Author Topic: the california kid  (Read 716 times)

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Offline the california kid

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the california kid
« on: September 19, 2012, 10:41:56 PM »
Greetings from california,where fast was invented! Got into motorcycles in the 70's & got to experience some neat machines belonging to others; H2 Kawasaki,850 Moto Guzzi Le Mans,Ducati 900 Super Sport,BMW 1000. Used to amatuer road race in the AFM at Sears Point raceway. Got to see Kenny Roberts race there about '80 after his championships on his 500 "test mule".Entered open super street(unlimited) & lapped the field with ease.As life and duties called, I set aside an RD 400 Yamaha and a cb 550. Upon entering my mid life crisis I have today decided to revert to my youth and get the 550 back on the road.RD will find a new home ( a bit much at 56 years old). Always loved the 550 tho, smooth and not overwhelming.Looking forward to this!

Offline Flying J

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Re: the california kid
« Reply #1 on: September 19, 2012, 11:44:24 PM »
Welcome back to the dark side. Where in cali are you? What year cb550 are you pulling out of storage? I love to see that RD. I have never owned a 2 stroke, yet  ;), but i love the sound.

Offline the california kid

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Re: the california kid
« Reply #2 on: September 20, 2012, 06:49:02 PM »
I own my own home in the country about seven miles outside the Sacramento city limits, maybe 25 miles as the crow flies from the state capitol. The 550 is a first year '74 550 K0. I bought it from original owner with 7000 some miles on it,the clock now reads 37,000 plus. The RD was my race bike hence clubman bars,cafe seat,custom rearsets,air fork kit,etc. It ran like an escaped convict till some yahoo slid off the track & took me with him. That's just racing I suppose. It destroyed the gauges,clutch lever,fender,etc. but it could be made to run again. I parked it & begin campaigning a RD 350. Since I don't heal as fast anymore,it will find a new home. It really put out a banshee wail at full song. A lot of fond memories with that machine...

Offline Flying J

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Re: the california kid
« Reply #3 on: September 20, 2012, 11:05:39 PM »
Sounds cool, id love to see it. Shoot me some pics when you get around to it. Im a few hours south of you in fresno.