Yup, Another New Member

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 2:34 am

There we were, minding our own business at a local Harley dealership, four of us getting ready to run the Red Rock loop to the west of Vegas. We were just chatting, hydrating and having a generally good and quiet time when I spotted her... A 1981 CB900F with a beautiful custom paint job, not an oil leak or blemish anywhere except for the right turning signals and pegs... looks like someone dropped her when parking. Only 22k on the odometer.

When I was in high school, my first case of bike lust was a neighbor's CB750. I WANTED that bike. WANTED! Alas, it was not meant to be. I could only afford a franken bike Yama-Zuki instead. Went to college, let the bike go (my new wife back then HATED motorcycles) and didn't ride again until 2007.

Bought a Honda Rebel 250, took the class, passed the test and ended up riding that little bike from Vegas to Kitty Hawk and back. I was hooked again big time.

In 2009 bought a 2004 Harley Sportster. Great around-town and short ( < 300 miles) bike, but I wanted a touring bike. Something that wouldn't beat me up after 300 miles.

Ended up buying several Suzuki VX800s as projects. Unfortunately I am a computer programmer by trade and not a mechanic. One is close to running after about two years of work but the steam is completely gone from that project. I want to ride.

So, there it was on the dealer showroom floor. After our ride, I went back to the dealer and made an offer. At first the sales person hesitated. Then I said, "Would you like a check or green stuff?" He tentatively accepted. Insurance??? $113 per year. I go in tomorrow to sign the papers.

Have read that they run VERY smoothly with little vibration. THAT will be a big change from my chug chug Harley. Really looking to get some serious miles out of her.

Nice to meet ya all & it's nice to be here.

-Ken in Vegas.

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 3:43 am

Welcome Ken! You're going to find that a smooth running CB900F will out perform a Harley in many ways.

That bike you found sure does look clean. Also, glad to see you found this website. We (the 'collective' here) have seen that bike posted for sale a while ago and it's always great to get another passionate owner in the group.

P.S. Please get some photos in the sun light once you bring her home. The showroom photos really seem to distort the coloring and I, for one, and interested as to what this bike really looks like in person.

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 6:08 am

I know the low end torque of the Harley is better, but I am SO looking forward to the smoothness of an inline 4. And I was surprised to compare specs, the 900F offers about 35 more overall HP than my Sportster, even though my Sporty is a 1200cc. Nice!

Ya, the picture sux. It was from my cell phone and that thing, for taking pictures, is worse than old Instamatic cameras. The second pic was from the internet. When I get her home tomorrow, I will get some decent pics with my good camera.

She is a bit tall for me - I have short legs, but I know the rear suspension can be adjusted a bit to bring her down. The CG is higher than my Sporty so that will be different. I am not an aggressive rider so it shouldn't be a problem.

I have a little mini-fairing from the early 80's that may fit. Will need to size it up tomorrow. I won a custom paint job at a poker run last year, so if the fairing fits and looks good, I will have it painted to match the bike.