My bike (part 2)

I've just got my bike fixed. It cost me S$73. S$30 for the tow services, S$18 for the front break pad and S$25 for the wiring repair. It was the wiring that causing the problem.

Indeed, I really don't know who to blame. As the matter of fact, my bike has already given me the symptom that something is not right with it and I can save the bloody S$30 for the tow services if I think probably and did not listen to the mechanic who thought that it was the battery that causing the problem. I knew that the IU is still working fine and I somehow still able to start the engine after a few kick-starts before I got the battery changed. In fact, I can save S$70 (replacing the battery plus the tow services) if I insisted the mechanic to check the wiring thoroughly, instead of changing the battery, during the previous services. If I'm smart enough, it is not hard to find out that the problem got nothing to with the battery. How could a faulty battery still able to supply electricity to the IU but the motorbike to start-up?

This is a very hard lesson for me. I've wasted a lot of time traveling from my house to NUS and more than S$70 which includes all the public transports fees (buses and MRT). This really shouldn't happen if I was calm and analyzed the problem carefully. I think I'm a person who can easily lose my head. How weak!

Anyway, I'm glad that this nightmare is finally over.

On the other hand, somehow, I feel that I love my bike even more. Wayne (one of my very close friend, who is a biker as well) suggested me to change my bike to Honda since my bike given me so much problems (big question mark for the future as well). However, my first reaction was a big "NO!" and my gut instinct told me that I'll regret if I change my bike. I think I've put too much "effort" and time into my bike, thus I'm not willing to change it. I think my bike is my "blood, sweat and tears". (Ridiculous, huh?)

Lastly, will you change your bike if you were me?

My bike

My beloved bike broke down today. It was the second major break down since he was under my possession since May 2005. The first major break down was just 10 months ago and I've sent my bike to the bike shop, where I bought my bike from, 3 times in order to get the problem solved. It was the magnetic coil which controlling the spark plug that faulty causing the problem and it costs me S$220 to get it fixed. It was a very dangerous (broke down at the middle of the road 3 times) and horrible experience.

Now, here's another issue today. I don't know the root-cause yet as I just found out that it is faulty while I was trying to start the engine at home. I can't start the engine. There is no light from the "N"(neutral) light bulb after I've turn the ignition key switch. I've just got my battery changed 3 days ago (due to same issue but somehow able to start the engine again after a few "kick-start") and my in-vehicle unit (IU) is still working fine. Thus, it is not the battery that causing the problem, I guess (d**n! I've wasted bloody S$40 to replace a still functioning battery!). Fortunately, it wasn't happened while I'm on the way to an important event like exam or job interview.

Well, I have to call for tow service again but unfortunately, today is Sunday and Hari Raya Haji. Meaning tomorrow Monday will be public holiday. I won't get my bike fixed until Tuesday.

Sometimes, I really hate my bike so much. I didn't hit the roof, however, but I just kept scolding vulgarities when I've found out the incident. My bike is going to burn another big hole of my pocket and causes me a lot of inconvenience soon. However, by looking back, it has accompanied me for more then 6 years. I really enjoying riding it and it "shared" a lot of my bitter and sweet moments (especially when I'm studying in NUS). When I'm studying in NUS, it never caused me any major issue and he just silently performed up to my expectation. I "talked" to him as well when I'm in rage or sorrow, despite the fact that I knew he would never answer me anything. I like to sing out lough while I'm riding, too. So he is not only my transport but my biggest fan and best listening ear as well.

He's really a good machine, no doubt about that, but the luck just wasn't at my side this time, I guess.

Anyway, would like to take this opportunity to thank you as well.

Love you, my bike.

Star

What does an outer space planet and a flower on earth share in common?

No, nothing? Think harder.

Well, yes indeed they are beautiful (don’t you agree?) and…?

To me, they are all stars.

A planet is a star in the sky. A flower is a star on the earth.

Both of them are colorful and beautiful.

However, they can never say “Hi” to each other.

When the stars in the sky appear, the stars on the earth will disappear.

When the stars on the earth appear, the stars in the sky will disappear.

…

Twinkle twinkle little star.

How sad I know what you are.