New Guy Introduction

[hopz]

Hello... I am the FNG around today and wanted to self introduce.

I have been a bike rider and enthusiast since 1958. If you do the math- that makes me a seasoned citizen. I've owned just about all the regular bikes, early Sachs, Zundapp, Honda, Yamaha, Triumph, Harleys- too many to mention- unless you are interested, and lately BMW's- both K bikes and R bikes. Currently on an R1200RT and love it.

We ride 2-up most of the time and love to tour. Born and raised in the Mid-South but was a Florida and Texas guy for 30+ years so having relocated to Utah was and has been a geographical bonus. We are really enjoying our discovery of the West.

My handle is Hopz... that's a reference to my other passion- homebrewing. I've been at that since about 1990.

In the early days of my motorcycling I raced some only we called it Enduro or Scrambles then. I like rebuilding projects and have done frame-up restorations.

I like what I see here so far and hope to contribute as time goes by.

Bob

[DarthRider]

Man, are you going to fit in here...you just described our composite profile!
We have a couple of home-brew boys here, as well as riders & ex-riders & racers & ex-racers of all you mentioned.
Post early & often with lotsa pics...and welcome aboard!

[Deans BMW]

A big heart-felt welcome to the "Cafe".

I love riding Utah. Plan a trip down to the Motorcyclist Cafe Barn and Bunkhouse this next summer.

[Griffon]

I think I can safely speak for everyone:

Hopz, for the record, we're interested in every bike you ever owned, every project bike you ever put a wrench to, and any recollections of any racce you witnessed or participated in! If you can supply lots of pictures, so much the better!

Welcome aboard!:eusa_clap:

[Gord]

Welcome Hopz! Looking forward to hearing more about your riding, and your home brewing!!!

:drink:

[1MPH]

Bob, welcome to the Cafe'. Pull up a chair and have a cuppa joe.

[hopz]

Hopz, for the record, we're interested in every bike you ever owned, every project bike you ever put a wrench to, and any recollections of any racce you witnessed or participated in! If you can supply lots of pictures, so much the better!


For what its worth:
JBK-57/58(?) see post over in the Vintage forum on this one- still looking for data.

Zundapp 250 Super Saber-59

Honda CB/CR? 125-

Yamaha Virago-1980

Triumph Daytona- this was a total frame off, rebuild project. Probably 1972 model. Rare 500 CC Twin Carb Daytona. It had been ruined by extended front forks which I never removed... (must have been a by-product of the recreational substances back in those days- not mine the previous owner).

Harley-Davidson Sportster-'84 Total piece by piece rebuild. Original bike was in a fire and was total toast when I took the project. 90 days later rode it to Daytona Bike week.

Harley-Davidson FXR-SP Low Rider '89 possibly the best handling Harley they ever built. Loved that bike.

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic-'89 Bought it from a friend in Albany, OR while I lived in Houston. Bought one-way ticket to Albany and rode it home.

Harley-Davidson EVO Road King Standard-'94. I loved this one. It was just plain sweet.

Harley-Davidson TC-88 Road King Classic-'02 Great bike- sold in anticipation of moving to Utah.

Harley-DavidsonTC-88 Road Glide-'02 Bought in Twin Falls, Idaho. One of the best H-D ever, but heavy, under powered, not agile, had all the loose handling problems of the breed. Still loved it.

BMW R1100R Roadster.-'95 Rescued from under a tarpaulin in a guys back yard. Nasty condition. Brought it back to life and cleaned it up. Turned it back into the trooper it was supposed to be.

BMW K1200RS-'98.. Yellow Checker Board Taxi... what an engine! A real pig but you could make her dance if you have the courage. Wish I had never sold this one... (well any of them, but especially this one!)

BMW R1200RT-'05- Current- a real keeper.

Lots of photos as soon as I can figure out how to post them on this style forum... any tips out there?

I have had bikes more or less continuously since age 14, with time out for college and time in the Army during that little unpleasantness we had back between '65 and '70.

Races? We used to go this dirt track near Millington, Tennessee and race. Nearby was an Enduro course. All very unofficial except for some more or less organized events ever now and then. Used to tie rope lengths around the rear tire of that Zundapp. Tied a dozen or so around the wheel and tire with the knot on the outside to make a cheater's knobby. At the end of the day removed the rope and rode 'er home- dirty but ok.

What's this "Motorcyclist Cafe Barn and Bunkhouse" ? The newby wants to know...

[Boxerboy]

Welcome Hopz. Best get a jug of coffee...you've got some catching up ...:)

http://www.motorcyclistcafe.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1560

[JCsman]

Hopz, for the record, we're interested in every bike you ever owned, every project bike you ever put a wrench to, and any recollections of any racce you witnessed or participated in! If you can supply lots of pictures, so much the better!


What he said. /\ More details and pics to fill in the gaps, please.

Welcome, Hopz

[fganger]

Hopz lad,

Glad to welcome you aboard this rather slow moving, unsteady barge, picking its way through the rough spots of life.

I have no idea where all that came from, just a spur of the moment decision based upon my current life pattern.

In any case, I'm sure you will do better than I in picking your way through the outcroppings of civilization. Or, perhaps not . . .

In any case we will be watching you and hoping you are able to do better than us while traversing our way through the overgrown burden of vines and green growth. In any case we all wind up in the same place . . .

Stinkin' Frank

[Deans BMW]

I just read the first page of the link that Boxerboy posted above. We thought we could bring it in for $30 K..................What a joke that was.

Clearly, We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

[Nail24]

From all the bikes you've resurrected, maybe we need to re-handle you as Doctor Hopz. Pleased to meet you. I've got a 85 FXRS (SP) in the basement with I restored from the salt environment of Florida. I turned a beautiful R12RT into junk and still miss the comfort or its ride. Have a new on in my sights.

[Dirty Doug]

Hopz,
Welcome to our place. I think you'll find a rather interesting group here. We are almost like family we joke with each other, we have our differences of opinion, and we use each other in times of need both personal and mechanical. The collective knowledge here is staggering to say the least. I now have " family " in all parts of America as well as across the pond and down under as well. You'll like it here.

Dirty Doug

[BobFV1]

Hopz - a heartfelt "welcome" to the Cafe!

:cup:

[Sir Limpsalot]

Welcome aboard. I hope you derive great pleasure from your time here. We all do!

Cheers,
Si.

[JCsman]

I just read the first page of the link that Boxerboy posted above. We thought we could bring it in for $30 K..................What a joke that was.

Clearly, We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

Hopz, I also recommend a scan of the B&B thread. A true picture of the dedication and sacrifice of Dean for the motorcycle community. Ms. Pam as well, of course. When in the Show Low area it's a must see. Amazing to read about. Better in person.

But Geez, Dean. I've been to the B&B. Were you only planning a one-bedroom, one bike bay set up when you estimated $30k?

You had remarkable skills as a bargainer as shown in the thread. And, Lord knows, you pumped several thousand gallons of sweat equity into the place. But even I could see the kind of quality and money (not to mention love) that went into the B&B. The only question I'd have is what number is in front of the 30.

I'm glad you didn't know the total until "too late". You might have been put off. And I hope you find the results to be (as Master Card is wont to say) priceless.