“General Conflict”
Kyle Chvatal
Saginaw, MI
Reflecting on my childhood, I vividly recall the sight of motorcycles nestled in our home during the cold winter months. My father, John Chvatal, dedicated years to restoring various Triumph models, and when I turned 19, I was fortunate enough to receive a 1968 Triumph as my first bike, a gift from my dad after he acquired his first Harley. This particular model was a 1968 650 Tiger with a single carburetor. He had found it in pieces, aka a basket case and poured his heart and soul into reviving it. One of the bike’s most interesting features was its seat, which originally belonged to a Schwinn exercise bike and was reupholstered using an ex-girlfriend’s leather jacket. My dad was definitely the kind of guy who had motorcycles in the house.
Unfortunately, that cherished bike was lost in a devastating garage fire. It was nearly completely destroyed. However, I inherited my father’s passion for riding, and no fire could extinguish that spirit. I quickly purchased a 1998 Custom Sportster, which has since become my everyday ride.
A few years later, during the pandemic, my dad and I were exploring online marketplaces when we came across a 1973 Military Tribute Triumph. With my father being a veteran and the emotional weight of losing my first bike, it seemed like the ideal moment to make a purchase. We combined our resources and bought it together!
When it’s not being ridden, the ’73 proudly occupies a spot in my living room. Like father, like son! Recently, I decided to enter it in some bike shows, and at our very first official event, we won “Best in Class” in Lapeer, Michigan. Last summer, I’m thrilled to say the bike scored two wins in two shows! I genuinely enjoy seeing others appreciate the bike as much as I do, and I plan to showcase it at more events, hopefully adding a few more trophies to our collection!
Although my dad wasn’t involved in this particular build, I aim to keep displaying it with the hope of passing it down to future generations. Perhaps one day I’ll tackle restoring the burnt 1968 model and take it for a spin again. Only time will tell.
One thing that’s been on my mind is a trip to Sturgis. That’s an adventure I’m eager to embark on. Until then, life is a journey, and I’m ready for the ride.
