My first was a 1978 Yamaha SR500. I bought it NOS in 1982 for under $1000. I remember wearing my waiter uniform to go into the bank and ask for a loan. I thought it would make me seem hard working. I was so happy to give up my bus pass! It was simple to work on and simple to ride. One cylinder, kick start only, etc. My pal bought a Honda Ascot 500 that had almost identical performance. We both worked evenings so we’d meet for coffee in the morning and just race around town all day.
I started riding out of town more and I saved some money and bought a 1977 BMW R100RS that has been modified and hot rodded by its first owner. Great bike that took me on lots of adventures. I sold it after a long ride from Ashland to Portland one cold rainy night.
No bikes for 25 years.
Now I have a 1981 Yamaha xt 500 and a 1973 Norton 850 Commando resto-mod that is fun to ride but is mostly an art piece now. I never was able to get comfortable riding in the big SUV / Cell phone era. I tried but too many close calls so I think I’m done.
View attachment 144964