LONG'S VINTAGE BIKES

     

     Imagine a newspaper article on America's greatest cities that didn't include New York.  It was like that this morning when I read the Herald's story on Miami's new old motorcycle scene. 
     
    The article mentioned three local shops that sell the aging bikes but not the granddaddy of them all, Long's Motorcycle Sales on NW 12 Avenue.

     It is Disney for vintage bike fans.  


Long's has been on the south shore of the Miami River since 1938. My buddy, John Long (above), inherited it from his dad and he will probably pass it on to his son, Barrett, someday.

     

   The boxy structure is crammed with almost every old motorcycle that ever was. On my first visit I was thrilled  try on all the bikes I'd ever owned... the Ducati, Gilera, and numerous Hondas.                  
                                       Me and my Ducati 125 
Back in the saddle with great memories.

      The yard outside seemed like a huge mess until I realized it was John's sculpture garden.  He has arranged his collection so vines can easily snake around the rusting hulks.

I took a few friends to John's place earlier this month.

Monkeyman decided 13 was his lucky number

    




while Bobby wanted to ride the red moped home.


We loved our visit to the motorcycle museum.  It took us back simpler times, when you started a bike with a swift kick.  Now most bikes are fat, nasty and much too loud.   Pushing a button to start one doesn't seem right.  
      Long's is open five days a week (if John and Barrett aren't off racing).  Call first, 305-325-0775.  Tell John the Grove Guy sent you and he might let you wear the blue monkey mask.