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Bob_thompson
| | Posted on Saturday, July 19, 2014 - 10:47 am: | 
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Old school Bob checking in. There were many over all the years but a few special ones below. I had to usually build most because the mfgr's did not usually have what I wanted to ride until Erik Buell came along. My very first, sorry, no picture. A British 3 speed lightweight pedal bike with a two stroke lawnmower engine mounted over the rear wheel direct drive. Went 40 mph when Cushmans only got about 25. I was hooked. A few more:
HD Sportster 86 in. cafe style, Box tubing frame containing oil, 3 disc brakes, mag. wheels DeLorto carb, high pipes. two years before HD's CR1000.
'76 Honda CB750 cafe, 1000cc, hot cam, duel Weber carbs, V&H pipe, duel discs. Centennial paint scheme.
'75 Honda turboed 350cc for Bonneville, went 125mph on county sheriff radar, salt rained out two years in a row. Never ran:
there.
'80 Suzuki GS1100G, near stock cafe style, one great stock bike.
'77 BMWR100RS turboed with Suzuki TZ750 race fairing. My first Bonneville assault attempt. 150+ at USFRA meet. Ridden regularly on the street w/wastegate backed off. Turn key bike. Wish I still had it.
And finally, just for fun in the canyons; an '81 Suzuki DR500 "Victor" cafe.
As you can see I have not ridden very many newer true sport or sport touring bikes lately as I have been totally satisfied with my full faired '02 Cyclone, seen in my profile, and even though I lust for a new 1190RX I will probably ride my 1125R into the sunset. See you in the canyons somewhere. BOB |
86129squids
| | Posted on Saturday, July 19, 2014 - 11:58 am: |
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Bob- that '77 R100RS had to have been SCHWEEETT! Yes, you should've latched onto that one- I know the feeling. |
Pwnzor
| | Posted on Saturday, July 19, 2014 - 12:40 pm: |
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Preybird,
I don't know how I forgot about my 600R until I saw your picture...
 |
Sagehawk
| | Posted on Saturday, July 19, 2014 - 01:15 pm: |
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Always lusted after the nortons, but when came of age, the british industry went belly up, i was married and having kids.
and now for something
completely different! I did have a 83 husky 250 xc that was my hands down best bike. 12" travel front, 13" travel in rear. Run over anything with that bike. High sided into a water hole @ 330 miles. Completely submerged it and we still got back to truck 25 miles away. never dnf on any state enduro, hare scrambles or club motocross. Try that now for $2500.00 bucks over 4 years. |
Steveford
| | Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 07:42 pm: |
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1968 Norton Commando Fastback was my first "real" motorcycle and even though it had mini ape hangers, JC Whitney mufflers and it threw a rod about 1200 miles from home it's still my favorite bike of all time.
I just loved that clapped out old thing, it was my pride and joy and nothing has really matched that feeling. |
Johnnylunchbox
| | Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 11:41 pm: |
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I am loving my Kawi 650 Versys. Plenty of power for what it is, and all day comfort. It just runs, with no finicky fueling, or electrical issues.
It's no Uly that's for sure, but I don't need to plan my trips around potential dealer support. |
86129squids
| | Posted on Friday, August 29, 2014 - 03:12 pm: |
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I've been growing to love this "new" '02 Triumph Sprint GT 955i lately- it's sneaky fast, found out I can quickshift with half a clutch pull, it's dead straight on the highway,
no hands, Mom, with the throttle lock- and the sound/character of the motor is addictive. I'm on the fence about spending the $$$ on an exhaust can change,
but I'd sure love just a LITTLE more music...
Plus Vern has done a one-off British racing green paint job, now it's back in his hands to finish a few details. So far, so very, very good!
Learning to "dance" with her, gotta translate my old XB9SX inputs into a longer chassis, and an "enabler" motor... yeeks!
(Message edited by 86129squids on August 30, 2014) |
Elsinore74
| | Posted on Friday, August 29, 2014 - 05:08 pm: |
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'79 Honda CT70, the bike that awoke many a two-wheel gene. Everyone should start riding on an underpowered, under-braked, under-suspended bike to make them appreciate every bike after, and make them a better rider. I pity the kids today starting on 600 supersports. Most have little idea what those bikes can do, and will benefit little from their inevitable move up to a liter-class bike.
A '71 Honda CB350 was my first "full sized" bike, before I achieved the "full size" I am today. Much like the Farmall Cub I used to mow with as a child, today I look upon a CB350 and wonder why it seemed so much bigger back then. A left-turn lady in an Olds put it out of service. I was more fortunate, only suffering a concussion and a couple of broken bones. Zeroized about eight hours of memory, too, unfortunately.
'72 Moto Guzzi El Dorado. Bike was my Dad's, but he never liked it as much as his old Panhead(beats me). It was fitted with Wixon Bros. fairing and luggage, and painted Dodge Warlock Black. Maybe that's what planted the seed for a life-long love of V-twins in me.
'89 Suzuki Katana 750. Had it since it was new, a gift to myself for re-enlistment. Still the go-to everyday, every weather machine. Service writer friend of mine once said (after I'd put 30k miles on the bike) these were either steaming heaps or reliable as rain. Guess I got lucky. Just returned from a group ride in Yellowstone where she acquitted herself very well. Pity I still trust her more than any bike that's come or gone since.
Wife's SV650. Only thing wrong for me is the lowered gel seat made by a local upholstery shop, and the suspension settings. Same things make it perfect for her, though. I only ride it these days after major maintenance, for a checkout. If you haven't ridden an SV650, you need to. That's all I can say. |
Tootal
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2014 - 10:20 pm: |
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The whole family rode dirt bikes but when I graduated high school my dad gave me his BSA 441 Victor. He restored it himself. Even used Dow Corning bathtub caulking to seal up the engine. I think he created the only Brit bike that didn't leak oil!!
I drop kicked the Amal carb and bolted on a Mikuni. It never died at a stop light again!!
The best part was leaving the key in the ignition and watching guys try to start it and seeing how many went over the handlebars!! |
Jb2
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 03, 2014 - 12:36 pm: |
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Cool thread!
As some others have mentioned here I really liked all the bikes I've owned and ridden. The S2's were my favorite of all the Buells I had. Right now I'm having a tryst with a KLR650. Most fun I've had on a bike in years. Also worth mentioning is the VFR800 I owned for several years. Had that thing all over the country and never had a lick of problems plus a fun factor equal to or better than just about anyone's best bike. I hear they're bringing it back... |
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