[reddave]

Here's one for all you old "Flathead" fans...

 

[GreasyDave]

How could I forget ? Here's my other Flathead

 

[SpeedyTide]

WOW, a Brain Teaser! I am sure this post WILL be edited!
197? HD Z90
1987 HD 883 Sportster
1992 HD Softail Custom
1995 HD 883 Sportster
19?? Yamaha RD350
20?? Buell S1 Lightning
19?? Kawasaki EX500/Ninja 500 X3! (2 race bikes, 1 daily driver)
20?? Kawasaki Ninja600
201? Yamaha FZ1 Bumblebee!
201? Yamaha WR250F? Supermoto/Dual sport
2019 Indian FTR1200S
2023 Yamaha TW200 (on order, FEB delivery supposedly)

I loved them all with the exception of the 1992 HD Softail. The most uncomfortable, unreliable, unruly bike I have owned. I bought it from peer pressure (HERE'S YOUR SIGN!)

The most practical bike.......The Kawasaki EX500/Ninja 500R. I won an Amateur regional WERA Roadracing Championship (1999?) on a highly modified one, and drove to work on one for a couple years. Easy to work on and almost bulletproof!

The one I want back.....201? Yamaha FZ1 Bumblebee! I took it on a "trackday" after I was done roadracing the EX500. It was in Grattan, MI. I was just playing, having fun and the transponder said I cut my best racing time by a lot without almost crapping my leathers at every turn and only shifting 2-3 times on a lap!

Hopefully my soon to be here TW200 will make the best bike list!

Off topic from the thread, but cool, and late congrats on the C'shipl!! I've raced a few WERA & CCS in the last 15 years, nothing recent. Never ran a full season, just picked races here & there. What region did you race? Ever ridden JenningsGP?

 

[TW-Brian]

That's a beautiful knucklehead. . . .

 

[Racer192]

Off topic from the thread, but cool, and late congrats on the C'shipl!! I've raced a few WERA & CCS in the last 15 years, nothing recent. Never ran a few season, just picked races here & there. What region did you race? Ever ridden JenningsGP?

I raced mostly eastern midwest. Grattan,Mi, Gingerman,Mi, Indianapolis Raceway park, IN, Putnam Park, IN, Nelson Ledges, OH. Lightweight Twins, and Clubman classes. Clubman was a really cool class, unlimited single cyl, up to 600CC twins. Modify what you want.I had a Honda F2 front end and a ZX6 swingarm on the EX500 so I could get good rubber.

Most interesting event was at Indianapolis Raceway Park. I finished second or third?? in a "Solo 20" race (20 laps with multiple class bikes) Roger Lee Hayden?? (one of the Hayden kids after Nicky) won it on a 125 GP bike. During the awards I was obviously "starstruck" until I met him. He was a Punk Ass 14 year old kid! lol Super fast kid, I never seen him on the track.

Funniest story (there are plenty!) was my first race, called the "squid race". I came in After the race and an older guy pitted next to me helping his son walked over to talk. Here is his quote....."So, are you a Motorcycle Mechanic?" I said no, a Machinist......"You will be" was his reply!

Never heard of the Jenning GP, where is it at? After WERA (North Central??) made me put on the "White plate" (expert) I realized I was out of my league. Way too aggressive for me. What Class do you race? I wanted to 600 SS but those guys were nuts!

Sorry so long, should have PM'd!

 

[GreasyDave]

That's a beautiful knucklehead. . . .

View attachment 233576

Thank you, it took me 3 years to gather all the pieces for it (pre internet) and another two to metal finish everything and build it. This was an eBay pic right before I sold it 20 years later. Great running bike, gave me very little trouble over the years

 

[SpeedyTide]

I raced mostly eastern midwest. Grattan,Mi, Gingerman,Mi, Indianapolis Raceway park, IN, Putnam Park, IN, Nelson Ledges, OH. Lightweight Twins, and Clubman classes. Clubman was a really cool class, unlimited single cyl, up to 600CC twins. Modify what you want.I had a Honda F2 front end and a ZX6 swingarm on the EX500 so I could get good rubber.

Most interesting event was at Indianapolis Raceway Park. I finished second or third?? in a "Solo 20" race (20 laps with multiple class bikes) Roger Lee Hayden?? (one of the Hayden kids after Nicky) won it on a 125 GP bike. During the awards I was obviously "starstruck" until I met him. He was a Punk Ass 14 year old kid! lol Super fast kid, I never seen him on the track.

Funniest story (there are plenty!) was my first race, called the "squid race". I came in After the race and an older guy pitted next to me helping his son walked over to talk. Here is his quote....."So, are you a Motorcycle Mechanic?" I said no, a Machinist......"You will be" was his reply!

Never heard of the Jenning GP, where is it at? After WERA (North Central??) made me put on the "White plate" (expert) I realized I was out of my league. Way too aggressive for me. What Class do you race? I wanted to 600 SS but those guys were nuts!

Sorry so long, should have PM'd!

Very cool!! Heard of all those tracks but haven't ridden any. Too far North. I've ridden Jennings (home track), Roebling Road, Lil Talladega, and Road Atlanta.

Wow, surprised to hear of a punk azz Hayden. At least from what I've seen/read about them, including their father. Always classy, and respectful.

Yeah, that is a funny story.

JenningsGP is in Jennings, FL., which is about 3 miles West of I-75 just before the entering Georgia. I raced multiple classes on my '03 600RR as an Amateur. It was bone stock other than DOT race tires (Dunlop NTECS made in the UK), and race bodywork. Raced WERA Southeast, and CCS - Florida series, but again just a few races each, never a full season. Raced strictly for fun, never got serious with it, or put much money into it. I knew I'd get addicted, and didn't won't to get in over my head financially. Had fun though. Did podium twice (1st & 2nd).

Haha....600 Super Sport....believe they called that the "meat grinder" class. Raced Supersport & Superbike at Jennings. It's a 2 mile - 14 turn, and it's technical with no long straights, so a 600 could run with the 1000's.

Again....Congrats!

 

[bartruff]

Back in the olden days...you could flat track with a Triumph Cub....and with a 250 Yamaha DT you could motocross and get big air....2' max.....and even hill climb....well kinda....you couldn't make it to the top but when it fell on you it was 400 lbs lighter than a hog.......and if you wanted to go fast you could get a Mach 3 Kawasaki 500 Widow maker.....none of it costing more than 800 bucks.....

 

[Xracer]

WERA?....Summit Point all the way on my GPZ-750. Raced production and super bike.

 

[easy e]

Pre-TW bikes... in chronological order:
2006 DR-Z 400 S

A handful of Vespa/Lambretta...
1994 KLR 650

1986 BMW R80 G/S Paris Dakar

1987 GSXR 1100

1982 185s

Wide rear tire minibike

Evel Knievel bike (functional rear spring shocks!)

Big Wheel

Tricycle (no pic)

 

[BrotherJim]

There have been a few! I’ll try to list them chronologically. Some I still have.

1969 Honda Z50 Mini Trail
1984 Kawasaki Gpz900R
1986 HD XL883
1998 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1977 Suzuki GS550
1996 Ducati 900SS-CR
1986 Yamaha SRX250
1989 Honda CB-1
1996 Honda CBR900RR
1996 Buell S2 Thunderbolt
1998 Triumph Thunderbird Sport
1989 Yamaha TW200
1984 Suzuki FA50
2002 Moto Guzzi V11 California Stone
2011 Yamaha TTR230
1966 Honda CT90 Trail
2019 TrailMaster MB200 (minibike)

They’ve all been fun!

 

[JustPassinThru]

I'm right there with the worst offenders.

Wish I had pics of all those I...no longer have.

1972 Yamaha R5C
1981 Yamaha SR500
1972 (IIRC) Kawasaki H2 (never even ran a whole tank of gas through it; that thing scared the snot out of me)

Long pause...

2007 Yamaha V-Star 250 (re-trainer as I got back on two wheels)
2006 Suzuki Burgman 400 (had a move; that one was close by; the V-Star was 500 miles awa)
1982 Honda GL500 Silver Wing (the CX500 variant)
2009 BMW R1200 GS (marked down as a demonstrator; I figured I was ready for a big bike)
2009 Suzuki TU250 ( to complement the GS; that was easy to get out and hop on; and I still love the style of those things)
2011 Xingue XY300T (Burgman 400 clone; engine blew up at 2600 miles)
2015 Suzuki V-Strom 650
2014 TW200 (First; sold as too small)
2013 Kawasaki Versys 650
2018 Kawasaki Versys 300 (completely unsatisfactory; too fragile in construction, poor suspension)
1982 Honda GL500 Silver Wing (second time; this one was a keeper; but a year later I had medical/financial issues)
2019 Yamaha XT250 (sold during The Crisis as prices exploded)
2021 TW200 (coming back to basics, after I missed the XT)
2019 Honda NC700 (erzats Adventure bike; but a good utility ride, and VERY thrifty with gas)

I used to trade something every year, but this is the third year I haven't. Money's getting tighter, and I'm not road-touring anymore.

 

[Stimus]

In order:

1970 3.5 hp Cat Slingshot minibike
1973 Yamaha LT3 100 enduro (Purple Nurple)
1978 Yamaha DT175
1972 Honda CB 350
1976 Honda Trail 90
1986 BMW R80 (totaled by inattentive driver)
1976 Suzuki DS185
1996 Honda XR200R
1996 Suzuki DR200SE (stolen)
2008 Yamaha XT 250
2003 Yamaha TW 200 (current and only)

Partial to small bore dual sports for sure

 

[Stimus]

 

[Racer192]

There have been a few! I’ll try to list them chronologically. Some I still have.

1969 Honda Z50 Mini Trail
1984 Kawasaki Gpz900R
1986 HD XL883
1998 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1977 Suzuki GS550
1996 Ducati 900SS-CR
1986 Yamaha SRX250
1989 Honda CB-1
1996 Honda CBR900RR
1996 Buell S2 Thunderbolt
1998 Triumph Thunderbird Sport
1989 Yamaha TW200
1984 Suzuki FA50
2002 Moto Guzzi V11 California Stone
2011 Yamaha TTR230
1966 Honda CT90 Trail
2019 TrailMaster MB200 (minibike)

They’ve all been fun!

How did you like your Buell? I enjoyed mine, but it was VERY HARD to sell when it came time. The HD guys hated it because it looked like a "crotchrocket" and the sportbike guys hated it because it was a HD Engine! lol Wish I would have kept it.

 

[kj7687]

How did you like your Buell? I enjoyed mine, but it was VERY HARD to sell when it came time. The HD guys hated it because it looked like a "crotchrocket" and the sportbike guys hated it because it was a HD Engine! lol Wish I would have kept it.

Ah yes, Buell -- the unlovable, bastard child ;-) Haha.

 

[Racer192]

Mine was the S1 Lightning I believe......one of the big M/C mags did a review and called the seat a "leather covered maxi pad" Not far from the truth!

 

[joseimport1]

never owned a modern bike, always loved bikes, my father would have never bought me and my brother any motorcycle.

always loved building things, i think i enjoy the time spent in the garage wrenching way more than actually riding the bikes

first bike is 1980 Yamaha rd400g got it on 2013 took 8 years to complete, finally finished it on 2021 this is my "daily" rider (only if its sunny outside) this bike was the one that started the whole restoration journey.... this rd's where police bikes back in the day.

second bike 1972 Honda cb750k2 bought on the pandemic on 2020, in really bad state, they are extremely rare here in Colombia, made it functional, still restoring it and riding.

third bike 1987 honda tr200 fatcat got it on 2021, completed it in 3 months and this is probably the one that gets ridden the most on my dad's farm, (here i started searching for either a TW or another FATCAT)

on 2022 i got a basket case 1993 ducati 907ie this has been a pain in the butt to get parts for, i probably have 80% of the bike, right now sits in pieces, but have to finish it.

and last but not least: this Saturday my 1990 TW200 got delivered, i only know of two others in the entire country since Yamaha never imported them to Colombia had been looking for one since 2021, its a mess but will make it rise form the ashes.

this is the thread on the tw restoration i just started

1990 COLOMBIAN TW200 restoration project

I'm starting a new thread; the older thread was about getting the bike, https://www.tw200forum.com/threads/new-to-me-tw200-1990.73312/#post-1135364 I want this one to be about the entire process of this restoration, I have a lot of questions and hopefully this group’s experience can help me...

www.tw200forum.com

 

[robtattoo]

never owned a modern bike, always loved bikes, my father would have never bought me and my brother any motorcycle.

always loved building things, i think i enjoy the time spent in the garage wrenching way more than actually riding the bikes

first bike is 1980 Yamaha rd400g got it on 2013 took 8 years to complete, finally finished it on 2021 this is my "daily" rider (only if its sunny outside) this bike was the one that started the whole restoration journey.... this rd's where police bikes back in the day.

View attachment 233862

second bike 1972 Honda cb750k2 bought on the pandemic on 2020, in really bad state, they are extremely rare here in Colombia, made it functional, still restoring it and riding.

View attachment 233863

third bike 1987 honda tr200 fatcat got it on 2021, completed it in 3 months and this is probably the one that gets ridden the most on my dad's farm, (here i started searching for either a TW or another FATCAT)
View attachment 233864

on 2022 i got a basket case 1993 ducati 907ie this has been a pain in the butt to get parts for, i probably have 80% of the bike, right now sits in pieces, but have to finish it.
View attachment 233865


and last but not least: this Saturday my 1990 TW200 got delivered, i only know of two others in the entire country since Yamaha never imported them to Colombia had been looking for one since 2021, its a mess but will make it rise form the ashes.
View attachment 233866

this is the thread on the tw restoration i just started

1990 COLOMBIAN TW200 restoration project

I'm starting a new thread; the older thread was about getting the bike, https://www.tw200forum.com/threads/new-to-me-tw200-1990.73312/#post-1135364 I want this one to be about the entire process of this restoration, I have a lot of questions and hopefully this group’s experience can help me...

www.tw200forum.com

That's a seriously impressive amount of work, considering where you are & how difficult it is to find parts. Wow!
I did have a little chuckle in your other post regarding importing the TW from Miami to Colombia. I thought imports usually went the other way! 😄🤧

 

[TW-Brian]

Hey Jose,

Nice collection of bikes and nice work resurrecting them!

Brian