Being that it’s the middle of winter and I’m growing continually more antsy for good weather again, I figured I’d write a bit about a couple of my summer toys.
1974 Yamaha RD250 - 247cc 2-stroke twin. 30hp, 330lb, 50mpg, 95mph (according to http://www.yamaha-rd.com/rd/data.html). This one’s special because my dad bought it new for my grandpa in 1974. It was parked and stored when Grandpa got sick, and spent about 25 years virtually untouched. So, 18 years after Grandpa passed away, I found his bike in the shed and had been wanting a relatively modest road bike for a while. I talked to Dad and he said we could get it out and see if it would run.
After a good washing, I discovered it still had nice paint underneath the dust. And after a lot of work with an SOS pad, the chrome started looking a lot better, too. Dad spent some time cleaning up the fuel and electrical systems so that it would fire up. And it did; it actually runs great! We had some fuel delivery problems due to rust in the gas tank clogging the fuel filters, but I think we’ve got that cleared up now as well. I need to wash/wax and clean up the chrome again soon. It’s a fun diversion in the summer.
2008 Mini Cooper S - I’ve been a fan of the new Coopers and the old Coopers for some time now. I’ve known that this was the car I wanted and just been waiting until I could afford it and justify getting it. It’s a solid little car, and gets more-than-acceptable mileage. The ride can be stiff–this is expected–but if you throw it around a curve and hit the gas, the amount of grip is ridiculous. I took a freeway on-ramp with some speed–and a passenger–and she nearly ended up on my side of the car. Oops. 
- Turbocharged 1.6L, 172bhp, 177lb-ft, 192lb-ft with overboost, 6-speed manual
- British Racing Green with White Top/Mirrors/Stripes
- Grey/Carbon Black Leatherette Interior
- Anthracite Headliner
- Premium Package
- Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
- Automatic Air Conditioning
- Hi-Fi Sound System
- Sport Package
- Dynamic Stability Control
- Sport Suspension
- 17″ Alloy Wheels (Web-Spoke)
- Multi-Function Steering Wheel (for cruise control)
- Limited Slip Differential
- Xenon Headlights
