After countless hours, many attempts, and several hundred dollars, I have "waved the white flag" on the Triumph Trophy. Even with my father's capable help, we have been unable to resolve the electrical issues. In fact, not only has the bike reverted to it's original problem of engine kills when a gear is engaged, but now the headlight won't come on, the rear brake won't illuminate, and the left front fork leaks when compressed.

Time to wash my hands, acknowledge defeat.
I put the bike up for sale Friday night, with the intent of just getting my money back out of it, plus a little extra for my (foiled) efforts. The bike immediately got hits, and by Saturday afternoon, was sold, for my asking price. I've never had a motorcycle sell so quickly.
In so many ways, the transaction was "a God thing". The buyer, Robert, was from one town over in Lawrenceville, about 9 miles away. He was a large man, about 6'2", perfect size for such a tall and heavy motorcycle. He has extensive experience with electrical issues in automobiles, so he felt confident eh could chase down the problems. When I told him about the fork seal, he replied, "I'm helping a friend rebuild the front forks on his Harley, so I'm ok with this." To top it all off, he told me he was a Christ-follower, after I told him I helped pastor a small church part-time. So I'm very happy the bike went to someone who will more likely be able to fix the issues, and we share a common faith.
I trailered the bike back to his house for him, and after off-loading it, told him, "When you get her running, give me a call, and we'll take our Triumphs for a ride."
This was my first "fail" at fixing and flipping a motorcycle, but I take consolation in the knowledge that I got my money back, the bike is in very capable hands, and I made a new friend.
A pretty good return.

It's Complicated...

I've had a crazy busy past couple of months, with precious little time to work on these motorbikes I'd hoped to get running before summer's end. Finally, I just prioritized them, cleared some time and space, and got to work.

First order was to trace the source of the big Trophy's issues. After replacing the side stand switch, ruling out the neutral switch and clutch safety switch, I had to try to trace down the side stand relay. I soon discovered my VIN model didn't have one, but rather has the relay incorporated into a module called the igniter-

In tracing the wiring harness, I discovered it was all the way forward in the front fairing, behind the dash, necessitating a complete removal of all forward fairing to access. I trailered the bike down to my mom and dad's place, so I'd have more room to work, and could elicit his help with it. Module is out, and will have it tested by the guys at Hourglass Cycles this week.

I also finally got in the rebuild kits for the carbs on the little Honda Nighthawk. I started on them last night, replacing gaskets, needles and screws in each carb. The ubiquitous kits had more parts than I needed, yet was lacking a few did need. Nonetheless, I think I can complete them with extras I have from previous bikes. We'll see...
Still hoping to have both bikes finished before the end of the month, Lord willing. Could really use the money, and need the space back as well. Nights and weekends, until they are done.

Opportunities

As well as recently returning from 15 days abroad (see my other blog), I've also been afforded several more opportunities that I am greatly looking forward to working across the summer and beyond.
An old friend called me up out of the blue, wanting to get rid of a motorcycle. It needed some work, of course, and he just didn't have the time or space in his garage to tinker with it anymore. A 2002 Triumph Trophy, to go along with the 1982 Honda I'm still working with (see previous post below), and I have a full basement!

I've also been offered the opportunity to write monthly for Born to Ride magazine, a great regional publication in the southeast, as well as ongoing opportunities to contribute to Motorcyclist and Cycle World national magazines. I'm grateful for these doors that have opened, and excited to see where this all may lead.

My friends at Phoenix Roasters are about to experience an explosion in growth, as they pioneer nitrogenated cold-brew coffee, and expand into other markets with some of the best coffee on the planet. As operations expand, I may have opportunity to work more with them, which I would very much enjoy. I love these guys, as friends and brothers in Christ. Phoenix has been my church family since leaving the vocational ministry, and they all mean the world to Lisa and me. As the coffee side grows, I look forward to helping any way God may lead.

Exciting times. Plus, I got another "clean bill of health" with another bladder scoping the other day. Living one day at a time, following Christ, making the most of every opportunity.