Four score and seven years ago I was left with a dilemma to turbo-swap my MR2 or to sell it. The temptation for the 3SGTE was great but so was my desire to finish school without disruption.

With gritted teeth, I sold the mid-engine machine rendering me without my own car. The I30 was sold at that point too.

For the 2014-2015 school year my time was dedicated to boring biology classes, window shopping on craigslist, and of course creating the on-campus spring meet. Those hours, days, weeks, and months granted a camaraderie to be formed between the CPT officers and time to forge a pathway for future endeavors

But there was still a void inside of me.

Come Summer 2015 I'm left with three vacant months until school starts. No internships or major-related jobs from years prior. Not much left from school spending. Deja' Vu? Ha it's just too coincidental.

The moment I straddled a Suzuki DR650 I knew a motorcycle was next to be owned. The car dreams of ripping around summit point and fedex field were well-lived and a different experience was to be had.

One year ago

A motorcycle? Really Salman, can you handle two-wheels? What about all the new cars you can try. Miatas, E30s, Civi - Nopeee. We're doing this Sal. All or nothing.

And so the quest began. It started with signing up for the MSF course in July. Then gradually an inventory of motorcycle gear occupied the right hemisphere of my closet. Money from work matriculated into my bank account and the selection of bikes was narrowed. Ah nice we're set.

But as with most things in life there was one major roadblock.

The parents.

My father was vehemently against the idea upon discovering my gear. The mother was merely putting up with it, letting it slide by in the meantime. Both knew I was capable of buying a motorcycle since I bought the MR2 in the past. But would I follow up against their wishes? Even I was ambivalent about the answer.

Anyways there were three bikes to choose from for under $2000. The Ninja 250, Ninja 500, and the GS500E.


Ninja 250




Ninja 500




Suzuki GS500E

I had rode a face-lifted Ninja 250 at the CPT BBQ and was quite impressed with the overall package. It was very lightweight, looked good, and had a linear power delivery. However, I was coming from the world of sub-200 wheel horsepower cars and knew the 250 would quickly bore me.

The Ninja 500 then became more appealing. It had proper power while still managing a low weight. But most were out of my budget and I was too lazy to test ride one.

Then came the GS500.

One day Max sent me a link to a GS500E listed for $1500. It had 16,000 miles on it but had maintenance records tracing to 2002. The bike looked clean and my research found that it's a quick, reliable motorcycle. So I said why not?

E-mailed the owner and eventually met in person. Oh yeah...this is MUCH cleaner than that ratchet Bandit 600 I saw earlier. It feels light, the controls are crisp, and it didn't seem to hide anything like its owner. So he let me go on a test drive with nothing but a helmet, gloves, and a charming attitude (I had forgotten my gear). As soon as I was out of his sight, pinned it...



A smile grew on my face as the needle charged towards 11,000RPM. This bike was quick but didn't scare me as the inline-four motorcycles did. Man, I could pin this for the entire test ride! And I did lol.

Upon my return, I negotiated a successful $1300 price tag and boom it was settled! We agreed that I'd return in two weeks to pay him in full - when I had the funds to knock out insurance, registration, inspection in one go. I didn't have as much money as other people do but was not ashamed of it. It became a point to prove myself that nothing can hold me back - even a tight budget.

Oh sheet. My parents!

How will they react? Will they kick me out of the house? Will my dad be jealous of how cool I am and hate me forever? These were questions that rung through my head for the two weeks I waited. But there is one quote that always struck close to home.

"Some people die at 25 and aren't buried until they're 75" - Benjamin Franklin

Yes, riding a motorcycle is dangerous. Yes, I can die or be seriously injured. But if it's approached with caution and common sense it'll be an experience I can share in the future.

So I bought the bike.

David (dpodloch) reassured me that I wouldn't become roadkill on our ride home. Fear and anxiety caused my hands to shiver on the throttle. And the now previous owner gave a smile and the obligatory "ride safe"

Gee thanks for the tip!! Now nothing will happen to me HUH?!



The E320 and GS500 strolled on over to the I-270N on ramp. We took the left turn onto the ramp and caught up to highway speeds. "Oh lord, here we go 'deep breaths, DEEP BREATHS SAL! YOU CAN MAKE IT!!! CHARGEEEE!!!!!!!' "

And the GS performed in elegant glory. Okay that may be an exaggeration but I was probably the coolest "cat" on the road. Okay that may be biased but I don't care about your opinion.

It was awesome.

On the way home




PEACE SIGN!




That sun




Backroads of Middletown'




The wind pushed me to an upright position. The bike was breathing at a healthy 7000RPM. And the testosterone was pumping. I'm riding my first motorcycle home on the freeway! This was a make it or break it moment for a newblet like me.

Eventually both of us bounced up that driveway in Middletown and shared happiness as we made it. As David took the GS for a test drive, I thought about the smoothest way to break the news to the rents. You see they were not home. They would either come back to a bike the garage OR be expecting one with my notification.

So I sent my mother a text message. Yeah THAT'LL DO!



Mannn am I smooth as silk :thumbsup

Good read 

I'm in for updates!

Fun stuff - welcome aboard! You should find the GS a fun little ride.

Very entertaining and interesting thread!! Thanks for sharing, Sal    I remember how awesome it felt to be on a bike for the first time, especially on the highway... I felt like the coolest sh*t in the universe haha

Love that Ben Franklin quote btw... I will remember that one.  Sad that it does indeed happen to some people though.  I have felt like that many times, my mom has been quite the rev-limiter on my life LOL

Congrats and keep us posted on your experiences 

Nice looking bike.  The previous owner must have taken excellent care of it 

jeff

Right?? Haha I was browsing the for sale section and was like hmm... that looks like Sal's bike I saw in a thread yesterday haha 

Great read so far.
Welcome to the family!

My wife grew up in Middletown, still have a bunch of in-laws up there. Lots of nice gently rolling turns around there.

So there I was. On my way to drop off David in Rockville then meet my ill-fate at home.

"This is going to be rough. Dad hates motorcycles. Mom is going to have a heart attack. Both of them are...OH WAIT DON'T CARE. JUST BOUGHT A BIKE!", I told myself in preparation of the verbal berating.

Prior to that last stretch home on I-270 I stopped by my friend Alireza's house at 2200 or so hours. His parents were also subject to the surprise purchase of a Suzuki motorcycle.

His family was welcoming, yet curious why Alireza let me in so late. Then he dropped news that I purchased a bike without fore-mentioning it to the parents. Their initial reaction was shock but reassurance that time heals nearly everything. After all, his father reacted by buying a motorcycle himself! I had my doubts but their offer of a klondike bar temporarily ignored those thoughts.

As I was exiting their house, Alireza offered me an extra bed in case things went sour. I scoffed at the idea imagining it wouldn't be that bad.

But boy was I wrong.

__________________________________

-2300 hours +/- some due to anxiety

I enter the house and it's the scene of a horror film with me as the lead actor. Laced in motorcycle gear, my movements were less than conspicuous (sarcasm). My older brother caught whiff of my carbureted cologne and signaled this by quickly making and averting eye-contact with me.

Sheet.

"Bro, how mad are they?"

"Pretty mad." -Makes and averts eye contact again-

To be honest, I couldn't help but laugh about what was going to happen upstairs. No matter what this conversation, erm roast, was going to be epic from one parent or the other...and surprisingly it was my mother who laid the verbal smack down.

It wasn't a roast on the motorcycle purchase. It was about everything that was wrong with me. Dang mom, those insults are a throwback to 2012! Obviously they also pointed out how I "did this behind their back." Well, I won't lie about that - yes it was purchased without their knowledge. But hey! That was the ONLY way the bike would integrate into our family.

My father on the other hand looked stupefied. His facial expression echoed that of a man who raised an idiot for a son. A smiling idiot He mostly said "You're wasting your time...should have thought about it with a sober state...REALLY, A TEXT MESSAGE?!"

It was a disrespectful move and I'm mature enough to admit it. But there were many clear signs of approaching it responsibly - especially since I was also paying for insurance and registration. They've always been there to help me out but it's been a personal goal of mine to become independent early on. Whether it's with $1,300 or $13,000, it's an empowering feeling to work for and earn something you want.

The comments and criticism carried on into the morning. It made me truly realize that I severely underestimate their physical stamina. Content was mostly the same which somewhat bored me, but they accomplished in making me feel somewhat guilty. Was thinking about the negative effect of my actions, but then saw a picture Dave sent me.



HELL YEAH, MOTORCYCLE

Quote from: Suggy on July 21, 2015, 05:42:09 AM
Good read 

I'm in for updates!

Thanks! I had a thread for my MR2 named "Sal's MR2 build." It was also in a narrative form which was fun to write. Has 50,000 views between two forums which is very cool http://www.collegeparktuning.com/showthread.php?t=3712

Quote from: ShowBizWolf on July 21, 2015, 01:49:44 PM
Very entertaining and interesting thread!! Thanks for sharing, Sal    I remember how awesome it felt to be on a bike for the first time, especially on the highway... I felt like the coolest sh*t in the universe haha

Love that Ben Franklin quote btw... I will remember that one.  Sad that it does indeed happen to some people though.  I have felt like that many times, my mom has been quite the rev-limiter on my life LOL

Congrats and keep us posted on your experiences 

To be honest, I was very scared of going on the highway for my first ride. But there was no other way to get it home so I just dealt with the butterflies and gunned it. Went well but still have a lot to learn.

Enjoying it thus far but focusing on how to ride defensively on the street before I can "have fun!"

Quote from: Jeff P on July 22, 2015, 10:55:47 AM
Nice looking bike.  The previous owner must have taken excellent care of it 

jeff

Haha! I did not notice it was you until I scrolled into the for-sale subforum. What a small world.

Quote from: Slack on July 22, 2015, 03:56:11 PM
Great read so far.
Welcome to the family!

My wife grew up in Middletown, still have a bunch of in-laws up there. Lots of nice gently rolling turns around there.

Appreciate it. And cool beans we've been here since 2004. Indeed there are many great roads in the area. In fact, I've mapped out a 60-mile route that I've done with a few car buddies. Will look to organize a cruise once I'm more confident.

Quote from: Al Capwn on July 21, 2015, 09:55:54 AM
Fun stuff - welcome aboard! You should find the GS a fun little ride.

Oh yes it's a very good overall bike. The magnetic tank bag that was included is very practical and makes me appreciate standards

I hate when you do something and it's a trigger for your parent(s) to explode about all the other things they are irritated about as well. My mom is good for that too... especially the part about bringing up the ancient past. 

If I have time this week I'll do a mega-bump of this thread. But finally enjoying the GS after it being down for nearly two months.

You do you man, do the standard "saftey upgrades" (suspension, mostly, maybe new tires) and make sure to emphasise that they are SAFTEY UPGRADES to your parents.. might help with their concern.

Otherwise, looks like a good clean bike! congrats!!

One of the best reads I've seen in quite a while! Looking forward to more interesting behind the scenes stuff!

To prevent myself from getting into further trouble, I waited to complete my MSF course. I must say it was an enormous help and shed light to the dangers we face on the road. Such as the factors that taken into account below:



My hand writing may look like hieroglyphics but legible enough to convey the point.

Even though I now had my motorcycle license my parents were still vexed at the GS's presence. I took their feelings into consideration...and started riding to work everyday! News spread like wildfire amongst the workplace that Sal bought a motorcycle or what Joel called a "scooter." And despite people talking trash about a 500CC motorcycle I was showered with compliments about it's appealing naked style.

See, I like my motorcycles -naked- just like how I like my wom - I MEAN JUICE!!

Parking next to a co-worker:



CEO gave me a Dunkin Donuts gift card for my BIRFDAY. Cashier girl smiled at me. Too bad she wasn't as hot as me.



Chipotle for lunch and a new smoked out visor:




I looked forward to riding to and from work everyday. I looked forward to strapping on my gear and peering through my smoked visor. I looked forward to exchanging a biker wave resulting in a grin wiping over my face. Even though my summer job was a step down from what I did previously and my future plans brought me anxiety. The GS500 introduced me to a world devoid of such stress. That world existed on twisty country roads and in the screeching powerband above 6500RPM. A zen pumping through my blood for once.

Yeah yeah enough with the ghey reflections Sal.

Shush fool. I write what I want because this is MY THREAD!

Anyways, the commutes to and from rockville kindled enough confidence to ride further to social outings. The commute to Cars & Coffee in Great Falls, VA was accompanied by a sharp, cold I-270 breeze and a frustrated phone call by my father. "Why you riding so far? Why are you on the bike? Why didn't you tell me?" Dad, dad, dad...



And thus social outings were had,

Cars and Coughfay. Found another GS Bro. Sadly did not get to meet him. Who cares wasn't a GS500 anyway.



Finally squeezed in a group ride with my friend Max. Let my friend David ride my GS since his was down.





Getting some ice cream or "ass-cream" as my father says in his own english. The ice-cream was good, however the ass-cream...






After an hour of tearing up backroads with Max and David it was time to depart for home that late Friday evening. The day was satisfying besides losing to a Dodge Charger as I approached the exit for I-270N from Germantown. However, as the bike entered the highway...

A stumbling stirred the rider.
It was the engine, but it wasn't on fire.
Curious to know why the GS bellowed.
The rider steered right, careful to avoid the yellows.
And as it slowed down his face quickly frowned.
At the RPMs dropping, then no sound.
The choke didn't help and the petcock was lying.
Prime? On?? No difference he might start crying.
And as he called his friends near-by
The hopes in the GS started to die
Just like the battery its last crank said
I wish I could do more. But guess what, I'M DEAD!

Very awesome update... and I love the pictures you take! It's excellent how much you're enjoying your GS 

FUDGESICLES



My bike completely died on me. Setting the petcock to reserve did jack squat despite gas being in the tank. And I did not have towing service. Fortunately my good friend Alireza saved the night by driving me to and from Rockville as we waited for a tow truck. While waiting, we took up on the initiative of buying a jerry can and filling it with more fuel...and VOILA IT STARTED!

Called off the tow truck and rode home scott-free. But as I stopped in front of the garage the bike was idling at 4000RPM and backfiring at initial throttle applications. Hmm, something is amiss here.

Mysterious photo...GS500 is marred by carburetor black magic




Next weekend called up my friend Paul who traveled with his buddy from Silver Spring to my place of residence. A few more incidents of the bike dying, presumably, from fuel starvation didn't cut the pizza slices for me. Started taking the bike apart and what do you know...the airbox isn't connected to the carbs, carb vent hose is pinched, fuel lines reversed, fuel mixture screw needs to be adjusted. Holy smokes batman, who would have guessed these were the culprits!

Running very lean. Needed to be adjusted





Addressed all the issues. Went out for lunch, and rode back home smiling like a fool riding the redline. Ah felt good for the GS to be back on its feet!

Quickly erasing those memories was the start of the fall semester. That first week was characterized by beautiful, sunny commutes to Baltimore. Not only was it exciting to ride the bike to school but also to meet other riders on campus. Even some of my professors ride ^____^

https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/3ijeqz/first_day_of_school_mmm_that_diversity/

Posted this picture on reddit which seemed to be very popular in r/motorcycles. First day of school and I'm part of this line-up on campus.



The week was going well and nothing could get me more excited for a Friday ride...




But on my way back I noticed something. Hmm...what the...why am I not getting power in 6th gear? 5th gear...? 4th seems slower too. Can't be good. Tried to ignore these symptoms until I took the exit for my house. The dead powerband at 6000+ RPM then gave way to a death rattle from the engine...

Oh fu...ohhhhh noooo.

The red oil light came on as I approached my house. My instincts flared and the goosebumps sensed an engine knock. Playing it off as a chain tensioner or the GS hungry for some action was just delaying the inevitable reveal.



Dropped the oil pan...and...well...



Confirmed. Friendly down. Crankshaft main bearing was toast.

 

That amount of metal in the oil is a VERY bad thing. . .