Been waiting since 1977!

[The Vicar]

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

[philward]

Welcome John - enjoy the forum and I'm sure that the long wait to become a biker will be worth it

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

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

[smoothoperator]

Welcome. Great username, have to ask, are you a vicar?!

[Moorey]

Welcome to the forum and have fun. 

[Nurse Julie]

Welcome.

[Bryanj]

Now pass your test and get a 500 four to complement the tiddlers.
Welcome by the way

[The Vicar]

Yes, for my sins I am a Vicar!

[Laverda Dave]

Welcome to the forum. I agree, pass your test and get a CB400/4 to really get the adrenaline going!

[The Vicar]

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

[SumpMagnet]

Got to ask....have you joined the 59 club

[Bryanj]

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

[Spitfire]

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

[The Vicar]

Ok, got to ask, what is the 59 club?

[SumpMagnet]

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.