It LIVES!!!!
Today I started the bike

The old Honda XL500S hasn't run in at least a year, probably more. This morning I gave it a going-over, and saw that apart from it not having a clutch lever anymore, the ignition toggle switch that I had installed (the after market ignition switch that I put on the bike years ago didn't work, long story for another time) was also gone. When I took the seat off I noticed that the battery was disconnected. So I reconnected the battery, and wired in a new toggle switch that I had in my shed.
I added about 3 litres of petrol, and turned on the fuel cock. I pushed the bike out of my shed, flicked the toggle switch on, and gave it a kick. Nothing. So I kicked it again, but this time I remembered to "feel" the kick start was in the "right" spot. Second kick.... and she fired right up

Damn! It felt so good. Unfortunately I couldn't even take it for a ride around the back yard because no clutch. So I just enjoyed it for a few seconds, then flicked the toggle switch off again and pushed it back into my shed.
I have just ordered a new ignition switch off ebay, for the princely sum of $6.95 plus $3.50 for shipping. It should be here middle of next week, and a new clutch lever will be here Tuesday. Another $7 or so

I also just printed out all the import docs that I had on file, as well as the SA registration certificate. I dunno where the originals are, I think the shipping company lost them

So as soon as I can get a chance I'll pop in to the DMV and try get it registered. Then I also need to do the riders course sometime, but that is 2 days off work, and costs $200

Anyways, all in good time. I'm just so chuffed that the bike started so easily after all this time

Today I didn't do very much else. I was pretty wasted after a hard week and all the overtime Saturday. But I did make a small shelf for under the coffee table in the Florida room to store the bottled water and other stuff on. And I planted a couple of plants that were in pots into the ground for Mrs Zog as well.
Today is exactly 1 year since my dad died. Damn I miss him so bad. But I did have a nice video chat with my son today, that lifted spirits a lot, as did starting my bike.
Thanks for reading.
