Greetings and gratitude!
My name's Daniel, I live in Indianapolis (the town with the big auto race), and five years ago I bought a 77550F without having any idea of the history or significance of this family of motorcycles. It's the only bike I've ever owned, and I bought it because I learned to ride on an old Kawasaki of the same size, and the price was right: $500! The nice fellow who sold it to me threw in a Clymer manual and a new head gasket and tipped me to this forum. I've been lurking and learning and wrenching ever since.
With your help, I have replaced the aforementioned head gasket (stopped the leak!), fork seals, seat cover, drive chain, and a dozen other little things. I love this bike! She starts with one or two kicks, accelerates nicely through all the gears, turns heads and gets comments everywhere I go. I don't think I'll ever get sick of hearing, "Hey, what year is that?" I honestly don't know if she'll do "the ton", but that's because I start to get nervous at 90MPH, thinking "Gee, did I remember to tighten that bolt?"
The amiable seller I mentioned was named James King (I think.) If you're out there, James, I'm still lovin' the bike, and I haven't hit any trees. How's that 750 you bought?
For the record, I never drink and ride, I always wear a helmet (even though IN doesn't require one), I have a motorcycle license, I took a safety course, I ride very defensively, and my bike is registered, insured, and in good working order (tires, chain, lights, signals, horn, etc.) I don't want to be one more reason why most people think motorcycles are for suicidal lunatics.
Favorite thing about my bike: I can park wherever the hell I want for free!
Favorite tool: Hand impact driver! Don't own a 30-year-old motorcycle without one!
Favorite thing I learned on this forum: How to put her up on the centerstand without help! I'm embarrassed to admit how long I struggled with that. It's so easy once you know how.
Well without further ado, here she is. Sorry about the lo-res pic, but with my ancient Caddy in the background it almost looks like it was taken in the 70's. I will soon have access to a digicam so I can post better pics with captions like, "What is this part? Can I still use it? Which way does it go again?"
Sorry for the long post,
Daniel
