The Search

It would be silly if I were to sit back and regale you with tales of adventure in far off cities, searching coast to coast for the perfect bike, but I would be lying if I did. In fact the process of finding a bike was very simple. 

Craigslist, known for having everything imaginable for sale, seems to be the one website that people of all ages are able to use without conflict. I already knew I was looking for a Harley Davidson Road King Police model motorcycle, which for Craigslist was not a problem. I was sent back at least 7 results that were all located within driving distance, a true testament to how many HD bikes people are trying to sell.

When I was younger I could not help but want to ride and work on motorcycles. My father, always stoic, would tell me that there would always be time for bikes; that people are always selling them. As a child, however, it is never soon enough and waiting did not seem like an option. Browsing Craigslist was a sobering experience in this regard. Indeed, there are always bikes for sale, all sizes, makes and models. 

Even being 14 years wiser, supposedly, I was taken aback by the sheer volume of available bikes. In retrospect, I was still hasty. It took less than 24 hours of browsing to find a bike that would suit my purposes. I was not interested in finding a bike that was "done", but rather finding one that would allow me to make it my own. I was looking for the clay that I could mold. 

For this reason it was of no surprise to my uncle that I quickly contacted a seller located in a remote, rural area of Ohio. If there ever was to be an adventurous aspect to this journey, this was it. We loaded up in my uncle's truck on a cold, rainy Saturday morning and began our nearly two hour trip. As we approached the property it was becoming clear that someone could disappear in this area and never be heard from again. 

We approached a large property about two acres in size with a gravel driveway that measured about 20 cars long. The actual house was fitted with two, attached, 3 car garages which were both already opened up. 

Once we slithered out of the truck and stretched for a moment, we approached the seller. He was in his late 50's somewhere with a haircut typical to his era, short and maintained. He wore a mustache which frankly made him look one pair of jean shorts away from being the neighborhood pedophile. We introduced ourselves and exchanged pleasantries, but there was no smile from this man. 

It could be inferred from his garage that he was no stranger to dealing with motorcycles. He had an impressive collection of 60's, 70's and 80's Japanese and British motorcycles with some BMW's thrown in the mix. 

I had never done a deal on Craigslist before from a private seller such as this. It was my assumption that I would show up, visually inspect the bike, move it outside and take it for a quick ride to assess any mechanical issues. This man was not having any of that without a deposit. I quickly learned my first lesson; people show up and test ride motorcycles for hours and then leave. In other words they joyride. 

I placed a hefty cash deposit in his hands and only then did he allow me to leave the driveway with it. Oddly, even after leaving my uncle and wife behind, he still required a deposit. I understand that caution but I could not help but take offense. 

The day was cold, somewhere in the mid 40's. The drizzle felt like a thousand small stingers hitting my face as I rode the bike up an unfamiliar, asphalt covered road. I went far enough to ensure there were no major mechanical issues and then returned to the house. 

The bike as it sat in the seller's second garage.

I knew I wanted this bike, it had a classic look to it, that, with some work, would be transformed somewhere between modern and retro. His price was a bit high, but after some uncomfortable negotiations I was able to land a relatively respectable deal for the bike itself. I placed a deposit, thanked him for his time and just like that I committed to draining my savings account. 

He would, at my request, deliver the bike to my uncles house about one week later.Of course delivery was an extra fee, but I was willing to fork out the price he wanted. I was starving to be on a bike again and nothing, especially logic, would stand in my way.