After lusting for years for a Sear's "mini bike" (Briggs & Stratton powered), I saved $175 for a '66 Honda CL160 (scrambler). Sold it a couple years later at age 14 and bought a new Honda CL100. Immediately took it apart and rebuilt it, from then on have owned and rebuilt about 50 bikes from a 50cc to a 1200cc.
Man, I love the smell of a freshly run rebuilt engine... -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Brian Hoover Sent: Monday, February 02, 2004 10:45 AM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: What was your first bike? A little off topic, but my first bike was probably why I'm so obsessed with my 750's. My father bought me a Kawasaki 75cc off my neighbor who grew out it ( he used to pick it up and throw it over fences that he couldn't get around- little bike, big guy) . My father bought it after a long " convincing"( please, please, please...) period for $75. My parents were schooled in "the motorcycles are too dangerous" school of thinking. Got it on Easter morning. I don't remember the model number, but it had handle bars that would fold down, was orange and had "Beth" scratched into the gas tank. I was 10 years old. The bike was in great running shape when I got it but was in need of some TLC. My father owned three tools; a hammer and a regular and Phillips screwdriver. So when working on the bike, I lacked guidance and tools ( I envied those kids with mechanical minded fathers). I did horrible things to the bike as I tried to jerry-rig all sorts of problems. Long story short, the bike started to need maintenance and I grew out of it quickly. Sold it for $15. It went through a slow progression of cubic centimeters - a CB 125cc, and an RD250cc. When I got my first 1973 750, I was eager to undo all the wrongs I did to that poor Kawi. I've restored the 73 and now I'm restoring a 69 KO 750. Have the frame powdercoated and I'm polishing every nut and bolt as she goes back together. I still don't have enough tools, but I'm not sure anyone does? I may be getting my first new bike this Spring. I'm looking at a BMW R1200c ( sorry Honda). If this happens, I would love to trade my 73 750 ( cosmetically restored) for a CB77 Super Hawk in likewise state. Not sure if this is a tired thread , but was just wondering how the rest of you got into riding bikes? Brian Hoover Cedar City, Utah 1973K3, 1969KO, 750's
