My mum always says she regrets not encouraging my Dad to get a big bike. He humbly commuted to work everyday on little 250s, he'd have been much better off with a 600cc or bigger engine. But he stuck with the smaller engined more economical motorbikes. I always loved my Dad's bike, as far as I can remember they were huge amazing machines, and always a deep red. And my Dad would always buy Shoei Helmets. It was always my dream to ride a motorbike just like him. Though I wouldn't have a red motorbike, I'd have a white one, and white leathers and a Shoei helmet. I think I watched too much Captain Scarlet as a kid, probably took my influences from the Angels.
Skip forward 15 years ish and my dream is about to be realised, much to my mother's concern (so much for her regrets). I passed my motorcycle test back in April, before the new test came in and whilst my family was in Mexico so they couldn't object. Now it's September of the same year, I'm very rusty obviously having not ridden for 6 months, and I'm still in the process of recovering from surgery (I intend to blog about that one soon). But regardless of all that, I needed cheering up so I bought myself my first ever motorbike.
It's a white (my 6 year old self would be so happy) and purple 1989 Honda CB-1, also known as the NC27, CB400F and CB400/4. Why so many names I have no idea. It's the Japanese version. Needs a damn good clean, and the earth on the indicators can play up at times. But apart from that it's mechanically sound with a fair bit of powerful behind the throttle and has plenty of torque. It's essentially a naked sports bike. If it weren't for poor marketing it would have been considered the first Hornet. But it only had a 2 year run in the States and Japan as faired sports bikes, the "baby blades", were far more popular at the time. But considering it's nearly as old as me, the bike is damn good, especially as I paid very little for it.
Anyway, I can't ride at the moment as recovery from surgery has rendered me physically incapable of doing anything requiring strength. It'll take a while to build my muscles back up. So in the mean time, the boyfriend and I will be scrubbing and polishing away to get it as clean as possible. We'll fix the indicators, probably respray it, re-upholster the seat and give it a major service. I'm so excited. I've also taken to sitting on and making pretend revving noises like I did when I was a little girl. Brummm brummm. So much fun, and better than nothing when you can't do the real thing!
It's been probably about 12 years since there's been a bike in the garage, Dad got rid of his last one as he had a 100 mile a day commute and the bike wasn't ideal. Numb bum and arms I'm guessing. Instead he got a Skoda. His bear used to sit in the back seat, and he kept boxes of Twix's in the boot. But it was never as cool as a motorbike. He passed away not long after. I imagine if he was still alive he might have bought another bike. I hope he'd be proud his daughter followed in his footsteps. A little concerned for my safety but still enthusiastic about sharing a hobby. Oh and of course, it almost goes without saying, but I bought a Shoei helmet too. I trust my Dad's judgement, I wasn't going to skimp on the helmet.
Anyway, she arrived home today. She's sat safe in the garage under a dust sheet. I'm wondering how long it'll take before my mother discovers her. So far one little boy has discovered it, but promises to keep schtum given it's "beastly and cool". We'll see.
