Motorcycles and Other Stuff

2016-11-16T04:57:00.000-08:00

They have grown up

They were little when I started this blog. Rebecca is in college and Noah is a senior in high school. Time does fly.

2016-11-14T16:19:00.000-08:00

BMW 2002 Engine

Something a little different. Rebuilt this 1970 BMW 2002 engine, it runs and looks great!

2016-09-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

Montesa 63M

Its been a long time since I posted anything, so I thought it was appropriate that I put the Montesa on here. I have had this bike for about 6 years. It started out as basket case I found in a junkyard. Finding parts for a 45 year old Montesa is difficult. After much searching and fabricating the parts I couldn't find, I worked on it for a couple of days and started it up. It runs great. I need to add a few nuts and bolts and adjust everything, and I am planning to take it out for a good ride next weekend. The satisfaction of finding something like this and putting it back together is great.

Suzuki GSXR 1000

2016-04-17T11:23:00.001-07:00

Noah finishing up a few things.

Powdercoated the wheels, new tires, new brake lines, new levers, rebuilt the front forks and its ready to go. All done and back from a test ride.

New look for a GSXR1000

2016-04-15T17:22:00.003-07:00

Still need to change the brake lines and rebuild the front forks and it will be ready to ride.

2016-03-04T15:04:00.003-08:00

Just a kitchen I did recently.

1959 Panhead for sale

2015-12-27T10:24:00.003-08:00

The 59 Panhead is getting a tune up then it's going on ebay.

Replacing GSXR clutch pushrod seal without splitting the cases!

2015-10-23T16:30:00.001-07:00

A 2007 GSXR1000 with broken chain and destroyed pushrod seal came to the shop.

This is always bad, because the cases have to be split, just to install a $10 seal.
I decided to come up with a better cheaper way. Some design and machine shop time later, I now have a proven way to install the seal in about an hour.

Old seal out

Tool jigged up and running

Surface milled and seal installed

New retainer and bike back together

The correct part is important.

2015-09-13T08:22:00.004-07:00

A GS750 came into the shop with a charging problem, it had been taken to another shop,but they couldn't get it to work.
This is the original part that was good.

The new wrong part,that was wired in wrong.

An 18 field stator will not work in a 12 field rotor. I replaced the old part and wired the regulator rectifier properly and it amazingly worked.

Pabsty

2015-08-25T12:33:00.001-07:00

Marks latest creation.

Husky

2015-08-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

RM 100 Rebuild

2015-08-13T17:42:00.001-07:00

After powder coat, paint some new parts etc. A brand new 1979 RM 100

Before

1972 Yamaha 125

2015-05-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

Barn Find !!

A good cleaning and a little bit of work and this will be ready to go.

I don't think this bike has ever been dropped or abused.

All original and check out the mileage .

Another Day at the Shop

2015-05-05T09:22:00.002-07:00

Started the Day With a Speed Triple

Ended the Day with a 59 Panhead

RM100

2015-03-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

The RM 100 will now be sporting an older style tank. The 1980 unit is a bit large and the lines aren't as good as the older models.

It was something important.

2015-03-22T17:19:00.002-07:00

First no chrome ride of the year. It was actually Thursday the 12th of March, I had taken a few rides already this year but this was the first day that we got together for a ride. Mark showed up on his Drifter, which doesn't officially qualify as a no chrome ride. Chet rode his 1990 Harley, which also isn't exactly a no chrome candidate. Brian usually rides his 84 Goldwing but it is under repair but should be back soon. He rode a CB360T that is actually a great bike but was found in a junk yard about 6 years ago, so it automatically qualifies despite having good chrome. I rode my 1969 SL350 one of my all time favorites that we found in a garage a few years ago.

Earlier that day I cleaned the carbs on the SL and gave it a good washing, checked the tire pressures and oil, lubed the chain and gave it a good going over. I planned to start riding it from the house to the shop daily since the weather is warming. It ran great on the way down and on the return about 5 miles from the shop it went bad. I felt a drop in power and thought I needed to switch to reserve, but just as I reached down and turned the petcock valve, I noticed some smoke. I rolled out of the throttle and looked in the mirror and then the engine let go. I rolled to the side of the road and the guys pulled over too. I think it was Mark that asked ,"What do you think it is? To which I replied, I don't know but I am pretty sure it was something important. When I get a chance I will definitely rebuild the engine. The SL350 is without a doubt my favorite barn find of all time.

It's funny but the rides we remember the most are the rides like this one. The weather was great, the ride was better and it ended with something to remember. I'll take a ride like that .over not riding, any day.

Do Not Disturb Until Riding Weather Arrives

2015-03-05T14:54:00.001-08:00

15 Years Under A Tree

2015-02-20T13:57:00.002-08:00

I was told this Honda CB350 sat 15 years under a tree, before the current owner rescued it. He tried to get it running but gave up and brought it to me. Checked compression it was good. Then I tore the carbs apart and put them in the ultrasonic cleaner, new o- rings and two new floats, plugged the wiring in correctly. Hit the starter button and it fired like it had ran yesterday. Idles great and sounds great. Now he is going to clean it up and ride it .

New Logo, New Name

2015-02-14T12:58:00.000-08:00

I still do café racers, and Old School Café Racer will still be here at the shop, but I think it is time for a new name and a new website. The website is under construction and so is some new apparel.

Bad electrical connection

2015-02-12T15:42:00.001-08:00

This bike had a charging problem, needed a new stator, new regulator/rectifier, and the starter was dragging. I pulled the starter cover off and noticed the washers stacked under the screw head. Then I checked under the melted starter wire cover. I think I have found the problem. Should the starter have 1/4 end play as well? NO.

First Ride of 2015

2015-02-08T11:33:00.001-08:00

I have been wanting to get out for a ride for a few weeks, but the snow and ice or low temps have kept me from going. Yesterday the ice was rapidly melting and the temp was in the mid 40's so away I went. I took a 68 shovel-head that I just finished the engine rebuild. Might as well have a productive ride as well as enjoyable. A couple of stops to re-torque and check everything out, and then a good long ride. Not bad for Feb 7th in Indiana.

2015-02-06T07:53:00.000-08:00

2015-02-04T14:13:00.002-08:00

1943 WLC

2015-02-03T07:43:00.001-08:00

1943 Harley WLC with Sidecar For Sale

I am in the process of going through this cool old bike and making sure it is road worthy. The work was done a few years ago, and I have no idea how long it has been since it was last started. It looks like it shouldn't take much. Then out the door it goes.

2015-02-02T15:03:00.001-08:00