On this day in 1775 the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines, and all Marines, current and former, honor this day as the Birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.

During the summer of 1969, my draft number was among those chosen in a lottery drawing — this meant that I would be drafted by one of the services in the fall. Wanting some say in the matter, I preemptively chose to voluntarily join the Marine Corps. During my tenure with the Corps, I was assigned an 18-month gig in Morocco, Africa where I was able to purchase my first motorbike; a 1971 Honda CB500F. This bike was my introduction to a life-long passion for the sport and carried me on my first motorcycling adventures. For a short story on that bike: https://sites.google.com/site/joesceptor/Home/honda-cb500-4

So if you see a current or former Marine today, please wish them, "Happy Birthday, Marine."

The two Pearl Crescent White bikes were brought to me from Oklahoma by owner Jeff C. Both are 1986 VFR700F2 models, Project 32 (left) showing 22,752 miles and Project 31 with 38,514 on the odometer. They may look like twins but each has its own character: Project 32 has received a full repaint, including the engine side covers and valve covers, with aftermarket reproduction windscreen and sports a shiny new YSS shock absorber, while Project 31 only received new paint on the Chuck Crites reproduction fiberglass replacement side fairings and doesn't wear the optional rear seat cowl. With full mechanical refurbishment both bikes run and ride as they should — smooth, fast, confidence-inspiring. This pair will be a great addition to Jeff's collection.

The red/white/blue model is Project 35, a 1986 VFR700F with an amazing 1165 miles which I purchased earlier this year from its original Florida owner. This example was carefully stored, unused, for 30 years and, with the maintenance checks attended to, fired up and ran like the day it was shut off three decades ago. The carbs were cleaned, the brake system needed full seal replacement, the fuel lines and petcock replaced, full fluids flush, new battery and Bridgestone's new BT-46 tires fitted. All the original parts, including battery, were preserved for posterity. A discerning owner in Seattle with a small collection has convinced me to part with this rare beauty. 

That brings me to an empty shop for the first time in years, but a reader in Idaho has offered me his low-mileage '86 r/w/b Interceptor and it will be arriving soon as Project 36.

Out in the picturesque riding heaven of southeastern Pennsylvania, reader Dennis B. is deep into a refurbishment of his 1993 VFR750. He was in need of some carb parts, and happened to mention that he has a few other VFRs as well. True statement….

(Below) From the left: 2007 800, 1995 750, 1992 750, 1991 750, and on the rack the '93. Snuggled in the background are a classic Hawk GT (NT 650) and its big brother, the SuperHawk (aka VTR1000F or Firestorm elsewhere in the world).

So, Dennis has a tough decision to make when, on a crisp autumn riding day, he needs to choose a mount as he looks west into the Appalachian foothills. An enviable conundrum, indeed.