Sometimes, it's stunning to see posts with which I Identify so much. I had a Honda C90 burst into flames with me on it, one time. (Note to self: not all plastic tubing can be used as fuel hose.) Much, much later, I bought a Honda GL500 (the dressed up version of a CX500) which had been kept in a flooded storage container. That was a lovely machine, once I completely rebuilt it. And, finally, there's a BMW in my garage, right now.
Is there something contrary and individualistic that draws so may of us to typewriters and motorcycles? It's something about freedom. I like to think so, anyway.
Ah, they called it the GL500 the Silver Wing - same under the skin but with cruiser bars, fancy saddle and a handlebar fairing. I liked the way the cylinder heads warmed your knees in winter. Naturally, I covet your BMW... one day...
My first bike was a near bullet-proof Honda CB250. I still have it... It sits right next to the V - star now, and I actually took it for a ride two days ago to test it. My housemate wants to use it to get to and from work, and I needed to know what work needed to be done.
I can vividly remember a piece of advice a bike mechanic friend gave me: "Never buy a second-hand BMW. It will cost you more in parts than the bike is worth". I've stuck to that rule to this day.
Thanks for sharing! I can relate to an awful lot of this. Mind you I ride almost every second day, so there's been no love lost between me and the road.
It might have been visions of your mighty twin with typewriter on the pillion seat that got me started on this. But if I never buy a secondhand beemer, I'll never again own one. The only way to get an air cooled RT is pretty well used. I just need to find a fastidious old Sunday biker who is calling it a day.... found one! Overpriced but appreciating rapidly.
As a matter of fact, mine was worse than second-hand. It had been ridden hard before being parked, outside, for more than ten years. My dad had originally considered buying it, but he said, "Nope, too far gone." when he saw it. A year later, I went back and bought it for $500, sold the fairing and saddlebags for $250, and promptly spent over $1000 to rebuild it. So, yes, it did cost more to get it running than I initially paid for it. However, I won a prize for "oldest BMW in attendance" at a rally, a week after it was road-legal.
My BMW buying advice is: if you are not afraid to do your own mechanic work (Haynes manual required), a BMW can be a joy to own. Melissa Holbrook Pierson's book "The Perfect Machine" talks about Moto Guzzi bikes, but the loving relationship between rider and machine is a universal truth.
Being a 1972-vintage machine, it's nice to pay $55 a year for insurance, too.
I'm generally competent up to 3 spanner jobs in Haynes, and even the odd 4 spanners of difficulty but I get thrown by electrics. Sounds like we look for the same qualities in a bike!
fascinating bike history. Goes along with whatever period you were in your life. One day I will own a bike. I saved some that i like: http://www.pinterest.com/michaeliany/one-day-i-d-like-to-have-a-motorcycle/
Great wish list, each in their own way. I love the sound of a Harley more than the sound of a Ducatti but the Triumph will probably out run them both - it just isn't a V-twin though.
Sometimes, it's stunning to see posts with which I Identify so much. I had a Honda C90 burst into flames with me on it, one time. (Note to self: not all plastic tubing can be used as fuel hose.) Much, much later, I bought a Honda GL500 (the dressed up version of a CX500) which had been kept in a flooded storage container. That was a lovely machine, once I completely rebuilt it. And, finally, there's a BMW in my garage, right now.
ReplyDeleteIs there something contrary and individualistic that draws so may of us to typewriters and motorcycles? It's something about freedom. I like to think so, anyway.
Ah, they called it the GL500 the Silver Wing - same under the skin but with cruiser bars, fancy saddle and a handlebar fairing. I liked the way the cylinder heads warmed your knees in winter. Naturally, I covet your BMW... one day...
DeleteMy first bike was a near bullet-proof Honda CB250. I still have it... It sits right next to the V - star now, and I actually took it for a ride two days ago to test it. My housemate wants to use it to get to and from work, and I needed to know what work needed to be done.
ReplyDeleteI can vividly remember a piece of advice a bike mechanic friend gave me: "Never buy a second-hand BMW. It will cost you more in parts than the bike is worth". I've stuck to that rule to this day.
Thanks for sharing! I can relate to an awful lot of this. Mind you I ride almost every second day, so there's been no love lost between me and the road.
It might have been visions of your mighty twin with typewriter on the pillion seat that got me started on this. But if I never buy a secondhand beemer, I'll never again own one. The only way to get an air cooled RT is pretty well used. I just need to find a fastidious old Sunday biker who is calling it a day.... found one! Overpriced but appreciating rapidly.
DeleteAs a matter of fact, mine was worse than second-hand. It had been ridden hard before being parked, outside, for more than ten years. My dad had originally considered buying it, but he said, "Nope, too far gone." when he saw it. A year later, I went back and bought it for $500, sold the fairing and saddlebags for $250, and promptly spent over $1000 to rebuild it. So, yes, it did cost more to get it running than I initially paid for it. However, I won a prize for "oldest BMW in attendance" at a rally, a week after it was road-legal.
DeleteMy BMW buying advice is: if you are not afraid to do your own mechanic work (Haynes manual required), a BMW can be a joy to own. Melissa Holbrook Pierson's book "The Perfect Machine" talks about Moto Guzzi bikes, but the loving relationship between rider and machine is a universal truth.
Being a 1972-vintage machine, it's nice to pay $55 a year for insurance, too.
I'm generally competent up to 3 spanner jobs in Haynes, and even the odd 4 spanners of difficulty but I get thrown by electrics. Sounds like we look for the same qualities in a bike!
DeleteA good story! I'm a Kawasaki man myself - went through a few (with an odd Yamaha on the side) - I was never interested in BMWs though.
ReplyDeletefascinating bike history. Goes along with whatever period you were in your life.
ReplyDeleteOne day I will own a bike.
I saved some that i like:
http://www.pinterest.com/michaeliany/one-day-i-d-like-to-have-a-motorcycle/
Great wish list, each in their own way. I love the sound of a Harley more than the sound of a Ducatti but the Triumph will probably out run them both - it just isn't a V-twin though.
DeleteA nice typecast even though I've never ridden a motorbike in my life, nor do I want to.
ReplyDeleteThe voice of reason and sanity - there has to be some part of the population left to pick up the pieces :-)
Deletegreat read - bikes are in the blood
ReplyDelete