HI FOLKS: My SINCERE APOLOGIES if this is old news here -
Am old geezer; diehard sidecar nut 40+ years/4 rigs. Present one: '95 Honda GL1500SE/CSC FSIII. Had 13+ years; longer than many marriages last. Do all my own maintenance, which is BIG money saver for me on ss [ex-USAF Cold War jet aircraft mechanic].
A REALLY KNOWLEDGEABLE GL mechanic friend [1000 thru 1800] had his shop for years in Belmont, NH, about 17 miles from my home: VENCO WINGS. There was just about nothing he didn't know about them. Bought all my OEM & aftermarket parts, helmets, tires, etc., from him for over 12 years. He was also long-time GWRRA member and hosted many of their annual events; several on his property.
Last saw him in August of last year at his shop, when I was picking up some parts he ordered for me. THEN, my wife found his obituary on local web site. He had died September 15th, 2013 from leukemia [today being the first anniversary of his death]. Jim & his wife Sue had kept this a total secret....he was NOT a sympathy-seeker! When I last saw him, he looked a bit tired but there was no hint of anything amiss. I realize he was not a sidecar owner but from time to time, he had a GL rig or two in his shop for routine maintenance and respected other folk's riding preferences.
He left a BIG GAP for me, in that he was a long-time friend AND I now had to look elsewhere for all my Honda stuff. His prices were very decent and he sold me many good used parts from his large stash in shop back room. Am sure many GL owners from New England area knew him well. Hope this post is not unwelcome. Just thought some folks here might want to know. TTFN & EVERYONE RIDE SAFE ALWAYS. .....Old Tom aka papasmurf in New Hampshire
Thanks for the information so sad what a great couple.I had GL 1500 for 16 years. My wife and I GWRRA Chapter D directors in Connecticut in the 90's
They did so much motorcycling and GWRRA.
