First Generation Motors

Mesmerizing

2012-01-20T17:15:00.001-08:00

Dave's 1934 Indian Video

2011-12-27T19:11:00.000-08:00

Rob's Barn

2011-12-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine's got a barn full of classic bikes, parts, antiques, you name it.

peanut butter jar map scroller-genius!

2WD Rokon

Rob's father's rat Harley. It won People's Choice at several shows next to bikes with $10,000 paint jobs. Those guys were so pissed they theatened his life a couple times. lol.

off in another shed

bad weather rolling in

sweet baby shirt!

1934 Indian Sport Scout

2011-12-21T14:16:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Bonnie

2011-12-11T16:38:00.001-08:00

Triumph, a photo by Ryan Allan Photography on Flickr.

Absolutely stunning.

Co-Built Motorcycles

2011-12-11T08:51:00.001-08:00

"Rider Owned" Co-Built Motorcycles from subjective on Vimeo.

Twinline Presents

2011-12-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

WRW Episode 01 from Todd Blubaugh on Vimeo.

mustache pt. 3

2011-12-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

It was fun for a while, but you became too high maintenance. Combing my lip felt strangely new, and even through you came up with some great whiskers by the end, I wasn't gonna start waxing the tips like some post-rock hipster. Oh well. RIP mustache, you will be missed. My upper lip feel naked and cold without your presence. You were definitely throwing off my game with the ladies, too. Until next mustache season!

new bike

2011-12-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

Just bought a '72 Honda XL250 from a friend. It's what I'll be racing on the TT circuit next summer :)

Mustache pt. 2

2011-11-27T07:40:00.000-08:00

It's been about 2 months and my mustache has taken up a comfortable residence on my upper lip. Still not sure of his long term stay. The main reason I kept it through this month is for Movember, a mustache growing charity site. It's a fundraiser where men (and women?) stop shaving their lip fuzz to raise awareness to prostate cancer awareness. Here's my profile, take a look and make a donation if you'd like.

me.

a famous engine builder once said, "you know you have the perfect exhaust design when it interferes with every major frame member"

2011-11-17T17:46:00.001-08:00

via The Kneeslider

The skills required for this job come immediately to mind. But is it fabrication expertise or a knowledge in exhaust design?

Reminds me of the typical argument between a PhD ('theoretical' engineer) and a technician (essentially the 'practical' engineer). The PhD would want to see the calculations, 3D model, simulation, etc. and then tell the technician to get it done his way (because it's the best way). The technician would step back, realize what the PhD is asking is impossible, and use his expertise to determine a realistic approach that compromises usability and performance.

Back when I interned at an R&D company, I learned way more from the technicians than I did the scientists. A scientist once assigned me the task to build a 'simple' test apparatus for a specific job where a technician would solder leads to a product sample (sorry to be vague, but you get the general idea). I thought, okay, here's a simple approach: purchase some toggle clamps, set them in a piece of 80/20 aluminum bar for adjustability, and mount that to a piece of G20 composite board the company machine shop stocks. But no, the scientist wanted it done his way-then tells me a mindblowingly complicated way to design it. Then asks for a 3D design so I know I understand what he wants. After hours of designing that shitty assembly, I take the prints to my buddy at the machine shop. Literally 10 seconds into explaining the design, the machinist asks me why the fuck I would ever design something like that.

"It's how Mr. So&So told me to design it"

"That guy has no fucking clue what he's talking about. Anyways, he a chemical engineer. How the fuck does he think this is an acceptable design? Fucking idiot." (technicians communicate straight to the point!)

The machinist helped me draw up my original design and had the assembly done the next morning. The PhD was a little pissed, but the technician working the apparatus enjoyed its ease of use. Still, the scientist argued: 'well, maybe my design would have worked even better!' He liked waving his degree around to the technicians, as if he were some authority.

Last I heard, he wasn't working at that company.

oil change...

2011-11-13T21:18:00.000-08:00

funny as shit. from 520 chain cafe

mustache pt. I

2011-11-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

A while back, a few friends told me about a mustachio bashio (mustache party) and asked for me to participate. I had a 2 week beard at the time and hastily shaved the outlines of what I thought was a killer 'stache at the time. The next morning, I realized how ridiculous I looked. Before shaving it off, I pondered how I would appear with a proper mustache. So, I kept it.

Through the weeks I encountered various opinions. Good, bad, weird, repulsed, etc. Through these confrontations I discovered that my mustache was a social filter-weeding out those worthy of true friendship and some I have otherwise wasted time interacting with. Support came mostly from close friends, and scornful remarks from people I have encountered a level of disrespect from before. Time to spend what precious free time I have nowadays with the people who matter most.

If you can't see past the 'stache, then you don't know me.

Dave's collection

2011-11-04T15:20:00.001-07:00

Dave, a friend from the shop, let me check out his collection the other day. I forgot his address but remembered a relative location (side street by the river, first red house). Pulling up to the first red house on the street, I was skeptical to find Dave's stellar collection at a house with an unassuming 1-door garage.

An older woman cautiously answered the door. I asked if she knew Dave. A moment later and Dave appeared. He led me out back to the garage and threw open the door, where I was met by the cold stare of an original, unrestored Parilla at front. Behind the Italian stood a Katana, Rokon, and Indian. Quite the mix of ethnicities.

The Parilla is in fantastic condition. An exotic racer with a interesting valve train. It carries its chain-driven camshaft up high at cylinder level and operates two short pushrods that open the valves. More info here. I can't remember the details on this specific bike-I was weak at the knees in the presence of such exotic and sweet machines.

1934 Indian Sport Scout that Dave restored 20 years ago. She fired right up!

The reason I visited: Suzuki Katana. I knew the guy who was originally selling it in the area-he was asking too much for a bike that needed too much work. Dave picked it up and began restoring it, starting with a proper paint job. He tracked down the original exhaust to replace the rusty V&H headers, reupholstered the seat, fixed the carburetion issues, and sorted the electricals. He had the bike dyno'd and she now runs proper.

Rokon automatic. Check out the webbed wheels.

a view of his two-stroke outboard race motors

Johnson PR, alcohol

Piston Port Yamato with neat, adjustable exhaust towers

Mikuni flat slides

XF51. These are such outlandish engines to me. I got lost Googling their histories. A couple hours later, I found myself watching videos of antique boat races in Ecuadorian swamps. cool.

Dave lives a good life. He's quite knowledgeable about the machines he's owned over the years. It's people like him that make hanging around the shop such an experience. You learn more in ten minutes shooting the shit at your local motorcycle shop than you would an hour on an online forum.

dirt

2011-11-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

Ducati in Schenectady

2011-11-03T19:23:00.001-07:00

There's the usual slew of Harleys, ratty sportbikes, some standards- but this is the FIRST Ducati I've seen in Schenectady.

Turkey Race

2011-10-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

Riders Club hosted a race/bbq to celebrate the end of the flat track season.

old guys on old bikes, young guys on new bikes, and a few crossed between the two.

they were making motor sounds and everything!

nice sweatshirt

busted handlebars

medicine cabinet

rider high-sided, sending his quad straight into the pond.

everyone stopped what they were doing to help out. Rider busted up his shoulder but was okay.

mine

bunch of old drunks

That night was a blast. I'm gonna volunteer some more and hopefully join the Club.

weekend ride

2011-10-08T11:52:00.000-07:00

180 miles or so through the Adirondacks (around Sacandaga Lake). In the rain. Trash bags make great sock liners!

when I retire...

2011-10-07T21:01:00.001-07:00

I hope I'm enjoying myself like these old guys:

HAN KJØBENHAVN from casper balslev on Vimeo.

Oh, yes!

2011-10-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

Have the undying urge to match your face to the flame paint job on your custom Harley? Yeah, me neither.

tracker

2011-09-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

bet these walls used to be straight...

2011-09-28T18:49:00.001-07:00

SR tracker

2011-09-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

some guy's winter project. Very nice.

dog

2011-09-26T15:15:00.001-07:00

fall ride this weekend

2011-09-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Triumph still has electrical issues so I'm getting the Suzuki ready for the Fall ride hosted by M&S Cycle. Waiting on a pair of Hagon shocks (current Emgo/MDI shocks are WAY too stiff with the neoprene seat pad), pulled the carbs apart (carb 1 float out of alignment), surface plated the timing cover to fix the oil leak, and some other small repairs. Thought I fixed the charging issue by replacing the bad R/R but the battery died a few weeks later. Might be a shit battery, hopefully I don't find out on Saturday!

Cleaned up the polished cases while I was "down there" :)

Thunder in the Valley

2011-09-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

Electric City Riders Club at Lebanon Valley Speedway, 1/2 mile clay oval. Under the lights.

Winner of the Open Expert class

recovered from turn 3

first race under the lights. Then my battery died. ffffuuuuuu

focused on the race ahead

2011-09-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

shot from the hip. I need to invest in a DSLR!

more dirt track

2011-09-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

Watching motorcycles race in circles can get tiresome after a few hours. Quick tip: corner working gets you up close to the action. Best seat in the house!

BSA bobber

2011-08-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

The shop owner's policy is simple: no choppers. Choppers flip the form-follows-function principle backwards, with owners more worried about chrome, garish color selection and having more maltese crosses and skulls than the neighbors. I'm all about self expression, but this isn't what motorcycling should be about.

Some Harleys are allowed past the bay door, as some Brit bike owners also ride Harleys. Bobbers fall in the grey. Take this BSA: definitely not stock, but still rideable. There are a few Chopper qualities, but they haven't molested the overall package. Stock front end, rigid rear, few modifications here and there. Simple, clean, proper ergonomics, and professionally executed. Could use a cleaner exhaust system. This one passes the exam.

best motorcycle scene ever?

2011-08-07T08:00:00.001-07:00

At least in recent history.

Craigslist: Honda CB750

2011-07-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

This guy's a fucking idiot.

more goodness

2011-07-24T09:03:00.001-07:00

HBTV: Depth of Speed - Simple Soul from HBTV on Vimeo.

HBTV: Depth of Speed - The Bond from HBTV on Vimeo.

short track

2011-07-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

Went to the racetrack last weekend to watch some friends race. Quads and bikes on short track and the tt course.

tt jump

great weather...

...not great on my skin

new Morgan 3 Wheeler videos

2011-07-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

via the Kneeslider

Goodbye, Massachusetts

2011-07-16T09:38:00.001-07:00

Left my hometown outside of Boston last weekend. Packed up the Triumph and trailered the Jeep to Schenectady, my new home. Survived my first week of work. Now I have three projects to work on!

Depth of Speed 4

2011-07-13T17:39:00.001-07:00

HBTV: Depth of Speed - JDM Legends Restored from HBTV on Vimeo.

CNC Madness

2011-07-11T20:05:00.001-07:00

From the company that machined a motorcycle helmet on a 5 axis CNC mill:

This is certainly a way to capture the attention of potential customers. Respect.

What the Hell, Thailand?

2011-07-05T08:11:00.001-07:00

I don't know what's funnier-how terrible the riders are, or the announcers. Fast forward to 1:10 to see the action unfold

Insane Asylum

2011-07-02T19:55:00.002-07:00

The Medfield State Hospital spans across 900 acres next to the Charles River in Massachusetts. Its campus consists of dozens of brick buildings and was self sustainable (it had its own power plant). It was opened in the late 19th century and closed in 2003. Back in the day, it was home to more than 2000 patients, ranging the mentally ill spectrum all the way up to the violent and criminally insane. Since then it was boarded up and has even been host to Hollywood, as a few scenes from Shutter Island were filmed there. The State recently opened the grounds to the public. It was interesting to see decrepit buildings untouched over the years. They're remnants of the past and reflect what will be left of us after we're gone. Here are some photos.

Out of the frame and to the left is the State Hospital cemetary, closed to the public

Near the entrance. Everything was overgrown, but strangely, some places were oddly landscaped

basketball court

Is this what will the world would look like post-apocalypse?

all the windows boarded up

peering in a basement window. Someone left their slippers...

Look closely and you'll see the interior wall flaked with paint; a sign of the abandonment

Interesting 1900s buildings layed out much like a college campus

Some windows are open and one door was even ajar. This buildings would be a breeze to trespass, and security at the front gates is a joke.

so much unused land on the premises. Here, an excavator digs up a spot where a previous superintendent okay'd the dumping of hazardous chemicals on site. Apparently this was commonplace back in the day.

barred windows

I could imagine this as a beautiful road back in the 50's.

church/clocktower

ordinary house on the edge of the campus. Looking inside were 70's style chandeliers and very creepy double-wide doors lining the main entryway.

Depth of Speed Ep.3

2011-07-01T11:07:00.001-07:00

HBTV: Depth of Speed - Salt Flats Speed Shop from HBTV on Vimeo.

Smart motorcycle ad

2011-06-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

I put any plans of building my dream bike for when I'm older and have a secure lifestyle. I hate mulling over pipe dreams- they're forever out of reach.

This summer I'm rebuilding my '71 Tiger 650, getting it road worthy, and giving it back to my dad for him to ride. Over the winter I'm gonna tackle the XS850 frame and motor I have, look into mating my Ducati Showa forks and a chain drive conversion. That's the next year or so. From there, many more projects to come.

Craigslist 6/27

2011-06-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

This is is interesting:

Another Flat Track Video

2011-06-26T21:49:00.001-07:00

Never knew dubstep sounded so good mixed with the sounds of racing motorcycles.

2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Hartford 1/2 Mile from TheFastandDirty.com on Vimeo.

via corpses from hell

The Way of the Desert Sled

2011-06-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

Norman Hossack Interview

2011-06-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Norman Hossack, the inventor of the double link, floating steering head front motorcycle suspension model (as seen in BMW's Duolever setup) was interviewed on Jay Leno's Garage:

http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/at-the-garage/motorcycles/hossack-bmw-motorcycle/

new blogs I've meant to add over the months

2011-06-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

http://crazycyclebangkok.blogspot.com/

http://hughshandbuilt.blogspot.com/

http://aproposfoto.blogspot.com/

http://suntgarage.blogspot.com/

http://www.hidemo.net/

http://brmoto.blogspot.com/

http://occhiolungo.wordpress.com/

http://legacymoto.com/

http://machineshed.blogspot.com/

http://mutantmoto.com/

http://dariztdesign.blogspot.com/

http://rodandtoddesign.wordpress.com/

http://ridingseptember.blogspot.com/

http://elsolitariomc.blogspot.com/

http://blog.xenophya.com/

http://thechicaneblog.com/

Depth of Speed

2011-06-22T19:20:00.001-07:00

Josh Clason is the fucking man. He gets to travel the country making videos highlighting car culture that's grounded in reality- not some photoshopped, OCC, Chip Foose circle jerk you see on Discovery or TLC. The series is called 'Depth of Speed,' and it can be found on HypeBeast.

HBTV: Depth of Speed - Pangea Speed from HBTV on Vimeo.

FUCK YOU ALL

2011-06-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

Glen E. Friedman interview, watch it:

Glen E. Friedman Interview at the opening of FUCK YOU ALL, with "State.ie" (Ireland, 2010) from Burning Flags Press on Vimeo.

Loving this video

2011-06-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

from Southsiders

SOUTHSIDERS X EASTSIDE from GREENFILMS on Vimeo.

Adirondack Trip

2011-06-20T12:54:00.001-07:00

Sunday, I asked Steve, the local British m/c shop owner's son, out for a ride through the Adirondacks. I originally wanted to go on a 2 day adventure up through the majority of the mountains, across Lake Champlain and into Vermont. My bike couldn't make such a trip-it still has a charging problem (either stator or the r/r) and the seat is extremely uncomfortable (gonna purchase an air seat cushion for longer rides). Instead, we planned a short 4 hour ride: first to Amsterdam, Route 30 North, Rt. 8 South to Rt. 10 South, then East on Rt. 112/125 onto Benson Road back to 30. From there, we traveled South on 30 through Amsterdam and into Gallupville for the annual Gas Uo event.

About 220 miles

Met up at the shop

On our way to Amsterdam

Rt. 30 snakes around some scenic lakes

Accidental shot of my mirror

Both of our bikes-Steve on his CL350, me on the GS750, had similar fuel ranges. Meaning we had to stop for gas a lot, considering how fast we moved through the twisties!

Heading through the more touristy places to get to the boonies

Taking pictures while riding is hard. I used a neck strap (ordinary messenger bag strap) and taped a tiny cardboard square over the power button so I could easily turn the camera on/off with a glove. I was also limited to taking pictures on straightaways as the turns required focus and both hands on the bars...

Rare earth magnets holding down the directions

I have a newfound respect for small capacity Honda twins. Steve held his ground on the CL350, considering it only weighs about 350 pounds!

Rt. 8 is a short trip to Rt. 10 which has some fun turns. Road hasn't been maintained recently and is bumpy throughout.

Arriving in the Boonies: VHS rentals!

pit stop to recirculate blood in my ass.

Here, we were stuck behind a Goldwing trike ridden by a fattie and his Yorkie wearing a pink doggie sweater. His chrome-tipped mudguards kepy flashing sunlight in our eyes.

At speed

Sacandaga River

Arriving at the campgrounds on Great Sacandaga Lake

When asked how old the boat it is, Steve Sr. said, "it's a '76. I've always had an interest in older vehicles." You'd never have guessed, considering he works on vintage motorcycles for a living!

self portrait

Powershot S95 is a great camera

Amsterdam

Many serious sweepers can be found on Rt. 30 South of Amsterdam. I put my camera away for the majority of it :P

Steve messing around

Beautiful.

Our trip ended at the Gas Up, an antique engine and farm equipment show. Everything from hit-and-miss motors to a steam powered crane.

A hit-and-miss engine that was running the ice cream stand. To give you some perspective on this early 1900s technology, a typical 6hp motor would weight around 1000 lb!

An old excavator rusted to shit. Yes, it still works! I was blown away at the number of old machinery in running condition. It's good to see a crowd of people who preserve these archaic technologies. Although internal combustion infrastructure led the way to our current oil crisis, it should be appreciated for its importance to our global industrialization. Watching these machines operate so simply and beautifully is inspiring to see how far we've come in the last century. Our current technology is over-complicated and designed for obsolescence. When something breaks, throw it out. I doubt our current machines could be maintained and preserved as is done with our current 'antiques.'

Video of a Gas Up event from years past highlighting some heavy equipment

Nice tractor, kid

Under the bridge leading to the event grounds. we shimmied our way along the bars crossing the I-beams. Any strength I had left from the trip was zapped as we jumped in!

An old crane. Last year, they took the boom off and drove it into the creek without issue.

At the controls. No beer holder, unfortunately.

A decrepit trench cutter that was rescued from a field, where a tree sprouted growth through it and fused itself to the frame. It now runs (you can spot the trench it dug).

This was the longest, most painful, and yet the best experience I had on a motorcycle.

this guy has balls

2011-06-18T18:55:00.001-07:00

Trip

2011-06-18T15:04:00.001-07:00

Going on a 166 mile trip through the Adirondacks tomorrow. pics to follow

GS750 exhaust note

2011-06-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

messing around today, took the muffler off to rust treat it. Got a nice video of it running:

Handcrafted Royal Enfields

2011-06-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hand painted tank stripes:

definitely adds character to their lineup. As seen on Hell For Leather.

planning a trip

2011-06-14T21:28:00.001-07:00

Walmart beer tank. keg wheels, budweiser body-it even has a US flag!

planning a trip up through the Adirondacks, more on that soon.

Soulcraft Cycles

2011-06-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

FROM STEEL: The Making of a Soulcraft from michael evans on Vimeo.

a video that walks through the fabrication of a bicycle frame. Really cool, I just wished they slowed it down a bit!

sunrise

2011-06-13T09:24:00.001-07:00

gas

2011-06-13T09:22:00.001-07:00

good thing I only have to do this every week or so :)

Morning ride

2011-06-09T04:42:00.000-07:00

Finals week. Finishing up my design project. Woke up Tuesday at 10, went to bed 8pm Wednesday. Woke up restless at 4:30am. Saw a couple having sex on the football field (ha). Decided to go for a ride. Rode until I got lost in Saratoga county, took the Northway back. Had breakfast at a local diner, now off to finish that fucking project. ALMOST DONE!!!!

HDR photos

2011-06-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

I still only have my point and shoot camera. Don'y have the skills (or cash) to get a DSLR, but I hope to get there someday. These are some excellent photos shot and edited in High Dynamic Range. Taken from You the Designer

Man on the Move

2011-06-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

New website to check out is Man on the Move. great photos, excellent stories. Websites like this are few and far between.

scotty on a Schwinn

2011-06-03T10:40:00.001-07:00

from The Tarantulas

CBX sound

2011-06-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

one of the best sounds to emanate from a motorcycle.

Rant.

2011-06-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

It sucks living in a college house. I shuttle my tools out to the parking lot with a lunch tray. Took me almost THREE fucking hours to adjust the points-I had to walk three flights of stairs every time I needed a tool I forgot to bring with me. I need to find a garage/workshop to call my own, since I just signed a one year lease to an attic level apartment in the area. The landlord was skeptical to my even parking a motorcycle there...

I'm almost done with school. My grades this term are gonna suck, but there's nothing I could do-the department fucked up my class registration when I was overseas in the fall and told me I'd have to return in the fall to finish school (FUCK THAT SHIT). Instead, I'm taking two capstone project courses (each consume your schedule) at the same time, and I'm the first student to ever do this. In one class, I've been ranked the lowest team member for four engineering projects, and I'm one of the two lowest in the other class. All understandable since I was also a lead member of an engineering club that builds an off road car and competes against other schools, as well as designing alternative motorcycle front suspension for my senior project (more on all that later). I'm just pissed that I got shit on by others' mistakes. This mess could have been avoided. Instead, I took the apologies and the speeches about how they "believe I can do it" and "it won't matter in the long run." Maybe my senior year GPA won't matter since I'm getting my Master's through my post-grad job. Next time, they'll listen to me first.

Craigslist 6/2/11

2011-06-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

this is just sad:

crazy music time

2011-06-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

maybe I'm just a xenophile, but this song is so unlike anything I've ever heard...

design lessons from the best selling motorcycle

2011-06-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

Scott Berkun is a writer with an authority on design and innovation in the current market. His book, The Myths of Innovation, explains the misconception of innovation and how it's largely romanticized for general acceptance. It's a great book and will effectively trash your dreams, but it will tell you what it truly takes to accomplish successful ideas.

Berkun wrote an interesting yet brief post on the Honda Super Cub's success in the motorcycle market.

Sideburn video

2011-05-30T20:51:00.001-07:00

Rooster from SIDEBURN on Vimeo.

time lapse lane splitting

2011-05-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

Tokyo-Ebina from Martin Petersson on Vimeo.

This gives so much reason to commuting on motorcycle

out of practice

2011-05-15T22:34:00.000-07:00

I haven't welded in a year, so my welding sucks right now. Gotta get more practice in!

Craigslist 5/10

2011-05-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

I don't have much faith in the English language...

Yoshimura Suzuki

2011-05-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

8 valve Suzuki racebike from BrightLogic

Dicks Cycle

2011-04-29T10:29:00.001-07:00

Rhombic drice beta configuration Stirling heat pump. Sophisticated design, but I can't see past its phallic nature. Oh look, a release valve at the tip lol! Sorry, had to say that.

powerful video

2011-04-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Although I wished the video demonstrated more of the bike's capabilities, it does capture what an electric trials bike stands for in today's environmentally conscious world. An amazing video with a song that can put you to sleep (if you suffer from insomnia like me, that's a good thing!).

NY drivers suck

2011-04-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

I need a sign like this. Right now I have a fluorescent-green 'X' taped to my back. So far, so good.

Blogger: how to automatically resize images

2011-04-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

If you add images through an external URL, you'll notice that larger photos overlap the right sidebar. To avoid this , you can edit your blog template to automatically downsize any photos larger than your blog post width, while adjusting the height to the correct proportion. Do the following:

follow this directory from the blogger home page: Design > Advanced > Add CSS

add the following code:

.post-body img { max-width: 655px; height: auto !important;}

Then apply to blog

(655 is the width value for my blog post. They're 500px standard.)

you're done!

Streetfighter Lineup

2011-04-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

reblogged from Icon Limiter

Reblog: Katana

2011-04-24T15:15:00.001-07:00

I don't like to repost from other blogs, but there's a few posts I come across that are just too good to pass up. Not to mention it's a bitch to try and retrieve them from the Favorite archives on Google Reader.

Here's a resto-mod Katana that I've been chasing in my dreams for months now: lowered suspension, slanted nose, abbreviated tail, flowing 4-1 exhaust, and a killer 2-tone matte black/silver overall color scheme. I've always wanted to do up either an 8-valve/TSSC Suzuki in the same manner but with modern suspension. Maybe even a Wes Cooley replica?

From Cafe Racer Culture

fast tracker

2011-04-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

Craigslist 4/20

2011-04-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

This guy's high. I have no idea what he's trying to communicate. You'd expect an Alfa Romeo owner to do better, yeah?

Update

2011-04-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

I stopped by the shop today and they were busier than ever. They were surprised to see me as they assumed my long absence was due to me 'going back to where I came from.' Where's that?' I asked. 'You know, you college folk, wherever you go.' Ha!

Death by cubicle

2011-04-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

I kept my helmet in plain view to motivate me through the day

Craigslist Tuesday

2011-04-12T19:24:00.001-07:00

Here's an ad from a local bike shop: It's actually a nice bike overall and I respect that it's a Triumph cafe racer, but wtf is with that exhaust?? To each his own I guess

Icon Stryker Armor

2011-04-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say I am a ATGATT supporter, but I've largely ignored leg protection for the longest time. Not anymore, after purchasing Icon's Stryker Series Shorts and Knee Pads. I won't list their stats, check out Icon's website for details but I will say that they are comfortable for the protection they offer. My preferred riding jeans are Levi's 511 (not at all a safe choice) skinnies. The Styker shorts are a little bulky around the hips considering the hip armor (but not enough to make you look bloated at the hips), so they wouldn't fit if you wear very skinny jeans true to your hip size. The kevlar on the ass also provides some cushioning, which I found appealing since my Suzuki has a very stiff rear end. The knee pads weren't even close to fitting underneath the 511's and were a tight fit underneath a pair of Levi's 527 bootcut slim fit. They do work great over clothing as well, although it takes some time to get them in the right position. The matte black with the red highlights look appealing and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for leg protection on budget.

winter pre-ride pic, feeling like Mad Max on his way to Thunderdome.

Bob the Builder

2011-04-10T14:55:00.001-07:00

Here's a great writeup from one of my favorite motorcycle tech blogs, The Kneeslider. Check it out.

poormans GPS

2011-04-10T14:53:00.001-07:00

Craigslist Tuesday 4/5/11

2011-04-05T13:47:00.001-07:00

As an engineering student, especially while studying mechanical structures, you learn that with experience you can easily seek out poor designs. Here's one of those designs. With that forward weight bias of a Toyota engine resting above that spindly pair of fork legs, do you really think you're going anywhere on that trike?

One last time

2011-04-01T22:02:00.001-07:00

The Katana conceptual drawing I had as the header for the blog, if you want to download it...

some old ads

2011-04-01T21:55:00.000-07:00

Hard to find interesting oldschool marketing prints on Google. Here's Suzuki's GS750:

And the CB750:

Hmm, quite similar. I do have to say the Honda ad gives me a chubby. I wonder if Kawasaki has something similar?

Craigslist Tuesday 3/29/11

2011-03-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

R1 Trike?! manufacturers no longer produce trikes because they're death traps.

Q: Which way do you lean in a turn? A: It doesn't matter- it will tip and you're fucked anyways

Boston Shop

2011-03-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

I stopped by a friend's shop in Boston earlier this week to finish replace the bearings on the GS front wheel. Warren helped sort it out no problem. Him and his son specialize in classic Jaguars and other British/European cars. Their shop is a time capsule of cars and machines from decades ago, hidden in an unmarked 4-door garage situated at the entrance of a factory complex. There's no toilet/running water (piss in the corner), a wood stove heater, a 1940's valve grinder underneath an early 90's CRT television (perhaps the only amenity in the shop), take a look.

picture from last time

I wish I took a photo of the patina'd XK120 body hanging from the bay ceiling before they traded it in for this Mark I!

vanity plates

I need one of these signs!

tossing in some wood

front wheel bearings

2011-03-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

If you ever buy a decrepit motorcycle, inspection of the wheel bearings should be near the top of priorities if you plan on riding it. I’ve never replaced wheel bearings so I first checked the manual, which informatively wrote: “replace the bearings if questionable.” Thanks Clymer! It’s funny how repair manuals list an order of processes for a motorcycle in assumed pristine condition. They seem to miss out on the stages where you must restrain yourself from kicking the motorcycle over and throwing tools across the room in your search for the solution to any number of missteps. A brief instruction such as “remove mounting bolts” can easily turn into several hours’ work if said bolts are corroded/galled/stripped, etc.

The fellows over at the GS Resources forum gave helpful suggestions and one even wrote a guide to replacing wheel bearings. I attempting it, but came up short. Here are my suggestions to the guide:

-use the thickest threaded rod you can pass through the bearing ID. 3/8” bent like spaghetti under tension.
-forget the anchor bolt idea. Push the bearing spacer to the side and chisel the bearings free (as one GS rider put it, ‘go caveman on them!’).
-be sure the bearing surface wasn't marred from the hammering
- don’t use the bullshit washers from your corner hardware store. THICK THICK washers!

-use heat to drop the first bearing, not the second-you’ll bake the bearing on the other side.
-second bearing: grease the inner surface and tap the bearing with a ball peen hammer and brass drift on the outer race edge (NEVER the inner race), just enough to get it level.

Car jack on the exhaust header

The dirty culprits

I finished the job at a friend’s shop using ‘proper’ tools (see image below). The front wheel spins much more freely now, I just hope I can get a little better mileage now!

left all my tools at college...

HEAVEN!!! more photos of the shop to come...

edit: goddamn Blogger making it SO difficult to edit format. Sorry if I cause any eye strain!

Project Suzuki: Seat

2011-03-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

After mono kicked my ass (2.5 GPA put me on probation for my scholarship and honors program, which was NOT enjoyable), I stored my GS under covers in my frat house for the remainder of the school year. Fortunately, it was not destroyed, although some asshole did steal the seat and threw it onto the football field. That incident got me thinking about changing the seat- I already cut off the passenger footpeg brackets (an incident that landed me in the ER- I was up late one night and was taking meds for a sinus infection, needless to say you shouldn't operate machine tools sick/sleep deprived/on meds lol), and knew cutting down the original seat foam could only do so much. The seat ended up too long for my liking so I decided to build my own. I wanted an aggressive seat cowl that ended flush with a sportbike taillight. I bought a ninja 636 taillight off eBay for $0.99 during the time I was taking a sculpture course. I managed to convince the professor that building a motorcycle tail section was 'art' and started with a square tube frame with two sheetmetal tabs extending to the end of the subframe for support.

attempt at layered foam seat. High density foam was too plush and couldn't hold its shape so it was scrapped.

layered neoprene foam

Dynafile used to contour the seat

final, rough shape

Quickly machined these spacers to keep the mounting bolts from compressing the foam

original seat pan was too large for a solo seat

new seat frame

bending jig

yeah, it doesn't flow with the rest of the bike, whatever!

flush with the taillight

I planned on upholstering the seat, but it proved to be out of my skillset for the moment. I need a sewing machine setup with a leather needle and lots of practice to make it nice. For now the GS will ride with the raw neoprene foam.

Craigslist Tuesday 3/22/11

2011-03-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

This is one of those projects where you have to ask, 'what were you thinking?!'

Starting price at $800, BIN $2000. When it doesn't sell, relist it at the same prices.

"Bike ran perfect before being tore down!"
Fuck me, this looks like the most uncomfortable motorcycle to ride.

Pirates go Bowling

2011-03-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

Harley Davidson attempting to market to a younger generation. However, I don't think people are willing to dress like pirates just to go bowling. Hardy harrr, Harley!

Craigslist Tuesday 3/15

2011-03-15T19:22:00.001-07:00

Here's a massacred Honda. Chopped up in an attempt to gain fame and glory seen on the Discovery Channel. Look close and you can see the craftsmanhip put into this project:

-hacked exhaust headers mated (exhaust tape? stick welded?) to a slashcut pipe
-very narrow rear brake link, experty bent over the timing cover both for clearance and extreme aesthetics (yes, I have good eyesight)
-peanut gas tank precariously mounted to the frame
-rigid rear end that consists of the stock swingarm with welded supporting struts that indeterminately fix it in place (Maybe he's paying homage to Honda engineers by realizing it would handle better with the stock wheelbase rather than using his awesome bike building skills to stretch the rear end?

all this for $1950? Damn, that's like a $1900 profit!

One more time

2011-03-11T19:36:00.000-08:00

Hopefully you've seen this video already. I can't stop watching it.

Handmade Portraits: Liberty Vintage Motorcycles from Etsy on Vimeo.

anyone speak Danish?

2011-03-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

because this interview is for you.

Check it out. Exciting photos of the Wrenchmonkees shop to follow.

New blogs

2011-03-10T16:53:00.001-08:00

I added a couple new blogs to the list, check them out:

http://www.db-ontheroad.blogspot.com/
http://www.lowbrowcustoms.blogspot.com/
http://desmomeister.blogspot.com/
http://beatersspeedclub.blogspot.com/
http://www.truebikerspirit.com/?gtlang=en
http://bratpakk.blogspot.com/
http://anvilmotociclette.com/
http://the80sareforever.tumblr.com/
http://knoen.blogspot.com/
http://www.gethooked.info/
http://caferacerspecial.blogspot.com/
http://thegasbox.blogspot.com/
http://green-mc.blogspot.com/

I have about a dozen more to add but it's taking me forever with this slow computer at school.

Which reminds me, I am currently following over 200 blogs and of course I cannot keep up with all the material. I use Google Reader which compiles them nicely into a nice news feed that easier to digest (it allows you to categorize and automatically translates blogs into your language). Unfortunately, my feed shows a permanent 1000+ unread articles which makes it hard to keep up with the more interesting ones. Soon I'll be cutting back on the blogs that I can live without, so if you come here to view my blog links you might want to make your own list to follow. I can do without Most chopper culture blogs, copycat picture-only blogs, dead blogs, and Japanese blogs (most have messed up RSS feeds for some reason).

Daytona

2011-03-09T22:23:00.000-08:00

Thursdays are motorcycle shop days, the best day of the week when I get to forget about all things college related. I haven't gone in three weeks because I went to a career fair in Boston (1), had a job interview in Pittsburgh (2), and Steve was down in Daytona (3). I guess I shouldn't complain, I have a job now after all...

Fuck Daytona. Hopefully Steve only worked his vendor spot for one weekend. I'll call the shop tomorrow. I'm leaving for Boston for Spring break next week and could use a new inspection sticker for the ride back to New York. With my spring college schedule, I don't see myself making much time to head over to the shop, but who knows. Having a mode of transportation should make getting to the shop easier, plus no more bartering with friends for rides.

I need something to wrench on!