Show us your motorcycles!

[gtdean48]

New to me, picked up a couple of weeks ago, just got it registered & street-worthy.
PO did a frame up restoration but passed away before it was finished. His widow sold 3 Harleys he had but couldn't get any interest in this one.
1982 Suzuki GS1100EZ (not a photo mine but looks just like this)

 

[Marcus]

Mine and a friend's BMW R35s, repainted, stenciled and unit marked

 

[WWIIBuff]

Nice R35's Marcus! I tried to email you back but it didn't work. See you at Mike's? You are just down the freeway from me, we should ride.

 

[Peter_E]

I just came across this thread. As a bike nut, I thought I'd post a couple of pics.

Here is my Norton Commando. Actually, I just sold it, so it isn't mine anymore:


And the next one is my 1977 KZ1000 that I completely rebuilt and restored. It's my daily rider at present.

 

[gtdean48]

...
Here is my Norton Commando. Actually, I just sold it, so it isn't mine anymore:
View attachment 2774
...

Nice Kawi there Peter. Why did you sell the Norton?

Here's my actual Suzi GS1100EZ

 

[Peter_E]

Nice Kawi there Peter. Why did you sell the Norton?

Well, although it will make most Brit-bikers drop their monocle in their martini, the UJMs are better bikes all around. The Kawasaki starts on the button, rides well, has good brakes, has plenty of power, and handles well enough. The myth is that they're hinged in the middle, etc. but with tapered head bearings, proper shocks and upgraded forks, they are pretty darned good. Good enough for the speed I ride, anyway.

Now, the Norton was kickstart only, so don't ever stall in traffic! Kicking over that 850 twin when some clown in an SUV is honking at you ain't fun!. The brakes are terrible. I did modify my Norton's front brake, but put the OEM one back to sell it because that is what the buying public for Nortons wants. Go figure! To continue upgrading the Norton to make it comfortable and usable in today's traffic is a non-stop spending process, that you don't get your money back from when you eventually sell it. I could see me putting at least $3K more into it in shocks, fork internals, carbs, etc. etc. Maybe more.

So, I sold it to save me from my own lack of restraint!

I still have a 1971 OIF Triumph that is 100% stock. I am hanging on to that for now. It is not a popular model year, but as such, not so many were sold. That means they are getting rarer, which will make them more valuable in time (I hope!) and mine is a total survivor with the original sale receipt from Pride & Clarke in London. Also, I am pretty tall, so the Triumph's high seat is good for me.

 

[Peter_E]

....
PO did a frame up restoration but passed away before it was finished. His widow sold 3 Harleys he had but couldn't get any interest in this one.
1982 Suzuki GS1100EZ

See, those pre-crotch-rocket Japanese bikes are really great bikes. Yours looks fantastic, by the way. In time, they will be recognized for what they are. Even now, guys will pay silly money for a Z1, but sneer at the later bikes. But, I see a turning point coming. Honda has just released their CB1100 in the US. Totally retro. I think it will do for the old UJMs what the Hinckley Triumphs did for the old Bonnies, i.e. make them attractive again to folks who want to be "authentic". In the late 80s and early 90s you couldn't give a 67 Bonneville away; now, there are guys who will pay $10 - 15K for one. Amazing.

 

[Interbak]

Hey Peter,

Sorry to hear you let the Commando go. The KZ is lovely and I wouldn't mind owning one, but I'd never trade a Commando for one (but I'm obviously biased). I can't figure where you'd need to spend $3k to upgrade a Commando for modern traffic, maybe $1k. Not to say you couldn't easily spend that much, but that is in the want category, not the need!
Have fun with your Kawi.

 

[Peter_E]

... I can't figure where you'd need to spend $3k to upgrade a Commando for modern traffic, maybe $1k. Not to say you couldn't easily spend that much, but that is in the want category, not the need! ....

Thanks for the comment.
As for the Norton - It had nice paint on the tank, etc. (cost approx $850) but really needed the frame painted. so that would be $500 easily. Although I had new Amal carbs, there was a consistent problem with the idle due to the jets clogging because it sat for time. I would drain the carbs for exended period, but even so ... so new Premier Amals are about $300 the pair, or Keihin FCR would be $1000.

Roadholder forks bottom out or top out and are pretty rough riding by today's standards. New internals from Consentino or Maxton are about $1000. New shocks to replace the 40 year old Girlings would be $300 for Hagons or $500 for Ikons (my preference).

So what are we up to now? About $2,300.

My DIY front brake upgrade cost me $600. If I wanted to re-do that properly with a CNW Brembo or Norman White set up then there is another $1300.

Then if you want to retrofit the magical electric starter to a pre-Mark III bike it is about another $3000.

Throw in a belt drive primary, wheel rebuild with rim sizes that will take modern tires. etc. etc. It's easy to spend $3000, $4000, or up to about $7000 on a Commando in addition to the purchase cost of the bike. And when you've finished, you've got a bike that compares to a KZ or a CB or a GS that you can buy for half the money, maybe less.

Don't get me wrong, I love Brit bikes and I am keeping my Triumph, drum brakes and all. But I could see that the Commando would be like painting the Golden Gate bridge - a never ending project.

Yeah, just my opinion, and all bikes have their positive points. I even owned a Harley, once. I would very much like to check out he new Commando 961. But my old, pretty much stock, 1973 model wasn't reliable enough nor comfortable enough, I'm afraid. The new owner loves it though.

 

[Iowa Slim]

The National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa Iowa is well worth a look see. They have an website and FB page too but........... delicious iron...

 

[Interbak]

Hey Peter,
No argument you can spend and spend on a Commando if you want all the latest, top of the line goodies, but 80% of your list is on the "want side", not the "need side" to make it a good useable daily rider, capable of keeping up in modern traffic.
My '72 Combat does contain a good portion of what you listed, but I wouldn't say it was all necessary, just the fun of modifying and experimenting over the last 28 years.
The jury is still out on the 961, and if they'll ever actually start delivering the product. Rumor has it we're supposed to see them in Canada shortly, still waiting!
I hope they do succeed in building a decent bike and the company does well. I'm tired of all these shoe string budget outfits dragging Norton's name through the mud. I rather they let it die with dignity than keep messing it up.

Good riding!

 

[gtdean48]

See, those pre-crotch-rocket Japanese bikes are really great bikes. Yours looks fantastic, by the way...

Thanks Peter. I also have a 1979 Honda CB750 Limited Edition = 10th Anniversary model.
Agree about the old UJMs.
I had a 1970 Triumph Trophy 500 that I rebuilt & rode in 1994 to about 1998, so I know all the expenses & fun there.
A Norton Commando was always a dream bike for me....Ride safe...

 

[Renault]

Not mine, but a 1917 Indian in our camp last May!

 

[Renault]

Another over at the hanger;

 

[Stearmen]

Is that a German on the Indian? What kind of bicycle is that pretending to be a Harley?

 

[Renault]

Yes it is suppose to be a German.

And I dunno anything about motorcycles. The airplane mechanics put the motor Bike together.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Sorry, also not vintage/classic (although who knows in years to come?)



I'll have to scan some photos of my older bikes.

 

[bn1966]

Here's mine Vespa 210 Malossi

 

[bn1966]

Any more scooters out there????

 

[fashion frank]

Here are a few shots of my bikes .

I don't have the vintage Honda anymore I just recently sold that one but I still own both the Harley's.

The Sportster is a 1998 stock 1200 XLCH , and the bigger one is my 2006 Road King Classic.

All the Best ,Fashion Frank