About Me

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Henry Martin spends his nights writing fiction and poetry, which predominately deals with the often-overlooked aspects of humanity. He is the author of three novels: Escaping Barcelona, Finding Eivissa, and Eluding Reality; a short story collection, Coffee, Cigarettes, and Murderous Thoughts; and a poetry collection, The Silence Before Dawn. His most recent published project is a collection of Photostories in five volumes under the KSHM Project umbrella, for which he collaborated with Australian photographer Karl Strand, combining one of a kind images with short stories and vignettes. He is currently working on his next novel narrated in two opposing points of view. He lives with his family in the Northeast.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

A project for next winter

Next winter project lineup, for now, consists of a 1974 XS650. I've never worked on one of these bikes, but I think I'll like it.

Here it is, still sitting on the trailer:



Facelift

Even though I completed the CB750F last year, the original color choice - Bahama Blue - never grew on me. Well, I did like it at first, but I got sick of it as time progressed.

So, without further ado, here is the CB750F with a new coat of paint:




Wednesday, April 11, 2012

CX 500 is sold

The CX 500 has a new owner, and should be out of my house next week. Now I just have to move the CB750F and start looking for a project for next winter.

Thanks to all for watching along the way.

Monday, April 2, 2012

End of the CX 500 project

The CX project is complete, and the bike is currently listed on Ebay. If you are interested in owning this fun little toy, please click http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1979-CX500-D-Cafe-Racer-/170817429533?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item27c583201d

Good luck bidding (should you decide to).

To all others, thanks for coming along for the ride. It was fun, but there is always the next project.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Great BMW shop experience

I just wanted to mention a great experience with a BMW shop - Second Wind BMW Triumph in Merrimack, NH. http://www.secondwindbmw.com/

My 09 G650GS warranty is about to expire, so when, a few weeks ago,  I noticed my fork seals leaking, I scheduled a warranty repair at Second Wind BMW. The service department did everything they could to accommodate me regarding the appointment. While there, I asked them to carefully look the bike over and to take care of any additional items that needed to be serviced. The gentleman who worked on my bike noticed that I had some oil seepage through the seal behind the front sprocket, an oil leak on the waterpump, and notchy steering head bearings as well. They did not have all the parts necessary to complete the work order that day, so we scheduled for a later date.
Today, when I arrived at the dealership, the same gentleman who worked on it the last time, immediately set to work on my bike. While I enjoyed my complimentary coffee, a much necessary warmup after a very cold morning ride, the service department prepped a loaner bike for me so I would not have to wait sitting around the shop. So, for the few hours, I got to enjoy myself on a new F800R.

Upon my return to the dealership the work was not yet completed, but the service department promised to do everything they could to get my bike done by the end of business hours. While waiting, I picked their brains about an R1150R which may or may not end up in my stable at a later date, and all the staff members were very knowledgeable and more than willing to answer my questions.

I also got to sit on a couple of cool bikes, drool all over a new Tiger 800 XC, and enjoy a chat with a couple of customers.

As promised, my bike was done by the end of the business day, and my ride home was completely trouble free.

I couldn't help but peek in to the work area where my bike was being serviced, and I observed that the technician kept the work area completely clean and tidy, as well as treating my stuff (luggage, et cetera) with the utmost care and respect. 

The parts/accessories department was extremely pleasant and accommodating, and the sales staff was very knowledgeable. Although I expressed interest in the Tiger 800, I never felt any pressure to close the deal, and, despite the fact that I made perfectly clear that I would not be buying the bike, all my questions were answered.

This was my third visit to the store/shop and, as always, I left satisfied. Wishing to respect the staff's privacy, I won't mention any names, but all of you guys rock!

So, if you are looking for a new BMW or a Triumph, need some work done, or just want to visit a cool store, give Second Wind a chance. You won't be disappointed.