Hopefully there are a few bike enthusiasts among those restoring old cars. Reason I mention it is because just as its pleasurable to see a heap turn into gold, so it is with a super classic of a motorcycle. Bought a brand new Honda 750 four back in 1969, a candy apple red, that just about blew the lid in the cycle world. Absolutely drop dead gorgeous, this beauty turned heads for both its looks and sound.

Having moved from a house with a heated garage and air tight, I had to put the bike out in the cold, heat, and all the elements that prematurely age a ride.
Kept it covered of course, but each year it continually looked less and less like it was when it was new. Then I stopped looking it over and left it untouched and covered for about ten years, and when I finally did uncover the bike, I just about cried. I wasn't prepared for what I saw. Put gas in, put a new battery, and cranked it over. Started immediately, still with that magnificent sound that was so different for so many years.

Undaunted by its appearance, I drove it over to a new home with a garage. Took everything off the bike that could be removed, and carted it all down to a nice workplace in my basement. After a year of buffing each and every piece, every spoke, nut and bolts till everything looked almost brand new again. The surprise was when I put it all back together, never looking the bike over until I was sure I replaced everything exactly as it should be. Then I stepped back and took my first "real" look.

I'm now riding a brand new 1969 Honda 750 all over again. But the big difference is the attention that it brings now. Just as I wasn't prepared to see how deplorable it looked due to neglect, I wasn't prepared for all the thumbs up and attention I get with it.
Just a super feeling to own something that's eye candy for those who appreciate something old looking new. I love looking at what others have, and I enjoy it when they show the same. Its a real reward isn't it? A good feeling for all that hard work.

Learn more about this author, Richard Serra.
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