Old Dude, First Harley - Harley Forum

Beartooth · #1 10-27-2009, 12:29 AM

Starting in 1963, I rode Triumphs, then several Metric bikes all over creation.

This spring, my little brother in Spokane got his first bike, a Sporty. So, after a lull of 30 years, I ran out and bought a sweet ’04 XL 1200R with a beautiful Corbin saddle. I love everything about it; it’s plenty of motorcycle for me.

At 69, I travelled to Spokane and back to the Chicago area, 5,300 miles in 2 ½ weeks. Soon after, to Norman OK, 1,600 miles more. Move over, Benjamin Button! A summer I will never forget.

See you around. I'll wave at ya when you go by, even if your ridin' a Puch.

unclepsycho · #2 10-27-2009, 01:00 AM

Welcom to the forum from California
glad to have ya here!!!

Buzz Kanter · #3 10-27-2009, 07:29 AM

Welcome back to motorcycles and to the new (to you) world of Harley-Davidson. If you liked the old Triumph motorcycle (and who wouldn't?) the Sportster is a good choice for you.

How about posting some photos of your new bike here?

shovelmike · #4 10-27-2009, 07:51 AM

Welcome to the forum, Beartooth. You are getting out there putting on some serious road miles and that's great.

evoKENevo · #5 10-27-2009, 06:09 PM

Welcome aboard,Beartooth...glad to have you join us.

tommyglide · #6 10-27-2009, 07:16 PM

Greetings Beartooth, good that you are enjoying yourself. Old?.........naw.

tejasandre · #7 10-27-2009, 07:30 PM

Welcome beartooth. Way to get back on that horse!

Beartooth · #8 10-27-2009, 07:38 PM

Thanks everybody,

I’ll try to attach a photo I just took. This is my third try. The bike’s not custom, just a go-anywhere American tool. I keep it well maintained. Man, does it move out.

I failed in the maintenance department years ago. I was doing 70 on a Triumph on the road to Coeur d’ Alene when a horrible wobble took some ever-widening swoops. I arched my back against the over-seat box and pushed very hard on the bars as I slowed a little, and got it straightened out. I didn’t even stop, since I was anxious to get to my kin before dark. The next morning I checked the rear wheel trouble: six chromed spokes in a row gone, plus an axle nut!

I chose my user name based on the most beautiful spot on earth (so far): Beartooth Pass. One look at Mapquest, the northeast corner of Yellowstone going to Red Lodge MT, will give you a hint. But it also includes the strong smell of pines in July, a crashing mountain stream, and a panoramic view of the curvature of earth.

Hammerhead Pat · #9 10-28-2009, 08:25 AM

Welcome to the forum and enjoy the bike, lots of good info here. Now what about the 66 fastback in the background??? Tell me you've got a pumped up 289 and a 4speed ready to throw in.......

Beartooth · #10 10-28-2009, 10:20 AM

Astute observer, Hammerhead,
'65, actually. I'm years behind just getting the Bonneville put together, so I don't dare start on the floorless, enginless Sports Roof. It's a super-challenge, espcially considering I've never "done" a car. Most guys would look at the photo and give up, but we know differently, don't we? I'm dreaming; maybe a crate 347, reinforced body, coil-over sus.... STOP ME!
Jim