Log 49: One Man’s Trash is Really Just Trash

Usually things that are free are free for a reason. I think that's a good rule of thumb to keep in mind - it holds true for most things in life. It definitely holds true for my free moped. 

Let me be clear - it's possible to get my moped fixed and running. It needs a new battery, brake lines, speedometer, seat cushion, filter, and an oil change. It also doesn't have a key, so there's that, too. Even if I got all of those things fixed, there's still another obstacle. This particular model of moped is considered a motorcycle in the state of Hawaii - a fact that was brought to my attention by my father after I picked it up - so it requires the rider to have a motorcycle license, registration, and insurance. It doesn’t seem worth doing all that for a bike that doesn't even move. So, I’m taking her to the junkyard tomorrow.

But all is not lost! I have procured a second moped - and before you roll your eyes - this one actually works, and it doesn't require a license to operate. Before I got my free moped, I got in contact with a guy in Kihei (20 miles or so from Lahaina) who had a used bike he was ready to let go of for $1000. Although he warned me that the moped would likely be gone if I waited too long, I told him I thought I could find something cheaper. The morning after I got the garbage moped, the Kihei guy reached out to me again and said I could have his bike for $750. We had a deal.

That evening after work, I called in a favor with a local guy I know who has a pickup truck. He drove me out to Kihei, we picked up the bike, tied it down in the truck bed, and headed cautiously back to Lahaina.

And then the moped was all mine. It runs great (I’m just glad it runs at all), only has a couple hundred miles on it, and I'll probably be able to sell it back for the same price.

Highlight: The morning after I brought my new moped home, I ran into Dominique in the kitchen before work. She was making Challah. She's always cooking something good, and usually she lets us all eat most of it. “I saw your moped outside,” she said to me, raising an eyebrow. “I know, and this one actually works!” I replied. “Oh, you got it to work already?” She asked, looking surprised. I shook my head. “No, no, I got another one.” There was a pause. “You… bought two mopeds?” She chuckled as she returned to her Challah. “Why?”