Thats 'Frites' Bob!I thought ”chips “ were French fries.
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Just Ride.
- Thread starter Jim
- Start date
I like beer when its been out of the fridge for about 10 mins; top off to let excess gas out.That beer looks cold….that can’t be right!
Bottled beer (Craft beer) or from a hand pump (real ale) in the pub; none of this poncy over gassed larger p*ss water for me, Oh No!
You can borrow The Brat, only if you help fix Taffy (XS650)Beer and cookies????
A wonderful travelog! Makes me want to buy a ticket over, um can I borrow her Bratship for a "bit"?
Deal! Lol but man, tempting.You can borrow The Brat, only if you help fix Taffy (XS650)
Hmm wonder how many pounds of xs parts would fit in a carry on ?
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Thank you for the Wye Valley travelogue, @Adamc.
Mrs and I travelled that way to go to Cornwall in June - went the rural scenic route in W England & Welsh marches from Northwich to Bristol. Stopped o/n in Ludlow. Far preferable to the more obvious M6/M5. We wuz in Mrs car but it would obviously be a great idea to come down that way on a sickle.
Years ago, when I lived in Hampshire, used to use similar routes when heading North to see family - the A49 in Shropshire is a fun road on two wheels.
Mrs and I travelled that way to go to Cornwall in June - went the rural scenic route in W England & Welsh marches from Northwich to Bristol. Stopped o/n in Ludlow. Far preferable to the more obvious M6/M5. We wuz in Mrs car but it would obviously be a great idea to come down that way on a sickle.
Years ago, when I lived in Hampshire, used to use similar routes when heading North to see family - the A49 in Shropshire is a fun road on two wheels.
Yes Raymond, great routes aplenty throughout Wales, and I love the boarder regions. Lots of nice bendy roads with good surfaces. Plenty of historical places to visit too. Its a bikers heaven when the weather is good.
Allison's Mom is 87, her FIRST motorcycle ride! About 5 miles to her place in town.
She loved it, was grinning ear to ear when she got off.
Goes to show ya', it's never too late!
Looks like I should have scrolled down before commenting.
That's unreal.Considdering how many bikes and different types you have had over the years you only now get her on a bike.
Another bike on the Christmas list
It was 75 degrees and sunny here in Central New York so I took the '83 out for a spin, heading southeast towards Norwich. Stopped in to the Pompey Mini Mart on route 20 and pulled up along side a very nicely restored Bug from the 60's.
It's a '68, yes?" I asked.
"Yup, how did you know?".
"I had a number of bugs back in the 70's, including a '68"
"And what year is your XS650, the VW owner asked.
"It's an '83 Heritage Special", I said, and inquired as to his knowledge of our bikes.
"I've got a red XS2 in my garage" (!!) was the answer.
Just then an old VW Jetta entered the scene, driven by a guy in his 30's. He wanted to take part in the year-guessing game, but his guesses on the bug were WAY off. A bit embarrassed, he sucked it up and offered us a drag on his joint. So, there we were, smoking weed in the middle of a busy gas station (it's legal here in New York) and chatting up about VW's. He left awhile later, leaving us to discover that we both own vintage Triumph Bonnevilles.
After about 45 more minutes of chatter, I finally decided to get back on the road, and pulled out into a busy 60mph stream of traffic, realising that I was quite stoned
.
Headed for the Byrne Dairy mini mart in Lafayette to cool off with an ice cream cone where an American Indian about my age of 69 approached me and asked what year my 650 was. "An '83, I said. Did you own one?"
"I had a Honda 450" was the answer, and we talked awhile about the similar engine configuration.
The Onondaga Nation is nearby; it was once an Indian reservation, now a proud self-governed community.
I mentioned that I think it was a Honda 450 that was in that desert scene in Vanishing Point (or was it a 350 Scrambler?) He recalled the final smash-up scene, but not the nude girl on the bike, and thanked me for the memory, which he'll google when he gets home.
Headed back on the road with the good feeling that I had once again satisfied my retirement plan to ride all day and have conversations with strangers.
.
It's a '68, yes?" I asked.
"Yup, how did you know?".
"I had a number of bugs back in the 70's, including a '68"
"And what year is your XS650, the VW owner asked.
"It's an '83 Heritage Special", I said, and inquired as to his knowledge of our bikes.
"I've got a red XS2 in my garage" (!!) was the answer.
Just then an old VW Jetta entered the scene, driven by a guy in his 30's. He wanted to take part in the year-guessing game, but his guesses on the bug were WAY off. A bit embarrassed, he sucked it up and offered us a drag on his joint. So, there we were, smoking weed in the middle of a busy gas station (it's legal here in New York) and chatting up about VW's. He left awhile later, leaving us to discover that we both own vintage Triumph Bonnevilles.
After about 45 more minutes of chatter, I finally decided to get back on the road, and pulled out into a busy 60mph stream of traffic, realising that I was quite stoned
.Headed for the Byrne Dairy mini mart in Lafayette to cool off with an ice cream cone where an American Indian about my age of 69 approached me and asked what year my 650 was. "An '83, I said. Did you own one?"
"I had a Honda 450" was the answer, and we talked awhile about the similar engine configuration.
The Onondaga Nation is nearby; it was once an Indian reservation, now a proud self-governed community.
I mentioned that I think it was a Honda 450 that was in that desert scene in Vanishing Point (or was it a 350 Scrambler?) He recalled the final smash-up scene, but not the nude girl on the bike, and thanked me for the memory, which he'll google when he gets home.
Headed back on the road with the good feeling that I had once again satisfied my retirement plan to ride all day and have conversations with strangers.
.
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Quite a day!It was 75 degrees and sunny here in Central New York so I took the '83 out for a spin, heading southeast towards Norwich. Stopped in to the Pompey Mini Mart on route 20 and pulled up along side a very nicely restored Bug from the 60's.
View attachment 251295
View attachment 251296
It's a '68, yes?" I asked.
"Yup, how did you know?".
"I had a number of bugs back in the 70's, including a '68"
"And what year is your XS650, the VW owner asked.
"It's an '83 Heritage Special", I said, and inquired as to his knowledge of our bikes.
"I've got a red XS2 in my garage" (!!) was the answer.
Just then an old VW Jetta entered the scene, drive by a guy in his 30's. He wanted to take part in the year-guessing game, but his guesses on the bug were WAY off. A bit embarrassed, he sucked it up and offered us a drag on his joint. So, there we were, smoking weed in the middle of a busy gas station (it's legal here in New York) and chatting up about VW's. He left awhile later, leaving us to discover that we both own vintage Triumph Bonnevilles.
After about 45 more minutes of chatter, I finally decided to get back on the road, and pulled out into a busy 60mph stream of traffic, realising that I was quite stoned
Headed for the Byrne Dairy mini mart in Lafayette to cool off with an ice cream cone where an American Indian about my age of 69 approached me and asked what year my 650 was. "An '83, I said. Did you own one?"
"I had a Honda 450" was the answer, and we talked awhile about the similar engine configuration.
The Onondaga Nation is nearby; it was once an Indian reservation, now a proud self-governed community.
View attachment 251297 View attachment 251298
I mentioned that I think it was a Honda 450 that was in that desert scene in Vanishing Point (or was it a 350 Scrambler?) He recalled the final smash-up scene, but not the nude girl on the bike, and thanked me for the memory, which he'll google when he gets home.
View attachment 251299
Headed back on the road with the good feeling that I had once again satisfied my retirement plan to ride all day and have conversations with strangers.
.
Dude always has the most interesting rides!
I always love your ride reports. Long may you run.
Edit….just click on watch it on YouTube.
Paleomechanic
XS650 Addict
That’s awesome ! I go for coffee Saturday mornings in Wakefield QC , and I enjoy the interaction of people with the XS…it’s one of the reasons why I feel I built a Time Machine …I see the years drop away from men who decades ago , were young , and proudly owned a new oneIt was 75 degrees and sunny here in Central New York so I took the '83 out for a spin, heading southeast towards Norwich. Stopped in to the Pompey Mini Mart on route 20 and pulled up along side a very nicely restored Bug from the 60's.
View attachment 251295
View attachment 251296
It's a '68, yes?" I asked.
"Yup, how did you know?".
"I had a number of bugs back in the 70's, including a '68"
"And what year is your XS650, the VW owner asked.
"It's an '83 Heritage Special", I said, and inquired as to his knowledge of our bikes.
"I've got a red XS2 in my garage" (!!) was the answer.
Just then an old VW Jetta entered the scene, drive by a guy in his 30's. He wanted to take part in the year-guessing game, but his guesses on the bug were WAY off. A bit embarrassed, he sucked it up and offered us a drag on his joint. So, there we were, smoking weed in the middle of a busy gas station (it's legal here in New York) and chatting up about VW's. He left awhile later, leaving us to discover that we both own vintage Triumph Bonnevilles.
After about 45 more minutes of chatter, I finally decided to get back on the road, and pulled out into a busy 60mph stream of traffic, realising that I was quite stoned
Headed for the Byrne Dairy mini mart in Lafayette to cool off with an ice cream cone where an American Indian about my age of 69 approached me and asked what year my 650 was. "An '83, I said. Did you own one?"
"I had a Honda 450" was the answer, and we talked awhile about the similar engine configuration.
The Onondaga Nation is nearby; it was once an Indian reservation, now a proud self-governed community.
View attachment 251297 View attachment 251298
I mentioned that I think it was a Honda 450 that was in that desert scene in Vanishing Point (or was it a 350 Scrambler?) He recalled the final smash-up scene, but not the nude girl on the bike, and thanked me for the memory, which he'll google when he gets home.
View attachment 251299
Headed back on the road with the good feeling that I had once again satisfied my retirement plan to ride all day and have conversations with strangers.
.
Most times they don’t see me in the corner of the patio, so I get to listen to people chat about it ( one man spent half an hour talking TO the bike …mostly about his memories commuting from Sudbury Ont to Montreal in the late 70s, sounded to me like he was remembering the girl in montreal, and his job in Sudbury!
Anyway….the absolute best overheard conversation about the XS was shortly after I started going for my coffee mornings ….was two women , I’d say mid 70,s ( I’m 54, so) anyway, they stop to check it out , pose for a pic or two, and one of them says to the other “ you know, this bike makes me feel really hot!!”
I almost blew coffee out of my nose ….
Great report...incidentally, yes, it was a CL350 Scrambler. In fact I have that photo of the Vanishing Point gal in my shop.It was 75 degrees and sunny here in Central New York so I took the '83 out for a spin, heading southeast towards Norwich. Stopped in to the Pompey Mini Mart on route 20 and pulled up along side a very nicely restored Bug from the 60's.
View attachment 251295
View attachment 251296
It's a '68, yes?" I asked.
"Yup, how did you know?".
"I had a number of bugs back in the 70's, including a '68"
"And what year is your XS650, the VW owner asked.
"It's an '83 Heritage Special", I said, and inquired as to his knowledge of our bikes.
"I've got a red XS2 in my garage" (!!) was the answer.
Just then an old VW Jetta entered the scene, drive by a guy in his 30's. He wanted to take part in the year-guessing game, but his guesses on the bug were WAY off. A bit embarrassed, he sucked it up and offered us a drag on his joint. So, there we were, smoking weed in the middle of a busy gas station (it's legal here in New York) and chatting up about VW's. He left awhile later, leaving us to discover that we both own vintage Triumph Bonnevilles.
After about 45 more minutes of chatter, I finally decided to get back on the road, and pulled out into a busy 60mph stream of traffic, realising that I was quite stoned
Headed for the Byrne Dairy mini mart in Lafayette to cool off with an ice cream cone where an American Indian about my age of 69 approached me and asked what year my 650 was. "An '83, I said. Did you own one?"
"I had a Honda 450" was the answer, and we talked awhile about the similar engine configuration.
The Onondaga Nation is nearby; it was once an Indian reservation, now a proud self-governed community.
View attachment 251297 View attachment 251298
I mentioned that I think it was a Honda 450 that was in that desert scene in Vanishing Point (or was it a 350 Scrambler?) He recalled the final smash-up scene, but not the nude girl on the bike, and thanked me for the memory, which he'll google when he gets home.
View attachment 251299
Headed back on the road with the good feeling that I had once again satisfied my retirement plan to ride all day and have conversations with strangers.
.
Wirenutt
XS650 Enthusiast
Gonna have to meet up sometime - I live in Jordan and have an '80 Special and a '76 that I ride alternately, and I'm restoring a '78 to add to the collection. And I got lotsa parts. Or head on out the the Jordan Fall Festival this weekend. I'm considering entering my '76 in the Car, Bike Jeep 'N' Truck Show on Sunday.It was 75 degrees and sunny here in Central New York so I took the '83 out for a spin, heading southeast towards Norwich. Stopped in to the Pompey Mini Mart on route 20 and pulled up along side a very nicely restored Bug from the 60's.
View attachment 251295
View attachment 251296
It's a '68, yes?" I asked.
"Yup, how did you know?".
"I had a number of bugs back in the 70's, including a '68"
"And what year is your XS650, the VW owner asked.
"It's an '83 Heritage Special", I said, and inquired as to his knowledge of our bikes.
"I've got a red XS2 in my garage" (!!) was the answer.
Just then an old VW Jetta entered the scene, driven by a guy in his 30's. He wanted to take part in the year-guessing game, but his guesses on the bug were WAY off. A bit embarrassed, he sucked it up and offered us a drag on his joint. So, there we were, smoking weed in the middle of a busy gas station (it's legal here in New York) and chatting up about VW's. He left awhile later, leaving us to discover that we both own vintage Triumph Bonnevilles.
After about 45 more minutes of chatter, I finally decided to get back on the road, and pulled out into a busy 60mph stream of traffic, realising that I was quite stoned
Headed for the Byrne Dairy mini mart in Lafayette to cool off with an ice cream cone where an American Indian about my age of 69 approached me and asked what year my 650 was. "An '83, I said. Did you own one?"
"I had a Honda 450" was the answer, and we talked awhile about the similar engine configuration.
The Onondaga Nation is nearby; it was once an Indian reservation, now a proud self-governed community.
View attachment 251297 View attachment 251298
I mentioned that I think it was a Honda 450 that was in that desert scene in Vanishing Point (or was it a 350 Scrambler?) He recalled the final smash-up scene, but not the nude girl on the bike, and thanked me for the memory, which he'll google when he gets home.
View attachment 251299
Headed back on the road with the good feeling that I had once again satisfied my retirement plan to ride all day and have conversations with strangers.
.
Mike, I will be there at the Jordan Fall Fest on sunday the 17th about 1:00. I'll park near where the bikes are. Likely bringing my '75 . I'll send you my cell number in a PM.
Look for:
Jeff
.
pappysassafrass
XS650 Member
Hey Mailman,A Link to many of THE Mailman's MOST EXCELLENT ride threads.
Me and Elvis.........riding with the king.
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Nope, not that Elvis......this one.
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In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve decided to name my bike. I never have done that before, but I figured if I was ever going to do that, this is THE ONE.
So Elvis was in need of a proper road trip. I built this bike to ride and so I shall, as beautiful as it is, I hope to use it up before I’m all used up!
This morning was beautiful out, 70 degrees and sunny with a few fluffy white clouds, a perfect day for riding.
I was thinking about the ride as I was suiting up this morning, Elvis was patiently chuffing away.
Today I’m heading for Lake Pleasant regional park. As I was riding onto the property I couldn’t help notice how the hillsides were covered with native Palo Verde trees in bloom, there were also thousands of Saguaro cactus.
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When I arrived at the lake, I was pleasantly surprised to see the the lake was full. It has been a very long time since that has happened. In fact almost all the Arizona lakes are full, due to heavy winter rain and snow fall. We have been in such an extended drought here it’s a big relief to see water in the lakes again.
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There is a floating Marina with a restaurant out there.
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Turkey vultures were thick above the lake today, riding thermals coming off of the cliff faces.
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I was really hoping to photograph some sailboats on the water today but no joy. Nothing but fishermen and pontoon boats and jet skis.
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They have camp grounds and picnic ramadas and a very nice visitor center where you can learn the history of the lake and the dams construction and the history of the native Americans that once populated this region and also all about the native wildlife. It’s very nice and free to the public.
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A birds eye view of the dam, which is a modern earthen dam, which is surprising complex in its construction.
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Well I’ve explored every road and camp ground and the visitors center and with that , it’s time to leave.
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75 miles of some pretty hard riding and it never missed a beat!
Elvis, old buddy.......I think you and I are gonna be good friends!
Later Bob ( and Elvis)
Beautiful bike, ride and pictures. Your incredibly powerful thought- “ I hope to use it up before I’m all used up!” hit me hard. A heart condition almost took me out last year. I decided to reassemble my old XS for the same reasons - don’t wanna wait til it’s too late. I’m fine now and with the help of forum members, it’s gonna happen! Thanks all! Don’t wait. Live for now and enjoy.
