Hey Mental!
I hear ya! That 998FE was looking so good I was right there. The paperwork was in the mail but I pulled the plug at the last minute. Why? I could not get any information! The dealer could tell me absolutly nothing. I did not know what I was paying 20 K for except a red 998. The whole deal was by remote control and I just said to hell with this. I have done a lot of dumb things in my life but this was not going to be one of them. What I wanted was an upgrade and to get rid of that Sportster . I ended up having my cake and eating it too.
The 998FE is a way gorgeous machine and way more capable than I am but I was worried that I would not be as happy with it as my 999. In my 999 I found the bike that really fits me and I just loved riding it. We always want more, us self indulgent types that is, I am one of those. I am really glad things worked out the way they did. I know you are happy with your 998FE as well you should be. It is one beautiful motorcycle. I think it is the most beautiful motorcycle ever including the MV Agusta at #2.
Yea, we did make a trade off or two and there is no free lunch, unless you are the chef. I am very happy with the deal I ended up with and the dealer is too so everybody is happy!
The dealer sold a new bike making some money and will make some money on the trade-ins and I got what I wanted, can't get any better than that.
I will be heading down your way this spring, in late May, on the way to California to go riding. I will also be back down in July to go to the Moto GP races at Laguna Seca. Some where coming or going we should hook up, you got tickets to the races? I will have room for you and your bike if you want to come with. Let me know. We are going to be getting reservations for hotel rooms in the not too distant future.


Modified by Sagerider at 10:06 PM 12/24/2004


Modified by Sagerider at 10:09 PM 12/24/2004