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Post by merlot on Dec 12, 2006 13:48:23 GMT
As this is the “Gery Free Zone” I thought I would just mention another interest of mine. When not looking after my two totally gorgeous greyhounds I like to pursue an interest in Classic Japanese Bikes. What qualifies as a “classic” is hotly debated but the VJMC (Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club) is open to all Jap bikes that are a minimum 15 years old. My interest, however, is for two strokes from the 1970’s and I have had a variety of machinery in recent years and currently ride a GT500A (see pic). The prices of older classic Jap bikes has risen greatly as more and more people get involved and there are many clubs but the largest is the VJMC which has 6,000+ members. This coming year they will be celebrating their 25 anniversary and holding what should be one of the largest classic bike events of 2007 to mark the occasion (to be staged at Uttoxeter racecourse). I would be very surprised if any Gery reader had interest in the subject but if someone would like to know more please ask any questions you like.
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Post by Johnny on Dec 13, 2006 8:34:19 GMT
I used to have some Japanese motorbikes, in the days when I actually had hair on my head! I used to have a Suzuki GP100, a Honda CB250 Dream, and a Honda CB400 Dream - both the Honda's being the early versions with peardrop shaped petrol tanks. I've ridden a Honda CB500, the big one with the rad on the front, and a Kawasaki 500, which I remember was a two-stroke, and was the fastest bikes I'd ever ridden. I sold my last bike (the CB400) in 1984, and since then have never been on one.
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Post by merlot on Dec 13, 2006 11:56:54 GMT
Very interesting Johnny. Whilst I did have for a short while in the late 70's a Honda 750 F1, I have never been are real Honda fan. Shame in one respect as to own a classic Honda now should not present to many problems regarding spares as the largest dealer in this country, if not Europe, for NOS classic Honda spares is only 3 miles from where I live. You state you have ridden a two stroke 500 Kawasaki which is very much my kind of machine. Shortly after I moved to this area in 2001, I purchased a H1 500 A - the second of the 500 triples and manufactured 1971. As you may know the H1 was launched in 69 and then followed by the H1A, B, D, E and F. (the ‘C’ model was made up of stock from different models and never saw this country). In 1976 the ‘F’ was replaced by the KH500 triple, the slowest of the 500 series and the end of the line of what was a truly remarkable bike that, when first launched demolished the opposition. A good example of any triple now commands a lot of money. I take it, the 500 Kawasaki you mention was not a bike you owned yourself? I am curious to know what model it was.
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Post by Johnny on Dec 13, 2006 21:45:09 GMT
I can't remember what model it was. It was owned by my friend's brother, and I took it for "a spin" in 1983, as far as memory serves. I suppose it was about two-three years old at the time. It was a green colour, but I can't remember how many cylinders it had. For some reason I always thought it was four, but I could be wrong. 23 years can play tricks with the memory!
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Post by Sara on Dec 14, 2006 0:39:56 GMT
I better let my husband know that there is another motorcycle enthusiast posting as he's a bike lover too. Please dont ask me what he's owned as I've lost count, in the good old days (before 3 kids..) I swear he was getting a new one every couple of months I know the last one he had was an old R reg Honda but, like I said, dont ask me the model The only thing I know about motorbikes is that it's cold riding an old Yamaha RXS to work in the winter (I haven't got a full bike licence obviously) but it was good fun on the back of his Guzzi California.. wish he hadn't sold that one actually
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Post by merlot on Dec 14, 2006 14:17:23 GMT
If it was a two stroke it had three cylinders and if the colour (green) was standard it was a ‘D’ or ‘E’ model and manufactured around 73-74. Fantastic machines and if I had the money I would be looking for one now. A very good example will command about £3,000 (private sale) and you could double that figure for its larger brother – the H2.
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