The following bikes are currently in the stable:

1974 Norton Commando

This was my dream bike when I was in high school. I could never afford one then. I found this one in California in 1997. My son Jordan and I drove there from Washington one weekend. I got the Commando, and he bought a 240-Z.

1979 Yamaha XS650

This one just goes. I abuse it but it seems not to matter. I have heard that these bikes handle poorly, but it seems o.k. to me. It's nowhere near the Commando, however. The vertical twin does its share of vibratin'. It has some low-end torque, which is nice.

1981 Honda CX500

Shaft drive: nice. The water-cooled V-twin is fairly quiet and smooth, but you must wind it up to get any power. No torque at the low end on this one.

1986 Honda XR600

Thunderdog. It's a thumper. With its torque, I don't know why they put 5 gears in it. One or two would be plenty.

2002 Honda ST1100

This is the newest addition to the stable. Long distances should now be easy, enjoyable, and with few worries. This picture was taken in the village of Holly, on Hood Canal in Washington State.

 

Here are some bikes I've owned in the past:

1965 Ducati 250 Scrambler

This is a picture of a bike nearly identical to mine. The '250 was my first bike; I bought it when my friends were riding Suzuki X6 Hustlers. I never knew how fast it was until I wound it up a bit more than usual one day. Wheeee!

   
1970 Suzuki T350-II

This one was my second bike which I bought new in 1970 for $808.15. Here it is in Seattle. It took me all over the west: to L.A. several times, to Utah and Colorado, and throughout Washington. Quite dependable, and quicker than those Honda 350's.

   

1982 Yamaha Vision

The Vision in Idaho after a final ride. This is a unique bike, and a bit ahead of its time. Several unique features on this 550 cc bike: water cooled, shaft drive, transverse V-twin, squarish headlight and instruments, 4 valves/cylinder, alloy wheels. The bike was sold only in 1982 and '83. I think the public wasn't ready for all these innovations, and didn't want to pay for them. Cost new: about $3200. Fun to ride.