12-25-2025, 10:23 AM
Both my NC750X, my car, and I experienced what can only be described as a Christmas Miracle.
I had ordered a slew of parts for the NC - the OEM rear suspension links, related nuts and bolts, a few screws to replace ones that were a little boogered from efforts by either of the previous owners to replace some parts, some Amazon hand guards, and a center stand.
All of these things were spread across three orders from three vendors, and were scheduled to arrive after Christmas. However, everything miraculously showed up Christmas Eve morning. I had the day off and the rain was falling in sheets outside. Mrs. G had to work, setting up a perfect day. I could wrench in the open garage space with Mrs. away.
Southern California is in the midst of an "Atmospheric River", with torrential rain, more than I've seen in quite some time. I had no desire to go outside. After kissing Mrs. goodbye and seeing her off, I rolled the NC into her garage space, cued up It's a Wonderful Life, and set to work installing all of the new goodies. The NC lives between the garage door and the back of my car.
About an hour into my work, laying on the ground, muscling the return spring into position on the new center stand, I heard a huge BANG! accompanied by the raining of splinters all over the garage. I had no idea of what had just happened. I knew it had to be bad whatever it was.
Taking stock of the situation, I saw what had happened. Keep in mind that I have an old-school, single-panel wood garage door. I'm sort of stuck with this style of door based on some shelving and ceiling storage that would prevent the installation of a roll-up door. But, I built a new wood door in 2020 during the Great Unpleasantness.
Two days of solid rain had soaked the wood in the door frame, and the tension from the garage door springs on the side near my car split the lumber at the bottom, pulling part of the wood and the hinges out, shooting them up like a shotgun blast.
Surveying the situation, I realized that first, if the NC750X had been in its parking space, it would be inches from the springs, which would have torn through the bike. Grabbing the springs, which were still attached at the top, pulling them out and moving them around, their possible arc of travel allowed them to swing within inches of my car. Still in a bit of shock, I examined my car inch-by-inch, but couldn't see any damage.
So, bike and car are safe. That's the most important thing. Whew. Ok, the garage door is now critically injured and can't open, but the car and bike are safe.
Mrs. G got home about an hour later, and I quickly jumped in her car and headed to Home Depot before they closed. I furiously grabbed every metal brace and strap I thought might be of some help, five sizes of lag bolts and a tube of construction glue. I dashed home and mended the door. Seems like it's fixed, and possibly stronger than it was.
Best part, all of the new goodies are on the NC, and when the roads aren't flooded and full of debris, I'll give her a test ride.
I had ordered a slew of parts for the NC - the OEM rear suspension links, related nuts and bolts, a few screws to replace ones that were a little boogered from efforts by either of the previous owners to replace some parts, some Amazon hand guards, and a center stand.
All of these things were spread across three orders from three vendors, and were scheduled to arrive after Christmas. However, everything miraculously showed up Christmas Eve morning. I had the day off and the rain was falling in sheets outside. Mrs. G had to work, setting up a perfect day. I could wrench in the open garage space with Mrs. away.
Southern California is in the midst of an "Atmospheric River", with torrential rain, more than I've seen in quite some time. I had no desire to go outside. After kissing Mrs. goodbye and seeing her off, I rolled the NC into her garage space, cued up It's a Wonderful Life, and set to work installing all of the new goodies. The NC lives between the garage door and the back of my car.
About an hour into my work, laying on the ground, muscling the return spring into position on the new center stand, I heard a huge BANG! accompanied by the raining of splinters all over the garage. I had no idea of what had just happened. I knew it had to be bad whatever it was.
Taking stock of the situation, I saw what had happened. Keep in mind that I have an old-school, single-panel wood garage door. I'm sort of stuck with this style of door based on some shelving and ceiling storage that would prevent the installation of a roll-up door. But, I built a new wood door in 2020 during the Great Unpleasantness.
Two days of solid rain had soaked the wood in the door frame, and the tension from the garage door springs on the side near my car split the lumber at the bottom, pulling part of the wood and the hinges out, shooting them up like a shotgun blast.
Surveying the situation, I realized that first, if the NC750X had been in its parking space, it would be inches from the springs, which would have torn through the bike. Grabbing the springs, which were still attached at the top, pulling them out and moving them around, their possible arc of travel allowed them to swing within inches of my car. Still in a bit of shock, I examined my car inch-by-inch, but couldn't see any damage.
So, bike and car are safe. That's the most important thing. Whew. Ok, the garage door is now critically injured and can't open, but the car and bike are safe.
Mrs. G got home about an hour later, and I quickly jumped in her car and headed to Home Depot before they closed. I furiously grabbed every metal brace and strap I thought might be of some help, five sizes of lag bolts and a tube of construction glue. I dashed home and mended the door. Seems like it's fixed, and possibly stronger than it was.
Best part, all of the new goodies are on the NC, and when the roads aren't flooded and full of debris, I'll give her a test ride.
You know what? I actually would like a pickle.