Vintage Motorcycle Prices are Out of This World

This morning I was looking at a 1982 Kawasaki GPz-550 in pristine condition that was offered for sale at no reserve and sold for $12,500. 

The original manufacturer's suggested retail price for my bike (2010 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14) was approximately $12,399 when it was brand new in 2010. These days, bikes similar than mine are sold between $4,950 and $6,999, depending on condition and mileage.

In the early 1970's I purchased a blue 1972 Kawasaki 750 two-stroke triple. After years of riding and a ton of fun, in 1979 I made the biggest mistake of my motorcycle life by selling my beloved bike for $650.00 dollars. 

To my shocking surprise, the cost for these bikes are taking off. I have been blown away at how much people pay for these old Kawasaki two-stroke triples these days. Kawasaki (H1 500cc, H2 750cc) often exceeds $30,000 - $55,000 at some auctions nowadays. I'd love to buy another one, but these days they cost an arm and a leg.

Riding My Motorcycle In The City Late At Night

Sometime this week, I am going to record a GoPro video riding my Kawasaki Ninja ZX14 in downtown Philadelphia late at night. I am planning to capture the illuminated blurred city lights, and Philly skyline at night. This coming week will be perfect to ride my bike since temperatures are expected to be in the low 80's for the first time this year. I am looking forward to it. 

Tinkering With Harleys

Woke up this morning thinking about expanding my skills and maybe start working in other motorcycle brands. If I put my mind into it, I can probably dabble part-time into Harley-Davidson's repairs. As a former motorcycle technician of Japanese motorcycles, I believe I can transition to work on Harley-Davidson motorcycles as long as I get the proper tools to work on them. 

My only concern is that as part of my retirement, I only plan to work part-time on bikes. Harley-Davidsons, especially older ones generally require more frequent maintenance and repairs compared to newer models. And from what I gather, there are lots of Harleys in Puerto Rico. 

Would it be worth it to spend more time at the motorcycle shop than enjoying my retirement? Regardless of what happen once I am living permanently in the island of Puerto Rico, I don't expect that to be the case.

A Bit of This, A Bit of That

Ayer finalmente termine el proceso del papeleo de los impuestos del 2025. Nunca he entendido porque rayos tengo que hacerlo si lo que me devuelven son unas migajas. He tenido suerte que la contable que me hace el papeleo de los impuestos ha sido la misma persona por los ultimos 15 años. Ayer termine con el papeleo, y ya estoy pensando en que voy a gastar las migajas que el gobierno federal me va a devolver. Jajaja

My 70th Birthday - part 2

Today Is My 70th Birthday

So, this is 70. Like most folks turning 70, I never expected I would be here. I can't believe how fast life goes by. Seventy years, it literally went by in a blink.

I am celebrating my 70th birthday without a party, I honored the occasion with a scenic day trip to NYC, by focusing on an intimate, quiet dining experience with myself in New York doing things that I truly enjoy.

Later today, I would be engaging in my favorite hobby at the garage with the motorcycles. To me, the little things are the ones that matter, like spending the afternoon changing oil and filter on my motorcycle and making sure the Ninja is ready for the upcoming riding season. I also went out on a shopping spree for colorful and vibrant clothing; the color clothing that enhance my personal style.

My 70th birthday is a milestone worthy of a quiet celebration, focusing on gratitude, family and my small circle of friends. This coming week I would be reflecting on 70 years of life and focusing on what truly matters. Happy birthday to me. 😀

I Am Glad I Stopped Drinking Alcohol 30 Years Ago

After reading an amazing testimonial about his journey to sobriety, from a FB friend earlier this morning, I realized that this coming Saturday marks my 30 years of abstaining from alcohol.

To make a long story short, I am glad I stopped drinking in 1996. It was the week I was turning 40 years old. Giving up alcohol has been by far one of the best decisions of my life.