Wow great thread, I remember a lot of what's already been said, including the raised fist salute, bikes that leaked and dripped, P-38's, tearing down my old 'Guzzi every winter to re build some part of it.... but most of all I remember being a YOUNG rider. Where the hell did the last 35 years go?

 

When I inserted slugs into the forks of my 1970 Honda CB750 to stretch the front end ... and oh yeah, the oil on the garage floor from the chain.

Actually, if any of you really miss the old days, buy a BMW because they are still high-maintenance bikes that require all kinds of adjusting every 6,000 miles--valves, throttle bodies, tires, final drive fluids, yada, yada, yada

 

Didn't read every thread word for word .. but doubt anyone came up with something don't remember when been riding since the late 60's on models as early as 1951 panheads..

Good Thread Bob !!

 

Lots of great stuff. I'll add what I haven't seen posted prior.

The bike shop

When you walked into the bike shop it smelled of oil and gas. The place was filthy. There were dirty, broken parts all over the counter. The floor was NOT carpeted, there were bikes for sale, some with an oil puddle underneath them. There usually wasn't any clothing for sale except maybe a few T shirts. Accessories were sparse. The bike shop was where you went for PARTS only because that is all they had. There were no girls in there except for the naked ones on the wall calender. I've gone to the bike shop and gotten parts on the promise to pay later when I got the money using loaned tools (from the shop) to get either mine or my buddy's bike running. Repairs made in the parking lot. Heaven help you if you didn't keep your word.

The jump start

Battery dead, no kicker. That, or kicking won't get it going. You pushed that thing as hard and fast as you could while in neutral then jumped on the seat sidesaddle HARD while popping it in gear to keep the rear wheel rolling (instead of locking up and skidding). Once moving in gear you pushed even harder until it took off. Then you jumped on and rode off. If you had friends with you, they might help push.

 

Dealers greeted you with a smile and remembered your name.

 

Filling battery with Budwieser cause thats all that was in saddelbags

 

Yeah, I'll second that. Good thread. Thanks for making me feel old. BUT! Old does beat the alternative!

 

Been there - done that, including a pretty funny story about my riding buddy and an itty-bitty little mouse in his sleeping bag. But, I'll save that one for another thread someday.

Also, completely overhauling a bike engine on the back patio with Dad cause that was the only place Mom would let us work on it.

 

Hell, I still HAVE the master link, P38 & Buck 110.

 

Man are you right!!
I remember the bike shop "back room" wall to wall with bikes, some that might even run again some day!!

My "Bump start" was a long hill down our driveway and around the corner.
I just about died pushing a BSA 650 almost a mile BACK UPHILL when it failed to start once I reached the BOTTOM!!!