I just sold my most recent (and last, I think) motorcycle. That got me thinking about the various powered two-wheelers I’ve had adventures on over the years. I thought I’d dig up some photos here, in reverse chronology:
2003 Honda Shadow Spirit (U.S.)
This is a water-cooled v-twin 750 cc cruiser. This was gifted to me (in parts) in 2022 by a friend who was moving. I resurrected it, and had some good times ‘cruising’.
But – the roads are really not safe for anyone on two wheels with all the distracted driving, so I sold it in 2025.
2003 Honda Shadow Spirit 750
2010 Suzuki Address (London)
This is an air-cooled 125cc 3 speed (auto clutch) commuter bike. I had one like it in London from 2011 – 2013. I didn’t ride it often, as I was fastest from Clapham to Fleet Street on my bicycle. However, it was good to have on occasion.
I gave it away when I moved back to the U.S.
1985 Yamaha Riva (U.S.)
This is an air-cooled 180cc with an automatic clutch. It could easily make 55 mph, but was a bit unstable due to the small wheels. I bought it from a friend when I was in grad school, working, and taking classes (and expecting our first child). I rode it from 1989-1991. It was a busy time – I had many places to be, and this little thing helped a lot!
1978 Peugeot 102 (France)
This is a 50cc moped that I had for the year that I was in France as a junior in college. I bought it used, rode it everywhere – to class everyday from Castelnau to Montpellier, and often out to the beach. I had a fantastic crash on it going to some friends’ place one evening, but got it fixed.
1982 – 1983
1975 Kawasaki MC 90 (U.S.)
My brother and I got this for Christmas! We tore it up – meaning the roads and trails around where we lived. I really loved it – feeling the breeze on my face grow to a roar as I wound up, speed shifting, through the five gears it provided. Terribly fun. We knew nothing of maintenance, and outgrew it. We took it to the dump around 1980.
1975 – 1979
Fresh Eyes 