In my travels through the internet tubes, I came across my dream gig: a licensed motorcycle shop / coffee joint. Although it’s in San Francisco, MotoJava is the spot where my other self must be working.

I asked the co-owner of MotoJava this important question, and his reply follows:

Q: What’s the biggest tip you could give folks to keep their ride in the best condition?

MotoJava: Tire pressure and oil level. I know these seem too basic to be considered something to do to keep it in good shape, but you’d be amazed how often bikes arrive here with 14 lbs of pressure in the tires. We’ve also seen several bikes with motors that died an early death from running low on oil.

Next on my list would be oil changes ever 3k miles or at *least* once a year. Another thing that most people don’t think about is that bikes like to be ridden on a regular basis, oh and they hate to live outside in SF weather. If a bike has to live outside, it should at least be covered at night. This will help keep people from messing with it too.

Classic 1985 Honda Nighthawk CB650

SOLD

Seattle (Ballard) WA

“This is a great bike and extremely reliable. i have riden it everywhere for the last year and it has never let me down in the littlest way. it is in great condition for its age, especially compared to bikes of these years. It has a 6 speed tranny and is shaft driven. Has recent engine oil change and ive taken very good care of it. It has some minor faws… a few tiny dents in the tank with some scratches in other places. the left turn signal indicator light dosnt always work all the time but the blinkers work great anyway. it has a newer back tire, a removable windscreen that helps alot on longer rides and looks good. I have the title in hand. $1,050″

…For best bang for your buck, this is a winner. I own and rode one for more than a year - I got back into motorcycling after a 7 year hiatus, and my Nighthawk 650 was an excellent bike to come back to. Nighthawk 650s are very reliable, long lasting motorcycles; and they do pretty much everything well. Dual disc brakes on the front, hydraulic clutch, maintenance free shaft drive, very comfortable riding position, and a classic silhouette. It would also make a decent beginning bike if you’re a mature person, and you have more meat on your bones than, say, your typical high school senior.This one is sure priced to sell fast, regardless of its minor cosmetic blemishes. Click the image to contact the owner.

If this Nighthawk 650 is gone, more are available here.

It’s Friday, April 18th, and surprise, it’s lightly snowing just north of us, in Everett. Good grief.

Well, this brings up a topic: riding in the rain. Now, if I absolutely have to get somewhere and it’s raining, I’ll drive my car. But if I’m out riding and the drops begin to fall, I don’t worry (or try not to worry.)

However, I sometimes let my fear, my dread, my terror of going horizontal that I forget a few important things:

• Rain is not Oil
• Rain will not Kill Me
• Dreading wet riding makes it a far worse experience than it really is.

For two years, 1989 through 1991 I had only my Kawasaki EX 500 Ninja as transportation. There were many days when, upon waking to make my 7:45 first class at Shoreline Community College, and it’d be just pouring. I donned my plastic riding gear over my leather jacket, and take it easy up 3rd Ave NW.

Here’s a list of Commandments While Riding In The Rain:

• Perform no quick maneuvers
• finish braking before beginning a turn
• don’t accelerate too much until you’ve straightened out your turn
• only gentle braking on painted street surfaces
• avoid riding over manhole covers
• avoid the oil patch running down the middle of the lane by picking one side or the other (preferably the left)
• apply both front and rear brakes gently and evenly (you do this anyway, right?)
• Remember that most car drivers don’t pay as much attention to the conditions as you do and assume someone around you will do something dumb

You’ll get to where you’re going just fine. A little practice can help your confidence level, so try it sometime. Drive around a few neighborhood blocks with little traffic to bother you to become accustomed to the weather.

If you truly don’t feel comfortable in a surprise downpour, get to a Starbucks, have a milk, and chill for a while. When I was learning to fly, we were told that if we were overwhelmed with our new solo flying, to just stay put at the airport, phone the folks, and tell ‘em you’re going to be a little delayed. The goal is to fly (or ride) another day. No one gets bonus points for never doing anything wrong.

1984 Honda V65 Magna Power Cruiser $1,600

SOLD

Bellevue, WA

“This bike runs perfectly and is very strong. 71,800 easy miles, has not been thrashed. I bought this from original owner (coworker) who used it for 2 week tours each summer for 20+ years. Rarely ridden beyond that. Shop maintained from day one. New Metzler’s front and rear, Corbin Seat, Hiway Pegs, Street Shield, Custom made sheepskin seat cover. $1,600.”

…Okay, it has a few miles on it, but in its favor is the fact that there’s a very clear history on the miles of this great motorcycle. And, larger engines can take more miles. Click the image to contact the owner/seller.

If this Magna is gone, lots more here for sale.

Used & New Bike ‘Swap Meet’ @ RideWest BMW on Lake City Way

What’s cool about this particular dealer’s event is that ordinary folks can bring their cycles to sell, put ‘em on RideWest’s lot; if their bike sells they simply pay a 10% commission to RideWest. If it doesn’t sell, they pay nothing and ride it home. Who knows what assortment of used bikes you’ll see up there this weekend, 3/29 - 3/30/08.