Bikes

My first bike, bought during high school, was a 1969 Honda CL450. This was during my more rebellious "chopper" days. In an effort to pretend I had a Harley, I made many (tacky & poorly done) modifications. These changes include (but are not limited to):

Cutting the swingarm off with a torch and welding a 650 Triumph Bonnie hard-tail to the frame
Changing the stock bars to "Z" bars
Replacing the tank with a 3.2 gallon Sportster peanut tank
Changing the seat to a Harley after-market step seat with sissy-bar
Stripped the bike down as much as possible (including ripping off the starter and covering the hole with a tin can lid and blue-goo
Velocity stacks on the carburetors
Foo-foo can paint job, and numerous other incredibly "awesome" modifications (ha ha)

In the end I sold the bike to dad, where it sat rusting in the back forty.

My second bike was a 1979 Kawasaki KL250. This was an exceptional bike and "mechanically at least" a huge improvement over the first bike. Many stories could be told about this bike. For example, there were the times (more than one) that we (myself and family members) would hit the trails during a wedding party while wearing our tuxedos. There was the time my wife took her first riding lesson. She made it at least eight miles from Red Canyon (dirt roads at best) all the way to our driveway, only to dump the bike turning into our dirt driveway. I did get a new set of handlebars this way. I just this year got her on a bike again. She's a much better rider now. There's also many other stories that might be best untold. And again, in the end, I sold this bike to dad where it sat rusting (along-side the CL450) in the back forty.

This 1980 Honda CB650 is without a doubt one of the best motorcycles ever made. I loved this bike. I wish I still owned this motorcycle. Few bikes have the tools necessary to be the "perfect" in-town motorcycle. This bike fits that bill and much more. I bought this bike for $1000. When I sold it I simply put a for-sale sign on it, put it in front of my house, and it sold within two hours of the posting. This is mainly because I took meticulous care of this bike. There were no oil leaks, all rust had been dealt with, and all parts (except the seat cover) were repaired or replaced with OEM parts. The only reason I sold this scoot was to help with the down payment of my "dream bike", a Harley Davidson Sportster. Just a quick note: I also rode this bike several times in a tuxedo (although not on the trails). If I had one complaint about this bike it would be the vibration evident at highway speeds. It did keep me haltered to in-town rides. But, good luck trying to find a better scoot for getting to work, fishing holes, friends homes, etc. By the way, I didn't sell this one to my dad.

Ok, here it is, my "dream bike". Ever since I can remember I've wanted a Sporty! From the time I first started reading Easy Riders, and drooling at the David Mann paintings, I've wanted a Sportster. I know there are bigger and faster Harleys, but THIS is what I wanted. This is a 2006 XL883 Low. The paint is glacier pearl white. I've always loved white motorcycles. The only thing that bugs me about this bike is the other people's comments who ride Harleys. I'm tired of being asked when I'm going to "upgrade" or get a "bigger" bike. Whatever happened to the days when we jumped on our 650 Bonneville chopper and headed cross-country? Have we become such whimps that our comfort comes before style and agility? If (a big "if") I ever replace this bike, it would be with another Sportster. I do like the 1200 Sportsters. I like the fact that they do a little less buzzing at 65 and above. But let's see those other "big Harley" guys keep up with me on the mountain twisties (where I like to do most my riding). THIS IS IT! I'm in love with this bike. Dad has recently passed away, but part of me know he's watching over me when I ride this bike. Because, this bike (Sportster) was also my dad's "dream bike". Thanks for the memories big dad. I miss you terribly!