New member in N. Cent. MN 78' 650E

[Royboy]

Hello,

My name is Roy. I've had a lifelong interest in bikes and have been lucky
enough to own and enjoy a number of them since my first (Bridgestone Hurricane
Scrambler 175) back in 1967. Over the years several two stroke dirt and trials
machines came and went and at some point the other thing that went was
my body's ability to get over the abuse.

In 78' I bought a new Yamaha SR500 since I'd had a TT and loved the motor.
That thing was so much fun in the twisties that now, 33 years later I still own
a lightly modified 78'SR. Also in the current stable is a 98' VF750 Magna in
case I really want to go somewhere. ha,ha.

In the 90's, like a lot of folks, went through a Harley period and enjoyed that
too but grew weary of the bulk of the things and all the extraneous BS that's
part of that deal.

Now to the point. I've always liked the Yamaha 650's and a couple months
ago stumbled across one (78 650E) in Mpls. with 6000 miles on the clock and in fairly
pristine condition. 1200 bucks later it was in my shop. Original everything,
tires etc. I've been replacing rubber parts, and getting to know the thing for
a couple weeks now. Some similarities to the SR's but different in most
respects.

Plan for the bike is to bring it back to mechanical perfection first and then maybe
a street tracker approach. One thing for sure is a bar change to a euro style
before I ride it!

I look forward to being a part of this group. I've already learned alot here and
plan to read old threads for some time so that I'm not pulling you back over
old ground all the time.

So...here we go!

roy

 

[cmattina1]

Hey Roy.

seems we are in similar areas of NA and have similar bikes. I actually worked in Quetico Provincial Park, ever go there or to BWCA in superior national forest?

good luck with the work

 

[5twins]

I come from similar roots (except the Harley part, lol) and have arrived at about the same destination as you. I've had a '78 SR for many years and now have a '78E Standard. The SR is "resting" and the 650 has taken it's place. I find it to be the ideal around town and local bike. A bit heavier than the SR so it rides nicer and a bit more power so it goes and performs better. I've kept mine mostly stock looking and just did most of the little recommended mods to it.

 

[Royboy]

Thanks for the responses. Yes I do get to Ely and the boundry waters
from time to time. Mainly sledding in the cold months. It's really
beautiful up there in the winter.

roy