Cook, Jason D PV2 BJACH-Ft Polk wrote: >
> > What should I do first? > > Jason: First, you should engage the "word wrap" feature on your e-mail program. As for your bike: I'd tackle the brake problem first, since it's a safety issue. It might not need more than disassembly, cleaning and greasing and maybe new brake shoes & return springs. Or it might need more than that--no way to tell until you get into it. Second: the light switches and headlight are also safety-related (and required to obtain an inspection certificate), so they're pretty important, too! These are going to cost something to replace, since they are (generally) replacement rather than repair items. BUT...you have some assets that could help you defray the costs: those "extra" parts you've accumulated. Put a price on them, offer them to the list, then Ebay them off. You don't need the extra parts, and they can help pay for the stuff you DO need. Use the money to get new handlebar switch clusters and a new headlight. The headlight can be aftermarket, but the switch clusters should come from Honda. They're not cheap, but they're the best available (actually BETTER parts than the originals that came on the bike!). These switches MIGHT solve a whole host of electrical gremlins, since they come with lengthy wiring harnesses of their own. To save you money on these OEM parts, order them from Service Honda or Ron Ayers Honda on the web (and save 30% off of retail!). Tires: you gotta judge for yourself. They're safety items, too, but I get the impression you feel you might could stretch them a little further. Just don't forget about them; tone down your riding style until you've got decent rubber under you. Buy them from online discount tire specialists and mount them yourself (have a local specialist balance them if you can't do that part). Cosmetics: The way the bike looks has little to do with how it runs; this area can wait until last for attention. Best regards, Fred You've laughed At our signs For many a mile Be a sport Give us a trial --Burma-Shave--
