by Barbara(Skagit County, Washington, USA)
Hi,
Jaelith is my 1977 Yamaha XS650D. I've had her since February of 1978, and have logged over 63,000 miles on her, about half of which include lugging a sidecar.
She and I have been all over the western United States and British Columbia, Canada, and she also was my everyday commuter when I was working down in Seattle.
In my younger and more foolish days, she and I once went through a barbed-wire fence at 80 mph, resulting in new handlebars for her and 79 stitches for me, so we don't do that anymore, both of us being older and (hopefully) wiser now.
I do all the work on her myself, and have a spare engine on the bench, just in case.
I've had probably over 50 bikes and have ridden for around 40 years, but this little Yamaha is the bike I will always keep. She's my baby! She is dirty, road-weary after a Summer of riding, and I don't really expect to win a Bike of the Month---but I couldn't pass up the chance to show her off.
Barb
Comments for Barb & Jaelith
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by: elsegundo20000
You have a great bike, great style, and you do your own wrenching too! Having an old bike takes commitment, patience, and love. Stay in the wind!
by: Corky
Hi Bard & Jaelith, I think we have e-mail'd before. I am putting on the women's motorcycle conference, and would love to have you consider being a presenter. Your experience is what gals like me love to hear about and learn from.
Maybe check out our web site, we keep updating it, www.jugrz.com and congrats!
by: Anonymous
That is so cool!
by: Kathleen Dale
Barb is a camping friend of mine! She is as kind and sweet as a person could ever be. She rides that bike like nobody's bizness! Congrats dear Barb.
Looking to many more riding and Camping trips with the W.O.M.E.N. (Women on motorcycles enjoying nature.)
by: pumps
I heard about Bike of the Month and thought I'd drop by to say Congrats!
by: JIM
Hi Barb,
What a great friendship you and Jaelith have. I'd love to see you two out ridin' someday just to say HOWDY! Be safe and keep ridin'.
Jim from Mississippi
by: Lynn
Thank you so much for sharing! What a wonderful history you two have together.
by: Barb
Hi Ladies,
Gee, I'm almost embarrassed. She and I have been together so long that I don't really think about things like the sidecar much. Let's see--it's different than two wheels; you have to steer the outfit. (It keeps my shoulders fairly strong...I can still lift my granddaughters and they are 9.) I carry groceries, camping gear, and precious cargo like the twins, who love rides in the chair.
The neatest thing about it is that it makes people smile. I love that. (I have to run out to the shed now and tell Jaelith that people like her....she'll be tickled!)
Barb
by: Anonymous
Don't worry about 'bike of the month', it's Bike of the Year ~ you go girl
suzzQ
[1987 Rebel 450]
by: Tracy in NC
How neat!! I am impressed! Who gets to ride shotgun?
by: Rene L.
Hi Barb,
What a wonderful story. As a new rider hearing about your experience is very fun to hear and also very inspirational.
Paz,
Ren'e
by: Sue A
Cool bike. my first one was an 81 Hondamatic and I hated, hated, hated that I had to sell her when I got my new one. I wish I had been able to keep her but ....
I always wonder how difficult it is to ride with a sidecar? Dumb question here but is that for someone else mainly to use or for storage for things on long trips? I can see where it would come in handy for both.
Did it take some getting used to in riding with it on there?
by: kenberlyc
You are awesome and so is your bike!
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