 Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Gents & Ladies:
I'm a bit sad to report that I sold my America to a fine gentleman from the Pittsburgh area. I've been mulling over selling it and perhaps getting another vintage restored bike, or maybe an MGB. I've mentioned my wife quit riding two years ago, and I bought the bike with the intent that we would ride together. Since she quit riding my heart just wasn't in it as much.
I listed it on Craigslist a month ago and had a few nibbles. I also had a "For Sale" sign on it at the British MC Classic Day in May. When the buyer called on Friday and again yesterday morning to confirm he was making the 3 hour trip, it was pretty tough. I almost called him halfway through his trip and called the whole thing off. He turned out to be a terrific guy, connected with the Pittsburgh Fire Department. It appears he'll take good care of the bike and promised to check out this site.
Don't feel too sad for me as I still have my '66 Chopper but I definitely can't hop on that and take an hour ride up the road. But, the empty spot in the garage looks cavernous!
The folks here have been nothing but the best and it has been a supreme pleasure to have known and shared the road with you.
PS: The new owner didn't take the Memphis Shades windshield or Break-Away cruise control. I'll list those in the classifieds shortly.
Thanks, God Bless and Ride Safe!
Al
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,228
I live in the sun downunder
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I live in the sun downunder
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,228 |
I know exactly how you feel Al. When I was half way to town to trade in my Speedmaster I very nearly turned back. As the old saying goes "A mans gotta do what a mans gotta do" whatever the reason. If I could have justified keeping my Speedmaster as well as the Super Glide I would have. Good luck for the future and enjoy what you decide. 
FrankW
Ex Speedmaster rider, went to the Dark Side now riding an America.
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Quote:
Good luck for the future and enjoy what you decide.
+1
You'll have to keep checking in to make sure we're all behaving
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Please just stick around like you normally do so well all don't end up with a heavy heart. You were a part of the landscape when I joined here and it would not seem right without you. Sorry to hear you had to let 'er go.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,685 Likes: 20
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,685 Likes: 20 |
Sorry to hear that, check in anyhow with your old friends.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yep Al, please don't become a stranger. (...it's always great reading your texts around here!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Al, You've been aound this site forever (+1 day). It is my understanding that any moves by long-standing and contributing members needs to be cleared by the resident moder-tator committee. We'll keep you informed. Good luck with that  jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 591
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 591 |
Good luck Al, I'll see you at the orchard!
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Now that made me smile! Thanks for the kind works everyone. To be honest, it might be kind of tough hearing of everyone's exploits, but I'll lurk for sure. Not being able to ride with my wife was tough, if your lady rides, give her a hug. Hopefully we'll acquire an MGB convertible we can enjoy together. Of course, I'll ahve the chopper for some two-wheeled action, but it's not the distance rider my America was. Quote:
Al,
You've been aound this site forever (+1 day). It is my understanding that any moves by long-standing and contributing members needs to be cleared by the resident moder-tator committee. We'll keep you informed. Good luck with that
jh
Al
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Not being able to ride with my wife was tough
I feel you man, mine gave riding about 10 years ago. All the same, I still need the solace and zen that riding gives me so I've soldiered on alone...one thing, it sure makes that decision about the nice solo seat a lot easier. Anyway, please stay with us as I (and many others) regard you as one of our family. 
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
She can drive the van for camping trips.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 319
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 319 |
Hello all. I'm not sure how warm of a welcome I may receive here due to the fact I guess I am the cause of this heavy heart of Al's. My name is Paul and I purchased this fine America from Al this past weekend.
After recently selling my quad that I didn't get much use out of to add a "3rd" vehicle so my 17 year old son would be able to share our cars, I began a search for a street bike in the <4K range.
I was pretty sure I was going to go in the sport-touring direction. Don't get me wrong I love the cruiser-style bike much better, but had the mindset that if it isn't going to be a Harley then it's not a true cruiser. I didn't want an asian cruiser since they're everywhere!! I wanted to really like my new bike. So after perusing Craigslist, Ebay and CycleTrader I came across a Triumph Thunderbird locally. Now this bike didn't have the rake that I prefer on a cruiser, but it was a very intriguing bike and even Harley guys find appeal in Triumphs. So I began some research and found the model I set my mind on...the Bonneville America. It had everything I was looking for in a bike. So the search began locally, only to find that these bikes are rarer than I thought. None locally. So I broadened my search to the surrounding states. Found one in Ohio but it needed alot of restoring due to a neglectful owner. Found another in Virginia but it was 8 hrs away!! Then I saw Al's ad for his Cardinal Red '02. The ad was very descriptive of the amount of time and money that was dedicated to this bike but the mileage was the highest of the bikes I was looking at. But I figured a 3 hr trip wouldn't be too bad if it was spent looking at a bike that I walked away from. Luckily enough that wouldn't be the case.
I walked into Al's garage, even after he told me he had hoped I wouldn't show, and layed my eyes on a truly beatiful machine. Al began to go over everything he had done to the bike and stories along the way. Little to his knowledge I was sold before even riding the America. Not just on appearance of the bike, but on how well and detail oriented this owner of this bike had cared for it. After a brief ride, and with a heavy heart, Al and I agreed on the sale.
Most guys that have a passion for anything with a motor know how hard it can be to part with a loved and cherished possession that has a motor. But most guys can also appreciate the happiness and pleasure that can be had knowing these once cherished and loved possessions will be cared for with the same passion by a buyer that will carry on that torch. I will definately carry on that torch!! I cannot promise that Al's America will look the same over time since every guy has to make his bike his own, but I can promise that with the knowledge of Al and those of you on this forum, Al's America will live on in it's new home with the same care and passion that was given to this bike.
Thank you Al for being a seller that most buyers can only wish for. A fine gentleman.
Last edited by Bell22; 06/14/2011 1:58 AM.
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Well I'll be darned. Good to 'meet' you Paul and that's quite a story you tell around the '02 Cardinal and Al. It's a true testament of the love and care put into that bike and how the tradition of that same care will continue into the future. I'm sure Al takes comfort in knowing it went to a good home! 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
Welcome to the site Paul. It seems that the bike has been passed to a worthy caretaker in my opinion. I mean afterall that is what we are, just the present carer for this motorcycle. Believe me when I say these motorcycles have a soul. They are special and will be classics in the future. Look after them and they will last a very long time.
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
Sheeeesh, Paul you had me tearing up there. That could have been the bridegroom's speech to the father of the bride. "I promise to care for her ... blah, blah, blah", when all the groom is really thinking about is getting a leg over that filly and riding her hard! Sorry Al. 
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
I told Paul he would be a welcome addition to the group, and I'm glad he made the jump. Quote:
Sheeeesh, Paul you had me tearing up there. That could have been the bridegroom's speech to the father of the bride. "I promise to care for her ... blah, blah, blah", when all the groom is really thinking about is getting a leg over that filly and riding her hard!
Sorry Al.
Al
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Welcome to the site, Paul! (...and yep, like everybody is sayin' here, glad to hear Al's baby sounds as if it'll be very well taken care of!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 410
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 410 |
Geez, Al, I wish you hadn't had to give up the TBA. I hope we still can ride out or meet up from time to time, chopper willing. ATB!
John
============================
"The difference between an ordeal and an adventure is planning" - Charles Hutchins
2008 TBA / Black / NCHD Windscreen / Saddlebags / De-Baffled Pipes / Flat Black Console
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
Quote:
Sheeeesh, Paul you had me tearing up there. That could have been the bridegroom's speech to the father of the bride. "I promise to care for her ... blah, blah, blah", when all the groom is really thinking about is getting a leg over that filly and riding her hard!
Sorry Al.
Welcome Paul.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 482
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 482 |
+1
George
Freelance Observer
07 BA with 605's, engine dresser bars, and cheap saddle bags.
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Drove and bought this last night in PA. Going back up this AM to drive her home. Keeping the Empire alive... 
Al
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,048
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,048 |
AND your wife will go with you! 
01010100 01110010 01101001 01110101 01101101 01110000 01101000 <3
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
more pics please.
+1
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Brought her home today, two hour trip to MD. Here's a shot my wife took on I-81. Smooth sailing, sipped a little gas, great oil pressure and low temperatures (on a very hot day). 
Al
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
Sweet. I've had two MGB Roadsters, a '65 and a '68. I was a reckless young man then and mistreated them I'm ashamed to say. Yours looks in great condition. What year?
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
I prefer the MGA, but that is a nice auto, great color! or is that colour or something the other?
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
Had a 57 MGA, was great fun, had a B junked to me a few years ago and crushed it, should have kept it to play with.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 319
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 319 |
Great looking car Al!! I'm glad to see you and the wife will be able to be out enjoying the road adventures again!! Good luck with her.
02 TBA Cardinal Red/Black
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
It is a rubber bumper '79, which is the year I graduated from High School. I looked at some metal bumper '74 or older but they were $1,500 more give/take and needed work at this price. This one has older paint (original) but is a very sell sorted driver. I got her for real close to what I sold the America for, so that was a bonus. I still have the '66 and Bill E is bringing me a '65 Triumph chopper today as well, so I will be a busy boy....
Al
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
I still have the '66 and Bill E is bringing me a '65 Triumph chopper today as well, so I will be a busy boy....
A busy boy having FUN, which is the way it should be!! 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 379
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 379 |
Not to steal Al's thunder; but here is the 65 Bonnie Chopper....um....it isn't as nice as the mg...but it is farm fresh! 
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 379
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 379 |
It has sat neglected for quite some time; but I am sure Al will make it quite a prize! 
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
My buddy the builder is coming over on Thursday Pm to evaluate the bike, he'll know what to do!
Al
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 379
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 379 |
I hope he does not run away screaming
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
I hope he does not run away screaming
This was my current bike, four years ago....
Al
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Hmmm, I still have that seat up in the attic....
Al
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Hmmm, I still have that seat up in the attic....
Maybe think about keeping it up there, Al... for posterity's sake ya know! Attics are great places for stuff like that!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Heavy Heart....America Sold
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
Quote:
Hmmm, I still have that seat up in the attic....
Maybe think about keeping it up there, Al... for posterity's sake ya know! Attics are great places for stuff like that!
Tall/skinny king/queen seats are making a comeback. Mine's a little wide, but if you squint. I rode with that seat for a few miles thru Philly when I was looking at the bike, it is pretty darn comfy.
Al
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