Wife got a bike!!

[jwhughes3]

well I think its cool...

that she is willing to try out the sport on her own - I would do the same thing if my wife asked, but she would rather let me do the driving and just ride along and that is OK with me too.

Please post pics of your project as it progresses - I for one would like to see the finished product.

John in San Antonio

[DGXSER]

You know, would I prefer to see one like my project bike when I got it torn down and turned into a customized ride as opposed to a pristine bike, yes, I would. Does it seem a shame that someone out there is looking for a pristine condition stock bike like that and will have one less to find due to the modiciations your planning, yes it does to me.

However, its your bike, and your wife is the one planning to ride it so it should be what she wants. If I had the welding and or painting skills of some of the folks on this site, I might be turned to the "dark" side myself.

[T99Ford]

You know, would I prefer to see one like my project bike when I got it torn down and turned into a customized ride as opposed to a pristine bike, yes, I would. Does it seem a shame that someone out there is looking for a pristine condition stock bike like that and will have one less to find due to the modiciations your planning, yes it does to me.

However, its your bike, and your wife is the one planning to ride it so it should be what she wants. If I had the welding and or painting skills of some of the folks on this site, I might be turned to the "dark" side myself.

^^THIS is the kind of good attitude that I was expecting. Considerate, but yet presenting another side in non-attack mode. I understand that modding a bike is not for everyone, and it is ok to state that. I just hate soapbox condescending speeches about people's opinions. And, no matter what anyone has done to a bike, you can respect their creative talents for what they are. (Hopefully creativity does not pose a safety hazard!). Thanks for the positive input!! I was kind of starting to lose faith in this site...

[Crazcnuk]

No, what you were expecting was a hearty pat on the back, and all go ahead replies.

You weren't prepared for any other opinion. If you don't want answers don't ask questions.

As for accepting YOUR opinions, how about if you accept others? Nowhere are you going to find where everyone agrees with everything you do.

You're the one that got all defensive and went on the attack. All you had to do was shrug and ignore.

[Larrym]

Compromize??

To each his own viewpoint and perspective. For example I see it as your bike got a wife...someone to ride it instead of it just aging/rusting in the garage.

On a practical note, I'd say that the bike as is would be a good ride to take the rider's skill test required for an operator's license. (I dunno if Montana makes a fuss over this or not...)

Not sure about how cafe style impacts the ability to perform the standard tests cause I've never ridden or owned one.

Possible to keep the bike as is until she gets practice time and her license while stockpiling modification parts/supplies??

[T99Ford]

Errrrr, Craz....just stop. This looks bad enough for you already.

I think if you go back and look at my first TWO posts, you will find that I never even asked a question or an opinion. I never even voiced an opinion and then yours was shoved down my throat. I was not prepared for another opinion because I DID NOT ASK FOR ONE. I let the civil people voice their opinions (which were polite versions of yours) and never even responded. I actually agreed to a small extent.
It is actually kind of amusing to see you try and cover by "accusing" me of all sorts of things that I never did! The proof is here to see.

For the good of everyone here, from this point on I will not be responding to any more of this bickering from you on this thread. This thread was meant to share my excitement about my wife riding; the bike was secondary. I will agree with one thing you said: "All you had to do was shrug and ignore".

[T99Ford]

Thanks for that advice, Larry. She is talking about taking a motorcycle safety course before she rides. Montana is not too fussy about it, but it is a good idea nonetheless.
I have already started the project, so that it will be about done by the time the short Montana riding season starts. My personal opinion is that the cafe style would help the course and test taking, since all of the running gear is basically stock, and just things like rider position for handling are changed. But I am not sure about this, just using my experience. The cafe position was the more natural feel for her on this bike, too. She did not get along with the stock bars and seat too well. They were too high.

[Crazcnuk]

ROFL!!

<walks away chuckling under his breath>

[crazy steve]

I'll agree with...... both of you! But for not too many of the same reasons.

Personally, I wouldn't mod it just yet except to 'fit' it to her. Craz may be right, she might end up wanting a somewhat larger bike as one this size hasn't got much more poop than most cars, marginal drum brakes, and sometimes the best 'defensive driving' move you can make is whack the throttle and put the problem behind you. But the main reason would be to let her get used to riding it. Let's face it, chances are good that she'll lay the bike down at some point (if only in your driveway). That way, any minor damage that may occur can be fixed in the 'restomod', and you won't have to bite your tongue if she trashes your nice work.

As to 'hacking' up a 'classic', if he got it for only $700 it's not that much of a classic. It's not like this is some kind of particularly desireable bike; we'll all be dead before this bike is worth anything approaching serious money if it gets ridden. And I've done the 'basketcase' thing, and as far as I'm concerned the only reasons for doing so is: to save money, or if you don't have enough up front, or if you're going to throw most of the bike away. Spending a few bucks more to start with something that you don't have the repair half the bike is worth it.

Nice bike! Good luck!

'78E original owner

[tarzan]

I have read this thread as it has culminated.Very entertaining indeed.
Personally my opinion is, things are worth what they are worth to the beholder.The great thing is, someone could offer a substantial amount of money to "save" a bike they deem as collectible.Then if they could do with it what they want.Of course, that is if the offer is excepted.
Meanwhile, we are all free to spend as much time and money as we wish buying up all these bikes we want to save and/or restore.There are lots of them out there.I have four "collectibles"in my garage right now.All of which I paid very little for.

I also think it is cool that t71ford's wife is interested in riding.If my girlfriend
was interested I would do the same thing.If after she starts riding she decides she wants another bike or bigger bike I will bet someone will be interested in buying that one.Especially if it is done in the same quality as
you're other work.

[yadada]

Fix it up her way man! She might keep it for a long time as the town bike and have a bigger bike for longer trips. And if it gets banged up a little, guess what, you can fix it right back the way she wanted it, maybe even better!

[Geezer]

The 360 Honda twin was noted for cam problems and does not have any tolerance for dirty oil. I would change the oil every 1200 miles and use the best oil you can get.

Once she learns to ride well, suggest that she needs a bigger bike and sell this one before the cam starts knocking.

Geezer

[Guy_b_g]

The 360 Honda twin was noted for cam problems and does not have any tolerance for dirty oil.

lol..except it's a Yamaha..

[Geezer]

I really need to stop posting before I have my morning caffeine boost. The 360 Yamie was good but under appreciated little bike. It's surprising that they didn't sell better back when...

Geezer

[T99Ford]

I was kind of unsure as to the (I think) one year stint of the 360, too. It quickly became the much more popular 400.
I kind of figured it would make a great around town bike, even for me. It is reported to get mileage in the 60's, and has less moving parts than the 1100. So when she graduates to a larger bike, we will probably keep this one, too.
My wife was also worried about dropping it after it is finished (women think of these things...) But I kind of just like doing the projects for the sake of doing them. So if it gets damaged, I told her, we will just fix it up again. Plus it gives you a reason to change your paint every once in a while! And, the aluminum polish job will be hers. She has agreed to do that part, so that she can help. I am pretty stoked that "quality time" has become a two way street at our house.