So, I bought this motorcycle...

The first step is to admit you have a problem, right?

Well, I have this fetish for vintage Japanese motorcycles (VJMCs). Don't ask me how many I have; I don't know. Part of the answer depends on what your definition of "motorcycle" is: Is it a running, sorted, two-wheeled conveyance with an engine, or a collection of parts sitting in dusty bins, surrounded by dreams?

I have both.

I'll get around to posting pix and whatnot of what I have. One of these days. Meanwhile, I've sprinkled a few thumbnails into this post.

My latest acquisition is a 1973 Yamaha DT3. For those needing more info, this is a 360cc "Enduro," street-legal (at least when it left the factory) but capable on dirt. I have a couple of 250cc versions of this bike, but always wanted the larger version. Because.

I came across this example on Craig's List. Guy wanted decent money for it (Quick note: I have yet to see any VJMC advertised in Florida going for what I would consider reasonable money.) This one was close, I figured, if it was complete and running, or close to it. So I hitched up my trailer and drove up to check it out.

I should have turned around and driven home. The bike's in sad shape: rattle can paint (even on the front sprocket!), very rusty rims, split tire sidewalls, missing parts. But it purportedly had a recent top-end job done and the owner had the title. The seat was sound, the tank had been coated inside to prevent (further!) corrosion, and most of the big and hard-to-find parts were there.

The seller was an older gentleman, chronically ill with something. Weak. Nice enough guy, but he clearly needed the money. I told him the bike wasn't worth what he was asking and I was afraid I'd be insulting him with what I considered a fair offer. He didn't flinch, but suggested I make an offer anyway; that it wouldn't insult him. So I did, and he agreed.

After we loaded it up, I paid him and we did the paperwork, he showed me some old photos of his family with the bike. It apparently had been in his family for some time, and brought lots of enjoyment. It clearly reminded him of better times, when he was healthier, when his life was yet to live.

I've never been one to part out a bike, and this one won't be the first. Which is what I told him. I think he was happy to hear that. I'll get it running, and soon. Promise.

Thanks, sir for entrusting it to me.

DCr