This bike came to me in the fall of 2012, from my brother-in-law. It had been sitting untouched in his garage for the last 10 years. Mr brother was/is a motorcycling enthusiast but his life
hasbeentoo busy to indulge in that endeavor. He "sold" it to me for a case of beer. I knew the bike well because before it was parked in the garage, my brother and I went on a couple of
motorcycletrips,with him on this bike. He had bought the bike from a friend of his who was the original owner. I knew the bike had been taken good care of.
This Honda looked great from 3 or 4 meters away, like in the picture above, but getting closer revealed its age. The side panels were brittle and cracked. The chrome was pitted and getting
rustier and rustier. Steel wool, polish, and new side panels took care of the cosmetics. New spark plugs, air filter, oil filter , oil, and fresh gas were required to get the bike running.
Unlicenced, I rode it around the block a few times, bit then it was time to put it away for the winter.
The next spring I had to disassemble and clean the front disc brake because it was sticking. After a new front tire and tube, and a new O-ring chain, I got it safetied and licensed. I rode it to
work on a daily basis, weather permitting, and rode it the 500km round trip to visit my parents in another city several times during last summer 2013.
For safety's sake, I decided to replace the steering head bearings with improved roller bearings. The front of the bike had to be removed to do this.
Early this spring (2014) in preparation
for my trip,I decided to deal with the other major pivot point on a motorcycle and replace the rear swing arm bushings. Like the steering head bearings, one part had to be frozen in the
freezer and another part heated in the kitchen oven in order to get them together. The rear of the bike was removed to do this procedure.
In travelling trim, summer 2013. I'll be getting a larger, waterproof duffel bag for my US trip.
I find the situation above, humorous. :)