Well..... After the mishap in this thread:
http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=29791
It seems things are looking up. I got every batch of parts in and installed, with the exception of the hand guard and bar ends, which are probably sitting on a ship in the LA harbor.
Of course, the tank fairing is currently unavailable but my paint kit came in from Colorite. I just need to wait for warm, dry weather. Probably do it in the Spring.
I went to breakfast with the boys dad this morning and we were chatting. He said he was talking to his son and asked about his future plans, even if he would be riding anymore. He took quite a spill and tumble, after all.
He then informed his dad that he'd like to find something just like my V-Strom 650. He really liked it. That was code for, "I wonder if Funcle 2LZ would sell me his?"
I may just do that. Come to find out, my buddy who found me this bike, is selling his pristine 2006 V-Strom 1000 with only 12K miles on it. He's like herbie and doesn't hang onto bikes for too long. We'll see!