What Bikes Have You Owned?

[kkim]

Reading some other posts here and realized there are many of us that have owned a lot of different bikes throughout the years. I went back and scoured my brain to try and remember what I have owned in my lifetime.

Here is a complete list (I think) listed in the chronological order of ownership. Some of these were purchased for the kids when they were younger, but I felt I needed to list them as I was the chief mechanic in charge of learning about each of those bikes and performed the upkeep on all of them.

I got the "bug' to ride when my older brother returned from flight school in Texas with a dual purpose Kawasaki 250 F4 enduro when I was 16. He spent many hours teaching me how to ride it offroad so I could learn to gain confidence in riding without having to worry about cars. I crashed many times, but being a dual purpose bike, it was designed to withstand being dropped a time, or two, or three, or four, or... . Poor bike.

After learning, I had to go out and buy one of my own and so began the long list of what has always remained a passion in my life to this very day. I recently thanked my brother for starting me off on riding motorcycles and it is something I will always be indebted to him for the rest of my life.

1969 Yamaha 250 DT-1
1970 DKW 125MX
1970 YAMAHA 175 CT-1
1975 YAMAHA YZ250
1976 SUZUKI 250 HUSTLER
1984 KAWASAKI KDX200
1987 KTM 250 MXC
1987 KAWASAKI KDX200
1986 HONDA XR200
1989 HONDA VTR250 INTERCEPTOR
1992 HONDA CBR600 F2
1991 HONDA XRL 250
1981 HONDA XR80
1989 KAWASAKI KX60
1987 YAMAHA PW50
1991 YAMAHA PW80
1990 KAWASAKI KX80 BIGWHEEL
1998 HONDA CBR600 F3
2006 HONDA CRF230F (STREET LEGALIZED) (currently own)
2008 KAWASAKI NINJA 250R (currently own)


So, come on... share what you've owned throughout the years... I bet there will be some real interesting rides.

[Alex]

Here's our list. Some of these bikes were officially Annie's rides, but I put most of the miles on 'em anyway.

1999 Suzuki Bandit 1200s
bandit.jpg

2000 Buell Blast
blast.jpg

2002 Triumph Bonneville
Bonneville.jpg

2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R
zx-12.jpg

2000 BMW R1100RT
r1100rt.jpg

2004 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2004 ninjette.jpg

2005 Yamaha YZF-R6
r6.jpg

2005 BMW R1200RT
r1200rt.jpg

2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
zx10.jpg

2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
2008 ninjette.jpg

2012 BMW K1600GT
new seat at rick mayer's place 025.jpg

2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 (still own)
ninja300.jpg

2013 BMW R1200RT (still own)
My new R1200RT on SMR 029-X3.jpg

Dirtbike collection (still own)
(2014 Honda CRF250L, 2012 Yamaha TT-R125LE, 2013 Yamaha TT-R50)
i-XFkCfKF-X3.jpg

[HKr1]

Just a few pics I could find & scan. They were all stock when bought

[kkim]

Originally Posted by HKr1

Just a few pics I could find & scan. They were all stock when bought

come on, I know you own a few more than that??

[TrueFaith]

Here's the 3 bikes that led to my 2008 Ninja 250R:
Yamaha RD350
Yamaha Exciter 250
Yamaha Seca 400

[kkim]

Damn... all you guys that have owned Yammie RD bikes... I envy you guys. I always wanted to own one of them.

[NJD022588]

Ok, what "bikes" have I owned? Lets see...

1. 1989 Plastic Tricycle
2. 1991 Little Red Bike
3. 1999 Specialized BMX Bike
4. 2004 Raleigh Mountain Bike
5. 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

I was finally able to get one with a motor...

[kkim]

Originally Posted by NJD022588

Ok, what "bikes" have I owned? Lets see...

1. 1989 Plastic Tricycle
2. 1991 Little Red Bike
3. 1999 Specialized BMX Bike
4. 2004 Raleigh Mountain Bike
5. 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

I was finally able to get one with a motor...

bwahhhaaaaahaaaahaaaa!!!!

[TrueFaith]

Originally Posted by kkim

Damn... all you guys that have owned Yammie RD bikes... I envy you guys. I always wanted to own one of them.

The RD was THE easiest bike of all time to work on. You would've loved it.

[ScraitT]

I'm a youngin, so I don't have a long history of bikes.

It all started with a 1990 Honda Z50R I bought after saving up money from walking dogs when I was 7.
I later sold that and bought a 1994 Honda xr80r when I was 10, which I still own to this day (too lazy to sell it).

A couple of years ago I finally got some friends interested in riding, so I bought a 2004 Honda CRF230F, which I still own.

And unfortunately, I live in S. Florida, and virtually all legal riding places have been shut down. The last good one was closed in July, which is what lead to the purchase of the Ninja. I have a need to ride and I have tried to stay off the streets as long as possible, but with the closing of the last legal place I know of to ride down here I finally gave in.

Bought my 08 Ninja 250R back in March, and of course would accept no color other then green.

[ScraitT]

Originally Posted by kkim

Tyler... totally out there.. but I see you have a crf230, also. Like it much?

Thought I'd reply to you here as it is a bit more on topic.

We slightly discussed the 230s over on KF a bit before.
It's by far the best bike I have ever ridden off road. I have been on some bigger bikes that most people would say are superior bikes, such as 250's and 450's, but nothing has compared in my mind to my 230. It has the perfect amount of power for getting around, and enough top end to hit the mid 60's with ease, which is more then fast enough off road. Most importantly to me, the bike is virtually bulletproof. Honda's air cooled engines can take a beating to no end.

I really should sell it, along with my 80, because then just take up room now, but I keep toying with the idea of converting the 230 to a steet bike. The low end torque on the bike just make it so much fun to play around with. Money unfortunately leans a bit more toward selling then converting

[kkim]

Originally Posted by ScraitT

Thought I'd reply to you here as it is a bit more on topic.

We slightly discussed the 230s over on KF a bit before.
It's by far the best bike I have ever ridden off road. I have been on some bigger bikes that most people would say are superior bikes, such as 250's and 450's, but nothing has compared in my mind to my 230. It has the perfect amount of power for getting around, and enough top end to hit the mid 60's with ease, which is more then fast enough off road. Most importantly to me, the bike is virtually bulletproof. Honda's air cooled engines can take a beating to no end.

I really should sell it, along with my 80, because then just take up room now, but I keep toying with the idea of converting the 230 to a steet bike. The low end torque on the bike just make it so much fun to play around with. Money unfortunately leans a bit more toward selling then converting

yep, I remember the thread now about our 230F discussion. Sell it... if you ever need another, these bikes are easy to pick up, as just as with the 250R, every young kid that buys the CRF230 wants to move up to a real bike 6 months later.

I'm with you this bike is the perfect combo of speed, torque, weight and reliability. The trails here are hilly, tight and technical... anything bigger is a handful at the bottom of a muddy valley trying to climb out over tree roots and slippery rocks. Prior to this, I had an xr200 which I just loved, but it didn't have a front disc brake (which it really needed) and it came with a 17" rear tire which made finding tires sorta tough.

Sounds like you might be prime for a CRF230L... the street legal version of the 230F.

[ScraitT]

Ya I saw the L model when that came out with it a year or two ago, the price is just too steep on the bike in my opinion.

Have you seen the newest addition for this year yet, the M version. It killed the off road factor that the L has going for it, but I'll tell you, the new M version looks like it would be a blast to ride around town.

Speaking of the 230's, have you done the baffle removal and carb rejetting on yours? Seeing the work you've done on your 250 I'd assume you have, but thought I'd ask.

[kkim]

I saw the M, but not so sure this engine is the right platform for a bike like that. Unless they've played with the transmission gearing, I'd say the bike would lack top end.

Lol... first weekend I had the bike it was uncorked and rejetted. I also have one of those Kouba adjustable mixture screws.. I wished they would fit on the ninja.. itt would be neat to tune the idle mixtures with so little hassle. I also have the Kouba lowering link so I can put a foot down on slippery, rocky, off camber trails, if I need to.

[ScraitT]

I'm sure the M lacks in top end, just as I'm sure then L does as well. They probably top out around 80. But it's the low end of the bike that makes it look like so much fun. I guess there's not much you could do with it on the street in reality, but it just seems like fun.

Opening the bike up made it a whole new beast....though a bit loud.
I've never heard of the mixture screws. I'd look into it, but the bike rarely ever gets started now let alone ridden

What I'd give to be able to ride where you do. I was in Hawaii two years ago on vacation, and words can't even describe it.

[kkim]

Planning a trip back?

[ScraitT]

Definitely one day for sure.
It's a bit out of my price range for now. My trip a few years ago was paid by my cousin, and I can't thank him enough for it. It was a week long trip packed with everything from a top notch hotel, to surfing, to kayaking, to helicopter tours and so on.
People call Florida paradise, but it doesn't even compare to Hawaii. I know I was on vacation and at a resort and stuff, so I didn't get the "full view" of how life and weather is year round, but it was amazing.

[kkim]

curious.. which island were you on and what hotel was it?

[ScraitT]

We stayed in The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas on Maui. Flew over to the big island a few tmes, but the majority of the trip was spent in Maui.

[kkim]

Originally Posted by ScraitT

We stayed in The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas on Maui. Flew over to the big island a few tmes, but the majority of the trip was spent in Maui.

lol... well, even if I stayed there, I'd have a great vacation in Hawaii, too. It's one of the best hotels in the state.... nothing like day to day living in Hawaii.

And, yes, the Big Island is awesome... my second favorite island.

Sounds like your cousin really knows how to live!!! You had better thank him... that was some nice digs!

[kkim]

Okay... back on topic!

Anyone else want to share what bikes they have owned?

[Ducati916Senna]

Originally Posted by kkim

I'd have a great vacation in Hawaii, too.

My wife and I went to Oahu for seven days and I couldn't wait to come home. Don't know what all the hype is about??? This was the best part of the trip.





We rented a bike in Waikiki and rode around the island.

[kkim]

Originally Posted by Ducati916Senna

My wife and I went to Oahu for seven days and I couldn't wait to come home.

I don't blame you... when I go over to Oahu, I can't wait to come home, too.

your ride around the island must have been miserable with all the traffic they have there, right?

[toku]

Of all the island Maui was my favorite everything there was just sweet.

As far as bikes that I actually owned myself:
First bike I bought was a 98 gsxr 750, looking back on it, it was probably the best bike I've owned the wide body and round cowling style just seemed so graceful, I hate all the sharp angles bikes have now.

I traded that bike for an 05 gsxr 600 track bike that I thoroughly destroyed at the track. A painful lesson but one well learned.

Needing to get back on 2 wheels quick I bought an 01 250... mainly because it was cheap.

Recently I got rid of the old 250 for the new one. With the money I've put into the new one I may as well have bought a 600 again but there's something so appealing about the 250.

[kkim]

Originally Posted by toku

With the money I've put into the new one I may as well have bought a 600 again but there's something so appealing about the 250.

so, true.. so, true!!

[Ducati916Senna]

Originally Posted by kkim

your ride around the island must have been miserable with all the traffic they have there, right?

Once we got out of Waikiki is was pretty smooth sailing. It was in Feb. so it wasn't that bad. My wife lived there at one time so she had friends on kaneohe bay that we stayed with and I worked for Delta at the time so the trip was pretty much free. The North shore was beautiful and those little pineapple stands on the side of the road rock. Like I said, the bike trip was the best part. If we go again I want to visit some of the other islands.

[ScraitT]

Ya we flew over from Maui when I was there and stopped in Waikiki....definitely a busy city. Kinda reminded me of where I live though because it can be just as crowded hear.
It was nice to see, but I definitely wouldn't want to spend my vacation there.
I think my favorite part of the trip was actually the Hotel we stayed in. Just being able to go out to the poolside bar in the morning, grab a plate of food and a cup of coffee (kona coffee!), then going and sitting on the beach. Perfect weather, beautiful women, and an amazing sunrise. I could have died right there completely content.

[RaceBikeRentals]

Kelly has it made... Kauai is the best part of the Islands I'd take the Hanalei area for beauty, but its always overcast and raining. Can't beat the Poipu weather.

Bikes: Oh man, I've owned bikes for 30 years now and I can't imagine how many I've owned. Dozens and dozens. How about the last 3 years?

(7) Ninja 250Rs
(2) TZ250s
2002 Aprilia RS250 Challenge Cup
1988 Suzuki RGV250
2004 BMW R1150GS
(2) 2008 KLR 650s
2005 Harley Road King
2005 Harley Sportster 1000
2002 Ducati 998 monoposto
2002 BMW Boxer Cup
EX500 Racebike

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few more.... sucks getting old

[kkim]

Originally Posted by RaceBikeRentals

Bikes: Oh man, I've owned bikes for 30 years now and I can't imagine how many I've owned. Dozens and dozens. How about the last 3 years?

(7) Ninja 250Rs
(2) TZ250s
2002 Aprilia RS250 Challenge Cup
1988 Suzuki RGV250
2004 BMW R1150GS
(2) 2008 KLR 650s
2005 Harley Road King
2005 Harley Sportster 1000
2002 Ducati 998 monoposto
2002 BMW Boxer Cup
EX500 Racebike

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few more.... sucks getting old

bah, those don't count. those bikes are dogs that no one in their right mind would want to own.

actually... thanks. I'll use your list to show the gf and say... "see, Richard has more toys than me!!! all I want is one more bike!!"

in the last 3 years??? what's the matter man... got a disease?? and yes... you're right about the getting old thing. I can't remember sh!t some days and then one day you go... "oh, yeah... now I remember!"

[Throttle Rocket]

79 Honda XL 185
81 Kawasaki KZ 550
82 Honda CB 900F
82 Honda XR 200R
84 Honda XR 350L
85 Honda XR 350R
87 Honda XR 200R
91 KTM 125 EXC
?? Honda MB5
93 Honda XR 250L
96 Honda XR 250R
00 Kawasaki Ninja 250

Now own . . .
08 Kawasaki KLR 650
08 Kawasaki Ninja 250
03 Triumph Speed Triple

[Ducati916Senna]

The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.

[RaceBikeRentals]

Originally Posted by kkim

bah, those don't count. those bikes are dogs that no one in their right mind would want to own.

actually... thanks. I'll use your list to show the gf and say... "see, Richard has more toys than me!!! all I want is one more bike!!"

in the last 3 years??? what's the matter man... got a disease?? and yes... you're right about the getting old thing. I can't remember sh!t some days and then one day you go... "oh, yeah... now I remember!"

Yeah uh huh... lemme know how that goes over k?

[KJohnson21]

Here's my list in order of purchase:

1975 Yamaha XS500 with a Windjammer fairing!
1984 Yamaha XVZ1200 Venture
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
1985 Yamaha XVZ1200 Venture
198? Suzuki GS1000 (?)

Currently own:

1999 Kawasaki Councours
199? Suzuki Intruder 800 (wife's)
2006 Yamaha YZF600R
2008 Kawasaki 250 Ninja

[kkim]

Come on, I know some of you must have a pretty nice list of bikes that you've owned.

[noche_caliente]

Well, I haven't owned any other than this one, but I do have quite a bit of experience on an '82 Honda Silverwing - had many miles in the saddle - and was there when we rolled 100,000 on it!

[kkim]

Good times with your dad, huh?

[BlueTyke]

Tyke... Just Tyke.

[CC Cowboy]

Here is the short list;

1966 Suzuki 150 S-32
1967 Suzuki T20 X-6 Hustler
1969 BSA 441 Victor
1972 Harley Davidson FLH
1974 Harley Davidson XLCH Sportster
1976 Harley Davidson XLCH Sportster
1977 Harley Davidson CR1000 Café Racer
1978 Harley Davidson XLCH Sportster
1979 Yamaha RD400
1982 Suzuki GS1000s Katana
1982 Harris Suzuki 1170 Endurance Racer
1983 Honda VFR750F Interceptor
1984 Harley Davidson XR1000
1985 Yamaha FZ750
1986 Suzuki GSXR 750 Limited
1987 Harley Davidson Low Rider
1992 Ducati 900ss
1993 Yamaha PW50
1987 Yamaha YSR 50
2007 Yamaha R6
2008 Kawasaki 250r Ninja

Here are a few survivors;


Notice Kawi green lawn mower.

Other Pictures from times gone by;

[HKr1]

Had a couple friends with those 80's Katana, they sure are/were odd looking

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by HKr1

Had a couple friends with those 80's Katana, they sure are/were odd looking

One of my all time favorite bikes. That bike got me off the Harley fixation. It is also responsible for getting me to the track. I've always been drawn to the weird.