Automotive related Memorial Day post UPDATE IN THE COMMENTS

"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
06/12/2017 at 14:18 • Filed to: None

**UPDATE IN THE COMMENTS**

The original owner of my 1973 Honda CL450 served in the US Air Force during Vietnam. The forks are still wearing DoD parking passes for 1974 from Offutt Air Force Base.

The owner engraved his name on several of the engine covers which is how I was able to find out more about him.

I wanted to try and contact him and let him know his bike was still motoring around but I discovered that he passed away last January. RIP Don. I hope you lived a fulfilling life.

DISCUSSION (18)

DoctorNine > DipodomysDeserti
05/29/2017 at 13:55

Beautiful bike. Keeping it period was a wise decision.

Urambo Tauro > DipodomysDeserti
05/29/2017 at 14:00

Aw, bummer. I’m sure he would have enjoyed seeing it again. RIP Don.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > DipodomysDeserti
05/29/2017 at 14:09

Have you tried contacting his family? They would probably love to see his old bike.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > DipodomysDeserti
05/29/2017 at 14:09

Have you tried contacting his family?

DipodomysDeserti > DoctorNine
05/29/2017 at 14:11

Thanks! Unfortunately the guy before me ruined it and tried to make it some half assed chopper. He said it was completely stock when he bought it from an old lady who had in sitting in a garage. I almost strangled him. It must have been in that garage for most of its life as it only had 7k miles on it when I got it and one of the parking passes has completely faded on me after only riding it a year. I tried to undo most of what he did and bring back the original style of the bike using what I had.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/wabi-sabi-honda-1792599767

DipodomysDeserti > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
05/29/2017 at 14:14

He has two kids that are still alive, I’m trying to find some contact info so I can send them an email.

Sam > DipodomysDeserti
05/29/2017 at 16:30

RIP Don. I’m sure his family would love it if you manage to get in contact with them.

Linkdon > DipodomysDeserti
06/11/2017 at 20:16

My dad would have loved to see this before his passing. My mom says he used to keep this bike next to his bed at night. Awesome bike and awesome story. Thanks so much for the great memories. Donald Rankin II

Don Rankins Son > DipodomysDeserti
06/11/2017 at 22:23

My mom lied.. She was pregnant with my brother (Don Rankin II ) she sold the bike out from under my dad while he was at work with the Stratigic Air Command. My dad Chief Master Sergent Donald Webster Rankin. Died 01/07/2017 this year.

Don Rankins Son > DipodomysDeserti
06/11/2017 at 22:24

Ill pay you whatever you want for that bike cash...

Don Rankins Son > DipodomysDeserti
06/11/2017 at 22:28

I Know my dads engraving signature. Its on every tool he owned my whole life. My dad was my favoirite human alive. And ive been real tough about his death. Now all the sudden. Im at sonic leaning on my engraved bike writing this as the ocean pours from my face.. Name your price please?

Don Rankins Son > DipodomysDeserti
06/11/2017 at 22:32

Matthew James Rankin.

Ft worth Tx.

817-230-7054.

DipodomysDeserti > Don Rankins Son
06/12/2017 at 14:06

You have me in tears now. I sent you a text message.

DipodomysDeserti > Don Rankins Son
06/12/2017 at 14:08

Your mom is my wife’s hero.

DipodomysDeserti > Linkdon
06/12/2017 at 14:09

What a great story. I’m glad you guys got to see this.