This got me to thinking, I called up Pete Homan and asked him if he recalled working on the R75 and sure enough he did. He called it a fair price for such a motorcycle and that it could probably roll to 100,000 miles with no major issues.
I asked Pete if he had any similar motorcycles for sale half-jokingly and damn but he did. He had a 1987 R80, fully serviced, ready to go. Long story short, I left work a little early and drove over there in the cage to take a test ride on this motorcycle.
She's a beauty, isn't she?I took her for a brief ride in the neighborhood streets near Pete Homan's shop. She accelerates good, brakes very well, very nimble and light in my hands. U-turns are pretty easy as well and my feet reach the ground easily when stopped with a bend in the knee still present!
So, I left her with Pete, and resolving to think it over tonight. My loving wife has given the go ahead since I've got my Army annuity coming in next month. That and she knows the funk I get into when I don't ride enough.
The plan right now is she becomes the spare/commuting motorcycle...specially in the summer. Her lack of fairings will allow the air to hit my mesh kevlar better and hopefully keep me cooler while riding to/from work. Maria remains my long distance steed, I hope to have her back perhaps by the end of the month. The estimate is $4335 including labor! Presently waiting for the insurance company to approve the repairs.
Tomorrow could be the day I become a two motorcycle owner....stay tuned.
3 comments:
let me tell you: being a two motorycle owner is a pretty good sensation. I own two bikes: a v-strom 650 which I keep in Italy, for long summer drives, and a brand new Aprilia Mana for brussels, where I use ti to commute to work.
paradise.
I love the R80. I am looking for one myself, from the early 80s. If I find it, it is mine. So absolutely go ahead. I am not a big fun of the newer BMW models (too much stuff on it), but these ones are absolutely perfect.
ENJOY...
The bike is really nice, but I don´t know whether the price is ok, it has to be in a really good shape. I hope you enjoy it!
I think the R80 looks sweet! It would be a great commuter bike, and an eye-catcher too. There is something to be said for 'basic' bikes with not too many bells and whistles. Good luck with your decision.
Bikerchickz
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