Author Topic: Been waiting since 1977!  (Read 2944 times)

Offline The Vicar

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Been waiting since 1977!
« on: December 23, 2020, 03:09:29 PM »
In 1977 I wanted a FS1E, but 3 people in our area were killed on bikes over a few months, so my dad persuaded me to wait, take my car test & he would then give me his car, a 1968 Beetle.

So I did, thinking in years to come after his death I will have a bike, he is 98 next month!

But having felt I have been faithful to his wishes, I have decided at 59 to get a bike, well I bought 2!

A 1973 Suzuki 125TS, 1 owner from new, 6500 miles on the clock & garaged all its life, absolutely immaculate.  This was the bike I wanted if I had got to 17 [or alternatively a Honda SL 125] & dad had been happy for me to have a bike.  Plus a Honda XL250R from 1982, imported from Japan earlier this year.

Looking forward to the spring

John
1973 Suzuki TS125
1982 Honda XL250R

Offline philward

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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #1 on: December 23, 2020, 03:34:40 PM »
Welcome John - enjoy the forum and I'm sure that the long wait to become a biker will be worth it
Current Bikes:-
Honda CB750K2 (1975)
Honda CB500K2 (12/1972)
Honda CR750 Replica (1972)
Honda CB350K0 (1969)
Kawasaki ZZR1100D3 (1995)
Kawasaki ZZR250 (1990) Project (Going on eBay ASAP)

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #2 on: December 23, 2020, 03:46:03 PM »
Hi John welcome to this forum - that is an incredibly long wait - I am surprised to find you still want one after such a long time especially as you are not the typical age for a new biker at 59!

As a biker since the age of 16 with some lengthy periods of absence I have blamed my recidivist streak on the missing of the Adrenaline rush of my youth. Now at 72 I am a warm weather only rider though my present bike is unlikely to be ridden until late 2021 or if the restoration goes badly Spring 2022 !

Hope biking lives up to your long held dream John. lol
Honda CB500 K1 (new pit dug out ready)
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html

Offline smoothoperator

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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #3 on: December 23, 2020, 03:54:40 PM »
Welcome. Great username, have to ask, are you a vicar?!
Steve
2017 Triumph Bonneville T100
1977 Honda 400 Four Restored April 2022

Offline Moorey

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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #4 on: December 23, 2020, 04:10:20 PM »

Welcome to the forum and have fun.  ;)

Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #5 on: December 23, 2020, 04:13:29 PM »
Welcome.
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline Bryanj

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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #6 on: December 23, 2020, 04:49:32 PM »
Now pass your test and get a 500 four to complement the tiddlers.
Welcome by the way

Offline The Vicar

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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #7 on: December 23, 2020, 05:28:45 PM »
Yes, for my sins I am a Vicar!
1973 Suzuki TS125
1982 Honda XL250R

Online Laverda Dave

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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #8 on: December 23, 2020, 05:47:51 PM »
Welcome to the forum. I agree, pass your test and get a CB400/4 to really get the adrenaline going!
1976 Honda 400/4
1977 Rickman Honda CR750
1999 Honda VFR 800FX
1955 750 Dresda Triton
1978 Moto Morini 350 Sport
1978 Honda CB400/4 'Rat' bike
1982 Laverda 120 Jota

Offline The Vicar

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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #9 on: December 23, 2020, 06:08:46 PM »
My desire for a bike was kept alive by a book I bought in the mid 70's, The International Motor Cycle File No 2.

I have looked at it every year longingly, & it still sits on my shelf.  So when I finally made the decision to buy one I knew exactly what I wanted, & it had to be from the period displayed in the book, or from the late 70's early 80's.  In all probability a big single cylinder Enduro style from the same era would be my preference when I pass my test.

Having owned numerous fast cars with big engines [a v12, v8's, straight 6's & v6's] the bike itch never went away, so here we are.  I must confess I know very little so here goes'

Laid up until the spring do I drain the fuel, or add an additive to the fuel?
Where is the battery on the XL?  The seat on the Suzuki lifts from the side to allow access for the 2 stroke oil, but I cannot find any sort of similar release for the XL, even youtube offers no help.
Any basic maintenance I need to do over the winter?

Thanks

John
1973 Suzuki TS125
1982 Honda XL250R

Offline SumpMagnet

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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #10 on: December 23, 2020, 06:30:11 PM »
Got to ask....have you joined the 59 club :)
CB750F2 - in pieces
CB900F Hornet - the daily transport

Offline Bryanj

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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #11 on: December 23, 2020, 06:45:07 PM »
Battery should be under a sidepanel, best thing with fuel is run it every 4-5 weeks. Choice of 400 or 500 depends on how tall you are

Offline Spitfire

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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #12 on: December 23, 2020, 06:59:54 PM »
What a great story, I really do not think that I could have resisted as well as you but from your last post you have had quite a lot of speed machines in the past to satisfy you.

There are lots of very clever and gifted mechanics on this site who can help you so don't be shy asking, but try to always add photos, they really help.

Cheers

Dennis
1976 CB750F

1977 CB750F2 In bits

1964 BSA A65R In bits

Offline The Vicar

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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #13 on: December 23, 2020, 08:40:36 PM »
Ok, got to ask, what is the 59 club?
1973 Suzuki TS125
1982 Honda XL250R

Offline SumpMagnet

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Re: Been waiting since 1977!
« Reply #14 on: December 23, 2020, 08:52:37 PM »
It's a bike club, formed in 1959 by REv Bill Shergold after he visited the Ace Cafe. The original rock n roll biking vicar.
CB750F2 - in pieces
CB900F Hornet - the daily transport

 

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