First bike I owned in 1973 was a NSU Quickly moped (it wasn't quick!) - used as a field bike since I was only 15. The engine would last about 30 mins riding before nipping up and needing a complete strip down. I learnt a lot about that machines engine and gearbox internals......
A proper bike in the shape of a Norton Jubilee 250cc came in 1974 -cost £5 but needed new front tyre and tube. Pushed it 2 miles from mates house to mine on the grass verge (to protect the rim) only to have Dad say I couldn't keep it since it would cost £18 for a new tyre and tube and so it wasn't worth it. Pushed it back the 2 miles and had my fiver returned
Then first real road bike in 1975 - a James 250cc Commodore with an Italian engine in it! Top speed about 65 mph and had to be careful about taking on FS1E's away from the lights - they would often beat me.... how embarassing....
Still have the bike, built in 1957 with 14,000 (genuine) miles on the clock. The bikes worth about £200, the number plate about £2000
