It’s not every day you see a nearly 50 year old motorcycle still in operation.
Amanda and Ivan rode a 1965 Honda S90 to the farmer’s market in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania adding a few more miles to the 12,000 currently on the odometer. A short conversation revealed Ivan keeps the machine in operating condition along with two other vintage bikes — a 1982 Yamaha XJ750 and a 1974 Honda CB360.
After a quick photo with the iPhone I couldn’t help but think about the advertising campaign in the early 1960s that rocketed Honda sales upward in the United States — You meet the nicest people on a Honda.
Makes me wonder if I don’t need a project bike in the garage…
Steve:
back in the ’60s , we used to rent Honda 90 step throughs and go around our Stanley Park. They were manual shift 3 speeds with auto clutch. We would just crank the throttle and “click” the transmission lever at full throttle. After all, it was just a rental . . . those were good times when gas was only around .35c per gallon
After that, Mrs Skoot bought a S65cc Honda super sport, and I had a Yamaha 80cc 2-stroke
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
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bob skoot: Everything seemed simple back in the 60s. Maybe it was youth.
I remember regular gas was .29c per gallon at the Arco station I worked at in high school in 1970. Green stamps, Arco arks and Arco animal giveaways.
You’re a long way from an 80cc Yamaha now!
I rode an S90 back in 1973. What a cool bike. I went out on the parkway, tucked in and did 65 mph with it. Drivers I passed just shook their head. Today I own a Chinese clone of a 50cc step through Honda, four speed and auto clutch. It will do 50 mph on a flat road and cruise at 45 fairly easily. Who says the good old days are gone?
Sweet! Nice to see vintage iron still around. When I was in high school, there were almost a fleet of these in the daily parking.
kz1000st: 50mph with a 50cc scooter is impressive!
So many cool bikes and scooters around now. And reliable to boot.
Clifton’s Place: When I was in high school I don’t remember anyone riding a motorcycle to school. And only a handful drove cars. Can’t remember the details but I think there was some mechanism in place to discourage student drivers.
I have a bad memory when it comes to school…
That’s the size and type of motorcycles I often saw in India and Taiwan. Gas is/was $6-8 a gallon and many are poor to begin with so it’s the best choice. Of course there could be the parents and two children all loaded on one. You can get a project motorcycle like that because they take very little garage space and the parts are cheap. You are inclined mechanically anyway so… pdr
Yep, you opened yourself up for comments. I think you should pick up a project bike. Something that’s actually repairable unlike anything modern.
When I was in high school, I don’t remember anyone with a motorcycle either. Lots of cars though…
Steve; my high school days are not fondly remembered, either. [sigh] We did have a great deal of motor transport, though. Almost every student was on wheels of some kind; the school served a goodly part of the community, and the high schools had no busses, so…
Small bikes were epidemic, mostly 90s and 125s, though we did have a few “big bikes” – a Honda CB160, a Bridgestone 250, and two Honda Dream 305s.
I began my freshman year on an Allstate Compact scooter, and later “upsized” to a Vespa Rally 200. I and two Cushman riders, were the only scooterists.
I had one of those in Viet Nam back in ’64. Paid $25.00 for it. Made alot of trips from Pleiku to Siagon on it. Fun little bike.
Gary
Paul: Someday, when I run across the right one, I may consider a project bike. It will have to be a special bike though for me to want to return to wrenching…
RichardM: We’ll have to see what direction this takes. I remember being obsessed for a time in high school with a 1971 Honda SL100 dirt bike. That and a Hodaka.
Maybe it’s time….
Good to know the history of Honda. 50 years ago I wasn’t even born now that bike looks strange to me but probably was a hit during those days. Thanks for sharing with me.