What was your first bike and how did you come to own it?

[centerstand65]

My first bike was an very late 70's very early 80's Honda CM400. Bought it used, along with a used helmet and brand new rain gear and nylon saddle bags for less then C$5OO back in 1987 or 1988 after I was forced to sell my '79 Ford Mustang Corba (that was the one with the honking 5 L engine, manual transmission, fake hood scoop and wicked Cobra decals on the hood.) after doing some serious damage to the drive train and not being able to afford proper repairs. Needed cheap and reliable transportation to get to work and back so got the CM400. Never rode a bike before that, so had to learn it the hard way, by trial and error as there were no affordable riding schools around at the time. I took my test about a month after I got the bike and passed on the first go. Rode that bike for a couple of years through all sorts of weather, sun, rain and even snow.

It must've been great getting in that used helmet for the first time. I envy you.

[brajon]

1962 Triumph Tiger 500. My dad gave it to me.

[JackoftheGreen]

Wow, I don't think I've ever seen this thread!

My first bike was a 1994 KDX 250, which I named GreenMan for obvious reasons. I talk about my experiences buying GreenMan in my blog. My first street bike was a 1984 Magna 1100, which I spent more time wrenching on on than riding. It had issues.

[bestazy]

I've always liked motorcycles, (and cars, trucks, planes, trains...) and used to watch MotoGP/motocross, but no one in my family rode. There's a photo of my dad holding me on his Kawi when I was an infant, but he sold the bike shortly after I was born. Maybe that moment was enough to cement the idea in my little brain, ha ha.

I asked my dad for a bike almost constantly, once I got my driver's license, but I was always denied and given the safety defense. I finally found myself in a place to afford a bike and picked up a Yamaha XVS 650.
Cheers,

[JackoftheGreen]

I've always liked motorcycles, (and cars, trucks, planes, trains...) and used to watch MotoGP/motocross, but no one in my family rode. There's a photo of my dad holding me on his Kawi when I was an infant, but he sold the bike shortly after I was born. Maybe that moment was enough to cement the idea in my little brain, ha ha.

I asked my dad for a bike almost constantly, once I got my driver's license, but I was always denied and given the safety defense. I finally found myself in a place to afford a bike and picked up a Yamaha XVS 650.

Awesome story! And a great cautionary tale to parents, maybe it's best to embrace your kids desires so you can be part of the process while they're learning.

[ZooTech]

'78 CX500. Wife had just left (blessing) and I saw it in town on the side of the road for sale for $800.00. It was a Honda so I didn't ask many questions. Rode it home and taught myself on it, never even dropped it once (and it was top heavy!). Rest is history.