· 1971 Kawasaki 500 (aka Mach III), inline 3 cylinder, 2 stroke cycle, 60 hp, 43 ft. lbs. of torque, motorcycle. This was the first "Super Bike" (1969 was 1st production year). Quarter mile in about 12.5 seconds at about 105 mph with top speed of 117 to 124 mph depending on rear sprocket size. NOTE “The Annoying Thing” sitting on the seat …… YOUTUBE it, you’ll get a laugh and some idea of what riding it is like! I’ve owned it since new and have 29,000 miles on it.
· 1999 Suzuki GSX 1300R "Hayabusa", inline 4 cylinder, 4 stroke cycle, 173 hp, 100 ft. lbs. of torque motorcycle. In 1999 this motorcycle affected the industry in the same way the Kawasaki 500 did in 1969. It was the quickest (from 1999 through 2006) AND to this day still is the fastest PRODUCTION motorcycle in the world. Quarter mile in about 9.95 seconds at about 143 mph with a top speed of about 194 mph (with a slight tail wind radar clocked it at 200.2 mph) and NO, I don’t ride it like that ……… at least no usually. One of the best purchases I have ever made; mechanically bullet proof. I’ve owned it since new and have 25,000 miles on it.
· 1988 Acura Legend V6L Coupe (1st generation), V6 cylinder, 161 hp, 161 ft. lbs. of torque, 4 speed automatic transmission with “sports mode”. In 1987 it was named Motor Trends “Import Coupe of the Year”. I blundered into it about 3 years ago. Although in need of a good detailing along with some “deferred” maintenance issues it was cosmetically (original paint and clear coat) and mechanically in VERY good shape AND entirely original (radio still works) in spite of the 147,000 miles on the clock (160,000 today). It has a nice cosmetic dealer enhancement of “etched” side windows where two varying width stripes parallel along the window base and up the back of the rear window with the word “ACURA” deeply etched into the center of the door windows. I will keep it original.
__________________ "If it can't be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production."
Lots of nice cars there so it was 'kinda a surprise.
They do have an unrestored class for us, thats why we like to go to the "Burgerfest" show, not many do.
BTW...it's held in Hamburg NY, hence the name.
When they announced the winner of the class, I thought "oh well it's a beautiful day anyway". As I was walking back to the car they started the Special Awards, and it caught us by surprise to hear our number called for "Best Vintage".
When DW took the picture she reminded me that the award was for "Bertha", not me....."wipe that silly grin off your face."
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I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
Yes, the "Vintage" award is for the car. If you always remember that DW will forever remain a youthful 29 years of age, a lot of trouble can be avoided.
Not sure if I posted on this thread before or not! If so, apologies for a repeat, just blame it on my deteriorating memory - or too many G&T's!
I used to enjoy restoring old Brit sports cars for a hobby a few years ago. Then in 2001, after taking early retirement, got back into two wheels after many years away.
Sold a Triumph TR6 to buy a new bike, but kept a much modified 1979 Mini that I had re-done from the ground up. I thought it might be more practical than the TR6.
I still have the Mini, but it doesn't get out much now as long as I have the bike. Not sure why I keep it really, but who knows, I may start using it again once I get too old and decrepit for two wheels!
Also, one of our daughters actually used it as a wedding car, so it has a bit of sentimental value!
Hope the image shows up ok, not too sure how to do this!
I too luved Mini's. This one I bought new in 72. Fat boy trailer tires fit on the wide alloy wheels very well.
PS... Girl friend of the day in pic
They are fun aren't they!? Lsat time I had it out, someone parked a new mini next to it and the new mini looked like a Dodge Caravan by comparison! I think the new one is about 2300# compared to 1300#
One of the things I liked about restoring it was that parts were so darn cheap. I paid something like $65 for a new chromed bumper, whereas it cost me about $250 just to have a bumper off my TR6 re-chromed.
New steel front fenders (wings!) were about the same price - mind you that was about 15 years ago when i did the work!
Soooo much fun. My first car was a 67 / 850 and the 72 was a 1000cc. I had driven a couple 1,275 Cooper S's of the day and wanted one so bad but they were $2,700. back then. That was $1,000. more than the basic Mini's. Couldn't afford the extra bucks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wingeezer
PS - bet you keep that pic away from SWMBO !!
oh ya brian. No show to the SWMBO!.....lol
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Soooo much fun. My first car was a 67 / 850 and the 72 was a 1000cc. I had driven a couple 1,275 Cooper S's of the day and wanted one so bad but they were $2,700. back then. That was $1,000. more than the basic Mini's. Couldn't afford the extra bucks.
oh ya brian. No show to the SWMBO!.....lol
This one has a 1275 block bored to 1330 and has things such as a rally cam, exhaust headers, 1 3/4" SU off a 6 cyl. Volvo and a bunch of other engine mods.
It has the fat little "steam roller tires wheels" and I extended the lower control arms for some negative camber.
By today's standards of neat little hot small cars it is sadly lacking I'm sure,
but it will still bury the speedo needle right off the end of the dial!
I'm getting enthused, maybe I'd better go put the insurance back on it! I'd have to change the exhaust system though - back in the day when i did it, I was into nice engine noises, but now I'm more mature ....... maybe.
This one has a 1275 block bored to 1330 and has things such as a rally cam, exhaust headers, 1 3/4" SU off a 6 cyl. Volvo and a bunch of other engine mods.
By today's standards of neat little hot small cars it is sadly lacking I'm sure,
but it will still bury the speedo needle right off the end of the dial!
Brian
That is one sweet Mini S and still quite the hot rod that would surprise many bigger cars at a stop light!
Thnxs for posting.
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1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,225
Brian and Road Ruler
I sure enjoyed the pictures of your Mini Coopers. It has always been on my list of cars that I would like to own. When I was in Junior high, my math teacher had a 1275cc mini cooper S that he drove in the winter time and a Porsche Speedster that he drove in the summer. He gave me a ride in the mini one day- just like being in a gocart- what a blast!
Withidl
I remember the Kawasaki 500 3cyl, two cycle well and the Hyabasa- what a beast! Sound like you have the same problem I have- you take your time and buy exactly what you want and then keep it.
My two wheeled toys are an 86 BMW K75, a 2000 Ducati 750ss and a 2000 Triumph Sprint ST. I had a couple more old BMW's (74 R90 and an 81 R100RS) that I never rode, and I had to sell these so my wife would let me buy a new TV (08 Tundra). I will post pictures some time.
I remember the Kawasaki 500 3cyl, two cycle well and the Hyabasa- what a beast! Sound like you have the same problem I have- you take your time and buy exactly what you want and then keep it.
My two wheeled toys are an 86 BMW K75, a 2000 Ducati 750ss and a 2000 Triumph Sprint ST. I had a couple more old BMW's (74 R90 and an 81 R100RS) that I never rode, and I had to sell these so my wife would let me buy a new TV (08 Tundra). I will post pictures some time.
Dan
Looking forward to your posting pictures.
Boy, did you ever nail my mind set! I’ve found that if I carefully research my purchases I never tire of them and because I believe in totally “SPENDING” what I have carefully invested in I maintain and keep it forever. That being said, this logic simply does not apply to electronic gadgets.
The Kawasaki is like a steam engine compared to the Hayabusa. If you look closely to the Kawasaki you’ll see sitting on the seat “The Annoying Thing” to which there is a YouTube link as follows:
I know I already posted these pics, but couldn't resist posting again on this thread ! !
This is our 1957 Ford Custom and our 1959 Tradewind. Just got the car about 2 months ago, and so far, so good. We've only been on one weekend outing with the combo, but are heading out on a caravan at the end of July.
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Gypsygirl1 and Hubby
1959 A/S Tradewind Landyacht 24ft (the traveller)
1952 Royal Spartanette 35ft (summer home)
1954 Pacemaker 32 ft (summer guesthouse)
Tin Can Tourists Vintage Trailer Club
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