Motorcycles

[Marshall Bennett]

Got a second-hand Honda 750 when I was 18 as a graduation present from my folks. Considered the first true "super-bike", I wrecked it in a Weingarten's parking lot when a fool backed out right in front of me. The bike wasn't damaged badly, but I got busted up having flipped over his car's trunk. After recovering fully I had it repaired and took it out one last time before, in my best interest, sold it.
Haven't driven a bike since, and only rode as a passenger a few times. Seen too many friends or acquaintances killed or injured. Hard to trust the other guy on the road for me to climb back on.

[fast4522]

So when I was a teen to mid 20's I enjoyed several makes, the only thing worth a mention is I was never pulled over ever on a motorcycle.

[TJDave]

Originally Posted by Dave Schwartz

Was that in those days when everything HD built was just terrible?

Would you consider buying another NOW?

I rode a Sportster once.
DId not seem overly comfortable for a long drive, but man... did it have amazing power with like zero vibration.

Put my old Honda 750 to pure shame.

From about 1970 -1982 Harley was owned by AMF and were crap. Sportsters…BabyHarleys were ultra-crap. After Harley was bought back in the early 80’s the bikes improved dramatically. Today they are excellent machines. You can rent one and decide.

For a long ride I’d still prefer a Gold Wing or BMW, though.

[vegasone]

[QUOTE=Dave Schwartz;2760050]Well, in 1972, by comparison my Honda vibrated like crazy. (The mirrors, right?)

But, now that you mention it, I may have had it wrong. It may not have been a Sportster.


I think you were comparing the 350 and not the 750.


I also had the 500 Kawasaki triple before the 750 and as previously mentioned by someone, it was a crazy and fast bike, not necessarily in that order.

[JustRalph]

When I lived in California I owned a Sportster 883 bored out to 1200. At least that's what the dealer called it.

That thing hurt my ass so bad.......I had to put Cardboard under it in the garage for that little tiny bit of oil that would leak out. I think it was a 2002 model. had 400 miles on it when I bought it.

I moved back to Ohio and bought a Goldwing. I had both in the garage. Needless to say the Sportster just sat for about a year. I sold it. It vibrated so bad....... and once you have ridden a GoldWing......... you are done. Especially the new ones.

Glad I started this thread. Great stuff.......thanks for sharing

[Dave Schwartz]

[quote=vegasone;2760153]

Originally Posted by Dave Schwartz

I think you were comparing the 350 and not the 750.

I may not know which bike I rode (Sportster vs something else) but I certainly know which bike I owned when I rode cross country. LOL

[jimmyb]

[quote=Dave Schwartz;2760168]

Originally Posted by vegasone

I may not know which bike I rode (Sportster vs something else) but I certainly know which bike I owned when I rode cross country. LOL

The Harley dealership I bought my Sportster at had this beautiful Wide Glide I was admiring when the owner came over and asked if I'd like to take it for a ride. 1340 cc's and he had the motor balanced and unlike the Sportster, (Sportster were rigid mounted at that time which is why they like to vibrate) it's motor was rubber mounted to the frame. Turned out to be the best bike i've ever ridden. Didn't want to get on the Sporty again. Ended up getting rid of it a year after the purchase.

[Zydeco]

Not a bike rider.. but heard....Harley's don't leak oil...they mark their spot!! lol

[don]

Back in 1960 I really liked my Cushman lol

[Inner Dirt]

Originally Posted by Marshall Bennett

Seen too many friends or acquaintances killed or injured. Hard to trust the other guy on the road for me to climb back on.

I had 3 crashes on the road, 2 the fault of cars and one was on me for riding too fast at night on a windy mountain road when I came across a bunch of rocks coming out of a turn. Watching all the inattentive drivers on the road these days due to playing with cell phones, it is probably good for my health I had to hang up riding 15 years ago. It used to be if you saw someone on a wide highway weaving in front of you driving way under the speed limit it was an obvious drunk or someone very elderly. Nowadays it is someone texting on a phone or dialing one.

[Marshall Bennett]

[quote=vegasone;2760153]

Originally Posted by Dave Schwartz

I also had the 500 Kawasaki triple before the 750 and as previously mentioned by someone, it was a crazy and fast bike, not necessarily in that order.

The Kawasaki MachIII at the time was the fastest production bike built. Had a 60 hp engine and weighed only 375 lbs. I drove one a guy had (we swapped rides briefly) and it was crazy quick. You'd best move forward and shift your weight on the handlebars if you punch it or you'll be on your back. Couldn't believe the power it had.

[JustRalph]

Believe it or not, the new Honda’s have “Wheelie Control”

To save you from going on your back

[xtb]

For anyone who has owned or is interested in the old Kawasaki triples, there is a very active facebook group. Lots of beautiful restorations, information, parts etc.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/551529514876579

[Tape Reader]

I was 15 and my first bike was a 1947 Indian. Former cop’s bike with side car cut off. No license and phony plates. Plenty of tickets.

I now ride a BMW K1200 GT. Riding with police friends helps avoid the tickets. Still love to speed!