More Bikes Gone By….

Boy, that didn’t take long!

Our good buddy Russ responded quickly to our request for photos of bikes gone by…and without further ado, here you go…

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Hi Joe: 

Great idea to share our bikes, former and present.  Looking at my list I realize that I’m not particuarly loyal to one brand though the Hondas appear here several times. 

My introduction to motorcycles came in 1951 at age 16 when I bought from my earned farm chores income a 1941 Indian.  Yes…like many I’ve also repeated, “wish I still had that one!”   And then the typical story of going off to college, raising a young family, and not able to add a bike to the mix until our real need for a second car, the 1964 Honda 150 appeared which my students thought was really cool!  (Sorry, no pics for those 2 early bikes.) 

Growing up on a farm and being around machinery constantly dad thought it wise that I should read the magazine, Mechanics Illustrated.  I especially enjoyed the Mustang M.C. ads and dreamed of course of owning one, but priced around $300 it was out of reach until (fast forward many years to 2001) I found and bought my dream, a 1964 Mustang Stallion which I owned for 12 years.

Early BMWs with the opposed engines always intrigued me and a 1973 R75/5 found its way to my garage a few years ago.  It was a keeper for sure.  Anyone said that before?  A gentleman from France found a pic on the internet of the bike and questioned if it might be for sale and I was quick to respond, “no, tis a keeper.”  After repeatedly saying he would pay “good money” for it I doubled what I thought it was worth hoping he would just go away but he said, “consider it sold.”  Was tuff to see that one get away!! 

Five years ago I grew to admire the Honda 4 cyl bikes and found near by a fresh restoration of a 1976 Honda 550.  Wonderful bike except……..a very uncomfortable seat for me.  It now lives near Austin, TX. 

I had never owned a true scooter until I discovered a 2006 Aprilia Scarabeo 500, a real classic looking bike.  I did some very long and comfortable trips on that one, which now resides in WI. 

Wanting another Honda I read a lot about the Pacific Coast 800 which owners said was very dependable and a good long distance machine.  Love my 1996 and it is a keeper (hmmmmmmm……..does that sound familiar?).   

Being fully-clad I’ve been asked many times if it might be a scooter.   

Then came the desire to have another Mustang and searching the internet I found CSC.  These Mustang P-51 bikes have to be the most FUN PACKED bike one could ride!  As you say Joe, “it is your favorite.” 

I also have a close companion to the CSC, a 2013 VESPA GTV ie which speaks of quality and reliability like the P-51.

What does the future hold for my 2 wheel desires?  Slowing down, sizing down, but riding more as I’m nearing 80 years.  But we always dream of the one that got away.  My interest now in two wheelers has gone full circle as I do have an interest (again) in an Indian, a new one, that looks a lot like that Indian I rode back in the 50’s.  However….tis a big heavy bike and I did say I was down sizing. 

We’ll see….

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Great photos and a great story, Russ, and thanks for sharing them with us!   You’ve owned some interesting bikes, and I know our readers will enjoy hearing about them!

Ride safe…