Tag: vintage motorcycles

Steal This ’76 Yamaha TT500 Running When Parked

jimmymac

Kelly Blue Book lists the value of a good-running TT500 of this vintage at $3,990. While that seems like a lot of money for a 44-year-old motorcycle, the TTs have proven to be reliable off-road workhorses and a model that has never faded from popularity. The photos show a clean bike that doesn’t appear to need much work to get it on the trail. A sweet RWP’ed motorcycle for the TT fanatic at a reasonable price. Go for it! The phrase “Running When Parked” (RWP) is code for a once…

1975 Honda CL360 Survivor Perfect For Honda Fanatic

jimmymac

Kudos to the seller for not saying that all this CL360 needs is a new battery and a carb cleaning (ever notice how many RWP’ed ads claim that?). That’s because this burnt-orange scrambler is going to need some serious hours to get it running (and shifting) properly and I think the seller is upfront about that. What I see here is a very complete bike that hasn’t been modified with weird aftermarket parts. It needs a lot of attention, but that attention should pay off. The price seems fair too.…

A Motorcycle Pilgrimage To Honor And Celebrate The Memory Of Tom White

jimmymac

There are people who like motorcycles and then there are people who think, dream and breath motorcycles. These people don’t have a passing interest in motorcycles, motorcycle riding and motorcycle racing. They immerse themselves in the hardware, riding techniques and the culture of motorcycling. Motorcycles become part of their DNA. The late Tom White fell into this zealot category as a connoisseur, aficionado and supporter of everything motorcycles. Another rider who falls into the motorcycle zealot category is J. Mark Donaldson. He is in Europe on an extended motorcycle adventure…

1965 Honda S90 Brings Back Fond Memories

jimmymac

There were minibikes and Honda step-through, automatic-clutch Passports that came before, but I remember the Honda S90 as the first real motorcycle I ever rode. By “real” I mean it had a gas tank between the knees and a real clutch that required the operator to possess the skill and coordination to twist a throttle and ease out the clutch lever. I accomplished this without stalling the engine or sending the front wheel skyward and friends, a lifelong love of motorcycles followed. So I’m looking at this S90 with a…

British Battle Between Triumph & BSA Running When Parked

jimmymac

I’m out of my league on this one. Did Triumph and BSA share an engine in the mid 70’s? I ask because the tank on this Running When Parked says Triumph but the engine looks like a BSA. The seller’s headline doesn’t help matters because it sort of says this bike is both. Either way, the offering appears to be in nice shape. The price is on the high side once you figure in new tires, saddle cover and going through the engine. Still, the giant exhaust pipes are sure…

Special Delivery On This Running When Parked Kawasaki

jimmymac

This poor rider destroyed all his confidence, a few grand worth of plastic and a functional mailbox when he played a game of mailbox baseball using his Kawasaki as the bat. This bike would be a fun blank canvas for a custom bike builder with a lot of creativity and even more energy. Maybe a stripped-to-the-bones cafe racer? Or a hooligan dragster? The phrase “Running When Parked” (RWP) is code for a once treasured possession that has been neglected in the corner of the garage or tool shed for far…

CONTENTIOUS UPDATE: Motorcyclists Are Not Giving Up On Their Waving

jimmymac

When I pleaded with fellow motorcycle riders to give up on the waving thing, I didn’t realized I was kicking a hornet’s nest. It became apparent how passionately riders look forward to the friendly exchange. One rider felt threatened that I was trying to take away his freedom of choice. I didn’t get one rider who agreed to give the waving thing a break. So next time you are riding and the other rider doesn’t wave back, that’s me. A WAVE OF RESPONSES Ramblin’ Bob Well, it obviously bothers you…

Motorcyclist Magazine Calls It Quits

jimmymac

The July/August issue of Motorcyclist arrived today with a disappointing editorial. It would be the last print issue. Motorcyclist has survived 108 years but most of those years were before the internet. Motorcyclist was well worth the annual subscription price. Unfortunately, that price wasn’t enough to keep the magazine in the black. Maybe I shouldn’t have told you how to save money on your subscription. The message displayed when you hit the “subscribe” button on their website says, “We are sorry to inform you that Motorcyclist Magazine is discontinuing publication.…

Sporty ’69 RWP’ed Looks Ready To Roar

jimmymac

Another Running When Parked in the long line of fine 1969 machines. This one was found in San Pedro. Built in 1969 and roamed the streets of San Pedro. What could be cooler than that? The bike appears to have been stored properly and everything seems to be in its place. The firm asking price of $2500 is a sweet deal if you know your way around a Harley. A very cool Running When Parked. The phrase “Running When Parked” (RWP) is code for a once treasured possession that has…