Month: March 2010

Reader Ride! Those fine XS650’s keep on coming!

Everyone has a few bikes that they have a soft spot for.  If you’ve been following this site I’m sure you’ve noticed that Moto Guzzi has a lot of allure to me.  Another bike that I’m especially fond of is the Yamaha XS650.  It’s such a timeless bike that I really don’t understand why Yamaha doesn’t still sell it.  If you search this site you’ll fins XS650’s set up as fantastic roadracers, bobbers, choppers, vintage motocrossers, and especially flat trackers.  I have no doubt that if Yamaha still sold a nice basic, shouldered rimed aluminum wheeled, XS650 that people would still be buying them and turning them into everything under the sun.  I suppose that the Triumph Bonneville has sort of become the newer version of the older XS… which is probably why you’ll find so many bonnys on here too. 

Anyway all this philosophizing was triggered by this latest reader ride.  I’ve wanted to build one of these for years now and this picture may just put me over the top.  This was sent in by Jeff Corcoran.

Jeff writes:
Here is a picture of my Dad and his project.He would really get a kick to see the picture on your site.The motorcycle picture of the day has become the regular topic of conversation between us.  His name is Mick Corcoran of North Highlands Ca.Thanks for your time you have made a great site somthing to look forward to every day.

My pleasure Jeff.  She’s a stunner!  And Thanks Much for visiting!

TWO UPDATES: Gobsmackingly Beautiful Ducati…

UPDATE: For an excellent writeup on this fantastic motorcycle please be sure and check it out here at the indespensible Bikeexif.  They’re a great site that does the legwork to search out the stories and history behind a lot of these great bikes. Fantastic Work!

Update #2:
I recieve an email from the owner of the bike Mr. Mike Cecchini.  Most of this repeats the Update#1 in the Bikeexif post above and includes comments to some posters over on that site.  Pleas go there and check it out!  As a bonus he has also included some more great photos attached below!  Thanks VERY  much sir!! 

SORRY.  I’m having formatting problems with the message and I had to take it out till I can sort it better.  For the gist of it go on over to the Bikeexif post. 

This may be the most beautiful motorcycle I’ve ever seen. It’s easier to say than prove but for the moment, I don’t remember seeing it’s better.

 
 
 
 

Suzuki T500. Just got home from the Daytona Vintage races and this was literally the first pic I took.

What a fantastic day it was. This will probably be “Daytona” week (or so) around here so those of you who have sent in pics please don’t despair. I’m saving a lot of your material. Thanks and please keep em coming!

Oh OK a few more..