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Okay so it's not a Suzuki....stated so in the title.
My son-in-law loves MC's of all types/brands and has added both a 1963 BSA 2cylinder 650cc all original and a late model Indian to his small collection including my daughter's custom 98 Harley. She learned on my old 82 Suzuki 450 but she doesn't do the wrenching - thus the Harley as it's much lower. The Indian S&S motor is just crazy fast and will easily pull wheelies...too much torque for me.
What a challenge riding an original BSA. Shifting with right foot Braking with left foot and front and rear drum brakes. Kick start is first lesson/reminder. Finding the gas on/off was a trick and I needed help.
The choke was a pump it up primer type but worked fine. Had a second choke control on the handlebars for adjusting as I rode.
Up shifting the 4 speed was no problem but downshifting and getting below 3rd gear got to be a mental challenge. Finally after riding 1/2 an hour (and stalling it once the first time) I learned to not use the clutch much (mostly not at all) when downshifting just matched the rpms earlier and higher than one would with a modern transmission. As long as I could get it into at least 2nd it had plenty of power/gearing to pull from a dead stop in that gear.
The thing was actually quick, (I could easily stay with the other riders in our small group.) burned regular unleaded no problem and was very economical to run. Basically it was a once in my remaining lifetime opportunity and I eagerly took it. I also took my daughters custom harley with the extended front fork and lowered ride with forward foot controls and that too took some getting used to but it has lots of power - but a bit too loud for me. Also not wild about the extended front wheel as took some getting used to in tight turns. Otherwise a nice ride tho'. Comfortable as a cruiser in a straight line.
Anyhow when I got home and took my 81 GS750EX out for a spin I was in heaven with it's Cadillac (by comparison) handling
I got motivated to do more maintenance like brakes on it after riding the old BSA beast.
Yes I will be keeping my old bike for quite some time. I found a lady to sew my vintage Suzuki patch on the back of my vest. I think it looks cool. Another thing I haven't seen in years. Never cease to be amazed by how many men owned these bikes new and actually know what years they are. No one ever has a negative comment about a GS they owned - or maybe those guys just aren't talking??
Just sharing an indulgence. I'm sure only oldsters like me even remember the old BSA's outside a museum. Oh, and it has an automatic chain oiler not dissimilar from a chainsaw.
My son-in-law loves MC's of all types/brands and has added both a 1963 BSA 2cylinder 650cc all original and a late model Indian to his small collection including my daughter's custom 98 Harley. She learned on my old 82 Suzuki 450 but she doesn't do the wrenching - thus the Harley as it's much lower. The Indian S&S motor is just crazy fast and will easily pull wheelies...too much torque for me.
What a challenge riding an original BSA. Shifting with right foot Braking with left foot and front and rear drum brakes. Kick start is first lesson/reminder. Finding the gas on/off was a trick and I needed help.
The choke was a pump it up primer type but worked fine. Had a second choke control on the handlebars for adjusting as I rode.
Up shifting the 4 speed was no problem but downshifting and getting below 3rd gear got to be a mental challenge. Finally after riding 1/2 an hour (and stalling it once the first time) I learned to not use the clutch much (mostly not at all) when downshifting just matched the rpms earlier and higher than one would with a modern transmission. As long as I could get it into at least 2nd it had plenty of power/gearing to pull from a dead stop in that gear.
The thing was actually quick, (I could easily stay with the other riders in our small group.) burned regular unleaded no problem and was very economical to run. Basically it was a once in my remaining lifetime opportunity and I eagerly took it. I also took my daughters custom harley with the extended front fork and lowered ride with forward foot controls and that too took some getting used to but it has lots of power - but a bit too loud for me. Also not wild about the extended front wheel as took some getting used to in tight turns. Otherwise a nice ride tho'. Comfortable as a cruiser in a straight line.
Anyhow when I got home and took my 81 GS750EX out for a spin I was in heaven with it's Cadillac (by comparison) handling
I got motivated to do more maintenance like brakes on it after riding the old BSA beast.Yes I will be keeping my old bike for quite some time. I found a lady to sew my vintage Suzuki patch on the back of my vest. I think it looks cool. Another thing I haven't seen in years. Never cease to be amazed by how many men owned these bikes new and actually know what years they are. No one ever has a negative comment about a GS they owned - or maybe those guys just aren't talking??
Just sharing an indulgence. I'm sure only oldsters like me even remember the old BSA's outside a museum. Oh, and it has an automatic chain oiler not dissimilar from a chainsaw.
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