My first motorcycle-a Suzuki

[DDFZ1]

I bought my first motorcycle May 1971 while in the Army.  A 1969 350 twin 2-stroke Suzuki.  I had graduated from Transportation School at Ft Eustis, VA in August and had a 30-day leave before going to Vietnam.  The photo taken in front of my Barracks.  I strapped my Duffle Bag, marked my map and took off on my first 1400-mile Sport Touring Adventure.  I slept on the ground.  My Suzuki held 3 gallons and fuel was $.30 a gallon.  Took me 3 1/2 days to get to Central Kansas.  No Credit Cards back then.  Just cash.  Left my Bike at home and my younger Brother rode it to college.  My Cousin learned to ride on this Bike.  It was still in the Barn when my Father died in 1986.
Second photo of my 2007 Bandit on Beartooth Highway 212, MT.

[Sport-Touring]

[Blue is Best]

Nice pictures. I bet the Suzuki 350 picture brings back memories. Can you restore it?

My first street bike was a 1974 Kawasaki 3 cylinder S3 400cc 2 stroke. Don't have any pictures.    

[jay547]

 

[DDFZ1]

My 2nd motorcycle was a new 1972 Kawasaki 500cc H1.  My reward for coming back alive.  My Older Brother was selling Kawasakis & Triumphs in Lawrence, KS.  $950 without a commission.  My next duty station was Ft Campbell, KY.  I pulled the Bike by the front tire behind my 1962 Studebaker Daytona.  I rode my H1 all over the Midwest.  Switched the tall Sissy Bar and continued touring.
After the Army, I got the "hook" for a faster/better motorcycle.  Traded in the H1 for a 1974 900.  More Bikes followed.  I wish I still had the H1 and the Daytona.

[Jeremy Z]

Bump.

My first was also a Suzuki, a 2000 SV650. Great bike. I put 30k on it, until the chain broke, bunched up and cracked the crankcase.

Next three bikes were shaft driven: an '82 GS850, an '01 Concours and an '05 FJR. The GS850 had the best gearbox I've had on any bike; it had that great Suzuki action, and with no linkages needed.

Had a couple Hondas in there, but now I'm back to Suzuki with my newly acquired Bandit 1250SA. (Half faired, with ABS) Even with a modern Honda, (CBR500R) the gearbox isn't Suzuki caliber.