Pirsig's Zen bike has resurfaced.

Philosopher · Post by **Philosopher** » Fri Aug 19, 2016 10:40 pm

I just got back from completing a mechanical restoration on Pirsig's 305 SuperHawk. The actual one from the book 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance'. He still has it, and its running nicely now. Just thought someone who cares about such things should know.

Best wishes all.
-Phil.

jensey · Post by **jensey** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 1:45 pm

Thank you very much !

Can you share the licence plate with us ?
(and why is the Honda emblem mounted on the wrong side ?)

Did you find the engine issue's described in the book ?

Jensen

Tim Allman · Post by **Tim Allman** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 3:45 pm

I have to admit to being envious but that hardly describes it. That bike and the guy who rode it have been of profound effect in my life and it's great to see the bike.

I should add that recently I decided that Zen needed another reading but my copy had deteriorated greatly because it was printed on acidic paper. I bought a new one which should outlast me.

Many thanks!

jeeper44 · Post by **jeeper44** » Fri Aug 26, 2016 3:49 pm

So-what is going on that it has been put into running condition? Is Mr. Pirsig going to ride it? What are the plans for this bike, if I'm not being too nosy. This may be the most famous motorcycle in the world, and it's been hiding out for all these years. Are those Harley saddlebags still around that he used on the trip? I'd sure like to see more close-up photos of this bike!

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Mon Nov 14, 2016 11:43 pm

Fantastic! Just saw this thread. Truly an historically significant motorcycle. Wonder what the owner has planned for it.....

Form or function? "Handlebar shims made from an aluminum beer can for my exquisite piece of German engineering? Never!" (Or words to that effect)

dragonfly888 · Post by **dragonfly888** » Tue Nov 22, 2016 2:13 pm

This is the bike that got me interested in purchasing a CB77. I often wondered what had happened to it. I would also love to know more info and photos of the bike... really nice... Thanks !

DJM · Post by **DJM** » Thu Dec 01, 2016 5:22 pm

Hi,

Phil, thanks for posting the images, Strangely I've just finished reading the book after several attempts, if I'm honest I found the sections about the ride more gripping than the philosophy but perhaps I'm a bit of a philistine.
Can you give some details about how that rear carrier is fixed on, I'm hoping to fit a similar carrier to my own CB77 for some touring next year but haven't finalised the mountings yet, I've seen them fixed to the rear fender but I know from experience this isn't a good idea, the Pirsing bike doesn't seem to be done that way. He carried a lot of kit a long way on his bike and I don't recall reading about the carrier falling off! Some pictures would be great. I've my own ideas on this but seeing his solution would give me confidence to do the same thing with my bike.
I already have the carrier and it looks much like the one on this bike.

Thanks

DJM
UK