I am one lucky guy

[Momz]

I am disabled due to spinal chord issues and after surgery last year I've had severe neuromuscular deterioration. I have a 2K I/S that has become almost to hard to ride in all but expressway riding. So I got a 98 standard as it is far less "clumsy" in around town riding. I started to lighten it and make it more handicapped friendly by removeing the sissy bar, replacing the seat with a saddlemen seat (reputed to be the lowest on the market), and replacing the shocks with 11 1/2 inch Progressives.

During this last winter I started to make some more modifications that reflect my need to have a more practical bike and I one that makes a statement about my personal attitude towards my condition. I have a need to prove that I will not give up and I'd want to "thumb my nose" at convention.

I always loved Bobbers and Rat Rods. I like bikes without chrome and unusual finishes. I love Old Skool pinstripes and black suede paint jobs. I like my vehicles to have an "Bad Azz" attitude. Performance is a requirement but big bucks are not.

So to that end I found a duo of painter and pinstriper (both in their 70's) that understood my vision of what I wanted in a practical paint job that was "tough" in durability and in looks. It now has a VTX C front fender and the paint is now a very low luster black paint with silver and magenta pinstripes. The wheels are powdercoated with a "Dark Rasberry Matte" finish. The headlight, handlebars, fender struts, valve covers, timing belt cover and cam end covers were also powdercoated gloss black.     

The radiator has a "skull and cross-bones" grille, the reservoir covers are black powdercoated, the tail-light is smoke tinted, the turn signals are integrated into the tail light and the fronts are mini ovals. The motor now has the "simple ECT mod", polished intake tubes, I/S carb springs, Cobra 6 into 6 pipes, and the a tank spacer.

But what makes all this possible is.......my wife. Yes my wife; she is a rider and a VRCC member. She is as enthusiastic as any biker wife could ever be. She is always ready to ride and she understands that I have special needs because of my disabilities. She wants me to ride because she rides, and we are as happy riding together as any couple could get. However today even she astounded me by getting on the garage floor and grabing wrenches and helping me assemble my bike. She is ready to get dirt under her fingernails (even the ones that she broke!). She got grease on her jeans and her hair was messed up and I couldn't help but to think how lucky I really am. 

[Thunderbolt]

to have a wife that rides her own Valk.  You truly are lucky.

[Probie (Scooter57)]

There better be some pictures of that bike on here soon...Snowed in minds want to know...me? I'm in Georgia, I'm goin out riding on Monday...Honey doos tomorrow   

[~ Timbrwolf]

...and you are indeed...a lucky man...to have a woman in your life...who loves you as much as Pam does..


. ....for its a rare woman indeed....who takes it upon herself to wrench on her mans bike...with the same love she has for him...I know...Im lucky enough to have one too..


. ...the winds...they are a changing....the sun...she is finally rising unto a new day....a new season.....warmth will radiate.....and The Misguided will once again....be in the wind...



.....Chili and I look forward to sharing some wind with you and Pam again this summer....and exploring some fine back roads..



.....now....where,s the piczzzz.....of this fine new creation of yours ?

[Goody]

I have had three times in my life that I was told I would never ride again.  A valkyrie is a heavy bike when your hurt'in.  I was to the point I could not ride the Interstate.  With the help of my wife and a few VRCC friends I will continue to ride.  Now a Trike is not for everyone but the more I am on mine the more I want to ride it.  I am still in the wind I just dont lean as far in the turns. 
I was lucky enough to be able to build the trike myself.  Shortleg was at the shop just about every Sunday morning and worked with me thru the whole build.  Then when Anna my wife said she would paint it I was estatic!  I now ride comfortable and proud







Goody

[Momz]

Yep, having a good wife is not always the case. My brother has been married three times, and none of his marriages lasted an entire year. He dated/lived with his last wife for 11 years. But the marriage only lasted 8 1/2 months.

A lot of people have also suggested that I should get/make a trike. However I cannot swing my legs over the saddle (not enough neuromuscular control). That is why my 98 has the 11 1/2 shocks, no sissybar, no saddlebags, and the Saddlemen Explorer seat. I can virtually straddle the bike from the rear. That Sucker is Low and Lean.   

[scootertrash]

I hear ya, bro!  That is why I am on scooterz - between hips, knees, and lower back, for several years I have been unable to lift either foot to knee height,  and I have to have the step-thru config.  I am not riding just now because of another issue, but I am working hard to be back on and riding-like-I-stole-it in time for Cheaha.     Do what ya gotta do and ride!  And hang onto that lady!

[solo1]

You are all an inspiration to me.  It is becoming harder to get on and off the two bikes that I have, the Valk and the 750 Nighthawk, due to arthritis but I'm going to motor on.   I have a good son (MAD6Gun) to do the wrenching for me so that helps.

[Gary]

I envy all that have found a significant other they could share their lives with.

I've had two unsuccessful marriages during my time, raised my two kids from the latter on my own (and we all three survived). Always had to live vicariously thru others when it came to the lifemates you describe.

My Valk became my S/O back in 97 and continues to be there for me. Can't imagine not being able to ride and share the wind with her.

Thanks for sharing that inspiration to keep going even after the challenges life throws us.     

[Bandit]

Monz, you're truly lucky to have such a wonderful wife.  As far as the disability, I beg to differ.  If you want to ride you will ride.  A lot of people that don't know me wonder why I ride.  It's because I love it, to see new country & meet new people.  The first time I went to get my motorcycle license, the instructor looked at me and said "Son you can't ride with one arm, don't waste my time".  After doing everything that was on the test, he changed his mind.  I have rode with some of the best, there's too many to mention.  Been as far north as you can go in Alaska and as far south in Mexico as I care to go.  The point being with your disabilities you will find your limitations but don't let that stop you.  I've even rode with you at one time.  Safe wind my friend.

Bandit

[R J]

Currently, I have 2 major rides.   97 Valkyrie Green/Creme Tourer, and a 87 Cobra Trike.

A good share of you have seen both, and both of em have over 200,000 miles each.

I'll be 77 in September, had heart surgery in 97, knee replacement in Dec 08, and currently working to get back on both units.........   Valk I have ridden 60 miles or so since the knee was done, and the Trike, it is harder for me to get in and out of but I'm working on that and also working on putting a disc brake conversion on the rear of it.   Just trying to locate all the needed parts right now.    All I need is the caliper mount, and if need be we will make it.....  Wilwood has the other components, Bear Brake has a couple of the pieces, but I is a makin progress.

Valkyrie:



Cobra:



See everyone in Texas the end of this week.   Well, that is the ones who go over to hotglue's shindig.   

This is for those who don't make it.    :'( Vell, da tear smiley no workie I guess.

[Stude]

 You have shown the world your a fighter, I can't wait to see your new ride.

 

[Momz]

[Momz]

[Jess Tolbirt]

I will have to admit, i dont like flat finishes that look like they were thrown together with 99 cent wal mart paint in the back yard,,, but this my friend is VERY tastefully done and looks just fan dam tastick,,, I love it, amd maybe a bit jellous,,,,,

[Skeeter (Va)]

Your story watered my eyes a bit...Yes you are a very fortunate guy and I'll bet she is fortunate as well...I was married to the first wife for 9 1/2 years (training wheels).  This coming May will be 39 years to my awesome second  wife.....not all stories are bad....   huh ?   Some of us, like you, hit the jack pot with mates !

[DeathWishBikerDude]

nice job!
I like the powder coating.
Any tips you care to share?
I'm tired of pollishing wheels.
 

[~ Timbrwolf]

. . .....damn George....ROCK ON WITH YER BAD SELF !!


. ....that is one sweeeeeetttttt looken ride yer puttin together there son....very sweet........like I said....you got the "eye".....and this damn well proves it.....cant wait to see this puppy in person....


......give our best to Pam