• Articles
  • Motorcycles for Sale
  • Motorcycle Parts
  • Motorcycle Manuals
  • Models
  • Collectibles
  • Contact

The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Spring Preparations in The Kneeslider Garage

By Paul Crowe

Mechanical therapy by Doctor Guzzi
Mechanical therapy by Doctor Guzzi

After building benches and cabinets and spending time upgrading the garage, it felt good to pull the cover off the Guzzi, set it up on stands and contemplate some wrench time before rolling it out. This is when a bit of slow, reflective maintenance makes all the difference, for the bike and for the mind, too. Chilly days begin giving way to hints of warmer weather, hands feel the cold metal soon to come alive again, turning the remains of dead dinosaurs into heat, explosive sound and forward motion, it’s the right thing to do.

The Centauro will be on the stands for a while, it needs a little work and so do I. There’s a new battery sitting on the bench, oil and filter on the way, some brake work to be done, but there’s absolutely no rush, hurrying would spoil it, it takes time to fully engage the mind and bring back the flood of memories that makes it all worthwhile.

This scene is not unique, it’s happening all across the country where the cold is finally easing. If you’re watching the snow melt as the weather warms, like I am, go slow, savor the time, get reacquainted with your bike, your tools and your thoughts. It’s a ritual of rebirth. Enjoy it.

Posted on March 20, 2015 Filed Under: Workshop & Tools


-- Subscribe to The Kneeslider --

Be the first to know when something’s new!


Be sure to check out The Kneeslider’s motorcycle models listings.

Your purchases through ebay links on The Kneeslider may earn a commission for this site.




« The Kneeslider Garage Evolves
LED Garage Light Looks Super Bright »

Comments

  1. dennis says

    March 20, 2015 at 11:19 am

    good words on a good thought, mr crowe. reminded me of “zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance” (please take that as a compliment). now that I think of it, my Goldwing could use some tlc and I need to reread that book. Godspeed, sir

    • Paul Crowe says

      March 20, 2015 at 12:14 pm

      Good book. It’s been so long since I’ve read it, but I do remember how very much I enjoyed it at the time, (late 70s). There was an interesting discovery some years ago when photos of the actual trip taken by Pirsig were discovered.

  2. todd says

    March 21, 2015 at 1:26 am

    Man, I don’t know what I’d do if I had to wait more than a couple days to ride. I guess snow has it’s pluses though.
    -todd

    • Paul Crowe says

      March 21, 2015 at 8:37 am

      Whether snow has any pluses or not is open to debate, but if all of the people living in snow country were to suddenly move to warmer areas, the earth would get out of balance, develop a high speed wobble, spin out of orbit and careen into the cold outer reaches of the universe. So, in that sense, those of us putting up with snow every year are saving the life of everyone on the planet. You should thank us.

      That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

      • Yeti2bikes says

        March 24, 2015 at 5:19 pm

        Thanks Paul. We here in Arizona appreciate your sacrifice. Nice looking Guzzi by the way.

  3. X says

    March 21, 2015 at 11:07 am

    Yet another “hey I live in an area where I can ride year-round” comment by todd

    • Paul Crowe says

      March 23, 2015 at 11:23 am

      Well, his home does offer that possibility, newer readers might not know that and he’s making an observation related to the post, so, just move on if the comment is redundant for you.

  4. Clive Makinson-Sanders says

    March 23, 2015 at 12:54 pm

    Ive lived in San Diego and Philly (and everywhere in between)….I FAR prefer riding in San Diego, but only because of the pristine roads and mountain passes near the city. Philly is one giant angry pothole.

    But there is no feeling like getting choked up riding out on the first nice day of spring. Theres a camaraderie that west coasters just dont feel after a long hard winter…everybody you see on a motorcycle is so freaking excited to be on it.

    When you can ride every day it loses luster. Becomes routine. Not that its a bad routine…

  5. joe knisel says

    March 25, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    having grown up in penna and enjoying snowsports as a kid, just doesn’t compare to the love of being on two wheels here in south texas. cool weather, rain, traffic, truckers, geriatrics, newly licensed drivers, out of town businessmen in rentals, those who think they’re still driving in mexico, speed demons, and others, just cant keep me off my bike 361 days of the year. the visibility of not being in a “cage” is a real plus, but you always need to keep “checking your six” for those tailgaters who don’t understand or care for how quickly you can stop your ride. As i see it, i’m the smallest commuter in the “jungle” and i need to watch out for all those larger beasts who might do you harm, even the smallest vw or minicooper demands vigilance. But the joy of being “in the breeze” outweighs all that, and it’s the closest thing to flying, here on the ground. As Clive put it as a “routine”, I love my routine.

  6. Paulinator says

    March 25, 2015 at 8:51 pm

    I spend most of my time in Ft Lauderdale and actually enjoy Canadian winters more than Florida summers. Florida winters on the other hand…perfect for scootin (as in gy6) to the beach, or to work, or to the local burger joint. I just bought a kite Wing so I’ve got to get back to the Rockies, step into the boards and jump off a mountain. They make it look easy on YouTube.

  7. zipidachimp says

    April 3, 2015 at 5:38 am

    speaking of guzzi’s, this one from 40 years ago was always my favorite:

    http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=24702.0 kept that magazine around for decades until it finally disappeared.

Subscribe to The Kneeslider

Be the first to know when something's new!

Search articles on The Kneeslider


Do You need motorcycle parts?

Everything from normal maintenance items to hard to find out of production parts, look here first.
Be very specific for best results! Use part numbers if you have them.


Be sure to check out The Kneeslider’s new motorcycle models listings.



Your purchases through ebay links on The Kneeslider may earn a commission for this site.



From The Kneeslider Archives

D1200R – BMW Based Concept Motorcycle

Bob Horn races what he builds

Homebuilt Recumbent Motorcycle Racer Competes in MRA Sanctioned Event

RSS What’s happening on HorsePowerSports

  • DeLorean Motor Company is Coming Back with an Electric
  • Ford Shares Open Source CAD Files for 3D Printing Truck Accessories
  • If You Need a New Car, Buy an Old One Instead

Motorcycle Engine Powered Cars

Copyright © 2025 · The Kneeslider · Website by Crowe Computer Services
US Army veteran owned and operated
This website proudly Made in the USA!
Made in the USA