New Harleys aren't really my thing, but I do love the old stuff. Of course, I love all the old stuff, which is why I've got that hunk of crap that never runs right.
Brady Behind Bars - Motorcycles and Life http://www.behindbarsmotorcycle.com/
I would love to have an old IronHead (1957-1985) to bob out but they are unique creatures that require great, heaping helpings of mechanical sorcery to get right and keep that way. I saw an ad on Craigslist for one that went something like this:
"Leaks a little oil...it's an Ironhead. Needs maintenance and repair regularly...it's an Ironhead. Vibrates a lot...its an Ironhead. If you don't know what I am talking about you don't want this bike so don't call me."
Based on conversations with a buddy of mine who has one the ad is spot on.
So, until I am a little (a lot) more skilled I will keep my eye out for a carbureted, non-rubber mounted QuadCam (1986-2005). I should wait until next year but if the right deal comes along...
There was a time when I was interested in owning a 1957 Chevy Belair. My significant other, Stiffie, suggested I drive an all original car from the 50's. I couldn't find one, that anyone would let me drive. But I found one from 1961 and took it for a spin. The steering, the brakes, and the general handling made up my mind for me.
Now when it comes to old motorcycles, friends of mine in the BMW vintage department tell me very encouraging things, like how you have to plan your stops two weeks in advance... And how the joy of older machines is derived from screwing with the valves, and every other damn thing, more often than occasionally.
So my idea of a great retro bike is the Kawasaki W800... All Retro... All new. Eveything everybody wanted in a 1970's motorcycle, and had to wait 40 years to get.
A buddy has an old BMW R bike from the early 70's. Completed with drum brakes, tube tires and vetter fairing. He could rebuild the carbs in less time than it took me to stop the bike!
For what I want to do, the only components that would be left would be the drivetrain, forks, and (possibly) parts of the frame.
New Harleys aren't really my thing, but I do love the old stuff. Of course, I love all the old stuff, which is why I've got that hunk of crap that never runs right.
ReplyDeleteBrady
Behind Bars - Motorcycles and Life
http://www.behindbarsmotorcycle.com/
Brady,
ReplyDeleteI would love to have an old IronHead (1957-1985) to bob out but they are unique creatures that require great, heaping helpings of mechanical sorcery to get right and keep that way. I saw an ad on Craigslist for one that went something like this:
"Leaks a little oil...it's an Ironhead. Needs maintenance and repair regularly...it's an Ironhead. Vibrates a lot...its an Ironhead. If you don't know what I am talking about you don't want this bike so don't call me."
Based on conversations with a buddy of mine who has one the ad is spot on.
So, until I am a little (a lot) more skilled I will keep my eye out for a carbureted, non-rubber mounted QuadCam (1986-2005). I should wait until next year but if the right deal comes along...
Hang in there
-Buddha
Dear Shannon:
ReplyDeleteThere was a time when I was interested in owning a 1957 Chevy Belair. My significant other, Stiffie, suggested I drive an all original car from the 50's. I couldn't find one, that anyone would let me drive. But I found one from 1961 and took it for a spin. The steering, the brakes, and the general handling made up my mind for me.
Now when it comes to old motorcycles, friends of mine in the BMW vintage department tell me very encouraging things, like how you have to plan your stops two weeks in advance... And how the joy of older machines is derived from screwing with the valves, and every other damn thing, more often than occasionally.
So my idea of a great retro bike is the Kawasaki W800... All Retro... All new. Eveything everybody wanted in a 1970's motorcycle, and had to wait 40 years to get.
Fondest regards,
Jack/Reep
Twisted Roads
:-)
ReplyDeleteA buddy has an old BMW R bike from the early 70's. Completed with drum brakes, tube tires and vetter fairing. He could rebuild the carbs in less time than it took me to stop the bike!
For what I want to do, the only components that would be left would be the drivetrain, forks, and (possibly) parts of the frame.
Hang in there
-Buddha