Observations from an Old Noob

**cheesy** · 07-18-2010, 11:42 PM

In one of my first posts I mentioned that I hadn't ridden for 30 years and felt like a noob on the bike. I'm happy to say that the moves are coming back and getting smoother. The more I ride the Hi Bird, the better I like it, though a 46 tooth cog, er... sprocket, is in my future.(sorry, bicycle speak snuck in there)

I don't recall much about my days with my CB500, other than I was new dad with a ton of new responsibilities and I had more on my mind than riding. I do, however, have great memories of my CS90 when Nixon was president and this is where I base my observations and comparisons.

First off, today's helmets are much nicer. More comfortable and the full face ones are well sealed and vented. Back in the day, an open face with bubble shield was as good as it got. And it wasn't any good when a bumblety bee managed to get between your shield and your face. Probably still happen with today's full face, but not as likely.

Fewer trucks hauling hot mix asphalt today, or at least the loads are covered. Riding with an unbuttoned shirt in the seventies and having an uncovered hot mix truck go by the other way was usually hot, sticky, and painful.

I think the fuel tank on the CS90 was similar in size, but I got change back from my buck when I filled it.

The CS90 didn't have electric start. It didn't have a kickstart either, cuz it broke off. But I lived on a slope and could push start it. If it didn't start, which happened, it was light enough to push back up the driveway. I live at the top of a 13% grade today. I won't chance having to push a bike that doesn't start back up the hill.

Points and condenser. No brainer. Although fun to fiddle with, during a downpour I'd rather 'plug and play' than 'gap and regap' plus lose small screws in the gravel. Can't tie wrap points in place.

Brakes have improved greatly. The drums on the CS90 did a decent job of pulling her down, but can't compare to today's disc/disc set up. The wheels were really heavy, too.

This I remember about the CB500, the front brake rotor was undrilled steel and had a scary tendency to be slow to grab in the rain. I had a few scares when the rear wheel would lock up before the front would even start to slow down. :(

I imagine one thing hasn't changed, though. A June Bug in throat at 60mph will feel the same today as it did back in 1970.

cheesy

07-18-2010, 11:42 PM	#1
cheesy Moderator Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Elburn, IL Posts: 5,835	Observations from an Old Noob In one of my first posts I mentioned that I hadn't ridden for 30 years and felt like a noob on the bike. I'm happy to say that the moves are coming back and getting smoother. The more I ride the Hi Bird, the better I like it, though a 46 tooth cog, er... sprocket, is in my future.(sorry, bicycle speak snuck in there) I don't recall much about my days with my CB500, other than I was new dad with a ton of new responsibilities and I had more on my mind than riding. I do, however, have great memories of my CS90 when Nixon was president and this is where I base my observations and comparisons. First off, today's helmets are much nicer. More comfortable and the full face ones are well sealed and vented. Back in the day, an open face with bubble shield was as good as it got. And it wasn't any good when a bumblety bee managed to get between your shield and your face. Probably still happen with today's full face, but not as likely. Fewer trucks hauling hot mix asphalt today, or at least the loads are covered. Riding with an unbuttoned shirt in the seventies and having an uncovered hot mix truck go by the other way was usually hot, sticky, and painful. I think the fuel tank on the CS90 was similar in size, but I got change back from my buck when I filled it. The CS90 didn't have electric start. It didn't have a kickstart either, cuz it broke off. But I lived on a slope and could push start it. If it didn't start, which happened, it was light enough to push back up the driveway. I live at the top of a 13% grade today. I won't chance having to push a bike that doesn't start back up the hill. Points and condenser. No brainer. Although fun to fiddle with, during a downpour I'd rather 'plug and play' than 'gap and regap' plus lose small screws in the gravel. Can't tie wrap points in place. Brakes have improved greatly. The drums on the CS90 did a decent job of pulling her down, but can't compare to today's disc/disc set up. The wheels were really heavy, too. This I remember about the CB500, the front brake rotor was undrilled steel and had a scary tendency to be slow to grab in the rain. I had a few scares when the rear wheel would lock up before the front would even start to slow down. :( I imagine one thing hasn't changed, though. A June Bug in throat at 60mph will feel the same today as it did back in 1970. cheesy
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