I just read that 'Boomer' started his biking on a Honda SS50. So did I, ah the memories, no CBT then. My mate just sort of explained and away I went, it was stopping that was the problem. It was a great wee bike, never missed a beat either, quite a few of my mates had newish two stroke 50's but I had to make do with the SS50, but, it could trounce any of these restricted hair dryers. Yep a great time in my life getting my freedom. Saved up for the moped from my paper round. Life for bikers was simpler then, mind the test with the examiner on foot running as you set off to watch you negotiating junctions? It must be tough now with the intercom and a dude following you all the way. Christ, my speedo wasn't even working when I sat my test on my DT125LC. That was 1984.
Cheers, Donald
Kreidler Florett RS 1975
Link: http://bikez.dk/mc.php?mc=112&title=Kreidler_Florett_RS_1975
Ah Donald you've started something now! Let me see ! oh yes its all coming back too me now, I go back a bit further than you and Boomer,in fact as I recall I dont think jap bikes had arrived on the scene when I ventured to St Domingo motors in Oldham and handed over the princely sum of sixteen, yes 16 pounds for the purchase of a 175cc BSA Bantam, and no it was'ent a wreck, in fact it was a near mint bike, not only was it my first bike but it was also present at my first crash. In the mists of time I remember it being a good reliable bike that served me well, and gave me a foothold into biking, and started me of into the wonderful world of Motorcycling that I enjoy just as much today as I did back then. cheers Geoff.
Those where the days SS50 at 16, Suzuki Hustler 250 at 17 followed by a KH250 when the Suzuki self destructed then CB750 as soon as I passed my test at 19.
No formal training at all just hand over the money and away you go
A red Honda CB125 in red, 1982, passed test ( riding around a block / circuit where the examiner would run around to each junction to watch you ) ... I remember the bloke at the shop telling me " Ok son, it's 1 down 5 up " ... " What on earth are you talking about ? " I thought to myself !!!!!!
A Yamaha SR125 purchased after doing my CBT. No way as interesting as some of the stories here!
My first cycling bike was a Raleigh Chopper MK2. Even had alloys!
Yamaha DT125, did part 1 & 2 on it, got arrested riding across a field on it and it was the first bike I had nicked!
When I took my test first in 1986 whilst out of the examiners gaze I hit a postbox, remounted and passed. When the DVLA 'lost' my entitlement 4 years ago I failed my retest for not turning my indicator off, poetic justice? ;D
My first bike was a Honda CB550F in 1981.
I rode that for about a year and felt I needed something faster, so I got my first Kawasaki - a Z1R.
I only started biking at age 27, 12 years ago, so missed out on the 50/125 stage. My first bike was a brand spanking Ducati 600SS which far exceeded my meagre talents and I prompty threw into a ditch.
Expensive lesson that one.
Martin.
My first bike was a scooter, a Vespa P200E. I then got a 250 Honda Superdream in blue, swiftly followed by a Honda CX500, a gap of a few years, (20ish) and then a Yamaha XJR1300, two Honda CB1300's and finally a GTR. ;D
My first bike was a BSA 250cc C15 in 1971. I crashed it into a gate post two days after my 16th birthday and it was off the road for quite a while as I bent the forks. My Dad, who bought the bike for me, wasn't pleased.
I wasn't ever going to buy any of that 'jap-crap'; what little I knew.
Kevin
Honda C50, Honda CB175, CZ175, Jawa350, Reliant Regal,..gap.. 650LTD Kawa,
Suzuki VZ800, Aprilia Caponnard, 955 Tiger, 1050 Tiger. 1400GTR.. My missus says this GTR is by far the most comfortable bike she's been on, so it's got to stay for a good while yet.
Honda CB160, lasted about 2 months then replaced by a CD175.
Built a Triton, then CB500 four, RD400, CB750F2, ZZR600, 1200 Bandit and now the GTR.
I used to visit Pride and Clarkes in Brixton and drool over ex-WD bikes - bought a brand new Vespa (£90) from a garage in Sutton, Surrey but I wasn't a 'mod' - bought a 5 year old Triumph Tiger 100A (£55) from Comerfords at Thames Ditton, Surrey and became a rocker - then rode LE Velocettes for a living .......!!!
FS1E DX and i loved every minute on it, got me the bug i have had since, a yellow one with the disc brake
and foot pegs, used to polish it every time i went out wish i had one now for the crack
2003 Yamaha fazer 600, Triumph Sprint ST 1050, GTR
Pembs, ya started on a 600? Cheesh, you've not lived! ;)
SS50 bought in a box for £10. Assembled myself and it ran.
3 days later the piston came out all by itself. :o
So, bought a Haynes manual and got another engine and did it right this time.
Sold the SS50 for £120 and bought a ratty Fizzie.
Fixed that up, sold for £200 and bought another one.
5 fizzies later I traded up to a Kreidler KS50 Watercooled.
Traded that in on a brand new RD50E which was DaBOMB! ;D
Man I was so cool! 8) 8) <LOL>
Then got a KTM250GS and learned the first lesson of big bikes.
Don't respect them and they WILL eat you. :D
Then an XS250, XS500 (awesome but coked valves were a PITA), CB750F2 (hated it, dull, dull, dull), CB1100RR, Z1300/6 DFI (one bike I would buy again), GS550E, 3 GTR1000's and finally my 1400GTR.
Looking back you can see where I got poor (GS550E) but she was a beautiful bike with a lot of soul, not much handling and a terrible motor (just my one). On a good day she was Betsy the Babe, on a bad day Betsy the Bitch.
Ever since Betsy I have named my bikes. The 3 GTR1000's were Sanji, Otto, and Ethel. the 1400 is Vivian.
I still have Otto and Vivian.
I also have a GTR1000 project bike that I may finish one day. Her name is Hoolie and the plan is a GTR1000 Streetfighter.
600 hornet (2001 - 2007)
cbf 1000 (2007 - 2010)
GTR (2010 - )
My first bike was also a Honda ss50 straight pipe handles bars 4 speed, 49mph flat out wind behind you down hill.
I always wanted either a FS1E OR A Gilera, those were the days!!!!
Then onto A SUZUKI GT 250A, followed by the 750. A little break from bikes, due to body breaks from a crash.
Then onto Honda cb 175, 200, 500.
Then another break from bikes into car racing, then ran out of money!!!
Then a mad time of 2 ZX10'S, gsx 1000, Honda Repsol, Honda hornet 600(crap),
BacK onto Suzuki Intruder 1500, 1300 pan, gtr 1400 and Honda SP1.
I am sure i have left some out, if i put down this bottle of wine and remember, i will post the others.
Cheers B/F
Just remembered, i had a DT 175 in there sometime, that was Brill, through ME OFF load of times.
Do i admit it, i had a Honda c90 and a c70, i fell asleep on the 90 and went through a hedge, i was tired not drunk!!!
Cheers B/F
Mine same as Bomber...ss50....Kh250 Z650...Marriage Kids...Bandit 600 Bandit 1200 Fjrs x 2...& now.
Quote from: Black Flash on June 23, 2011, 10:24:18 PM
Do i admit it, i had a Honda c90 and a c70, i fell asleep on the 90 and went through a hedge, i was tired not drunk!!!
You'd think that was impossible but I've nearly done that myself. Was so comfortable and warm on my GTR that I felt myself nodding off.
Anyone still have a classic bike? I aim to buy one once we move to a bigger house
Honda 50, HondaCB100, HondaCB175, Honda superdream, Bandit 600F, VFR800(pre v-tech)CBR1100 Blackbird, Suzuki Hayabusa, 59 GTR in Black
First Bike - Honda CB100N CUA165T. 2 months old when I bought it - 2 rebuilds on the engine?!!!
Had all sorts since from Super Dreams to R100R's, GS 550 to Blackbird, CZ125 to Pan European!!
The first bike I remember was a Raleigh Chopper!!! Original with stick shift and double seat!! ;D
My first motorized cycle was a Honda Express moped ::)
Then GP100 never got it on the road
Then DT125, RD125, VFR400, DT125R, ZX6R, Hayabusa, Hayabusa, Pan Euro (bought to do up and sell), GTR1400
QuoteThe first bike I remember was a Raleigh Chopper!!! Original with stick shift and double seat!
LOL Dating your self there....
FS1SE, KH250, RD250, Z250, Test Passed....... GPZ900, 1200 Bandit, 1200 Bandit, Fazer 1000, GSR600, GSXR600, SV 1000, Fazer 1000, GTR1400 ;D
Quote from: Norman Bates on June 24, 2011, 07:23:00 PMAnyone still have a classic bike? I aim to buy one once we move to a bigger house
One man's classic is another man's pile of junk. I suspect our 'classics' fall into the latter category but we have three BSA 250s - a Starfire and two Fleetstars - and a Velocette Vogue.
If we're doing
All Bikes lists:
Year I/we bought it, year of manufacture, bike, ! (crashed it - everything from 'That was silly' to 'Ouch, that hurt!'), * still have it.
1971 1969 BSA C15 !
1976 1970 BSA B25 Fleetstar !
1977 1975 Ducati 860 GT (Got married, couldn't afford to keep it, reluctantly sold it. I'd like another one.)
1978-1984 break from motorcycling
1984 ???? Suzuki GT500
1984 1979 Yamaha XS1100 !
1986 1986 Yamaha FJ1200 ! (my first new bike, I'd like to have this back)
1987 1986 Honda CBR1000 (I hated this and got rid of it after 5 weeks)
1987 1987 Yamaha FJ1200
1988 1988 Yamaha FJ1200
1988 ???? Kawasaki KLR 600
1989 1989 Yamaha FJ1200 !
1989 ???? Kawasaki GPz500 !
1990 1989 Kawasaki KLR 650
1991 1984 BMW K100RS
1992 1989 Kawasaki ZZR1100 ! (Cadwell Park track days, ZZR11s and red mist don't gel as the plastic in my right elbow will testify)
1993 1970 BSA B25 Starfire *
1994 1993 Kawasaki ZZR1100 ! (sold this when we'd had it about 3 years as we were diving every weekend and never rode it.)
1994 1969 Velocette Vogue * (Given to me by my Dad.)
1997-2005 Didn't ride, too busy diving
2005 2004 Triumph Tiger 955i (I loved this, my coccyx didn't)
2006 2004 Kawasaki ZZR1200 (I wanted to love this, I loved how it looked and handled on 'A' roads, I hated the lack of torque compared to my memory of the ZZR11 and I hated how it handled on 'B' roads)
2006 2006 Suzuki Hayabusa (I loved this, it was everything I wanted the ZZR12 to be)
2006 1989 Yamaha FJ1200 * (Given to me by my Dad. It had been standing in his damp garage for 7 years, with petrol in, and had been thrown down the road before being garaged. We spent far too much money 'restoring' it but we both really like it.)
2006 1991 BMW K100RS
2006 2002 Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide *
2007 1992 Yamaha RD350R YPVS
2007 1969 BSA B25 Fleetstar *
2007 2007 Suzuki Hayabusa K8 *
2007 1993 Kawasaki ZZR1100 (I paid too much money for this, spent too much 'doing it up' then it sat in the garage for ages as after riding it I decided I didn't like it! Sold recently at a huge loss.)
2008 2003 BMW R1150GS
2008 2008 Kawasaki 1400GTR !
2008 1969 BSA B25 Fleetstar *
2009 2001 Yamaha FJR 1300
2010 2005 Yamaha FJR 1300 *
2010 2008 BMW R1200GS * (Up for sale as I love the bike but hate the fuel range. Will be replaced by a GSA)
2010 2010 Kawasaki 1400GTR *
I can't remember when I started this list nor why I maintain it but I did and I do!
Kevin
Extremely impressive none the less. 8)
Wow Kevin, that is one impressive list. I counted nine crashes, including a GTR. How did you crash the GTR?
Quote from: Norman Bates on July 14, 2011, 12:48:44 PM
Wow Kevin, that is one impressive list. I counted nine crashes, including a GTR. How did you crash the GTR?
You only count nine because I haven't indicated where I crashed a bike more than once!
I put some details of the GTR crash on the other forum, here (http://www.1400gtr.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=554). The solicitor got nowhere as the council only has to show they inspect the roads regularly and their records showed they'd inspected the road two weeks before we went down. It was resurfaced not long after we crashed so at least there was on positive outcome.
Kevin
Glad to hear Lyn and you came out of it OK. Sounds like a very nasty crash. I'll assume the bike was fully comp which would take some of the pain away.
Newly surfaced roads are a pain. Either they do a 'proper' job and leave a nice shiny road that is a death bed for riders, or they do a cheap job, lay some tar, pile on the loose road surface with a helpful 'loose chipping' sign.
The closest I've come to coming off was when the bike went into what appeared a tank slap on a motorway bend at about 50mph. I honestly thought this is it, when it spontaneously corrected itself. I rode back around to find it was one of those black tar junction box type things there appear to have every 100 yards or so in the motorway lanes.
Now I can guess why your tyres wear out so quickly :D.
I've been riding bikes for over 20 years and so far haven't crashed a single one. :-*
Quote from: mecki on July 14, 2011, 01:43:47 PM
Now I can guess why your tyres wear out so quickly :D.
I've been riding bikes for over 20 years and so far haven't crashed a single one. :-*
You're not trying hard enough! (crashes don't wear out tyres BTW :)).
I've/we've had some funny 'crashes'.
I dumped my second BSA 250 after going round a roundabout too quickly (I realise the juxtaposition of BSA 250 and 'too quickly' is an oxymoron) and losing it on some gravel laying on the exit. We both went down and I was up and chasing the bike as it was still sliding towards a parked bus. I've no idea what the driver thought or what I thought I was going to do in the very unlikely event I caught it.
In a house we had some years ago the concrete drive went up a steep slope, then it was flat then there was another, short, steep slope up to the garage. One Sunday afternoon we came up the drive on our XS1100 and I stopped the bike with the rear wheel on the flat part and the front wheel partway up the steep slope to the garage. I've no idea what I was thinking as of course when I put my feet down they were dangling in mid-air! The bike fell over, us with it, and we laid on the ground laughing too much to get up.
As with most of our bikes the first FJ12 was used all year round. Coming round a country lane one Winter afternoon I was slowing down for a sharp bend when the front brakes locked on. Nothing I could do about it, the front end was gone so I kicked the bike away and we slid along the ground separately. I've always told Lyn to hang on to me if she can as we go down as if I press the eject button I want to know she's coming with me. A car driver saw our accident, and said he was really surprised when two of us got up as Lyn was hanging on so tightly we went along the deck looking like a single person. There was a problem with the brakes on early FJ12s and Yamaha paid for all the repairs - parts and labour - as long as we promised not to sue for personal injury. We were quite happy with that as we only had a couple of bruises.
I didn't count the one with the K100RS as a crash where I was putting it up on the centre stand and the tang broke off the stand. What I was basically doing as I heaved it 'on to the stand' was throwing it away from me. Lyn was upstairs and all she heard was the sound of a crash then me laughing.
The red mist was down when riding my ZZR11 at Cadwell and I was completely out of control as the ZZR, especially on that circuit, is a lorry. I'd already told myself I needed to slow down the lap before but I kept being passed by all these b4stards on 600s so I wasn't listening. Anyway, next lap I knew I wasn't going to make the Gooseneck, went grass tracking and just as I was about to get back on track and was already congratulating myself on the save I lost the front end. Unfortunately I went down on the edge of the track which resulted in a fracture/dislocation of my right elbow; not good. It was a nasty injury and the surgeon told me I'd never ride again but he was wrong. The bike wasn't too badly damaged and once I got back home I consoled myself by looking at all the burnt bits on the edges of the rear tyre.
The GTR crash wasn't funny at all, not least because I had no idea what was going on other than the back end was fishtailing and I didn't dare just shut the throttle as I was sure it would highside us. Even that had some humour though. It felt like it was going on for ages but obviously didn't. I was trying to tell Lyn I was going to put it down as I was concerned about a car coming the other way but she couldn't hear me because she was too busy endlessly repeating "Sh!t, Sh!t, Sh!t" which was all I could hear in my speakers! When I saw Lyn crawling out of the hedge and had checked she was OK I couldn't help but laugh as that looked so funny. I wasn't laughing so much when the adrenalin rush had gone and we started to hurt!
There are others like the time I was in London waiting at the traffic lights to turn left when a skip lorry going on a right filter took it too wide pushing against the pannier and forcing me to fall gracelessly off on the other side. He didn't stop but I got his registration number and witnesses then took the company to company to court but they claimed the number plate had been cloned and of course I couldn't disprove that.
Sorry, I'm waffling and this isn't the thread so I'll shut up now.
Kevin
Well, if you count dropping the bike as a crash ;D.
I can only remember four accidents I have had, I'm sure there will be more though.
1/. Turning left off a main road onto a minor road covered in snow on my Honda CX500, gunned the engine and suprisingly the bike disappeared from under me and I slid down the road. I was young and stupid then. ;D
2/. Again on the Honda CX500, tried to be sneaky to avoid a que of traffic, turned right down an empty road with not one single car on it, result I though, "Shit" I said as I noticed it was sheet ice and I had no alternative other than to drop the bike before I slid out into a dual carriageway directly ahead. I was young and stupid then. ;D
3/. Got knocked off a scooter while over taking a bus in a layby, just as the bus decided to pull out. I veered to my offside, mounted a kerb of a traffic island, skidded to a halt on the grass and then dropped the bike. I was young and stupid then. ;D
4/. Back on the Honda CX500, straight after work one night I rode down to Dover and fell asleep while riding the bike. It was only the sound of my bike going over the rumple strips at the side of the hard shoulder that woke me up. Did a non stop jaunt to St Tropez, some 1200 miles approx, on the way home from France I went via Hastings towards Newquay where I promptly rode straight into the back of a car and destroyed my trusty CX500. It was a good holiday though. 8)
I'm sure there's been others but thats all I can remember. My last car crash was at the impressive speed of 7mph. I still cringe about that one. ::)
Quote from: mecki on July 14, 2011, 08:07:43 PMWell, if you count dropping the bike as a crash ;D.
As I said - "(crashed it - everything from 'That was silly' to 'Ouch, that hurt!')". The XS1100 was on its side again in the middle of Rouen on a later trip and I once skittled a couple of mates off a Fireblade using a ZZR11 as a ball but they're different stories.
Kevin
Didn't realise that throwing bikes down the rode was such a popular pastime - think I'll try and avoid it though
I dropped my XS250 on diesel on a roundabout in Brum.
Broke lots of me but the bike needed a new indicator and footpeg.
XS500 died in the side of a Volvo.
It did kill the Volvo and it took over an hour for the Fire Crew to extract the badly injured driver from the wreckage.
I had bruises an few square inches of gravel rash (shoulder and bum).
Dropped the Z1300 when I forgot to put the sidestand down.
I was bone tired and it was a 30 minute fight to get it vertical again.
My funniest ever was 2-non crashes.
I lost the front end on Sanji at about 0.1Mph on snow.
Jammed my knee under the petrol tank and held her up.
A nice pedestrian helped me get her upright again.
200meters later it happened again.
The same pedestrian suggested I park it and walk home.
I agreed and did! ;D