Craig’s Motorcycles
1985 Kawasaki 750Turbo
With the home-made rack, saddlebags, and tank bag, I was able to take the turbo on long tours of the US. This picture was taken somewhere deep in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas.
On an obscure dirt track here in the Ozarks, I experienced a worrying moment. I was stopped by the side of the road, taking photographs or relieving myself, probably both, when an old hillbilly in a pick-up truck pulled over. We were all alone with no other traffic, and he seemed a bit odd. When he found out that I was from Australia, he told me that he had visited the place during the war. He then started to cry, saying that I was a long way from home. I found myself wondering why this fact would be a cause for tears unless something bad was about to happen to me (don't psychos act like this before doing the dreadful deed?). My mind danced around between the general creepiness of the situation, my uncharacteristic feeling of vulnerability, and the inevitable shotgun tucked away in his truck.
Thankfully as it turned out he was only collecting musky dimes (wild grapes) and either had no intention of harming me, or was dissuaded by my charms. The former, I'd guess.
As for the turbo, with sheepskin under bum It made a surprisingly comfortable touring bike—for the rider at least. The longest trip I did was with gear and a mate on the back: Texas to Niagara Falls via the Blue Ridge Parkway and return. Four days of fast riding each way, with 870 miles (1400Km) on the first day. The turbo's power was very handy with such a load and got us out of some tight spots and into trouble with the law.
My pillion had such a sore rear end that he refused the return journey and hitched a ride home in a tin can.

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