Motorcycle Mechanic magazine

I was about 16 when I read the first road report of the 'new' XJ550 in Motorcycle Mechanics - our school library had a subscription ( yes really!) I lusted after it and had one when I was 19.. Now I have another.

 

When I was interested in getting a motorcycle in 1985 I stopped at the sheriff's office to get a learner's permit for motorcycles. He said South Dakota didn't have one. I asked "how is a person supposed to learn?" He said, "good question, find a country road and don't get caught." Mind you I was 26 years old at the time.

So, I bought my XJ550 from a dealer after having only ridden a motorcycle once for about 15 minutes. Drove the new cycle straight to the courthouse (20 minute drive) to take the test for a license. Took the test and even passed the driving test. The DMV person gave me a break I am sure... she said "You passed...barely...I think you are mature enough to not be stupid."

Still riding the same bike all these years later.... and things have changed a lot even in SD...

 

I started out on a Honda Trail 70 automatic ran the wheels off of it almost anyway. Rode my dad's Honda CB 550 till he sold it ...finally when I was 23 bought my first " real bike" 84 Kawasaki 550 ltd rode every where had it for almost 10 years , was moving and needed a new refrigerator, sold bike and was able to buy new top of the line frig ...I made motorcycle noise when wife was close by lol . Had a 92 seca 2 for a couple of days long story but returned it to dealer. Bought my first new bike a 2003 Buell Blast 500 , yes it was a thumper single cylinder had a Kerker pipe louder than most Harleys . This bike was faster than you would think miss it ,sold it to a co worker that I tought how to ride, he fell in love with it and kept it for 5 years before he got a bigger bike . Bought an 82 Virago 750 with only 4700 miles for 400$ after I got the starter ironed out and carb jets straightened out was a great bike ...put it on Craig's list sold it 30 minutes later for 1500$ , I only had 300$ in it so for once I was good on it. The next bike I should have kept 82 Honda CB 750 custom with 4200 miles original owner passed away , still had original tires , the charging system was out . Replaced rotor this fixed that...put it on Craig's list phone did not stop ringing ...bought bike for 1300$ and sold it for 2000$ . Went several years with no bike finally bought my 82 XJ750 Seca ..was going to flip it ...but truly love this bike had it for 4 years . And now have an 82 Seca 750 project bike in pieces ride on .