363 True Things: 121/Harley

A couple of years ago, I took a motorcycle safety class sponsored by the California Highway Patrol (my second time through—I was brushing up). Shortly thereafter, I bought myself a bike: a Harley Davidson Sportster 883. Which I rode for a while, but then left in storage in my new garage. Distracted by other things.

Including (I confess) fear.

My bike is a pretty big bike. And riding a motorcycle is not like riding a bicycle.

In the safety class, we rode a dainty little Buell, 500cc maybe (though I think it might have been smaller—350? 175?). And we were in a parking lot. There was no traffic. Occasionally we had to dodge a traffic cone, but those don't hurt you. The scariest thing about the safety class was our teacher. And the prospect you might FAIL. Which I did not, either time. Though I'm pretty sure I came close.

There are things I can't do well on a motorcycle. Like do a perfect U-turn. Or stop on a dime when someone (a fierce teacher, for example) is watching.

But I'd like to learn. And that will take practice.

So: back to my motorcycle in storage. Today I decided, OKAY, it's time. Let's get this beast back on the road. Some time ago, I borrowed a trickle charger from a friend, which should get the battery going again. But . . . where is the battery? I leafed through my generic Harley Davidson Motorcycles 1992 Owner's Manual. Finally figured out which specific model I have (an XLH 883 "Hugger"). Found the basic location of the battery. Unscrewed a few screws (one was a little stripped), only to find: the ignition module! Okay. I misread the diagram. Rescrewed, then started feeling around the big silver box that, it would seem, houses the battery. But no luck. Just some dirty engine oil on my fingers (oh yikes, an oil leak—and yes, there's a little oil on the garage floor).

I decided to wait until David got home: a Y chromosome could have some useful input re the battery's location.

And this is where we stand. David has not looked. I in the meantime did, sort of, look to see if there are any motorcycle maintenance classes in the area. (Of course not.) But maybe we'll manage to uncover the battery, hook up the trickle charger, get it running. Tomorrow. Maybe.

Or if not: I'll call the local motorcycle shop, ask them to pick up my bike and give it a service. I'll get it (and intimidated me) on the road yet.

I'm determined to master this beast.

Or sell it.

That's also an option.

Time will tell.