Saving a '81 KZ750-E

Really good to see you being pragmatic about this terrible event, lesser men would have been "crushed" by this and not bounced back

It is now past the five month mark, and I am still waiting for AAA to get off their collective butts and give me a structure settlement so I can start the rebuild process.  They have had the claim I submitted for three weeks now.  I am being told the claim has gone all the way up the management chain and now sits on the head of homeowners division's desk for a decision.  They sure are quick to take your money, and slow as molasses in winter to dish it out.  With all of the price changes over the last five years, it will take double the money to tear it down and build an identical building.  Keep in mind we are reusing the stem wall foundation and concrete floor (had to have an engineer certify it good for use), so no excavation or concrete is required this time.  The wiring from the house to the sub panel is still good as well.  I have an attorney lined up in case it comes to that, but I sincerely hope it doesn't.

The clean up so far has been a mixed bag of emotions.  One thing (there are several, surprising enough!) that survived the fire is the engine stand I made to mount the KZ's motor to a conventional engine stand. It will be sand blasted and painted this time around.  I also found the special tools I made to hold the clutch basket and flywheel.  Some small rays of sunshine in a huge, ugly mess.  As I wait for the insurance settlement, I am going ahead and scheduling the demolition.  I will pay for this out of pocket and be reimbursed once the settlement comes through.  Having the building remains and all the scrap out of my backyard will be a huge turning point for me.  It will be the heralding point of the rebuild process.  Next Spring will the Green Monster's rebirth as the riding season returns...  she will be the first project in shop 2.0 over the winter!

Be strong and stay with it pal. Insurance companies are the same the world over. I had a bump in my car last June in Italy on holiday. It took until 2 months ago for the Italians to accept liability, they paid my insurance company 3weeks ago and now due to “issues with a new IT system” I am still waiting for them to pay me the excess I had to front last year and to reimburse the policy increase I had to pay in February!!!!!!!!!
 

Good to hear that you're starting with the rebuild. Once the new shop is done and there's a bike in it things should hopefully start to look up.

Good to hear things are (slowly) moving along. Shop 2.0 is something you can look forward to,  and then this disaster can become just a step in your journey. 

We have gotten the demolition accomplished.  The building permit is about 50% through the process with the county.  I should receive the first disbursement of the structure settlement tomorrow, so as soon as the county issues the building permit we are ready to get going on the new construction.  There is a slim chance that shop 2.0 will come to be before the end of the year, but I hold out hope none the less.  Most of this process is out of my control, so I am just along for the ride.  Here's to a happy New Year!

Things are well on their way after the permit went through.  This structure was put up in 5-1/2 days!  Those framers were humping! This last week the windows went in, the eaves were painted, and the moisture barrier got installed on the roof.  Next step is the roof and chimney.  The stucco firm is walking the site tomorrow morning, and Tuesday a garage floor coating company is coming out to give me some recommendations and then an estimate.  Electrical should happen soon as well.  If I have been a really good boy this year, I may have my shop back by Christmas!