The bachelor party, the last night of freedom? Drinking? Hmm....tempting. Den of inequity with a dimly lit, glitter covered stage and a pole or two? No thanks. If you're me, there is really only one option; Drive straight from your rehearsal dinner to load two badly neglected 2 strokes into your rented van.
As you recall, I recently visited a fine fellow who had corralled a herd of vintage Japanese bikes. When I left empty handed I knew I would inevitably return. In fact it haunted me the whole ride home.
Which one (s) would I go for? The pair of Yamaha 'Santa Barbara's'? Tempting and probably the logical choice. After all there are two of them, identical except in colour. This would provide a plethora of spares and minimize the need to purchase extra parts. Hmm...too easy!
Perhaps this complete but rough gem:
(I would like to apologize for the poor pictures. My best man and I were in a hurry and the seller had plans, I didn't want to burgle his evening! )
This is mid to late 60's Yahama YM1, a two stroke 305cc. The same displacement as the venerable Honda Superhawk which would have been the main competition of the era. Very complete, very restorable and I will definitely help the seller find a good home for it if I can.
After a little research, I decided on this pair of forlorn Bridgestones. A single 90cc model and a 175cc Twin.
I suppose I picked them up because they were obscure, unloved and very funky in design. I am guilty of being romantic when it comes to bikes. I see them as much more than what they actually are; I see history, a time capsule, relics of a bygone simpler age. I see these machines as something that need to preserved, rescued and loved. I will elaborate more on these bikes as I shed the years of grime and dust that has found a home on them. Stay Tuned!
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