[Steve]

Picked up a 2009 250R yesterday

Bought from the original owner. He had a car pull out in front of him. He laid it over on the right side. Thought about riding and decided to put his priorities at the time into his 11 year old daughter and other stuff.

I can relate with that, having kids and now grandkids, best to ride the waves when they come and enjoy them. I'm sure he'll be back on 2 wheels with a motor again, no worries.

The bike needs a good cleaning. I'll do all the maintenance checks, change the oil and filter, possibly the brake fluid and coolant as well, we'll see.

On the way home the right fork seal started leaking. I ordered up a set of All Balls replacement seals, fork o-rings, some missing fairing screws, a new OEM turn signal.

I'll pick up some 10w fork oil when the seals come in and I hope to of had time to remove the fairings to see what else I might need to order to make it road worthy at minimal cost.

I estimated that to make it "perfect" or really close to it, I'd spend about $700.00 to replace the plastics and related pieces, as well as the muffler covers. All cosmetic issues, not really a concern at this point in time and I may sell this one sooner rather than later.

Until then, it will be fun.

Me, I've been riding legally on the streets since the 1970's. My first bike was a 1972 Kawasaki H1B 500cc triple two stroke. Great beginner bike, eh?

Owned more than a few motorcycles over the years, worked at a few shops as service and parts manager.

Sold a lot of vintage parts on eBay over the years, doing so now with a Honda inventory and filling in wherever needed at a local dealership.

Other current rides include a 1989 FJ1200, a 1982 GS450L with "normal" handlebars, a couple Honda Metropolitan scooters my wife and I buzz around on and the old Z50 my kids learned to ride on.

I'm no saint, I'll do my best to get along, and I hope to not only learn but to contribute as well.