Paul Cwethko

Hi all. I took my first ride on my 1971 XS1B on Tues., July 1st. Canada Day.

It has been a long time coming. A bit of history is in order. I bought the bike new in Southern Ontario in July 1971. I rode it up north to go to university and stayed here in the Manitoulin Island area. I got into other things (career, family, divorce, etc.) and a few other bikes (1961 BMW R60/2 and a 1999 Honda Ace 1100 cc cruiser) and parked the XS1B for 13 yr. (1987 to 2000) In July 2000 we took a 2 week tour on the Ace and after being back a week, I had a stroke. I was in the hospital and rehab units for seven weeks. I got lucky and did not die. I went from being paralyzed during the first week to relying heavily on a cane to walk. I decided that I needed a rehab project because at age 52 yr., I was finished my "working for money " job and was put on L.T.D. Enter my old 1971 650. I had some friends help me get it into a porch for the winter and I started the clean up job with a toothbrush and Autosol. This was both my penance for letting it get so rough and my rehab project to bring it back to life. One result of the stroke is a fatigue problem and a bad right leg ( about 70% non-functional) so after a repaint on the frame, a new paint job on the rest (tank, shocks, etc.) new tires, battery, chain, petcock re-build kits and new cables, I finally got to go for a ride on Canada Day. It is exactly 32 yr. in July since I bought it, and 3 yr. in July since my stroke. Oh what a feeling!! It was a real trip in the past I tell you. My step-son came with me and I let him take it for a spin. He loved the sound, the torque and the style but was less impressed with the handling and vibration. He has a 2003 Suzuki Bandit, go figure. I tried to explain to him about the bike being as old as he was but he still wasn't thrilled with the vibration. Anyway, I am major happy and will now ride it and continue to finish it off while I enjoy it. I still need tank badges (Mike's at the end of July) and maybe mufflers. How do I get a picture on to the Hall of Fame? I took one this morning with a digital camera and it is still sitting on my desk top. Thanks for being here.
This group provides some great motivation.
Paul.

top of page