Found myself a new bike. 03 V star 650.
Now all I have to do is get the hair dryer out to make some dry pavement

Very nice, congrats!

Am I thinking of the right dude - is this your first ride?

First ride in 12 years anyways. Last bike was crashed in 1995 I believe.
Sent my fee for the course yesterday, went and looked at helmets and almost fainted!!!
I think I may have to do some fibreglass work to a bicycle helmet LOL

Last time I bought a helmet was in/around 1985 and it was a nice shoi for $395, so I guess it was just me being forgetful.
I did manage to pay a short visit to Recreation supply on the drive-by and that is a nice store. Nicer prices than Custom Cycle and Proline on some of the helmets and clothing.

Now I just need to find an HJC CL-SP Lola in the purple and white for the wife.

Is she particular?

No more than most.....

She is already all about the ATGATT, but I ain't complaining. Better safe than sorry.

Already took off the windscreen and the saddlebags, looks better to me.

I agree, nothing wrong with ATGATT.

You got a new pic of the ride now that you took that stuff off?

Had it running Saturday and today. It's pretty loud
I put the windshield back on, I think it looks better. Maybe not...

We took in the Screaming Eagle trade show at the Radisson on Sunday.
Heard about it on the radio when we were going for a drive. Lotsa dead cows there
I am fairly certain it was a seconds sale, but there were definitely some good deals to be had. Picked up some new Harley Davidson boots (I love irony) and a pair of chaps. I think I will be wearing jeans underneath them.
Depends on the weather

I can honestly say that I haven't seen so many leather jackets in one place like that before.
There was a steady flow of people in and out with most buying something. People were friendly and moods were good.
Good thing the helmets needed to be ordered or I would be on the road this afternoon.

When I first went to see this bike the previous owner had a heck of a time starting it.
OK, it was cold out that night, but the bike was garage kept (unheated single-car) but with a small heater in it for a few hours, it still should have started.
Think VW beetle and Porsche before you tell me an air-cooled bike shouldn't be run in the winter

Anywho, I bought the bike without it running. Nice buyer I am hey? I've done things like this before too, makes the wife nervous.

I had to replace a battery, most likely due to the trying to start it so much when he wanted me to hear it before I handed over a cheque.
Batteries hate that shite, but I suck with batteries and expect to replace them.

I tried to start it with the choke on (+5C) and no go, so I tried it with no choke. Friggin mint, started like a dream.
So the bike is running real rich. I try to pull the choke a hair to double check and yup, she dies.

<rant>
Sad part of all this? The hypercharger, pipes and the rejet were done by the dealer he bought it from. Kurykan does suggest that you take it to the dealer for install.

They must assume that dealer service is more than parts replacement specialists?
Toss in what is supposed to work and send it out the exit and on with the next. It's been 12 years, I would have thought things would improve.
</rant>

The internet is a wonderful source of information, even/especially when it comes to servicing and modifying your bikes.
There is bike-specific information out there that will tune your bike waaay better than a dealers mechanic can, or will. Just takes a little looking and reading.
And it's not that tough, even the things that look and sound tough to do.

I'm sure there are a few mechanics out there that will tune the heck out of your bike and make it ride better than you could have ever imagined, and if you have found one hold onto him/her.

So now I will have to remove a few body parts and try and adjust the fuel mixture. Would have been a lot easier if I could have installed the HC and rejetted it myself but I have a few weeks before I can ride anyways