First bike was a '84 Interceptor that I purchased back in high school for about 300 bucks. The story on this bike was it had a tip over while being trailered then sat neglected for an unhealthy amount of years. The cosmetics were an easy fix but the gas was untreated and played hell on the carbs and tank. Went through several treatments of chemical rust killer, some involving putting nuts and bolts in the tank with the solution and shaking it like a baby. The carbs I pulled and went through and through fully dissembling down to the jets and cleaning. Then a quick carb sync and back together, good as new, right? It did good up to 50 then choked out. Took it to a guy I knew who was savvy with this sort of thing and he deduced the carbs were shot, all 4 of them. I didn't have the $$$ for that and he offered to buy the bike for what would be a good profit. So I took it.
Picture of a '84 Interceptor for reference(www.southendmotorcycle.com)
Next bike I got a year or so into college. The SV650 is a fantastic bike. Unbeatable as an around towner. Sips the fuel, V-Twin grunt for light-to-light delight, and a hospitable riding position. 68 horsepower isn't alot but it had just enough punch, and balanced brakes, to keep from finding an early grave with an SUV tombstone.
If you're a rider, or have been around other motorcyclists, you've probably heard that old quip, "There are two kinds of riders, those who have crashed and those who have yet to." I'm sure there will be plenty of riders who will go their life without skinning their hide thanks to me evening out the rider-to-wipeout ratio.
Anyway, it was on the SV I had my first lowside. Due to cold and old tires and debris on the road (ie. all my fault) I went down not 1 mile away from my folks house. Smashed up my brand new Givi windscreen and bent the handle bars and foot rest and mirror. Thanks to a pair of no name frame sliders I got off EBay, that was it. Aside from the 130 dollar windscreen, the repairs would have been 40 bucks. You gotta love frame sliders. Below are a few pics of the SV after I put it back together and out and a quick test ride:
I sold the SV about 3 years ago and even after getting the VFR, I miss it. This bike was the reason I chose to go the direction I am for my VFR rebuild. But given a choice between that SV and my broke ass VFR, I wouldn't be able trade it. There's just something about that V4 Honda...
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