Hi all!
I've been following what's going on here for a while, and now decided that it was time for me to step it up and sign on as a member.
I grew up in Switzerland then moved to New York City (High School, College) and then, long story short, ten years later, back to Switzerland.
Now I'm getting a Master in Fine Arts. (Too much information?)
Up until a few months ago I could have never imagined being this much into motorcycles - I've always been very much into bikes.. er.. with pedals... as in bicycles, but not so much into motorcycles. THAT changed after I got the chance to witness LUIGI TAVERI riding his (hand built) HONDA (replica of the machine he won 3 world champion titles with) on the local velodrome. Man. That was one of the most intense things I've witnessed
and heard in my life. I was in a sort of positive shock. I was so incredibly impressed by that machine and all the other oldtimers that were on view that day...
Then I came upon MV Agusta and their incredibly beautiful bikes. Needless to say, I fell in love instantly.
Not knowing anything - and by that I mean NOTHING - I went to the library and got a great book on motorcyle engines and electronics. I guess you gotta start somewhere. Realizing I could not afford an old MV for a while I started to look around for other options, which is when I found "Freezingprocess" cafe build thread. (
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=38305.0 ) I was hooked on the CBs. Because I thought I'd have to start with a 125 ccm3 machine I almost bought my old roommate's Honda beater. But then luckily one day I walked into a motorcycle dealership near my house and even though they only have Italian bikes (by coincidence MV Agustas as well!) the guy was really helpful and told me not to be scared of "bigger" bikes. So immediately I went on the web and found a nice Honda CB550 K, which is sort of in my price range.
So now I'm about to go to check her out for the first time. Luckily my gf's dad knows a lot about motorcycles (He's got a bunch of Triumphs) and he agreed to come with me to check'er out. It sounds like a pretty decent deal, yet it's still a lot of money for me but what can I say.. the fire's been lit. It's not a barn-bike, that's for sure, so I'm hoping I wont have to open up the engine even though she's covered a LOT of kilometers. Though thanks to this Forum I really feel confident that I could get anything accomplished - besides spending cash, haha.
But of course there are other issues to be figured out. But one after the other.. right?
I hope to start my own rebuild/cafe post soon!
cheers, and I'm so excited to be part of this forum where there's so much to learn!