Posted by Tim Schroeder on August 23, 1999 at 04:59:36:
In Reply to: Is Motorcycling in your blood? posted by Frank on August 21, 1999 at 02:09:51:
Frank,
I've had this disease since I was about 14, when I had a summer to ride an old Suzuki 80 trail bike at a camp my parents operated. Lots of woods and trails, lots of fun. The last year of high school (1970) I bought a "Boonie Bike" which was a minibike with huge tires and a 5 horse B&S engine. I got it street legal and rode it to school. Then, the big moment. I bought my buddies red 1965 Honda S90. A real machine compared to the Boonie. I then sold that in 1971 (big mistake collector-wise, it was mint condition) for $100 (!), and bought another buddies Bultaco 360 dirt machine. THAT was a monster, and was a blast to ride. The 360 gave way to an OSSA 250 Pioneer, which really handled better than the Bultaco for general trail jiving and such. Interspersed with these machines, I got to occasionally ride my uncle's MotoGuzzi, what a hoot to ride that beast. I sold the OSSA in 1975 to finance a trip to a photo-workshop in Yosemite and general "tour" of the West, at least part of it. And until I saw the Savage in July 1997, I hadn't really thought about getting another bike as it seemed out of reach, both time-wise and cash-wise. Then I stopped by a local Suzuki dealer to see what modern bikes were like, spotted the LS, and one look at that huge cylinder, the belt drive and the great styling and I was hooked to the max. When the dealer said he still had two 1996's never uncrated, and that one was maroon, and that he'd sell it to me for $4K out the door complete with a Bell helmet, that's all it took. I've been like a child ever since, and enjoy riding much more now than ever. The Savage is unusual and very simple, and has all the power and speed I need. It is a bit cramped, I'm 6' and 205 lb, but I'll remedy that this winter when I redo my seat with thicker foam etc. Otherwise, this machine is a dream come true, and at the ripe age of 47 I'm havin' a great time ! I don't know why I waited so long. (Incidently, if I had kept that Bultaco 360, it's value would've matched the Savage's selling price. And, that Honda S90 is now worth about $1500 !!! Bummer I was so stupid back then, but who knew eh ?)
Safe riding to all,
Tim