Charita PatamikakornThe first inkling that I would be riding a motorcycle came in my 'tweens, when my best friend predicted that I would be riding one, as we envisioned our future adult lives. I laughed it off at the time, but apparently the idea lodged itself in the back of mind and lay dormant for while.
In my early 20s, I developed a love of overseas backpacking, establishing my sense of independence and adventure. Vietnam was the flint that sparked the desire to ride. I was lured by the practicality of the motorbikes there as a mode of transportation. And, if the smallest woman could operate a motorbike with a passenger, maybe I could too. Several backpacking trips later… Living in a loft across the street from the transportation starved Brooklyn Navy Yard, the need for self-sufficiency fueled the fire for practical transportation in the form of a 1981 Yamaha SR250 Exciter. A few years later came the bucket list purchase of a sidecar – which came with a 1973 Aermacchi Harley Davidson SS 350 Sprint – so I could transport my German shepherd around town with me. This was followed by a 1982 Honda MB5 that, full circle, had been sold twice, but ironically was the same vehicle that my karate sensei lent me years earlier to practice on! After a seven year riding hiatus, it was hard to stay away. Instead of 20+ year old carbureted motorcycles, I opted for a 900cc 2017 Triumph Street Twin. This new bike allowed me to combine my love of backpacking and bikes. In 2017, I set off for a two month, 10K mile cross country road trip through National Parks and Canada, as well as a good number of "must ride" roads, proving that an unfaired street bike is just as good as any long distance tourer if the rider possesses – and develops – enough patience and fortitude. Since then, I've completed two more cross country rides, finding delight where I've least expected: meeting amazing people along the way, and overcoming the challenges of riding in unknown territories and terrain. This 1973 Aermacchi Sprint is my most recent acquisition on this mostly joyous emotional rollercoaster of motorcycle ownership, thanks to the nostalgia of my first Aermacchi SS350 Sprint. — Charita Patamikakorn |
Steve RiedmullerI got my first motorbike in 1984, it was an ’82 Honda PA50 Moped. This Honda gave me the freedom to meet up with friends, explore new places and of course see how fast we could make it go. When I turned 16, I was ready for a car. The idea of a beautiful girl sitting next to me and keeping dry if it happened to rain was exactly what I needed, then the insurance quotes and that dream came to a halt. There was no way making $4/hr I was going to be able to pay $200 every month just for insurance, let alone pay for a Camaro and upgrade to mag wheels. That’s when started looking into motorcycles. Insurance was $10 a month, and after taking the MSF course there was an additional discount to boot! Yes, I got into motorcycles because I didn’t have the budget for a car, little did I know the power of the addiction I was walking into.
Between the ages of 16 and 20 motorcycles seemed to find me, and here they are in the order acquired. I am including the prices I paid because it shows the great bargains one can find, but more importantly the displacement. I was mindful not to jump right into a rocket ship.
I wrote this out to show that 7 of my motorcycles had a total price of $2000, all of which were made road worthy. I learned a lot about riding, and out of necessity how to work on bikes. My passion for motorcycles brought me to AGV Sports Group in the mid ‘90s. Earning roles in Racer Support, Product Development, and taking the responsibility as Team Captain and Mechanic for their AMA Pro Racing Team. I took a 20 year break from motorcycles as I focused on my family and career. In 2016 I jumped right back into it and have been immersed ever since. There have been plenty of projects in these past 4 years, taking nonrunners and getting them back to running strong and handling better than new. This has included:
— Steve Riedmuller |