Okay I’ll admit it, there began another “subplot” running just after the accident. Now, if you’re reading this and it already seem confusing, go back and read Part 1 here. For those who are already “in the know” on the what, where, and when that led up to this point, let’s continue.  And it goes something like this…

But first a little background. A general theme that runs under the surface of any motorcycle accident is that any injury sustained will be more grievous and severe then if in a car. It stands to reason. High speeds and minimal protective gear make up for an extreme situation in accidents. Insurance companies are aware – very aware – of this fact. This is also why - when state congresses try to pass helmet laws – you’ll find an Insurance PAC somewhere encouraging its passing. ABATE is of course is a counter organization to the Insurance PAC. Its motto is, “Let those who ride – DECIDE”! This is why I support ABATE.

In my life time, I known 2 people killed by accidents on “powersports” vehicle; Renee’ A. Fitts of Colorado Springs and Kenneth Kehn of Elko, Utah. One was not wearing their helmet, the other was. I’ve known about 8 others that were seriously hurt in motorcycle accidents; of them - the mix is “half and half” when it came to helmet usage. Of the worst of these 8; all top three were wearing a helmet. One wearing a DOT “beanie” styled helmet had his left ear almost, literally, ripped off – and this - because of the helmet. Being honest about it, I can’t say that the lack of helmet improved their chances and the fact that wearing a helmet increased their chance of injury – except for that one case. But, again if I chose to wear a helmet – it is my choice. To quote Ben Franklin, “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”  Now that I’ve “ranted” on this soapbox; I will state that I do wear my “safety equipment” more often than not. Besides this “motorcycle accident”, I’ve been in one other and that an old Bell helmet stopped what could have been a fatal accident. (Never Put Armor-All on Motorcycle Seats!) Often I’ll “gauge” conditions to determine what I wear. The accident proved that I was fallible in my process of examination and I know it will at sometime forward - fail again.

Back to the story…

As you know, I had a concern that the “cagers” insurance company was going to total the bike and just forego what I considered a “fair and reasonable” settlement for pulling a NADA “blue book” cost and forcing settlement for that amount. For a 1983 VT750C, this amounts to about $800.00 US. I spent at least 3 times that amount putting her to together in the first place. Believe me - my heart sank.

Then next day was the National H.O.G rally in Oklahoma City I took my son and youngest to the see the rally. Every type of year and model of Harley was there. Even Shadows, VTXs, and OCC bikes were part of the crowd. There was even one Harley that was so beat up, bashed in and tied up with bailing wire I could hardly believe it was “street legal”. But it was and that’s when I started to think about the man who would not let this beast die. It was an old panhead; putting is build date somewhere in the ‘40 and ’50, by my recollection of when panheads came into being… Was it that he had a love affair with this bike – maybe? Was it that this thing took him so many miles that it was part of him or her – more likely? Whatever, the reason – it was not disposable.

Then I started thinking about the tag you’ll find on a lot of electronic devises. You know the one, “No User Serviceable Parts”. I’m not the first one to say it – and won’t be the last – we have become a disposable society. My dad used to tell me about how he used his leather belt to replace a fan belt on a Ford Model T - he owned - when it busted. I remember this guy up town that fixed Mom and Dad’s Black and White Zenith TV. What do you do with broken electronics or appliances today; for most of us - we “sneak” it into trash collection receptacles to be hauled away to the nearest landfill and if we a lucky enough – off to a recycler – usually for a cost. Things once were repairable. Not anymore. For me, I wasn’t going to participate in the waste – it actually made me angry. When I get angry – I get stubborn! They couldn’t have Lil Tam! Whether they “worked” me over or not – I was once again going to restore her! She was going to live once again!

So, once again I began spend “out-of-pocket” to get what I needed to put her back together. But, thing were really sullen around the house– even my better half could see it. Riding and playing guitars is how I decompress after dealing with those, “I would like to choke.” at work. LOL. My job is not hard physically, but; mentally it racks up a toll. So every night, while “Lil’ Tam” was running, I’d rack up 20 or 30 miles just relaxing. Not much by some “long riders” standards – but enough for me. Now that was put on hold for a little while. For those of you that have read Robert Piersig’s novel, “Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”; you can understand his statement about how riding a cycle, “put you in the scene…”. This is what I was seriously missing! I was just short of depression. (Remember, you’ll never see a motorcycle outside of a psychiatrist’s office).

I was also concerned about “unknown” damage. I knew something was wrong with the “tranny” but, how extensive it was I didn’t know… And what if all my efforts to restore her would be in vain? The Mrs. And I discussed the possibility of this and agreeded that I would use the moneys obtained from the insurance settlement would go toward a “newer” bike – no matter if “Lil’ Tam” was restored or not… (God, I Love That Woman!)

A couple weeks went by and I hadn’t heard anything more after reporting it to the cagers insurance company. Called them up and found out that they hadn’t yet received an accident report from the Police. So, I rectified that issue, by obtaining one from the local “constabulary” and faxed it to them  Within two days, they sent out an examiner to look at “Lil’ Tam”. She took pictures of her, asked about they custom parts, took copies of my doctor bills,  and then we discussed the internal damage to the bike and about how much it would cost. (Now, I realize talking about how much “I thought” it was going to cost to repair the bike was a big mistake. Don’t discuss what you think it will cost to repair – get a good estimate – and leave it at that.). She informed me that I would be hearing back from them in about 48 hours. It was only 22 hours.

About noontime, they called me and “informed” me that this is what they were going to pay by “totaling” the bike.  And yes it was NADA Blue Book all the way. I was angry, said something about unacceptable and “Lawyer” (Dumb Mistake – the “lawyer” card is one that you don’t want to use – especially on your first conversation with the insurance company! It normally put your claim on hold. Their version of, “Put Up or Shut Up”). Then I asked what about my doctor bills.  That is when she informed me that injury claims were handled by a different department.  I said, “Ok, can I speak to them”. She politely – yes, her attitude changed – transferred me to that department. I asked about the status of my claim. They said they hadn’t started processing them and if I would like to begin that process. I’m thinking to myself, “Why didn’t you start this anyway?”

It seems a number of insurance companies split their property loss from injury claim to slow things down to their advantage. Causes claimant to negotiate twice and helps them render a cheaper settlement by tiring the claimant out. It’s all about cheap and fast – mainly cheap. But, when you can force them to “tie” the property loss with the injury claim, you quickly “cause” them to reconsider their first proffers. Somehow, I fell into this procedure of tying the two together. The call ended after this.

One week went by then came the second call; It was worth it! Legally, I can’t reveal the amount involved; but, I will say all Dr. Bills paid, enough to pay cost of restoration of Lil’ Tam, and enough to get a “NEW TO ME” bike! And why, because of the little statement on the doctor bill – “Whiplash Like Injury”. Neck and head injuries will always bring out the big $$$. Hey, but by this time all is fine. All healed up and neck muscles are not knotted up.

Breakout the Craigslist, Cycle Trader, and EBay!

My search began on Cycle Trader, I found a 2002 Honda Shadow ACE Deluxe. On Craigslist, I found a 1980 Sportster 1000 Ironhead and a VTX1300. So the process, of elimination began. While waiting for the checks to arrive, I got the chance to review their individual issues. Dropped one because it had a laundry list of problems and another because it was a rebuilt “totaled” bike. So yesterday, went over to Preston’s Motorcycle and ATV in Enid, Oklahoma and began the “gentile jostling” that is the fine art of haggling. Got a “fair” discount. One can always wish a “fairer” discount. I guess I should say it was more a “compromised” discount. I could tell the salesman wished he could have gotten more and I most definitely wished I could have paid less.

So what did I get?

A 2002 Honda Shadow ACE Deluxe with less than 13000 miles! She runs like a dream. Has River Road bags, Memphis Shades Windshield, and V&H pipes. Have a lot of custom work that I’m going to do. At least, maybe, I can now throw more $$$ Alex’s, Kyle's and UWE’s way.

So, why the silence? I didn't want to affect the outcome of the insurance settlement by posting something here I might have regretted. To borrow a line from the late, great OKLAHOMAN, Paul Harvey, "... and now you now the rest of the story!"

And what of “Lil’ Tam”. She’s gotten me this far – and – she’s going to take me a lot further…