1984 Honda CB900 Custom

Introduction: The Road to Rebuilding

Back in San Diego, I was looking for a cheap way to get around. A friend offered me an old rat bike that had been gathering dust in his garage. For just $300, he delivered it running. It was an old 1984 Honda CB900 Custom, and although I didn’t have a motorcycle license at the time, I figured I could work with it. At that point, I had wrecked or dropped every bike I had ever ridden, but I was determined to make this one work. It was a vehicle, and that’s what I needed. It didn’t matter that I was still learning the ropes; I wanted the freedom that a bike could give me.

Rebuilding the Honda CB900 Custom

When the bike arrived, it was rough around the edges. The frame and engine were solid enough, but it was clear that it needed some work. Slowly, I started to rebuild the entire bike, piece by piece. The first step was getting the paint job done. I had a friend who worked in a hog shop, and we did a trade for a nice custom paint job. It was a small upgrade, but it made the bike look ten times better, and I felt like I had something worth riding.

Next, I spent weekends at cycle salvage yards, hunting for better parts. I wasn’t going to settle for just anything. I wanted the CB900 to be the best it could be. Every part I swapped out for an upgraded piece made the bike feel more solid and responsive. There was something incredibly satisfying about finding the right parts and installing them, knowing the bike would be better for it. Every weekend felt like a new adventure, and the more I worked on the bike, the more I learned about motorcycles in general.

Learning the Ropes: From Novice to Skilled Rider

Initially, I wasn’t the most confident rider. I had crashed or dropped bikes in the past, and my experiences with motorcycles were far from smooth. But with this Honda CB900, I had a real sense of purpose. I started riding it every day, commuting about 30 miles each way to work. It didn’t matter if it was cold, dark, or rainy; I stuck with it. At first, it was a little intimidating, but over time, I started to feel like the bike and I were in perfect sync.

In the beginning, I was cautious, but eventually, I got the hang of it. The bike felt more natural to me, and I began riding faster, cutting through traffic, and even white-lining everywhere. I’d shoot ahead of traffic at every stoplight, cutting to the front at signals. It was exhilarating, and it took half the time to get wherever I was going. While I wasn't as crazy as some of my friends, I definitely had my fair share of wild moments on the bike.

The Freedom of Riding a Motorcycle

Riding that bike opened up a new sense of freedom for me. There was something incredibly liberating about cruising on a motorcycle, feeling the wind in my hair, and knowing that I was in complete control. The road was mine to explore, and I could go wherever I wanted without the restrictions of a car. It was pure freedom, and the Honda CB900 Custom became a part of my identity. Each ride felt like an adventure, and the bike became more than just a mode of transportation; it was a way to break free from the ordinary and experience life on my own terms.

Of course, with the freedom came the risk. Motorcycling isn’t always the safest way to get around, especially when you're as reckless as I was. But even with the occasional close call, I never regretted the decision to ride. There’s something about the bond between a rider and their motorcycle that can’t be replicated in a car. The bike becomes an extension of yourself, and every journey is a new opportunity to push your limits.

Maintaining the Honda CB900 Custom

Over time, the bike required more maintenance. Parts would wear out, and I’d have to replace them, but that was part of the process. It became a bit of a routine to make sure everything was in top shape. I’d give it a once-over every week, checking the tires, oil, and brakes. If something wasn’t working right, I would fix it before it became a problem. There was a certain pride in keeping the bike in good working condition, knowing that I was taking care of it the best way I could.

While I was no expert, I learned a lot about motorcycle maintenance during those years. I figured out how to do basic repairs and even tackled some bigger jobs. I grew from someone who could barely keep a bike running to someone who could take apart and reassemble a motorcycle. This hands-on experience taught me more about mechanics than any book or class could have.

The End of the Road: Selling the Honda CB900 Custom

Eventually, I didn’t need the bike anymore. My circumstances changed, and I decided it was time to let it go. I sold it to a local kid for $500. At the time, it wasn’t much, but I was happy to see the bike go to someone who would appreciate it as much as I had. It had been a great ride, but everything has its time, and it was time for me to move on.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, the 1984 Honda CB900 Custom was more than just a motorcycle; it was a learning experience, a source of freedom, and a way to break out of the ordinary. The time I spent riding and rebuilding that bike is something I’ll never forget. It taught me about mechanics, the joys of riding, and the bond that can form between a rider and their bike. The lessons I learned on that Honda CB900 Custom stayed with me long after I sold it, and I’ll always have a soft spot for that bike.