Returning - Why did I leave?

[CruiserGoneSport]

Hi!

I'm Jim and I'm a returning motorcyclist (why do I feel like I'm @ an Alanon mtg?

I grew up on motorcycles, snowmobiles etc. lived in the country, it was the only way to get around.

I learned to drive on my cousin's Honda (70?) when I was about 8 years old and there followed a series of bikes; Suzuki 185 Twinstar, Honda CB360, Yamaha RD350, on up to cruisers like Virago, CBX etc. stick out in my memory.

20 years ago I started to raise a family and let my license lapse, something I always regretted but hey, not one to make waves with my new wife ...

Well, this spring my buddy called "wanna buy my bike? my wife said I can't buy this new bike I want unless I sell my old one ..." after some interesting talks with my wife, I decided to go for it ... even though it was a sport bike (sprto/cruiser really) and I was pretty much a cruiser when I last rode.

So, here I am, part way through a nice easy restoration on a 1983 GS750es. I'm riding her now but plan a deeper retoration over the winter. The wiring is a bit ratty (as I found out the hard way yesterday) but the frame and engine are solid and with pretty low mileage (30k). She's a fun bike with great handling and is teaching me to ride in sport position (I have to work at keeping my elbows bent and relaxed).

Even though I have many years experience, I opted for the M1 exit course with Learning Curves last weekend and am glad I did. I found i had a few bad habits built up over the years and also enjoyed myself immensely and made a few new friends.

Anyway. Hello out there, hope to see you somewhere on the road, say hi.

Jim.

[tricky]

Glad to see you're getting back into it. If you ever want to go for a ride, give me a shout.

Also, pictures never hurt

[FiReSTaRT]

Welcome back.. That'll be an interesting project.. Pic or it didn't happen

[CruiserGoneSport]

Welcome back.. That'll be an interesting project.. Pic or it didn't happen

Lol! ok.

She's cosmetically pretty clean for an old bike as you can see;

[CruiserGoneSport]

Glad to see you're getting back into it. If you ever want to go for a ride, give me a shout.

Also, pictures never hurt

I always want to go for a ride. I live in Claremont (between Uxbridge and Stouffeville if you're not famailiar ... and most aren't B) ).

[ROQET]

Welcome!!

[tricky]

I always want to go for a ride. I live in Claremont (between Uxbridge and Stouffeville if you're not famailiar ... and most aren't B) ).

Right on. I'm in the downtown, but I do a lot of my riding up in that area cause the city sucks. My standard route these days is up Leslie to Aurora Road and then I usually head south-east to do some exploring

[gcrouse]

Hey welcome back to the sport. I always liked those Suzuki's

[FiReSTaRT]

Yep, she's looking very clean.. Can't wait to see the finished product

[jeero]

Nice bike! I really like it.
Nice "return to 2 wheels" story.
Nice to have you as a member on gtam!

Welcome and ride safe of course!

[CruiserGoneSport]

Thanks everyone!

Nice warm welcomes on here, glad to be among good people.

[FiReSTaRT]

glad to be among good people.

Good people? Where? Isn't that forbidden by forum rules?

[bww77]

Welcome!!!

[CruiserGoneSport]

Thanks again all,

An eventful fall/winter (http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum...on-problems!!!) but I'm getting through it and will soon be back on the road.

My commute route should anyone happen to take the same roads; http://g.co/maps/55yy9

[cknowles]

Welcome back, that is a gorgeous bike. Looks like you're well on the way to getting it back together as well!!

BTW, I ride a '97 Virago.

[CruiserGoneSport]

Thanks!

I spent the weekend removing a single bolt ... but I did and now it's assembly time.

Yes, I loved my Virago, it was a nice bike, my first shaft drive.

[cknowles]

Thanks!

I spent the weekend removing a single bolt ... but I did and now it's assembly time.

Yes, I loved my Virago, it was a nice bike, my first shaft drive.

Oh, there's so much room for double entendre there!
I've been following your buidl thread. Please keep us updated.

[CruiserGoneSport]

lol ok....