Blast from the past revisited

[Arby]

Some of you may remember my original Blast from the past thread.

Grandson # 2 has recovered from his knee surgury and is doing well. So, we've picked up a bike for him. An'07 Suzuki RM85 L (big wheel model)

http://shutter01.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/17/007/6E/EB/C6/C5/FTZaBPBsEeBK7lH7Cj4scuIpK-q8J6zJ0300.jpg

http://shutter01.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/16/003/7E/FB/67/03/DzIIOynPfr-NrqTP+YfRQREqn+AeSfB90300.jpg

With all these new bikes running around, and the grandsons getting faster and faster, I thought it was time to retire the old reliable. My 1980 Montesa Vf 414 m/xer that I bought new.

http://shutter13.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/17/006/3F/FD/27/48/kHGVNMJ--qMmqQ4JyoSenAmMEji83nvg0300.jpg

I just happened to run accross this little number on ebay. The price was right, and it was located 2 1/2 hrs away.

http://shutter02.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/15/002/7B/B7/CF/B6/fF+hqjPpey47IganBs66u9avRVbynOS70300.jpg

http://shutter04.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/14/002/7F/F6/2A/D0/ybDweHQWcoOq+SSs-GJXhGsZ+1PIIFb70300.jpg

http://shutter01.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/15/008/6E/A6/53/13/6gLHJbIN4e07C66Mv-yuF-Kpg76QD9pY0300.jpg

I spent a couple hrs going over the suspension and checking the bike over in general this afternoon. Then I went riding at our m/x track with the grandsons & their dad.

Since this bike is a new, leftover 06, it's not the latest and the greatest. But man, do I like it!! It's only 231 lbs dry with (I think) 51HP. Smooth but super powerful, slick shifting trans, feels light like a 125 , great brakes (one finger for the front brake) It just feels perfect on our old school m/x track.

But, if we get into riding trails, then I'll probably install a 8 oz flywheel weight to tame the power a little, and help prevent stalling in tight riding conditions. And, the e start off the enduro or dual sport models will retro fit this bike. We'll see.

For now, I'm lovin' it just as it is.

Montesa? What Montesa. Where's that orange kool aid!!:)

RB

[DarthRider]

Cool bike Arby..."Old age, treachery, and a new KTM 450!"

[1MPH]

Very nice looking bike RB.
I'm jealous. :icon_redface:

[Sir Limpsalot]

Who needs the "latest and greatest"?

Enjoy, enjoy.

Si

[Arby]

Thanks guys. The grandsons think ol PopPop can do anything and I'm trying to keep them fooled for a little while longer:)

RB

[fganger]

"The grandsons think ol PopPop can do anything and I'm trying to keep them fooled for a little while longer."


Hmmm . . . personally I don't think you have anyone "fooled", I know you and have seen you ride - you may in fact be able to do anything.

Of course that is just one man's opinion. :eusa_clap:


Stinkin' Frank

[Arby]

http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/2696/090708009wy8.jpg

http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/3324/083108bobs017lc5.jpg

My training for fitness routine, aka enjoy yourself, it's later than you think. :)

This was taken this past Sunday at our family m/x track. It's the new KTM in action. You can go as fast as you want, no diesel fuel spills, no gravel in the turns and no traffic cops.:eusa_clap:


Dr Frank, thanks for the kind words, but I know I'm just a wannabee, compared to you. You're a world traveler and I'm provincial, at best. But I do manage to have fun, I have to admit.

RB

[DarthRider]

Lookin' good Arby!
I bet that KTM is a real horse...

[Dirty Doug]

Arby,
STOP IT !!!! You keep this up and I'm going to have to get back on the dirt and at my age and crashed body that could be my undoing.


What a great looking ride. There are times I really miss playing in the dirt. Some of my most enjoyable riding was off road and racing. I do envy your ability to keep at it. I'm also thinking PopPop can do anything. One week he's replacing the roof on the house and the next he's tearing up the MX track. You've crossed into the hero level.:eusa_clap::eusa_clap:

Dirty Doug

[Arby]

Dave, to be honest, when I got it home, I was afraid to even try to start it. I kept remembering kick starting Yamaha TT 500's & old CZ's . You know, twisted off kick starter shafts and sore ankles and whatever. Then,if I could start it, I had to ride it.
That frightened me even more. I just knew it was going to be a man eater.

As it turns out, it starts 2nd or third kick, hot or cold. I started it wearing running shoes the other day. And while it's got plenty of power, it's super smooth and controllable. (Is that a word?) Definitely a big improvement over the Montesa. It's amazing what 25 years of R&D and competition will do.:)

Dirty Doug, funny you should mention the roof job. I just got the final inspection this morning. The inspector complimented me on a "nice, neat job". Glad to be finished that job, for sure.

Regards the dirt biking, come on down one weekend and we'll put you on either the KTM or the Montesa, your choice. Tall as you are, they'll both look like mini bikes.

People have accused me of being in my second childhood. But I tell 'em that impossible, I never left my first one.:)

RB