When we think of a cruiser style motorcycle, we inevitably think of Harley Davidson. And for the most part I do too, as they own the cruiser style market, and have for many years. And of course you would think that they originated it, which they did. But do you know which major manufacturer, known for its sport bikes helped create the class, and made the style what it is today? Tick...tick...tick... Here's a hint, it starts with a K, and they also created a model that sport bikes are referred to as...as in Ninja style bikes. If you guessed Kawasaki, you guessed right, go riding. And in early 1977, when they marketed the KZ900 LTD, based on the legendary Z-1, the market took off, and has never looked back. So once again, it was the Japanese bikes, that had rescued the market with their little, dependable bikes, changing history again in the seventies. The first power cruiser, the LTD had a semi-custom look about it, but still retained all the Z-1 muscle, plus fuel injection! Style and performance, who could wish for anything more!
And in other news, Harley also sought government relief, they were accusing the Japanese of dumping bikes in the US of A, they were, and would finally gain help when anything made offshore over 700cc would have a 25% tax added to it. And it was also the year Suzuki discontinued selling two strokes in the States. Its first four stroke, the GS750, starting a legendary line, that turned into the GSX-R's of today. And sad for all, the last year of no motorcycle emissions. In 1978, the carbs were sealed, and only outlaws would alter them to make the bikes run better. And for those who could afford $0.65 cent a gallon gas, it was a great time to be alive, and ride.
And even though gas was high, at least it was available, and interest rates higher, remember 25% interest rates, and only 24 months to pay, bike sales were hot. But it leaves an interesting question today, some 34 years later. With so many, historic bikes sold during that year, and era, where are they all today? I bought a 1978 GS1000E last year, in showroom condition. When is the last time you saw one of those? And how many even know what it is? Note-this is the bike Wes Cooley won on, Superbike and others! But whenever I look to find others, nationwide there aren't any. Were they all hot rodded and chopped up, or just used up? And it isn't just my model, where have they all gone?
Sadly, the era of throw away bikes was upon us. Last years bike was old, compared to the new ones, and they got used up, or sold to new racers, who cut them up. The aftermarket grew also, and everyone had a Yoshimura, or Kerker pipe. And still, some were left to just rot away in barns, their owners too afraid of them, for all that power meant all that performance. And it scared them. Ask yourself, when is the last time you saw an LTD, a CB750F, a GS1000, or a three cylinder Yamaha? Good bikes, but most have disappeared from history, only to be found in books of the period, or old bike meets. At highly inflated prices. Sad.
The late seventies was also the end of the so-called Jesus Revolution, and fortunately I was saved during it. And I had many saved friends then, and every once in a while, hear from one. And many times they too are like the old bikes, pictures from another time. Not walking with God as they once did, life taking over and interfering with their walk with Christ. Many good memories of a time they thought would never end, but for some decades since they were even to church-a place it seemed we all lived for and in back then. They are referred to as the good old days, but somehow I made it through. And to me, these are the good old days. They are just as exciting as those first days of knowing Jesus, of Bible studies, of praying for others, and for greeting each other with a hug. Don't see many "One Way" expressions any more. Sad again. And bikes are even more exciting than we could have ever expected. Faster, lighter, handle better, and still one of the best ways to have fun with your clothes on. And I am told, bang for the buck, cheaper than they were when compared in 1977 dollars. And to those of us still excited by Jesus, and still excited by the passions He has given us, today is the best day we have ever had. For a simple promise found in scripture keeps me going. Actually a lot of them do, but Ephesians 3:20, God's promise to give us far beyond all we could ask for, and anything we could imagine.
Do you still pray limiting God? Don't. Give it all to God, ask to have your relationship with Him boundless, and without limits! And watch, when you let Him guide you, you will go farther, faster, and be more blessed than you ever imagined. Don't lean on your own understanding, or limit your blessings. Trust God, and watch. And enjoy life, maybe as never before.
When I ride the 1978 Suzuki today, it is fun, and I laugh at how far we have come. New bikes are faster, handle better, and have much better brakes. Better than we could have ever imagined. Is your life better than you ask for? Ask God, who has made the offer. And let Him, exceed your wildest dreams. He is more than a nostalgia trip. He is alive and well. Sometimes, the old things are still the best.
Hey, when you start with perfection, where else would you go?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com