I'm 55 and had a 1978 GS750 when it was new and I was 19. It was too much bike, I had too little experience and not enough brains. The combination nearly got me killed more than once. Sold that thing after about a year. I hadn't ridden since. Until . . .
This past September my son, 18, found a 1973 CB350F in very nice condition with 7,700 original miles. With the help of this forum we cleared up a couple of minor issues. The throttle was sticky (cable and grip both were a little gummy) and it wasn't charging the battery because a bullet connector was corroded. We took the Illinois safe rider course together and he's been riding it whenever the weather permits. It's a small bike, he's a cautious kid but every time he gets on it I worry about his safety. What's a parent to do? I decided to join him. Besides, having this little red thing in my garage gave me a very bad case of SOHC/4 fever.
A couple of weeks ago I bought a 1978 CB550F K4 in Candy Alpha Red. It has 23,000 miles and is completely stock, including the pipes that are not rusted out. It is in pretty good condition. I may put a different seat on it because I'm short and I may put straighter bars on it for comfort but I'll leave it original otherwise. It runs, but roughly. So this winter we are tuning his 350 and doing the necessaries to get the 550 running well.
I want to thank everyone in advance. Those who administer this forum and those who offer up their experience and expertise have already helped us and will help us in the future I am sure. So we thank you. Hopefully we may have something to contribute in the future, but until we do, thank you to one and all.
