That M50 Appeal! - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

scrimmer · 09-11-2008, 10:51 PM

Just thought I would relate this to everyone.
My next door neighbor's elderly parents were over at her house visiting this past Sunday afternoon as I was washing the M in my driveway. Her dad
was out in the yard looking around, noticed me and came over and inquired about the bike. I told him who made it and he just kept saying over and over,
"D@#n, that is one pretty motorsickle" He loved it! He proceded to tell me that he had been a rider most of his life and had over time owned a 1948 Indian Scout, a 1956 Harley Davidson K Model, an early 70's Triumph Bonneville, a Norton, a 70's KZ 1000, several Yamahas and his last bike had been a Goldwing. He said the KZ had been his favorite because it was so fast and he dusted all his friends on it. He was a really cool old guy, and was really into the look of the M50. He said he always paid attention to the modern bikes that were out there, but he had never seen the M before and in his opinion it was one of the best looking he'd ever seen. He really liked the blacked out look and the rear fender. He had me start it up so he could listen to it, and was really into the sound. (stock debaffled pipes)
I was kind of surprised that an older guy would like it as much as he did, and he knew his stuff about bikes! We had a beer together and he started telling me about hanging out down at Daytona (they are from that area) and watching the bike races on the beach ever since he was a kid. He even raced semi-professionally for a few years and had worked at a dealership as a mechanic back in the 60's. He finally had to give up riding a few years ago as his age (he was very spry for 81) was catching up to him, his back and his eyesight couldn't do it anymore. He declined my offer for a ride, but you could see the twinkle in his eyes when I brought it up.
I wish he'd have taken me up on it. Anyway, it was a really cool talk with an experienced old timer!