Hi All,
Before I start, and lose most of you, I'd like to thank you in advance for your help and support, especially given that I'm a downright noob, and I'd be happy to take 'any' help I can get.
Toustic here, from Geneva Switzerland. In my mid twenties (tho I realize this statement will bum me the hell out when I read it again at 35).
At 19, I moved to Los Angeles to get a Bachelor's degree and play College-sport, but after 4 years, despite trying real hard to find a work visa pre & post graduation, I was eventually invited to leave by immigration (let's be real, they kicked me out).
I owned 2 bikes whiles in the US, a 2004 Kawasaki Ninja 250, and a 2007 Kawasaki ZZR600 (in that order, obviously)
I've alway been obsessed with two-wheelers, but It's only when I returned to Geneva that I really caught the bug for Old bikes.
To his credit, I blame Dustin Kott from Kott Motorcycles and his Jedi mind-trick. I was completely drawn by his passion in bringing back an old timer, not only back to its former glory, but make it even sexier and faster it's ever been - Check out "Cafe Cowboy" on YouTube, not only it's well done but he's a good dude (not a plug, just a positive comment on one of many talented builders and fabricators out there - Should this be considered a plug, I will make sure to call Kott and work out an arrangement
).
I wanted a CB750 given that I'm 6'2", but eventually decided that I preferred the leaner, lighter CB550 instead - Rear sets can be relocated, no sweat.
Finally, I bought a 1977 CB550F (picture attached) in May 2013 through a contact in the US, which I then Imported back to Geneva. YES, the bike was cheaper that way, since the only CBs from the 70's that I found in Switzerland, where a fully restored CB750K6, and a CB550K in a decent shape sold at an whopping 6'900$. Needless to say the 900$ bike and 1600$ Shipping costs (cargo ship) helped me dodge that bullet. Let the record show I picked the US as an alternative because I wanted an excuse to go there again.
- I'm Swiss, not Swedish
- Yes, Swiss are known for Chocolate and Private Banking
- I do speak 3 languages, French being my first, and Spanish my 3rd.
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I AM NOT FRENCH- Yes, I will haunt you down if you call me french
- I'm a quick learner and good with tools (statement correct as of 12/6/13)
I think that about covers it. Sorry if I over-extended myself, and thank you to those who were bored enough to read through this.
Warm regards from Switzerland,
TOUSTIC