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New Member Introductions / Old but newbie
« on: June 14, 2021, 05:32:29 PM »
Hey everyone
I have joined after being alerted by a member on FB yesterday and frankly I need all the help I can get.
Basically I am old enough to have more bits falling off me than the 1978 Import CB550K I aquired last year, every time I do tinker with it a new issue seems to be thrown up.
To be honest I am a Triump lad of the 60s, passing my test on a Tiger Cub, then to a T90 and finally a T120 (1967 what a beautiful machine that I couldn't even get £300 for in 1970). I've also borrowed a Norton Interstate, Suzuki GT550 and Kawasaki 750 Triple.
So why a Honda? My best mate had a 550F new in 1977 and, when I had a go I was blown away by the smoothness, ease of handling and the mod cons I wasn't used to on my bikes - electric start, indicators and disc brakes.
So, fast forward to 2020 and I thought - why not? I have to say the first few outings were more than a bit fraught. Instead of hopping on without a crash helmet and T-shirt and jeans, Mrs made me buy all the gear. It took me half an hour, sweating to get it all on and I looked like Michelin man. I even had to get on the bike with the side stand down as getting my leg over hurt my hips (I'm used to it now). And where did all the traffic come from, why do they always put manhole covers in the middle of the carriage way on a corner and were the roads always this bumpy?
Having said that, just been out today and the confidence is back, my arms don't ache any more from hold on so tight and I have learnt to smile again.
One thing I have found though is, posting on FB, there are a LOT more knowledgable people out there and I hope they will continue to be equally patient when answering my ever more ludicrously basic questions.
It is my first foray into Japanese ownership so treat me gently - I am a sensitive soul.
Anyhoo - here it is last August before my first trip out - yes I know the colour is 'wrong' (although I confess I think it looks pretty), the indicator stalks are probably wrong, the side panel should have a 'K' but at least it does have a chain guard now and a centre stand! Also, it does ride nicely.
I have joined after being alerted by a member on FB yesterday and frankly I need all the help I can get.
Basically I am old enough to have more bits falling off me than the 1978 Import CB550K I aquired last year, every time I do tinker with it a new issue seems to be thrown up.
To be honest I am a Triump lad of the 60s, passing my test on a Tiger Cub, then to a T90 and finally a T120 (1967 what a beautiful machine that I couldn't even get £300 for in 1970). I've also borrowed a Norton Interstate, Suzuki GT550 and Kawasaki 750 Triple.
So why a Honda? My best mate had a 550F new in 1977 and, when I had a go I was blown away by the smoothness, ease of handling and the mod cons I wasn't used to on my bikes - electric start, indicators and disc brakes.
So, fast forward to 2020 and I thought - why not? I have to say the first few outings were more than a bit fraught. Instead of hopping on without a crash helmet and T-shirt and jeans, Mrs made me buy all the gear. It took me half an hour, sweating to get it all on and I looked like Michelin man. I even had to get on the bike with the side stand down as getting my leg over hurt my hips (I'm used to it now). And where did all the traffic come from, why do they always put manhole covers in the middle of the carriage way on a corner and were the roads always this bumpy?
Having said that, just been out today and the confidence is back, my arms don't ache any more from hold on so tight and I have learnt to smile again.
One thing I have found though is, posting on FB, there are a LOT more knowledgable people out there and I hope they will continue to be equally patient when answering my ever more ludicrously basic questions.
It is my first foray into Japanese ownership so treat me gently - I am a sensitive soul.
Anyhoo - here it is last August before my first trip out - yes I know the colour is 'wrong' (although I confess I think it looks pretty), the indicator stalks are probably wrong, the side panel should have a 'K' but at least it does have a chain guard now and a centre stand! Also, it does ride nicely.