That coulda been us, back in the day…
Pop bought us a beat up XL 100cc in 1978. Mom flipped out. I was reading everything I could about bikes. Big bro had a leaner’s permit and would have his license soon. Pop figured exposure to motorcycles would cure us of wanting bigger ones. It only stoked us. Today my ride is a 1700cc touring bike. Every time I hop on that thing I’m 14 years old again, out on the country roads and I’m the king of the world.
Wow. At that age there was ONE KID in the neighborhood who had a well-beaten Trail 70. The most that all that "white privilege" bought the rest of us was a fried out Schwinn Stingray with a 3HP Briggs & Stratton engine mounted to a Tijuana-engineered/welded motor mount between the legs, direct-driven to the rear wheels. No clutch or anything, and WOEFULLY inadequate brakes. ...You don't turn your kids off to drugs by giving them drugs... Alas, my Yamaha V-Star 1100 went the way of the dodo after I'd had three close calls on California freeways in one week. I'd had enough... I do miss that beast...
ReplyDeleteI had the CT 50, no front shocks, loved that thing. I have a Honda Monkey on the short list. Cant wait to roll that sled around town for pizza and six packs.
ReplyDeleteYep. When I have to finally downsize…I’ll be looking at something like the Monkey too….
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