03-12-2021, 11:17 PM
Two 'moments' - first, probably 1968'ish, would have been 15 or so, meandering with schoolmates from school into the local town (Wolverhampton) and seeing an MV Agusta (I think) in racing trim, in a motorcycle shop. Shop was sufficiently small that the bike filled the window - it wasn't for sale, but had in fact been specially ordered and purchased already, allegedly by someone who traded in his Monkey Bike!
Second, a year or so later, walking to school this time, and a CB750 went past me. It looked the epitome of cool. I was lost to bikes at that point. Went to races, to the TT, fixed mates bikes and stuff but never had a bike of my own, only ever a pillion. My father, with great cunning, had said I would have more fun in the back of a car! To a hormone driven teenager, that sounded a good plan. So took my car test rather than bike test. And true to his word, Dad bought me a car! And indeed, fun was had....
But I had to wait till I was retired to actually get to take my bike test and get my licence, but the dreams kicked off by that CB750 made the first bike I bought be a CB1100. Got an RS now. Happy Days!
Second, a year or so later, walking to school this time, and a CB750 went past me. It looked the epitome of cool. I was lost to bikes at that point. Went to races, to the TT, fixed mates bikes and stuff but never had a bike of my own, only ever a pillion. My father, with great cunning, had said I would have more fun in the back of a car! To a hormone driven teenager, that sounded a good plan. So took my car test rather than bike test. And true to his word, Dad bought me a car! And indeed, fun was had....
But I had to wait till I was retired to actually get to take my bike test and get my licence, but the dreams kicked off by that CB750 made the first bike I bought be a CB1100. Got an RS now. Happy Days!