I haven't gone riding for over a year and with this weather, I sure do miss it. There's nothing like riding down an open stretch to set the mind free. Walking is pretty good, but it's just not the same, though recording ideas is a whole lot easier while walking.
I had an XS650. We got it for free. Never got it running. It was decidedly old-school. Good luck finding a Bultaco. Period. It should also be noted that "pre '80s motorcycles" are generally thrashed to shit, which is one reason the overwhelming majority you find are R75s and XS650s that have been hiding in a barn for 20 years (they made a screaming million of them). It should also be noted that the technological improvements in motorcycles between 1978 and 2008 are roughly equivalent to the technological improvements in cars between 1958 and 2008. I've balanced Keihins. I'd much rather hook my RS232 port up to my Athena fuel injection and tweak the injector trim.' It should also be noted that $3000 will generally buy you a 2011 Ninja 250, which is safer, easier to maintain, faster and more pleasant to ride.
I'm with you. This line spells out the demographic for this article: I don't think I would want to take any of these for long rides, but for grabbing groceries or something, I think any one of these would be fun to have. I just checked craigslist to see if there were any Bultacos for sale. There are two-ish. I don't ever recall seeing one in person though. After checking the availability of some of those other models on CL, it looks like people are trying to cash in on people who are into cafe racer conversions. I think it's a nice look, but hard on the balls, not to mention a bit strange to see motorcycles as fashion accessories. Just for kicks, I would like to see someone make a cafe racer out of a Minsk: I'm pretty sure they're only in former Soviet countries though. A few years ago I almost bought one, until a friend told me that it was probably being sold because they don't run well in hot weather. Also, they leak oil all over the place.Vintage motorcycles are a timeless icon of cool and style. With the right bike, you can save some serious cash and come away with a fast and reliable machine that commands attention.
Good friend of mine ratbikes everything. He's got a BMWR1100RS that has so far avoided the knife but his Buell XB-12R is currently flat black. I debated buying a ratted out Guzzi Daytona but opted for my Benelli instead; this guy still tickles something inside me, though. Problem with owning an Italian exotic is that italian exotics start seeming reasonable. Before too long you start seriously contemplating asking Ascario to build you something.
I'm down with that Mad Max bike. I'd befriend a little person and we could be Master Blaster for Halloween. I cannot imagine having those sorts of problems. It sounds nice. Currently my problems are, "do I spend money to fix my tooth, or to maintain my 21 year old car?" Someday, I would like to have an "Italian exotic problem" though. Plans A-C haven't gone so well, so maybe it's time for Plan G: Operation Gigolo.