Started early today working on Cash. At 6, I went out & started the kerosene heater in the mini barn. I had 3 things on my list, put the starter back on, add the bolts to the top engine frame mount and have a policeman inspect Cash for the title work. The starter has been out of Cash twice already. The first time was to change the oil seal in the engine case and the second time was to rebuild the starter. Frank had noticed the overall poor condition of the inside starter parts. He picked up some new copper contacts and had a machinist from work turn the core on a lathe. The top motor mounts came in a box from the previous owner. Missing were the bolts. I made quick work of re-installing the new bolts and it was on to the starter. The starter followed pretty much in the same manner, on without a hitch. My first time installing Cash's starter was a cluster frick. I had not lined up the casing correctly and the starter was longer than it should of been. Hence, it would not fit up in the engine cavity. I do not have a m/c lift, so I spent a good amount of time on the cold plywood floor before figuring I must of did something wrong and I need to start over. So, The starter is in, new oil poured in the block. Job complete. Now, time to call lawn enforcement. Leave the easiest job for last.
I live in a bedroom community outside Indy. Not much big time crime. Mostly, our hometown cops are starting their careers. They are young, friendly & approachable. There the ones you see at the high school games socializing with the fans. Ten miles up the road, things are different. Indy cops are more seasoned, less approachable & tighter wound. Who can blame them? Its a bigger city with bigger problems.
I have done the inspection routine before. Heck, I did 3 motorcycles on one law enforcement visit to my house this year. Indiana has some relaxed title laws when it comes to motorcycles. The cop comes out, makes a stolen vehicle check, completes
a half page document and for around $25 it's off to the BMV for a title.
So, I make a call into the non emergency # and a police car is dispatched to my house
in 20 minutes. Things were different this time. Out of a brand new Sherrif's Charger stepped a cop that was dressed for success. He had a wide rimmed hat, patent leather shoes and a chest protector under his long sleeve shirt. He was also it top shape.
"Nice car you drive there"; I said.
"Not mine, borrowing it today", he says.
"Did you steal the bike?", he says.
Now, I think to myself, seriously man, that's his first question? Why would I ask a cop to check on a bike if I did indeed steal it?
"No", I said.
"Will you fight me, if I find the bike is stolen and you are in possession of stolen property which is a felony?, he says.
Now, I don't know about you guys, but a picture of me rolling around on the ground with this cop jumped in my head.
"I won't fight you, but we will have to talk some more," I said.
Now I am concerned. Either this cat is screwing with me or he's in a bad mood. WTF,
this is a Craigslist find. I made 1 call, drove 100 miles and it was mine. The old owner said he "got it off some kids". Shit, I wanted the bike so that story worked for me.
"Do you have a bill of sale or a Title"?, he says.
"No bill of sale and that's why I called you out to my house so you could do a stolen vehicle check". IF you OK the bike, I am going to the BMV for the title"; I said.
Now I am thinking, does my comfortable life teeter on some stolen vehicle data base? My new police friend here said the word "felony" not the little one of "misdomeanor".
He steps back in to his cruiser & closes the door. The window tint is so dark, I can only see my own reflection from the outside. Now it seems like an eternity. What the hell was this cop doing, I thought to myself? Does he really think I would risk going to jail for a $350 m/c? Is he calling in support to haul me downtown? He wouldn't really charge me for a felony if Cash was stolen property right? He's got to be just blowing smoke up my ass. Why was he so hard on me? Was he sore cause he had to fill-in today? Deer season did start today...
About 5 minutes later, the door opens and grinning ear to ear the cop says, "you're clear. You're are all set to go."
Next time, I will find out who's on duty first....
I had planned originally to take a picture of the bike inspection in progress for fun.
After the rousting I got, I wasn't in the mood so I just added a picture of last years finished project.
