[Kellisanth]

I think the Fates or something are playing a cruel joke…

While trying to figure out how to ride out the financial drain that I’m floating about in, I was figuring out ways to lower my debt (sell of what stock I have in my company for one) and what things I can do without or less of, so on and so forth.

After riding around the neighborhood yesterday, I decided to park it in front of my apartment instead of the sidestreet (where I had it before the past 5 weeks). I didn’t put the cover on, thinking maybe the rain that we’ll get (which is a lot right now) would help wash the bike off naturally.

Did the normal stuff, like grocery shopping, laundry and such then doing things on the computer, camera and art papers. Turned in about midnight, seeing the bike was still sitting out there (always wonder if someone parking is gonna back up too far, or get too close when coming in). Woke up about 6am… did the normal morning routine, checked out the window and … Uh… WTFrak!? Quickly got my uniform on (was getting ready for work after all), went down to see if maybe it got smacked somewhere else or moved (doubtful). Nope. Not even a tow notice (if they ever do those).

Called 311. They told me to go to the police station to file a report. Got there, and the officer said the person at 311 should have taken it ‘cos it would have saved me the trouble of walking to the station (which is a couple of blocks or so away). Took my info (said he didn’t need the LoJack info – huh!?).

Went back to the apartment to get the rest of my stuff before going to work. Also checked to see if for some reason, it got towed (who would tow in the middle of the night?)

Got to work late (about 15mins). Called up my ins company (Progressive) and LoJack to let them know. About an hour or so later, the claims guy called (actually, left me a email since I wasn’t able to answer my cell) and let me know that the VIN was wrong in the report. What!? *mutters* Yep, it was wrong when I checked the police tow/theft site.

Down pouring rain, I head back to the PD after work, and the lady officer was helpful (more so than mr.grumpy from the morning). Got the report amended/supplemental. After getting back home, checked the police tow notices just in case. Nothing there.

*twiddles thumb*

I did NOT have a good morning, to say the least. Especially after working out the numbers of what I can do (which was feasible – esp when eating broke/student style food).

Other than LoJack, I didn’t have any other theft deterrent item on the bike at the time. And the street is generally busy at times, not quiet like the side street where I’ve been parking it.

Insurance wise, I had full (Comprehensive) and such. Not sure what that will do.

And yeah, now I have a “WTFrell do I do now?” look. Kinda. I probably need to call the lender/lien holder too right? Not sure what I am supposed to do right now.

And yeah, I didn’t leave my keys in the ignition. I’m forgetful sometimes (keys in my apartment door – of course, I found out I’m not the only one to do that in place, my neighbor she did that too!). That was one of the first things I did, was to look for the keys (the one with the remove before flight). Couldn’t find it in my pants, or my riding jacket. Turns out, they were in my Icon gloves, which were inside my bucket. *whew* But still… That’s what freaked me out there when I couldn’t find the keys. *sigh* That’s ONE relief at least.

[DK]

Maybe the insurance payoff will cover the loan plus enough to pick up another smaller bike that you can feel more comfortable on. Could work out to be a positive outcome yet.

[eon]

Here’s hoping for a good outcome for you, whatever you think that may be.
If finances are tight a good insurance pay out may be a good thing. As DK says, maybe get a smaller cheaper bike. Let us know how this progresses, I’ve only heard good things about Progressive.

[SantaCruzRider]

If you do get a payout, make sure you they are giving you what you feel is the fair value of the bike and then send your payoff to the lender.
If you do decide to get another bike, you may want to give strong consideration to a going used. It sounds like from other posts that this bike was more than you could afford. Used bikes are just as fun to ride as new. Heck, you may end up riding half of your old bike when it gets out of the chop shop and is put back on the street

[bigguybbr]

Maybe they will recover it and it’ll be stashed full of drug money. Then you could get a whole bunch of shiny new bikes, or have someone custom build you the one from Akira. That would be rockin’

On a more serious note that does suck. The same thing happend to my buddy’s GXR last year. Some dudes picked it up and threw it in the back of a van or a truck and were gone in under a minute. Kinda why I’m glad I moved out of the city and into the burbs, and bought a house with a garage. Then again thats about the only bright spot after 2 years of renovations to repair major termite damage. You win some, you lose some…

[Kellisanth]

Working through things …

@DK – That would be nice. Between insurance and LoJack, I hope I don’t get stuck with too much of an expense. The Claims Adjuster said that if it isn’t recovered, he might be able to do something about the extended warranty contract (since no bike, there’s no need for warranty). He also said LoJack is considered an accessory thus would be covered. LoJack also gives some guarantee also, but I forgot what kind of pay they do. If anything, I don’t see the money – which is probably a good thing. Pay the Lien holder! I’ll just keep making my payments like normal until then…

@eon – Yep, if I go smaller, it would be a EX250 Ninja. Lowered. But I might take a look at some of the others too. A scooter would be interesting (no M needed), but I dunno how comfortable I would feel out on the highway. Or long distance riding (500+).

@SCR – The EX500 I got *WAS* used. Price wise, when I got it was comparable to a brand new EX250, thus one reason why I got it. And it (EX500) was practically in brand new condition (less than 50 miles). Thus I thought I got a decent deal on it, at the time. Of course, now that I reflect on things, I sometimes wonder… 😮

@bigguybbr – yeah, if anything, I seriously wanna move back to the country or the suburb but lack of funds prevent me from really doing that. Thus I’m stuck in the city, which is a scary place to be with all the cars out there. If I win the lottery, that would be one of the first things I’ll be looking for.

As for Akira… Nawwww… While that was a very nice bike, I think I wanna use the bike that Cloud (FFVII-AC) used. Or even Priss (BGC). But, I could go classical and try Burt Munroe’s bike instead, out on the Salt Flats!

@Elwood – Don’t think I have gap insurance. Down payment wise, I put down about 1500USD initially. Probably not much.

One silly note. I still have the OEM toolkit. I didn’t put it back in the bike. I was gonna replace that kit with some Cruz Tools that I picked up.

[SantaCruzRider]

Kidding — you should keep it since your next bike won’t come with one. Why won’t it, because your next bike should probably be rat bike that’s been dropped on both sides. If there are any unscratch fairing parts, you’ll add a few strips of gray duct tape for effect. And the only shiny part will be the giant steel chain you use to moor it to convenient light poles at night.

Best of luck with the insurance. Sounds like you’ll come out with some cash.

[bigguybbr]

Good luck on bailing from the city. I remember having to call in a lot of favors to get me out, and even then I ended up being sent to work in Cow-hampshire for 6 months (starting in January, nothing like learning to drive again in a place where it snows every other day, or from moving out of NYC into the most rural place I have ever seen, the white mountains are gorgeous however)

Cloud’s bike?? I dunno, you’d need to carry a buster around with you and thats gotta be what… 300lbs of steel?

I still say this is the way to go

The Motorcycle from Akira

[Author]

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