My older brother had bikes.
First was a 74 Indian army bike with a side car. Think he paid 25.00-35.00 for it. Non running. Two story farmhouse with basement. Bike was in a lot of pieces. Everything was carried down to the basement. He put it together with Dad’s help over the winter. He was in grade 10 or 11.
They hauled it out of the basement mostly complete. Used a block and tackle and friends, to get it out. So exciting.
He told me that when I could pick it up from its side, I could take it for a ride. SUCESS at age 13. Rural area, could ride without too many worries. When I was 13 I had an opportunity to buy an early 50’s 250 Royal Endfield. I had 100.00, price was 115.00. Mom didn’t want me to have it . Couldn’t borrow the money, she was too worried.
Then my brother had in succession, 250 NSU Fox, 1959 Triumph 650 Thunderbird, 1960 Bonnivelle, 1948? Vincent all a part, 1948 Vincent Rapide that was completely restored. Our nephew still has the bike that was all apart I believe. I liked the British bikes, because I had full flexibility in my right foot. For long trips he had mostly modern Japanese bikes.
After I started my career in 1970, I saw enough biker’s being hurt because car owners weren’t used to the new experience of seeing motorcycles. Biker’s always lost. Still would have ridden in the country and trails, because there wouldn’t be any idiots always looking for something shiny weighing 3500 lbs or better.
Am I biased (you bet).
