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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: moto-uno on November 19, 2019, 05:41:24 PM

Title: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: moto-uno on November 19, 2019, 05:41:24 PM
  50 +1 and counting . 1968 on a Honda Cub , way too much fun , then by 1969 bought a new BSA Lightning ! Holy crap , was that a change ( to understate it  :grin:) , took another
24 years to step into my Le Mans 2 , bought new in Alberta . Peter
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Lannis on November 19, 2019, 05:47:56 PM
Sort of depends what you consider a proper "motorcycle".

Home-made trail bikes to today, 52 years.

60cc Bridgestone proper trail bike to today, 50 years.

Actual road motorcycling with a license (200cc Yamaha CS-3 twin), 49 years and counting.

Lannis
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: pehayes on November 19, 2019, 06:00:25 PM
Lawnmower engine in a bicycle frame with 8" wheels.  58 years.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: ozarquebus on November 19, 2019, 06:02:59 PM
77 Honda CR125 (edit:corrected from "RM" in 1981 stock picture)

wish i'd kept that one, too.

that is only 43 yrs not counting earlier mini bike.


(https://i.ibb.co/L0H3Yy1/hondahistory-7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/L0H3Yy1)

 On the pavement on a '78 AMF HD FXE SuperGlide 1200 since 1984, so that would be only 35yr on the slab.
was glad to see that one go.
(another stock photo, but it was stock with same tank decal and color, I had a SU carb instead if S&S))



(https://i.ibb.co/1qfR062/1978-harley-davidson-fxe-superglide-shovelhead-amf-lowrider-stock-fx-1-lgw.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1qfR062)
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Adk.IBO on November 19, 2019, 06:08:46 PM
26 bikes at 50 years this past summer... not very many things I’ve done longer.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: jwinwi on November 19, 2019, 06:13:05 PM
First bike was a worn out 350 Kawasaki two stroke 6V enduro.  Kick (and kick and kick...) start only. 35 years ago and it's been E start ever since!
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: StuCorpe on November 19, 2019, 06:14:17 PM
If a Cushman motor scooter counts, 61 years, otherwise 58. :bike-037:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: PhilB on November 19, 2019, 06:40:11 PM
I got a late start in actual motorcycling.  I had a moped for a couple years in highschool; that was 42 years ago.  But then I got my DL, and didn't get an actual bike until I was 25, 32 years ago.  I then spent 6 years on various scooters and small Japanese bikes (under 350cc).  Then I bought a Ducati Monster, so I've been riding those for the last 26 years.

PhilB
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: tcunnien on November 19, 2019, 06:44:56 PM
55 Started playing in the dirt on a Benelli 175 Enduro, Then started racing Bultacos. First street bike was a Maico 250 Blizzard, Makes perfect sense to be riding a Guzzi now. To me anyhow.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: TOMB on November 19, 2019, 06:55:21 PM
At least 50 + years
TOMB
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: wrbix on November 19, 2019, 06:56:58 PM
50 yrs.
Started riding my best friend’s Honda SL350 (‘69?) since my folks wouldn’t allow such a thing at our house.
My first owned was ‘76 Bonneville, which is still in my garage. Bought when in Med School.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: nick949 on November 19, 2019, 07:07:32 PM
52 years - but with quite a gap in the middle.

Nick

1967

(https://i.ibb.co/nkJPVfc/nick-lambretta-1967.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nkJPVfc)
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Yeahoo Whoyah on November 19, 2019, 07:12:59 PM
Started in either 1964 or 1965, so 55-years or 54-years.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Gliderjohn on November 19, 2019, 07:21:48 PM
If you start from the first motorcycle I rode it would be 54 years, counting from my first bike ownership and regular riding would be 40 years spread over just three bikes. All of them good! :thumb:
GliderJohn
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Sasquatch Jim on November 19, 2019, 07:24:52 PM
55 years, first bike was a Harley 45 inch. But several years before I had a 50cc Rex in Germany.
My second bike was a BMW and then back to a pinhead Harley. After that I was all over the board with bikes.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: moto-uno on November 19, 2019, 07:37:30 PM
  Boy o boy and I thought I might be one of few with a half century of motorcycling under my belt  :azn: . In the interim years an HD Sportster with lotsa motor work (and an SU carb), a BSA Rocket 3 ( Routt 870 kit ) , gear head obsessions . Financial holes in the ground , but , The Fun !   Peter
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: mobiker on November 19, 2019, 07:43:28 PM
Holy cow we have a tremendous amount of experience here  :bike-037:

I'm a comparative pup.
47 years counting a mini bike. 46 on proper motorcycles. First bike was a '73 Suzuki TC100.
43 years riding on the road (legally  :wink: )
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: cliffrod on November 19, 2019, 07:50:32 PM
My first personally bought & owned bike was a 160 Honda Dream in 82 when I was 14 or 15, but riding anything much on the farm was taboo because it could put the cows off their milk.  Dad wasn't averse to me having bikes, but he didn't want them around the cows or heifers.

Regular riding started in 92 on my 65 Ducati Sebring 350 and serious riding began when I got my V7 Sport rebuilt & on the road in Feb 94. Lots of bikes since that 160 Dream, but I'll claim my real street riding time began 27 yrs ago, with casual stuff 10+ yrs before that.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: keener on November 19, 2019, 07:51:53 PM
51 years  started at 14 years old , first bike  and it was old then  :azn:   was a 1948 James  125
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Al VA on November 19, 2019, 07:54:02 PM
 Bought first MC in 1963, bought 2nd one 1964 and still ride that and others now.(56yrs)
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Rebochi on November 19, 2019, 07:55:31 PM
    53 years starting with a Honda CA200
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: LowRyter on November 19, 2019, 07:55:43 PM
52 years this Christmas, licensed 52 years April.

I needed an abacus to work this out.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: JJ on November 19, 2019, 08:04:21 PM
52 years riding...34 motorcycles ridden and owned during that time...50 years riding legally, (since age 16), on the street...estimated >250,000 miles ridden during that time... :thumb: :cool: :wink:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Gliderjohn on November 19, 2019, 08:20:58 PM
Don't think I have a calculator that has enough digits to add up all the riding experience here. :bow:
Any possible (I know that is a pipe dream, but...) young rider here pay heed!
GliderJohn
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: severely on November 19, 2019, 08:45:51 PM
I worked for 2 years to save up and buy my Cushman at 11years old. 53 and counting, over 1 million miles and counting. Still ride dirt bikes. :bike-037:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: BAT 11 on November 19, 2019, 08:53:44 PM
Began riding my dad's Yam 90 around the the rotary clothes hoist at 15 in 1967, got bitten by the bug and now going strong hopefully for a lot more years yet, 42 years.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: PeteS on November 19, 2019, 09:17:34 PM
57 years. First bike 1961 Yamaha YG1 80cc. Only owned ten bikes total but still have 5 of them.

Pete
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: SmithSwede on November 19, 2019, 09:41:16 PM
Great thread question!

41 years for me.  Started on a Yamaha RD-350 two stroke.  I’ve mostly ridden street, but in my twenties I also did a lot of dirt bike riding.

Once I got totally hooked on motorcycles around age 19, I basically gave up on cars.   There have been many years in my life where I have owned multiple bikes but no cars.  Or one really crappy car.

I’m now 57.  Still the same deal: bike only, no cars, year round riding (in Texas).  I average about 25-30K miles per year between commuting, work related trips, and pleasure riding.  Wish I had more time to ride.   

Despite all those years, miles, and bikes, on most days I’m still grinning like a fool just to ride one of my bikes. 

The truth is most people get jaded or bored with their hobbies.   I’m truly blessed to still get such a kick almost every time I ride a bike, like I just discovered this thing. 



Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Guzikid on November 19, 2019, 09:41:57 PM
 Started riding in 1962 with a old Whizzer motorbike.  I'd ride it for one day then have to work on it for the rest of the week!  What adventures I had that one day!  I've had 73 motorcycles since.  I'm riding a '08 Breva 750 and a '16 Ducati Scrambler at this time.   The Kid
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: kirkemon on November 19, 2019, 09:46:21 PM
51 years
Starting with a '67 Honda S90 (motorcycle?)
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Ronkom on November 19, 2019, 09:49:29 PM
First unlicenced Cushman-today 53 years. 1st legally licenced Cushman-today 52 years.
Ron
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: RinkRat II on November 19, 2019, 10:23:25 PM

     51 Years motorcycling, 44 Years Street riding, 11 Motorcycles, still have 5 of them :bike-037:

        Paul B :boozing:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: jumpmaster on November 19, 2019, 10:43:37 PM
Started riding 60 yrs ago, at age 14 on a Whizzer my dad "bought for me" (that's what he told my mom) from my uncle.  2nd bike (also bought "for me") was a Harley Hummer 4 yrs later.  Except for a few stretches of a year or more overseas courtesy of the US Army, riding pretty steadily the entire time.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Turin on November 19, 2019, 11:10:46 PM
Riding 28 years, and started on a 850T-3 right out of high school. I've always had at least one Guzzi.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Moparnut72 on November 19, 2019, 11:36:30 PM
First 2 wheeler was a Bianchi scooter in 1964. First motorcycle was a Yamaha 80 a year later. I put 17,000 miles on that little bike. I am currently rebuilding a 1964 Yamaha Santa Barbara 125, the same as the 80 with a little bigger motor. Spending more money on it than I should.
kk
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Ryan on November 19, 2019, 11:46:04 PM
38 years. 11 bikes. Relative pup.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: MarkMk on November 19, 2019, 11:53:51 PM
54 years of riding ,,Bike #1 was a $5  Beesa 250,, I gave up counting at 26, When I was in my mid 20's  :clock:
(https://i.ibb.co/nzz9jVB/My-bikes-1-001.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nzz9jVB)
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: bobrebos on November 20, 2019, 01:01:35 AM
Rupp mini bike, about 1968 or so I cant remember.   :grin:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: bigbikerrick on November 20, 2019, 02:03:41 AM
52 years here,first bike a Z 50 mini trail in 1969. Discovered Guzzi in 2001, and its been almost exclusively Guzzis for the last 18 years.
Rick.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Phil G on November 20, 2019, 02:28:29 AM
49 years since first bike ride, 43 years on the road, lost count of the number of bikes, currently got 6
 :cool:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Charles in Lake Charles on November 20, 2019, 04:25:19 AM
44 years. First bike was a Suzuki GT250. and then the Guzzi 850T which I still have.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: jagwillie on November 20, 2019, 04:51:07 AM
I've been riding for 50yrs in March. My first bike was a 1970 Dunstall Commando purchased from Paul himself and air freighted to Hartford. Since then I've an assortment of bikes, BSA, Triumph, Norton, Matchless, AJS, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Bultaco, Penton, Cheney, Seeley, sidecar rigs, and one Harley. 50 some total.
jw
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: blackbuell on November 20, 2019, 05:04:21 AM
54 years on the road; started with a Honda CB160 scrambler, next was a Suzuki X6 Hustler.

Jon

Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Johncolleary on November 20, 2019, 06:45:07 AM
52 Years started with a Honda Super 90 with a 103 Kit.  WOW!
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: siabeid on November 20, 2019, 07:21:34 AM
47 years. March of 1972 I got a nearly new gold metalflake Honda 350. I still really like that color on old Hondas. I always kick started it so I would look cool like the guys with Triumphs.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: guzzisteve on November 20, 2019, 08:12:15 AM
Over 50 yrs ago I bought a 65 Bridgstone 90 Street/Trail in a big wood box needing a rebuild.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: calfruit on November 20, 2019, 08:22:02 AM
54 years, started with a

1963 Honda CA110—still in the barn
1966 Honda S-90— in the garage and running
1968 Honda CL 350— in the garage and running

Then a series of Hondas, BMW’s etc, now Norge.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: larrys on November 20, 2019, 08:32:40 AM
Homemade chopper minibike 52 years. Proper motorcycle, 6? Honda 90 Sport, 50 years and over 50 bikes.
Larry
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: stonelover on November 20, 2019, 08:37:18 AM
66 years. Started on a 50 cc Peugeot Bima moped while a teenage dependent living in Alsace in 1953. Back in the States in 1956 I bought a '46 HD model EL (61 inch knucklehead)on the dealer's pay-as-you-ride plan. Many bikes since then. Now ride a 2016 Guzzi V7 Stone II.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Sheepdog on November 20, 2019, 09:04:04 AM
50 years since I first rode a Motobecane Mobylette...49 years since I bought my '68 Honda CL70. I had ridden a bunch of mini-bikes well before, but I think of that French Moped as my first time operating a motorcycle...
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Lannis on November 20, 2019, 09:24:18 AM
50 years since I first rode a Motobecane Mobylette...

I have fond memories of those bikes ... the rental place in Bermuda (where Fay and I were honeymooning) had those as the "two-up upgrade" to the normal rentals.

And it did a great job.   I was about 200 pounds at the time, and Fay was 120, and it pulled us around everywhere with no problem, even had an automatic 2-speed shift.   Of course, there were no cars to duel with on the roads, everyone had a bike ...

Lannis
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Kev m on November 20, 2019, 09:27:41 AM
No wonder no one can tell you guys shit....



















































 :boozing: :grin: :boozing:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: SIR REAL ED on November 20, 2019, 09:36:39 AM
No wonder no one can tell you guys shit....

 :boozing: :grin: :boozing:

takes one to know one!   :wink:

Paraphrasing an old quote "The man who can tell good shit from bullshit, doesn't need no shit!"
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: bobbyfromnc on November 20, 2019, 09:37:31 AM
50 years and counting...
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Trialsman on November 20, 2019, 09:43:26 AM
52 years ago my dad would not even talk motorcycles - he was an insurance agent and they were dangerous!  My parents were looking at a trailer and in the corner was a Honda CT-90 that my mom and I saw.  She said it was "cute".  My dad said alright but I would pay every penny myself (as a deterrent).  Little did he know I had saved the money already.  I went home, came back and bought it the same day.  I have never found anything I like better and plan on riding a long time.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: SIR REAL ED on November 20, 2019, 09:44:33 AM
51 years
Starting with a '67 Honda S90 (motorcycle?)

About the same for me, 51 years ago, about age 9. 

My older brother's 17 year old friend stopped by on this white 65? Honda Super 90, and since my brother wasn't home yet, he decided to hang around and shoot some hoops.  As I looked at and drooled over his bike, he said "Do you want to take it for a ride?"

I replied "But I've never ridden a motorcycle before...."  He said "Well ya gotta learn sometime.  Go for it!"  After starting it and stalling it out 4 or 5 times, I was off and riding.

I was about 9.  A couple years later, I had $150 saved and saw a Yamaha 100 for sale.  I thought it was the trail bike.  My dad went to look at it and bought, but it was a 1966 Yamaha twin cylinder 100cc road bike, a YL-1E if I remember correctly.  Lousy trail bike, but it was a start.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on November 20, 2019, 09:44:58 AM
Somewhere around 47 years. I wasn't really paying attention to when my brother and I built (from parts collected out of garages and sheds) our first Honda 50 Mini-Trail. We shared a few more until I finally got my own motorcycle - a Benelli Fireball 50 - at the age of 13. Got my motorcycle endorsement in the Spring of '79.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Lannis on November 20, 2019, 10:02:38 AM
I just realized what's so appealing about this thread.

Those of us posting can't brag any more about our prowess with attracting girls, or how high a mountain we can climb, or how fast we can run, or our ability to kick someone's arse in a bar fight ....   :wink:

but eee by gum, we can brag about how long we've been around!!   :thumb:

Match THAT, youngster!

Lannis
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: SIR REAL ED on November 20, 2019, 10:06:48 AM
I just realized what's so appealing about this thread.

Those of us posting can't brag any more about our prowess with attracting girls, or how high a mountain we can climb, or how fast we can run, or our ability to kick someone's arse in a bar fight ....   :wink:

but eee by gum, we can brag about how long we've been around!!   :thumb:

Match THAT, youngster!

Lannis

Makes sense.  When I was young I always wondered why old guys has so many stories.  Now I know.  When you're young most of life is ahead of you.  When you're old, most of life is behind you.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: rocker59 on November 20, 2019, 10:08:38 AM

Those of us posting can't brag any more about our prowess with attracting girls, or how high a mountain we can climb, or how fast we can run, or our ability to kick someone's arse in a bar fight ....   :wink:
 

Lannis

Speak for yourself, hombre.   :evil:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Kev m on November 20, 2019, 10:12:34 AM
takes one to know one!   :wink:

Paraphrasing an old quote "The man who can tell good shit from bullshit, doesn't need no shit!"

True Story.  :boozing: :evil: :boozing:


Speak for yourself, hombre.   :evil:

Also True Story...
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Don G on November 20, 2019, 10:14:54 AM
Started in 1969 @ age 6 on a home-built mini bike with a Johnson Iron Horse washing machine engine, so I guess 50 years. DonG
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: wirespokes on November 20, 2019, 10:18:05 AM
I've been riding and wrenching on bikes for 54 years - the adventure started on a shiny black 150 Honda dream. Didn't realize I was an avid motorcyclist till about 1992. Ever since, bikes have been my solution for overcoming the knocks life serves up, and it's always worked. I'm ashamed to say how many bikes I still have. 
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: leolad on November 20, 2019, 10:22:50 AM
47 years
BSA D7, KawH1, Norton, Duc, Duc, Guz
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Testarossa on November 20, 2019, 10:36:19 AM
First ride was '64 on a friend's Honda Cub, and I rode a Vespa the summer of '68. First real bike was the Sprint in '70.  Could never afford shop rates so I always did my own wrenching.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Texas Turnip on November 20, 2019, 10:37:41 AM
My first bike when I was 16 in 1959 was a '51 Harley. Back then you could put a bike in your name and lots of us were running Harleys, Indians and if you had a brit bike we didn't understand what cc's meant.

Now it is not about the time riding but talking to new riders and telling them to enjoy it as much as I have.

Enjoy,
Tex
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: hauto on November 20, 2019, 11:11:06 AM
This thread shows the sad shape the motorcycle industry is in.Everyone is proud of their 50 plus years of riding,but I see no 10 to 15 years.Granted this is a MG site,but it does send a message. I know this aging ridership has been kicked around many a time.Now you see right here.Yes I've been riding a long time and I now got my son into it.Everyone go back and edit your post if you have siblings riding.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: roadventure on November 20, 2019, 11:18:03 AM
52 years, so far.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: maquette on November 20, 2019, 11:29:37 AM
66 years. Started with a Whizzer, then a Cushman, on and on from there. Didn't get my first Guzzi til about ten years ago. Back then, (in the early 50's) nobody said much to you if you were on the road with a motorbike or a scooter. Got rid of the Whizzer for the Cushman so there was room on the back for females. Testosterone don't you know.  :grin:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: jcctx on November 20, 2019, 11:47:39 AM
Since 1956 when we moved off the farm and I had to sell my little mare. Missed the horse but thought I was waaaay cool on the used Allstate (cushman) scooter. Couple breaks but mostly owned some kind of powered two wheeler ever since!!
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: canuck750 on November 20, 2019, 11:49:07 AM
55 Started playing in the dirt on a Benelli 175 Enduro, Then started racing Bultacos. First street bike was a Maico 250 Blizzard, Makes perfect sense to be riding a Guzzi now. To me anyhow.

I got me one of them, cool little bike.

(https://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/canuck750/1972%20Benelli%20180%20Enduro/IMG_1498_zpsmp5johun.jpg) (https://s249.photobucket.com/user/canuck750/media/1972%20Benelli%20180%20Enduro/IMG_1498_zpsmp5johun.jpg.html)

for me its 39 years, starting on a 1979 Suzuki PE 175
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Bulldog9 on November 20, 2019, 12:40:14 PM
First ride was summer 1974, first bike was summer 1975, a lawn mower engine minibike. Summer 1976 started on a trail 125cc Yamaha. First Street bike was a 1972 CB350 in 1980ish, but just a beater dirt road, etc. First Street bike I rode on the street was in 1982. I bought a Suzuki GS 500 two stroke that i rode for a year and a half in college before it was stolen. Then in 1984 I bought my Yamaha XS1100 which I still own.

So 'riding' since 1975, Riding on the 'Street' since 1982. Doing it legally? Lol.... diddnt get a MC endorsement till 1998....

Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Lannis on November 20, 2019, 12:56:37 PM
Speak for yourself, hombre.   :evil:

I said "Those of us POSTING ....", NOT those of you still sh!tting yellow who wouldn't dare put your paltry 30 years or so up against our 50+ years of unmatchable experience.   You may still be able to do a few things I can't, but you can't strut around talking about what it was like riding a bike in 1969 ... and I CAN!    :grin:

Lannis
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Lannis on November 20, 2019, 01:00:40 PM
This thread shows the sad shape the motorcycle industry is in.Everyone is proud of their 50 plus years of riding,but I see no 10 to 15 years.

If that's all I had, I wouldn't be posting either.    :evil: :thewife:

Lannis
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Moparnut72 on November 20, 2019, 02:03:12 PM
"I was about 9.  A couple years later, I had $150 saved and saw a Yamaha 100 for sale.  I thought it was the trail bike.  My dad went to look at it and bought, but it was a 1966 Yamaha twin cylinder 100cc road bike, a YL-1E if I remember correctly.  Lousy trail bike, but it was a start."

A couple of months ago there was one of these on eBay. It was in my town so I started bidding on it. It was in rough shape so I dropped out at $500. I have since gotten a 1964 Yamaha YA6 125 single. It was pretty rough also but I am working through it. It is very similar to the YG1T, the first motorcycle I owned. I've already got more money in it than I should.
kk
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Mike Harper on November 20, 2019, 02:20:40 PM
My first bike ? a 1947 Hiawatha doodlebug in 1947 ( which I still own) so that makes 72 years of riding. Doesn't seem that long ?? :bike-037:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: ScepticalScotty on November 20, 2019, 02:26:57 PM
23 on the road, 45 all up. And in contrast to many, I have only owned 3 bikes in those 23 years. Srx600, SZR660, and my 2004 Breva 750.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: guzziart on November 20, 2019, 03:59:40 PM
It started with a basket case YA6  50 years ago and 21 bikes, hope it never ends.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: mobiker on November 20, 2019, 11:10:03 PM
I just realized what's so appealing about this thread.

Those of us posting can't brag any more about our prowess with attracting girls, or how high a mountain we can climb, or how fast we can run, or our ability to kick someone's arse in a bar fight ....   :wink:



Lannis
What do you mean "..any more"?
I like to say that the only fight I ever lost was when I slipped going around a corner  :cheesy:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: MMRanch on November 20, 2019, 11:23:25 PM
That took some thinking to get this right and I'm thinking I must have forgot a few but :

In 1968 I got a Honda 65S ,

I've had 25 since if I count the Cushman and I thought of it as a motorcycle at the time so I should count it.

So 51 years in the motorized saddle !  and Still counting , I have 4 now counting the dirt bike.
(https://i.ibb.co/BrDw5xX/Mag-Wheels.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BrDw5xX)

(https://i.ibb.co/nm1PS1N/V-9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nm1PS1N)

(https://i.ibb.co/JpcggM9/NEW-MUFFLERS.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JpcggM9)
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: pete roper on November 20, 2019, 11:31:41 PM
There have been at east two mass extinction events since I started to ride! :boozing:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: moto-uno on November 21, 2019, 12:15:35 AM
  ^ :thumb: , But I'm kinda afraid to imagine what those two were :)  , Peter
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Vagrant on November 21, 2019, 08:21:50 AM
Bought my first the summer of 1963. two stroke 50cc Allstate as I recall so 56 years. more importantly there has never been a time of more than a couple of weeks where I haven't had at least 1 in the garage. high was 7 now 4 but the V85 is calling!
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Lannis on November 21, 2019, 08:34:55 AM
What do you mean "..any more"?


You're right ... I did say "can't BRAG any more ..."   One can always brag no matter how old!   :grin:   :wink:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Sheepdog on November 21, 2019, 09:17:29 AM
Nobody knows the true nature of experience until you've woken up four times during the night with sore shoulders/back/knees. If I'd known I was going to last this long I would have taken better care of myself. All the pain seems to disappear when I ride, only to punish me later. Still, I'm not stopping as long as I'm not a danger to others. My son rides, so I have a place for the Guzzi to land when my skills fade.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: NWrider on November 21, 2019, 10:55:41 AM
Vagrant: "Bought my first the summer of 1963. two stroke 50cc Allstate"    Made by Puch? My brother had what I remember as a 65cc fan cooled Puch (Allstate) with a three speed with wheels and tires that looked more like oversized bicycle tires.  It was quite an amazing performer as I recall.

My first motorcycle was a 1961 Harley Super 10 165cc two stroke.   Riding for 57 years now, 72 life time motorcycles with 18 in the current collection - yes I'm severely addicted. :azn:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Motormike on November 21, 2019, 12:40:05 PM
Started riding in 1970, so that's 49 years now.  My first "motorcycle" was a real oddball, a Jawa 50cc step through called the Jawa 50 model 20.  My dad bought it used from my older brother-in-law.  I have no idea on earth where he got it from.  3 speeds, pre-mix.  I hated it.  All my buddies in school had "proper" motorcycles like Yamaha 100's or Honda 125's.  Only rode it a year before I bought a Suzuki TC-90.  My fragile teen-age manhood just couldn't take the Jawa any more!
(https://i.ibb.co/vQLzWQY/iu.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vQLzWQY)
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: v7john on November 21, 2019, 04:37:56 PM
It's been about 44 years. Started in 1975 on a Yamaha V70 step-through when I was 18. Yamaha RD250 then RD400 followed by the V7Sport in 1978. I just stuck with that till I added the 750S3 more than 30 years later. The V7 loop replaced the S3 when it was wrecked. This year added the old BSA. So basically 7 bikes in all that time and 3 of them Guzzis.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: buster1 on November 21, 2019, 04:48:53 PM
43 years. First street bike was a 1975 Suzuki GT 250. Motorcycles are time travel machines :clock:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Vagrant on November 22, 2019, 10:50:54 AM
Vagrant: "Bought my first the summer of 1963. two stroke 50cc Allstate"    Made by Puch? My brother had what I remember as a 65cc fan cooled Puch (Allstate) with a three speed with wheels and tires that looked more like oversized bicycle tires.  It was quite an amazing performer as I recall.

My first motorcycle was a 1961 Harley Super 10 165cc two stroke.   Riding for 57 years now, 72 life time motorcycles with 18 in thecurrent collection - yes I'm severely addicted. :azn:
.  That’s the one
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: mhershon on November 22, 2019, 03:10:25 PM
I bought a CB72 Honda Hawk, a 250cc version of the 305cc Super Hawk - in October of 1962. I'd been a sports car guy. A friend told me about these motorcycles from Japan that offered much of what we expected only from exotic cars: high rpms; overhead cams; race-worthy brakes; sporty, adjustable rider positions; high hp-output per cc, on and on. I went to Dreyer Cycle in Indianapolis, still there, and bought a red Hawk. Not knowing any better, I rode it to Tucson in the first three days I owned it, helmetless, corduroy jacket, street shoes. The clutch started slipping right away. A guy at a hardware store/Honda shop in New Mexico installed the warranty clutch plates as I watched.

I saw that people saw me differently, and I liked it. I'd never known such adventure, and I never looked back. I refrained just now from calculating how many years ago that was. It'd scare me to know... I do know that my life would've been a poorer place indeed w/o them dang motorsickles.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: mhershon on November 26, 2019, 11:46:17 AM
A few days ago I responded to a thread called How Many Years Motorcycling. I wrote a short response, inoffensive, I thought. Abruptly, the thread ended. How have I offended? I had no intention of providing a conversation-stopper. If I approached answering that question in a way that shushed everyone, someone please tell me how I did that. I'm pretty new to the forum and don't want to be a damned nuisance. Thanks!
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: jumpmaster on November 26, 2019, 11:54:29 AM
A few days ago I responded to a thread called How Many Years Motorcycling. I wrote a short response, inoffensive, I thought. Abruptly, the thread ended. How have I offended? I had no intention of providing a conversation-stopper. If I approached answering that question in a way that shushed everyone, someone please tell me how I did that. I'm pretty new to the forum and don't want to be a damned nuisance. Thanks!

Nothing offensive that I could see.  Sometimes, threads just run their course and die - everyone who cares to contribute already has.  And then, occasionally, someone new will run across them and resurrect them with new comments.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on November 26, 2019, 12:00:38 PM
Nothing offensive that I could see.  Sometimes, threads just run their course and die - everyone who cares to contribute already has.  And then, occasionally, someone new will run across them and resurrect them with new comments.

Agreed. It was a good story of beginning to ride. Mine is similar.
As for the original question? Several.  :smiley:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Lannis on November 26, 2019, 12:05:29 PM
A few days ago I responded to a thread called How Many Years Motorcycling. I wrote a short response, inoffensive, I thought. Abruptly, the thread ended. How have I offended? I had no intention of providing a conversation-stopper. If I approached answering that question in a way that shushed everyone, someone please tell me how I did that. I'm pretty new to the forum and don't want to be a damned nuisance. Thanks!

Probably just a decision that the useful life of the thread was over and it had more downside potential than upside.   Just so happened you were standing in the wrong place when the music stopped ... !    :thumb:

I doubt seriously if YOU were the straw that broke the camel's back ....

Lannis
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: BrotherJim on November 26, 2019, 12:25:05 PM
It all began on a 1969 Honda Z50 Mini Trail when I was 5.  At 19 and living in Southeast Florida, I was able to buy my first street bike, which was a 1984 Kawasaki Ninja GPz900R.  Somehow, I wasn't killed.  There were a few years as a youngster when I didn't have access to riding, but at 47, I've been riding for 36 years.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: pehayes on November 26, 2019, 12:39:47 PM
Years ago when Regina and I started with Guzzi, we met and rode with an old rider from Alameda, CA.  Mark Anthony.  He rode an 89 MilleGT and was over 80  years at the time,  having been born around the turn of the century.  He's long gone since.  I suspect only Frank Wedge would remember the name.  He was a very aggressive rider and hard to keep up with even though I was  half his age.

Mark had a wonderful life story and shared a newspaper article with me.  When he was 17 years old (about 1917) , living in Ohio, he and his buddy bought two Harleys.  They rode the bikes from Ohio to New York City, boarded a ship, and sailed to England to spend two months touring.  The purpose of their trip?  They wanted to ride on PAVED roads.  At that time, anything west of NYC was just dirt.  He had an old newspaper article about this story and gave me a photocopy.  I wish I could still read that article.  Might be deep in my files, but seemingly lost forever.  Good on ya, Mark.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: wolfeguitars on November 26, 2019, 12:56:09 PM
Bought a renovated & cam'd up '58 Triumph TR6 in summer of '63 In my home town of Metairie, Louisiana. Loved that thing, cept for Lord Lucas the Prince of darkness. Had to stop many times on side of the road & file the contact points so I could SEE. Not see much, but something! Maybe a frog or Racoon, Gator, snakes, etc. Bought a new Bonny in '65. Been riding since cept for a 20 year hiatus to raise a family and do 12 years of Offshore Powerboat racing. Now ride almost daily to the gym and to my Guitar shop & some errands. I enjoy riding more now than ever. Not doing any long distance nor 2 up riding, just me & my grin.

2002 California 1100EV 80th Anniversary with matching sidecar
1998 Triumph T-Bird Sport
1990 Ducati 851 (I know- it's crazy)
1992 Ducati 900 Supersport (not nearly as crazy)
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Muzz on November 26, 2019, 01:05:04 PM
Got my first bike in 1964, a 1948 Matchless G3L 350.  Sold in 1985. A number of Hondas, starting in 1970 with a C100 Honda 50 stepthrough.  Amazing bike, was my commuter for years. Cb100, CB250RS, GB400 all followed.  Guzzi replaced the GB400 in 2003 and I still have it. :thumb:
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: oldbike54 on November 26, 2019, 01:14:52 PM
A few days ago I responded to a thread called How Many Years Motorcycling. I wrote a short response, inoffensive, I thought. Abruptly, the thread ended. How have I offended? I had no intention of providing a conversation-stopper. If I approached answering that question in a way that shushed everyone, someone please tell me how I did that. I'm pretty new to the forum and don't want to be a damned nuisance. Thanks!

 Clue me in here , you responded to this thread and it ended , or a different thread with the same title ? I haven't witnessed you being offensive in any way , did I miss something ?

 Dusty
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: MattP on November 26, 2019, 01:22:58 PM
55 years sears puch moped
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Huzo on November 26, 2019, 01:48:22 PM
There have been at east two mass extinction events since I started to ride! :boozing:
I don’t remember the last “ice” age, but lamentably I’m seeing the effects of the current one.
The kids are dying, but they’re just walking around whilst doing it.
I can’t even dip my toe in the pool compared to some here, but 1973 on what was the most breathtaking thing on two wheels that I’d ever seen and it was given to me by my Dad, who was a life long biker, I was 14 at the time..

(https://i.ibb.co/pPTRzVz/CDC5-F289-2333-429-F-B9-AF-7-EA85-FBEBA8-C.png) (https://ibb.co/pPTRzVz)

The bike came with a list of demands and instructions that made the Magna Carta and Dead Sea Scrolls look meagre and superficial, but I initially obeyed out of fear and then couldn’t conceive of treating a bike any other way.
I used to pinch the fuel from the motor mower, make my lunch and strap it to the bike and be gone all day, sampling the delights of being “away” on the bike..
Nothing much has changed really...
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: moto-uno on November 26, 2019, 01:53:36 PM
  I can't see how someone responding to this topic would've been removed . It's a pretty happy history lesson  :azn: , Peter
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Huzo on November 26, 2019, 01:55:25 PM
  I can't see how someone responding to this topic would've been removed . It's a pretty happy history lesson  :azn: , Peter
Who was removed ?
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Lannis on November 26, 2019, 02:05:33 PM
Clue me in here , you responded to this thread and it ended , or a different thread with the same title ? I haven't witnessed you being offensive in any way , did I miss something ?

 Dusty

mhershon, look out!   It's a trick question!   You almost got away with it, don't blow it now .... !!   :grin:

Lannis
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Big_Jim59 on November 26, 2019, 02:56:20 PM
I fell in love with motorcycles 44 years ago. I was in fifth grade English class and my buddy Mike slid a Triumph sales brochure to me under the desk. It had 11"x17" full color images of their entire line from the T150 Trident to the 500cc Trophy Trail. I was hooked and I had never thrown a leg over a bike in my life. Motorcycles just looked like pure adventure to me. And they are! Somewhere I have a list of all my bikes and I think I have owned over 36. This is not too bad considering the hiatus I took from bikes when the kids were little. The bikes I kept the longest were my BMW R90/6 and my 5th Gen Honda VFR800. My biggest regret was having to turn down an offer to buy a real Moto Guzzi V7 Sport for $800. The seller was just trying to leave town but I was a poor mechanic and I just didn't have the money.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Huzo on November 26, 2019, 03:03:20 PM
That VFR 800 would have been a nice piece of kit.
I reckon they are the most European of the Jap bikes going around, I’ve never been on one but probably best I don’t..
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: mhershon on November 26, 2019, 04:59:17 PM
Dusty, I posted a reply to the How Many Years question, and suddenly the replies stopped. I was the last poster. I was afraid I'd offended or some-damn-thing. I'm glad to be off the hook and to see others posting their own stories, creation stories of their own riding lives.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Big_Jim59 on November 26, 2019, 05:36:42 PM
. . .1973 on what was the most breathtaking thing on two wheels that I’d ever seen and it was given to me by my Dad, who was a life long biker, I was 14 at the time..

I had the same type of experience with, all be it, a different story. I spent my entire college savings of $90 on Carrel Jannin's Honda SL125 that he had ridden until it wouldn't run any more. I had worked in my grandfather's lawn mower shop and knew my way around a flat head but overhead cam was new to me. Through much trial and many errors I replaced a bent valve and a cracked piston. The only reason I got to keep the Honda was because it was not running and I bought it with my own money. My mom was dead nuts against motorcycles. It was the only time I remember my dad vetoing my mom on anything. (Thanks Dad!) We had a power line easement not more than a block from my house. It passed over the school's sports fields and close to a shopping center. If you were careful and didn't abuse the privilege (noise and neighbors) you could ride for miles. You could fill up at the Gulf station that was accessible through the shopping center parking lot. We always pushed the bikes across the street and avoided entanglements with law enforcement. I was 15 or 16 and my bike was my magic carpet.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Pizza Guzzi on November 26, 2019, 06:05:01 PM
Hmm - I post my history with some trepidation !
My first powered two wheel ride was in 1970 on a school mates, at the time, ancient CZ two stroke bone shaker.
A few years later in 1974 I bought a new Yamaha DT 175 which I eventually crashed resulting in a few weeks off work. My dear mother made me promise that I would never ride again as long as she lived - a promise which I dutifully honoured.
After mums passing 25 years ago I started to ride again and have been ever since. So neither the years in the saddle or the epic mileage of most folk here but I'm on my third Guzzi, love the marque and just ride my own ride.

Glenn
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Lefty on November 26, 2019, 07:30:28 PM
46 years. My 1st year of riding was 1973 and it was a great year to be dirt biking. We didn’t think about who owned the land we rode on. The local motorcycle shop owner was your friend and the guys you ride with were your brothers. I think that last one still holds true.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: oldbike54 on November 26, 2019, 07:42:39 PM
Dusty, I posted a reply to the How Many Years question, and suddenly the replies stopped. I was the last poster. I was afraid I'd offended or some-damn-thing. I'm glad to be off the hook and to see others posting their own stories, creation stories of their own riding lives.

  Just making certain I didn't accidentally hit a wrong button Maynard . Carry on brother .

 Dusty
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Lannis on November 26, 2019, 07:55:41 PM
46 years. My 1st year of riding was 1973 and it was a great year to be dirt biking. We didn’t think about who owned the land we rode on. The local motorcycle shop owner was your friend and the guys you ride with were your brothers. I think that last one still holds true.

The local Yamaha shop owner was more than a friend - he (they, actually) were mentors and guides.    My Dad had passed away when I was 13, and when I was hanging around their shop at age 17 they sort of "took me in" to the shop, their racing effort, and all that.   They had two sons near my age and we got to be riding buddies.

It WAS a good year to be dirt-biking ... I had a CT-3 175cc Yamaha ... but I was always very careful to make sure I had permission to ride wherever I was riding, which included the farmer across the road, and a permission slip from the local Continental Can timber company, who owned thousands of acres around us.

One day I met up with a couple kids (brother and sister, 15 years old, I was 18) - they were on SL-100 Hondas and were really good dirt riders, who invited me on a ride (all dirt, no public roads).   During the ride, we rode miles through the woods, and we passed a house on one of the roads that looked occupied.   It worried me a little, since I didn't know any of the folks around there, but they said that they did and I was with them.   

As we came riding back past the house, there was an apparition in combat fatigues and a black military rifle standing square across the road.   When we were about 40 yards away, he raised his rifle at about a 45 deg angle and fired over our heads.   A pine bough got clipped off and fell in front of me.   We are, of course, sliding to emergency Bat-Stops, and the guy I was with was ripping his helmet off of his head so the gun dude could recognize him.    The dude said "All I saw was 3 bikes riding past the house, and I'd never seen you with anyone else before, so I didn't know who it was.   Next time if there's more than 2 of you, let me know!"

I didn't blame the resident a bit.   Good times back then!

Lannis
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Rick in WNY on November 27, 2019, 08:00:43 AM
How many years? Not nearly enough!

Three years back when I was a teenager, then got away from bikes due to college, starting to work professionally, and then acquiring a wife and kids... that made for a twenty year hiatus. That ended five years ago, and now, I have a wife who rides beside me, she's on her third year.

We're in our early 40s now, got lots of years, lots of miles, and lots of smiles yet to go!
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Blaufeld66 on November 27, 2019, 08:51:32 AM
Just 14 years this May.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: randy yocum on November 27, 2019, 08:53:53 AM
I was 15 in 1971 I bought a used Honda Z-50 with my summer job money  as a dishwasher making $1.00 an hour.That makes 48 years ,and the excitement of riding has never faded. 
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: steven c on November 27, 2019, 03:29:41 PM
 1976 Brand new left over 1975 Suzuki GT380 at 19, I took my test on it. Before that help my friend put a oval around his parents house on a mini bike, then this Ducati single which I don't remember if we could ever get it started. So 43 years,when I started riding I said I would stop at 40,didn't work out that way.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Bill on November 27, 2019, 03:46:49 PM
In 64 I bought a 62 Triumph cub. Several  other Triumphs followed. Got 3 bikes in garage now: 98 Guzzi EV, 09 Yamaha FJR and 1200 Bandit. So it's been 55 years since my first ride. Most of my miles have been the last 20 years...300,000+ miles, smiles and lots of country roads.
Bill
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: Thirtyaughtsix on November 27, 2019, 04:42:57 PM
I'm finishing my 4th year. I started later than I would have liked at 25 years old
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: moto-uno on November 27, 2019, 06:13:54 PM
  Whew , I'm feeling better now , was beginning to think there were no newer riders . Awful memories of my last decade at Harley dealerships where there were absolutely
no young riders ( certainly cost played a roll , but some of the Sporsters were almost cheap ). To start again with the choice of bikes out there would be a treat  :azn:, Peter
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: davevv on November 27, 2019, 07:35:44 PM
Got my license in January of 1961, so almost 59 years.  Started on a Harley 125.  I don't know how many bikes I've had since that first one, but three of them were Guzzis.
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: SmithSwede on November 27, 2019, 08:10:53 PM
I want to know more about this Mark Anthony old-timer from Alameda, CA who aggressively rode an 89 Mille GT while in his 80s.

Anyone else know him?


Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: wolfeguitars on November 29, 2019, 01:59:22 PM
Our good friend Ethel just recently sold her Yamaha Cruiser 750 cuz she's now 83 & the bike was also becoming unreliable. Until recently she rode to Church weekly and to visit family. She exercises and is in good shape. When growing up in a Kentucky "Holler" her folks had a 30's kick start HD, which remains in her family today. She has told stories of her mother riding that old HD all around the state. Says it was fun to watch her 100 pound "Granny" Mom kick that old beast over.

We've enjoyed many rides with Ethel, whom I called "high test." Many Bike week trips, etc. She's a pistol....
Title: Re: How Many Years Motorcycling ?
Post by: SED on November 29, 2019, 02:50:11 PM
I calculated 0.197 years - about 2 months based on 35mph average.  It'll be less if I was going faster.   :evil: