Florida.
My 1980 Honda CX500. Transversal V-Twin, radiated water cooled, shaft drive and a full Vetter dress! Was sitting out under a tree in some guys yard for over 2 years. Said one day it wouldn't start and he just never got around to repairing it. Threw it in the yard with a tarp over it and left it there until now. The fairings were full of roaches so I had a major STOMP festival in front of my house with a can of RAID. Cleaned it, rebuilt the carbs, rebuilt front brake, rode it around town. Took engine to be sand blasted and owner of shop fell in love with the bike once he saw the whole thing finished. Maybe an offer I couldn't refuse. I miss that back rest and carrying capabilities.
After the CX500, I got myself a 1981 Suzuki GS450L. This bike was laying in a field for over 3 years. Bought it for $50. Restored it to 90% (could have used new pipes). Too bad I never took pics of this project. This bike had a whole colony of fire ants living in the air cleaner box. I was scooping them out with a ladle after I covered the bike with plastic and bombed it. Must of taken out over 30 dead spiders and enough spider egg sacs to fill a popcorn bag. Had to entirely take apart and rebuild. Tank was dented so I replaced. Leather seat was broken so I re-upholstered. Painted entire bike as well. Slapped two tires on also. After restoring, I found the bike had plenty of pep for a 450. Maybe fact that it had 6 speeds helped. Super reliable bike!! I wish it would have had a kick start also. I enjoyed the fact this one was noisy (had wholes in the exhaust), but the engine was still too small for my tastes. So I sold it. I enjoyed restoring this one. Rims show I still hadn't discovered Cycle Care's Formula #5. Check out their web site at:
After selling these bikes I purchased
both Honda CB750 and after that purchased the Harley Sportster 1000.
Go to the main menu to see the project pics of those bikes.
