I went through a similar phase with BMX bikes from the same era.

Just remembered the time I had a gas tank leak on the Honda 125. I called Honda and asked what a new gas tank would cost, and it was a lot of money, so that wasn’t a workable option. I called a few likely places, but they said they couldn’t fix it. Then I realized there must be a bazillion old Harleys with tanks that leaked, and somebody was fixing them. I found a motorcycle repair place in a slightly shady area that said they could weld metal gas tanks, and I took my Red Honda tank there. Wasn’t sure how a Honda tank would be received by the tattooed and do-rag Harley guys there, but nobody made fun of the Honda or me.

I had 2 of them with no problems. They finally got stolen and I replaced them with 4 wheelers. The roads through my place washed out years ago, tree limbs encroached, etc.; pickup doesn’t go there. I replaced the stolen bikes with Yamahas.

The Honda dealers I shopped at acted like they were doing me a favor for even showing their bikes and not one salesperson could answer mechanical/performance questions.

I have also found that the dealers “mechanics” aren’t much more than make ready types. I had a starter solenoid problem that I took to 3 dealers to identify and fix the issue. Nothing except high bills. Then I took it to Mikes Off Road in Haltom City. Mike actually specializes in 4WD pickups and classic cars. He told me it would be a solenoid and was right.

Gas, cool. Men need hobbies. 603, good story. I have found Harley enthusiasts to be pretty welcoming to my fondness of Japanese machines. Perhaps because we're all a dying breed? There's some pretty amazing epoxies today like Caswell tank liners that are great. Dave, I think many of us remember what is like before YouTube and the internet and you had to go to one or two guys in town can do about one or two things. Now I can watch 20 videos of guys doing the same thing. I have always owned Yamahas and Kawasakis. Haven't had a Honda in a long time but these ATC engines are pretty bulletproof