Guyz: When a new member joins the R90s list I try and remember to ask them
to write in and let us know a little about themselves and their bikes,
interests, etc. so we can learn a little about each other and share common
and fun experiences or just share.
If YOU have not written to the R90s list and told us something about
yourself, *PLEASE* do so.
Inquiring minds want to know!!
AND it makes for a very interesting list. Thanks.
The recent bio below from Mark Wishart mwgruppe@...
And THANKS Mark for sharing with us. Glad you are on board!
Mac Kirkpatrick
Glenmoore, PA USA
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When I had my first bike, a Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, back in the '70's several
buddies had R90s's. They always started, always got where they were going,
always went fast enough and stopped well. The same could not be said for the
Guzzi, except for the fast part.
When looking for a bike to reenter the sport with in the late '80's I
couldn't go oriental, didn't care to go American, still wouldn't, and Guzzi
and Ducati were on life support. New BMW's were too expensive so I started
looking for my old favorite.
I bought a '74 model from the second owner. He was a privateer superbike
racer and this was his street bike. My bike was bought by a US serviceman in
Germany and brought home. It has 40mm head pipes and I have the handbook
with the delivering dealer's stamp in it.
When I got my bike it was in fairly good shape. EXCEPT. The original paint,
Silver Smoke, was in terrible condition. At many rallies and other places
where knowledgeable riders gather I would overhear people comment "... it's
one of the good ones. Too bad it's not taken better care of." I got so tired
of hearing that noise I had my bike resprayed in what I think is a tasteful
medium metalic blue. I can not afford to replicate the factory paint. I have
the usual mods: Corbin saddle, billet upper triple clamp, braided brake
lines, electronic ignition, San Jose fork brace, fork gaiters, Koni's,
progressive springs w/1.5" preload spacers, a K&N filter and a Gustafsson
screen that I really like. I have tried to not irreversibly modify my bike
as I'm a big supporter of the R90s creedo.
I've also replaced the rotor, the clutch and rebuilt the gearbox. The
previous owner redid the top-end and I'm thinking of going through there
this winter as I feel things are a bit loose up there.
One of the problems with the non standard respray is quite often folks
assume it is a tarted up R90/6 and I can get rather put out with their
comments.
That's about it for the bike.
I've been riding since the mid '70's with a break in the mid '80's. I'm a
member of the AMA, BMWMOA and an MSF Instructor. I also own a '75 Moto Guzzi
850-T that needs some work/parts and a Montessa trials bike. I've done a
couple track days on a friends Kawa 550 production racer and just love
riding when ever I can find the time. I'd like to own a 'modern' bike
sometime, either an oilhead RS/GS or a Ducati Monster. I love old Cafe
Racers the best though. Some day I will also have a Norton and a bevel drive
Ducati.
I live in South Carolina, a great place to ride. Although the drivers here
are quite a challenge.
I look forward to contributing to the group.
Thank you,
Mark
Mark &/or Marion Wishart
mwgruppe@...
