New Member from Michigan

Fontana22 · Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:01 pm Post subject: New Member from Michigan

Hi everybody. I just got my first starter bike over Memorial Weekend. It was finally up and running sometime mid-July and I've been enjoying it since. I absolutely love the style of bikes from the late 60's through early 80's.... I wish they made more than just a few bikes like them today.

I have a 71 Honda CL350 that was used maybe once or twice a year for the last 25-30 years before I got my hands on it. I completely forgot to take a "before" picture when I brought it home. It's a shame because it looks so much nicer now. Now that it is pretty mechanically sound, my plans are to make it look as close to original as possible. Hopefully I can chronicle some of that here.

Anyway, here it is.

Johnny5 · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:39 am Post subject:

Welcome from another guy in Michigan. There seems to be a lot of us collecting here. Very cool.

Also, very nice bike. Im working on restoring mine too. Got it a couple months ago. The pictures make it look nicer than it is.

Fontana22 · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:26 pm Post subject:

Johnny5 · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:21 pm Post subject:

Thanks. And she's actually a '73.

cartfreak71 · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:09 pm Post subject:

You guys are making me jealous!. I wish the paint on mine was that good! Just messing with you. Mine looks awesome (to me at least). I have a 73 CL350. It was in pretty sad shape when I found it. Chrome sparkles now, most of the rust is gone, faded paint on the gas tank has a nice coat of was, seat is in perfect condition. Ok, so the duct tape doesn't cut it, I know, I know. It's on my list of things to fix.

Johnny5 · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 8:02 am Post subject:

The duct tape gives her some character. Wink

macattak · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:03 am Post subject:

Welcome. That's a very nice looking bike. I'm glad you plan on keeping it stock. I appreciate all kinds of bikes, but I'm a purist at heart. It's good to see mostly original bikes out on the road.

I used to have a '73 CB in the same color. It sure was a great bike. I kind of kick myself for letting it go, but the wife says no more than 3 bikes at any given time.

jmartin419 · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 4:09 pm Post subject:

Hey, I'm from Michigan too! I picked up this 73 CB450 back in April. Its in pieces now, but next summer she'll be like new.

Johnny5 · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:09 am Post subject:

Wow, nice 450. Looks great as-is. Cant wait to see it in the spring.

Next year, all us Michigan guys will have to hook up for a ride.

jmartin419 · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 4:42 pm Post subject:

Thanks! Yeah that sounds like a good time.

smi481 · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 6:56 pm Post subject: Why wait until NEXT summer?

Why wait to get together .... until next year?

There is a really nice event, here in Michigan, on Sunday, September 21,
from 11 AM to 4 PM.

It's the Annual Michigan All Clubs Day, in the Village of Stockbridge which
is 30 minutes SE of Lansing, located at the four corners of Ingham, Jackson,
Wastenaw and Livingston Counties, on M-52. Easy to get to.

The event is called "All Clubs" because the show is hosted by Suzi Grenway-Haenggi,
who is the President of the International Norton Owners Association and
ALL bikes are welcome.

Groups that have been there before include, Norton, Triumph,
Moto Guzzi, Ducati, BMW, Antique Motorcycle Club of America,
Honda Owners, Vintage Japanese, Vintage MotorMaids and many more
displays.

We liked that the Stockbridge authorities block off the side streets and posts
signs where parking is available for Motorcycles. Food is available, but no
alcohol is allowed.

It is a FREE event and the temperatures are usually perfect.

For more info contact Suzi at suznort [at] juno [dot] com.

No need to wait until Next year ....

Johnny5 · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:05 pm Post subject:

Cool, thanks for the information. If my bike is running well enough (should be after my new coils are in) then Im game. Looks like a 2-2 1/2 hour trip for me.

Fontana22 · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 11:13 pm Post subject:

I'm game for something like that. Trouble is, I've only put about 250 miles on this bike since I got it running. I haven't ridden it enough to be confident taking it on that kind of a ride. I could always trailer it, but that's never as much fun.

I'd be interested in something more local in the Detroit area somewhere.

smi481 · Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2008 4:59 am Post subject: Close

The All Clubs Day, in Stockbridge, is as close to
the Detroit area as any. It's only 50 minutes
West of Livonia.

If your restoration projects aren't ready to
ride, I would still suggest you go to see the
show.

It's only 5 hours long, on a Sunday afternoon
and with Michigan Fall/Winter weather coming
fast .... it would be a shame not to see
all the bikes, exhibits and people.

jmartin419 · Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 8:26 pm Post subject:

My bike won't be ready, but I am not too far from 52 in Owosso. I would definitely like to cruise out and check everybody's bikes out. I will have to put it on my calendar.