what was your first motorcycle?

Ongoing topics on interesting subjects, what did you do on/with your bike (or other things)?
myers1wa
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#31

Post by myers1wa »

My first bike was a Montgomery Wards Mobeymatic, trade a neighbor $5 and an old lawn mower for it. I've been hooked ever since.
frodenpan
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#32

Post by frodenpan »

It was my older brothers fault. Both of them. I learned to ride on a 250 Simpson, a german bike like a MMW. My next older brother had a 1960 XLCH that was god awful fast, as it had been raced at Datona, or so we were told. Probably true because when the top end was finally rebuilt by a top notch harley mech he showed me the lightened rocker arms, pushrods, ported intakes, blocked out carb with extended fuel bowl. Did many wheelies with this. one across the high school parking lot scored me the hottest girl in school. The oldest brother also had a 58 FLH that was mint. This was in 68 my senior year of high school. On a bet I rode that beautiful duo glide to school every day rain,snow, or ice. I only fell once, yeah, in the parking lot on black ice. Thankfully, no damage. It was a shame, really, because all the salt from the roads and leaving that bike out all winter took its toll. I am amazed that the only maintenance that I did was to change the oil, wash it and adjust pushrods. I had six flat tires that year because the tire was pretty bald. Used a patch kit in the driveway and I remember the sixth patch. I probably changed spark plugs occasionally but I do not remember setting the points or dead batteries, coils or any other problems. It was stored outside with just a plastic cover over it but started every day and did what it was supposed to do. This is Connecticut and it does get mighty cold at times. My best friend rode with me on his brand new Triumph Bonnivelle TT special with no problems as well. We were lucky or all my guardian angels rode on the back. OH yeah, we should have kept all those bikes forever. Other brother also had Bonnivelle, Norton, and 1964 XLCH. Sorry for the long-windedness.
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#33

Post by 55panFL »

1972 Honda SL100 Still have it!
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george48pan
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#34

Post by george48pan »

In 1976 I bought a '42 WLA for $350.00. After I cleaned out the carb and removed a lot of sand from the bowl, I started it up. Then I figured it was time to learn how to ride. I had to duct tape the gas caps so they would stay on the tanks. After a couple of years I bought a title for a panhead case and parts in a box. I still ride the pan. Sold the 45 because the pan had a bigger frame.
108
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#35

Post by 108 »

It was a 1958 Zundapp Citation I bought in 1965 and still have it. Did total restoration 12 years ago. Its a German 500cc OHC vertical twin first designed by Horex in[img][/img] 1950, its recognized as the engine Honda copied for their OHC twins in the 60's[img][/img]
Harleyfunds+50
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#36

Post by Harleyfunds+50 »

Way back 45 years ago.
Found my first chopper in a friends barn
1952 Triumph 650 hardtail frame with a sprung hub.
Put on a battery elimenator ,rode it for 3 years or so.
it crapped out. and sold it some where along the way.
Wish I had pictures of it,
but more so wish I had it back.
That sprung hub made for a Great ride..
oh-well,,,, good old memories..
kitabel
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#37

Post by kitabel »

1949 AJS 500cc single (1963)
Panhandle3
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#38

Post by Panhandle3 »

1965 XLH Sportster
Image
foundationapps
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#39

Post by foundationapps »

1970 (something) Harley 350 Sprint. Electric starter didn't work. Kicked for 30 minutes to start on a first start day. 2 kicks after warmed up. How did I know? Took it through a 4 strand barbed wire fence in North Dakota when I was 17. Dented the gas tank in the tumble, unbelievably tough bike.
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#40

Post by stroker »

mine was a trail 90 back in 1968 new sporster in 1972 yea we all rode sportsters back then then a 57 pan in 76 now a 58 pan since 95 its a keeper mostly stock hand shift rocker clutch fun to ride and very reliable
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#41

Post by VPH-D »

53 FL
VPH-D
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#42

Post by Andygears »

I bought a Rupp mini bike with paper route money. But my pal Steve's older brother Matt, went to Nam and left him a Vespa, no clutch, stuck in second gear, push and go!! Brakes kinda slowed you down. Had a ball "Racing" in a field or dirt road.
First real bike was 305 Honda Superhawk.

Andygears
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#43

Post by Buddhahoodvatoloco »

Cushman, bought it from a neighbor, and drove that scooter like a mad kid. Ben looking for another one, circa 1950, have to do some research on that buy.. With all the cell phone activity, and screens in the cars I will just ride locally, but who knows..
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davestune
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#44

Post by davestune »

67 Triumph Tiger, hell yes I chopped it
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Re: what was your first motorcycle?

#45

Post by lpd1snipe »

Sears Allstate (Jawa)
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