My first bike was a Kawasaki 75. Had it for years.
That YZ80D was just a revelation when I finally got it.
I started racing and progressed to A grade in 78. Most of the competition got the new E model, which was beyond my parents racing budget. It taught me to ride hard to keep up with the newer bikes.
I was lucky enough to line up in 79 with a brand new YZ80F (like most of the competition.). What a great bike! The improvements were substantial each year in the late 70s.
I won the 80cc A grade club championship that year.
The budget when funded by my parents (I feel lucky and grateful) was limited, and didn't improve much as an apprentice.
I'm over compensating now. Unfortunately I'm old and slow. Spare wheels, new tires, carbon fiber and Ti accessories, still don't help my results!
Still love dirt bikes.
