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Saturday, 31 July 2010
Friday, 30 July 2010
Reader Ride. Georgous Kawasaki Z1 Restoration.
Mike sends in these beautiful restoration shots of his well traveled Z1.
He Writes:
Hi,
Thought I’d send pics of my old baby for your blog …
Brought the bike over with me from the UK. Finally decided to do a complete restore thinking it’d cost about $3k … $10k+ later … couldn’t ride it because she was so very pretty.
Sold it after 500 miles but will forever cherish the personal challenge. Screws were self cleaned and re-plated or re-chromed like stock. All parts powder coated. Engine black coat was baked on in my kitchen oven (yes, I was single!). Basically went through what we all go through when it comes to our toys.
Cheers
Michael
Fantastic Work! Don't know how you could let a beauty like that go. Thanks Much!
He Writes:
Hi,
Thought I’d send pics of my old baby for your blog …
Brought the bike over with me from the UK. Finally decided to do a complete restore thinking it’d cost about $3k … $10k+ later … couldn’t ride it because she was so very pretty.
Sold it after 500 miles but will forever cherish the personal challenge. Screws were self cleaned and re-plated or re-chromed like stock. All parts powder coated. Engine black coat was baked on in my kitchen oven (yes, I was single!). Basically went through what we all go through when it comes to our toys.
Cheers
Michael
Fantastic Work! Don't know how you could let a beauty like that go. Thanks Much!
Reader Ride. Georgous Kawasaki Z1 Restoration.
Mike sends in these beautiful restoration shots of his well traveled Z1.
He Writes:
Hi,
Thought I’d send pics of my old baby for your blog …
Brought the bike over with me from the UK. Finally decided to do a complete restore thinking it’d cost about $3k … $10k+ later … couldn’t ride it because she was so very pretty.
Sold it after 500 miles but will forever cherish the personal challenge. Screws were self cleaned and re-plated or re-chromed like stock. All parts powder coated. Engine black coat was baked on in my kitchen oven (yes, I was single!). Basically went through what we all go through when it comes to our toys.
Cheers
Michael
Fantastic Work! Don't know how you could let a beauty like that go. Thanks Much!
He Writes:
Hi,
Thought I’d send pics of my old baby for your blog …
Brought the bike over with me from the UK. Finally decided to do a complete restore thinking it’d cost about $3k … $10k+ later … couldn’t ride it because she was so very pretty.
Sold it after 500 miles but will forever cherish the personal challenge. Screws were self cleaned and re-plated or re-chromed like stock. All parts powder coated. Engine black coat was baked on in my kitchen oven (yes, I was single!). Basically went through what we all go through when it comes to our toys.
Cheers
Michael
Fantastic Work! Don't know how you could let a beauty like that go. Thanks Much!
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Reader Submittal. Outstanding Kawasaki H2 Restomod / Rescue
Joe Byrd sends in this fantastic :save: of a classic Kawasaki! Having been down this road a few times with Kawasaki Triples myself I can attest to what a fantastic job this is.
Joe Writes:
Steve
After you posted pix of my H1A and my CR500R, you said to let you know about the next one.
My H2 750 Triple
You can see the before and after;
I purchased the "bike-in-a-box" early last fall with the intent of rebuilding it over the winter. The build got off to a late start but by June I had it running.
I call it a rebuild and not a restoration because I just wanted a nice looking, nice running H2 to ride, I did not want a bike too nice to ride. I think it has worked out as planned.
Every part needed something. I did all the work myself with the exception of the powder coating, some machine work (requiring special machines) and applying the paint base coat and clear coat. The painter wanted nothing to do with the decals.
I only bought new parts when I did not have the part or when I could not rebuild the existing part in a satisfactory manner.
I made a lot parts I did not have or could not get, having access to a machine shop is a great thing.
I seemed like everything that should have taken a minute, took an hour and everything that should have taken an hour, took a week.
I replaced every bearing and seal. I installed a rebuilt crank and new pistons in new bores. It got a new clutch and I had enough transmission parts to build one with minimal wear. And as always, H2 transmissions require careful shimming.
I have ridden it about 600 miles so far, I have fixed a few nits and niggles. It took a while but now I have the jetting spot on. And it is running like a strong H2 with no issues.
The first week I had it running, I rode it to a large cruiser extravaganza and entered the 750 in the bike show. Though there were quite a number of metric customs, the H2 won first place in the Asian category!
Joe Writes:
Steve
After you posted pix of my H1A and my CR500R, you said to let you know about the next one.
My H2 750 Triple
You can see the before and after;
I purchased the "bike-in-a-box" early last fall with the intent of rebuilding it over the winter. The build got off to a late start but by June I had it running.
I call it a rebuild and not a restoration because I just wanted a nice looking, nice running H2 to ride, I did not want a bike too nice to ride. I think it has worked out as planned.
Every part needed something. I did all the work myself with the exception of the powder coating, some machine work (requiring special machines) and applying the paint base coat and clear coat. The painter wanted nothing to do with the decals.
I only bought new parts when I did not have the part or when I could not rebuild the existing part in a satisfactory manner.
I made a lot parts I did not have or could not get, having access to a machine shop is a great thing.
I seemed like everything that should have taken a minute, took an hour and everything that should have taken an hour, took a week.
I replaced every bearing and seal. I installed a rebuilt crank and new pistons in new bores. It got a new clutch and I had enough transmission parts to build one with minimal wear. And as always, H2 transmissions require careful shimming.
I have ridden it about 600 miles so far, I have fixed a few nits and niggles. It took a while but now I have the jetting spot on. And it is running like a strong H2 with no issues.
The first week I had it running, I rode it to a large cruiser extravaganza and entered the 750 in the bike show. Though there were quite a number of metric customs, the H2 won first place in the Asian category!
Reader Submittal. Outstanding Kawasaki H2 Restomod / Rescue
Joe Byrd sends in this fantastic :save: of a classic Kawasaki! Having been down this road a few times with Kawasaki Triples myself I can attest to what a fantastic job this is.
Joe Writes:
Steve
After you posted pix of my H1A and my CR500R, you said to let you know about the next one.
My H2 750 Triple
You can see the before and after;
I purchased the "bike-in-a-box" early last fall with the intent of rebuilding it over the winter. The build got off to a late start but by June I had it running.
I call it a rebuild and not a restoration because I just wanted a nice looking, nice running H2 to ride, I did not want a bike too nice to ride. I think it has worked out as planned.
Every part needed something. I did all the work myself with the exception of the powder coating, some machine work (requiring special machines) and applying the paint base coat and clear coat. The painter wanted nothing to do with the decals.
I only bought new parts when I did not have the part or when I could not rebuild the existing part in a satisfactory manner.
I made a lot parts I did not have or could not get, having access to a machine shop is a great thing.
I seemed like everything that should have taken a minute, took an hour and everything that should have taken an hour, took a week.
I replaced every bearing and seal. I installed a rebuilt crank and new pistons in new bores. It got a new clutch and I had enough transmission parts to build one with minimal wear. And as always, H2 transmissions require careful shimming.
I have ridden it about 600 miles so far, I have fixed a few nits and niggles. It took a while but now I have the jetting spot on. And it is running like a strong H2 with no issues.
The first week I had it running, I rode it to a large cruiser extravaganza and entered the 750 in the bike show. Though there were quite a number of metric customs, the H2 won first place in the Asian category!
Joe Writes:
Steve
After you posted pix of my H1A and my CR500R, you said to let you know about the next one.
My H2 750 Triple
You can see the before and after;
I purchased the "bike-in-a-box" early last fall with the intent of rebuilding it over the winter. The build got off to a late start but by June I had it running.
I call it a rebuild and not a restoration because I just wanted a nice looking, nice running H2 to ride, I did not want a bike too nice to ride. I think it has worked out as planned.
Every part needed something. I did all the work myself with the exception of the powder coating, some machine work (requiring special machines) and applying the paint base coat and clear coat. The painter wanted nothing to do with the decals.
I only bought new parts when I did not have the part or when I could not rebuild the existing part in a satisfactory manner.
I made a lot parts I did not have or could not get, having access to a machine shop is a great thing.
I seemed like everything that should have taken a minute, took an hour and everything that should have taken an hour, took a week.
I replaced every bearing and seal. I installed a rebuilt crank and new pistons in new bores. It got a new clutch and I had enough transmission parts to build one with minimal wear. And as always, H2 transmissions require careful shimming.
I have ridden it about 600 miles so far, I have fixed a few nits and niggles. It took a while but now I have the jetting spot on. And it is running like a strong H2 with no issues.
The first week I had it running, I rode it to a large cruiser extravaganza and entered the 750 in the bike show. Though there were quite a number of metric customs, the H2 won first place in the Asian category!
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
You Guessed it... Another Stunning Vincent.
Maybe I should just start a code system. ASV for Vincent, ASMG(Mot Guzzi), ASD (Ducati), ASN (Norton, AST (Triumph) etc...
Although in this case it would be AS"E"V for Egli Vincent.
Although in this case it would be AS"E"V for Egli Vincent.
You Guessed it... Another Stunning Vincent.
Maybe I should just start a code system. ASV for Vincent, ASMG(Mot Guzzi), ASD (Ducati), ASN (Norton, AST (Triumph) etc...
Although in this case it would be AS"E"V for Egli Vincent.
Although in this case it would be AS"E"V for Egli Vincent.
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
CB360T.... The Finished product.
This is the finished product of yesterdays mock-up bike. If you're interested you can find the build thread HERE . Not to be a dick but I kind of prefer the high pipes. Might have been totally impracticable though. I've played around with similar styles of pipes and unless you like wearing asbestos pants there often is just no way you can do it.
CB360T.... The Finished product.
This is the finished product of yesterdays mock-up bike. If you're interested you can find the build thread HERE . Not to be a dick but I kind of prefer the high pipes. Might have been totally impracticable though. I've played around with similar styles of pipes and unless you like wearing asbestos pants there often is just no way you can do it.
Monday, 26 July 2010
Reader Submittal. Stunner Of An Ariel Square Four From Ted Guthrie.
Ted wrote about this Vintage Days Beauty:
The Ariel club's display included this beauty. This group was also just set up in the swap meet. Note all the congestion behind the Square Four, which is typical of Vintage Days - just tons and tons of fantastic old bikes and parts.
The Ariel club's display included this beauty. This group was also just set up in the swap meet. Note all the congestion behind the Square Four, which is typical of Vintage Days - just tons and tons of fantastic old bikes and parts.
Reader Submittal. Stunner Of An Ariel Square Four From Ted Guthrie.
Ted wrote about this Vintage Days Beauty:
The Ariel club's display included this beauty. This group was also just set up in the swap meet. Note all the congestion behind the Square Four, which is typical of Vintage Days - just tons and tons of fantastic old bikes and parts.
The Ariel club's display included this beauty. This group was also just set up in the swap meet. Note all the congestion behind the Square Four, which is typical of Vintage Days - just tons and tons of fantastic old bikes and parts.
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Reader Ride. A Badass 1978 Honda Hawk 400T Bobber. Yes. You Read That Correctly....
If you've followed this blog for a while you'll know that I just love builds like this. Ted Brecheisen sends in more proof that you don't need big bucks to build a fantastic bike. I used to own a stocker as a kid. Never imagined it could look like this!
Ted Writes:
Great blog site. Love your two stroll one also. Have 2 excellent RD350's (stockers)
Here are a couple of pics of a 78' Honda Hawk 400t the we did over the winter. It was a throw away we retrieved and started chopping. It's low budget but cam out pretty good. The swing arm has be extended 4" to get a little more wheelbase. The front old Goodyear DT dirt track tire was the start of the inspiration to head to the dirt track look. Tank is a 88 Yamaha Virago 250, license plate bracket is two 5hp Briggs connecting rods. Handle bars awe from a Yamaha ATV. Rides great and has good handling manners. Cheap fun!
Thanks,
Ted Brecheisen
ted@marketshareplus.com
Awesome Ted. Thanks! And if you get a chance I'd love to see those RD350's! Always in the hunt for good 2-stroke pics for the other site!
Ted Writes:
Great blog site. Love your two stroll one also. Have 2 excellent RD350's (stockers)
Here are a couple of pics of a 78' Honda Hawk 400t the we did over the winter. It was a throw away we retrieved and started chopping. It's low budget but cam out pretty good. The swing arm has be extended 4" to get a little more wheelbase. The front old Goodyear DT dirt track tire was the start of the inspiration to head to the dirt track look. Tank is a 88 Yamaha Virago 250, license plate bracket is two 5hp Briggs connecting rods. Handle bars awe from a Yamaha ATV. Rides great and has good handling manners. Cheap fun!
Thanks,
Ted Brecheisen
ted@marketshareplus.com
Awesome Ted. Thanks! And if you get a chance I'd love to see those RD350's! Always in the hunt for good 2-stroke pics for the other site!
Reader Ride. A Badass 1978 Honda Hawk 400T Bobber. Yes. You Read That Correctly....
If you've followed this blog for a while you'll know that I just love builds like this. Ted Brecheisen sends in more proof that you don't need big bucks to build a fantastic bike. I used to own a stocker as a kid. Never imagined it could look like this!
Ted Writes:
Great blog site. Love your two stroll one also. Have 2 excellent RD350's (stockers)
Here are a couple of pics of a 78' Honda Hawk 400t the we did over the winter. It was a throw away we retrieved and started chopping. It's low budget but cam out pretty good. The swing arm has be extended 4" to get a little more wheelbase. The front old Goodyear DT dirt track tire was the start of the inspiration to head to the dirt track look. Tank is a 88 Yamaha Virago 250, license plate bracket is two 5hp Briggs connecting rods. Handle bars awe from a Yamaha ATV. Rides great and has good handling manners. Cheap fun!
Thanks,
Ted Brecheisen
ted@marketshareplus.com
Awesome Ted. Thanks! And if you get a chance I'd love to see those RD350's! Always in the hunt for good 2-stroke pics for the other site!
Ted Writes:
Great blog site. Love your two stroll one also. Have 2 excellent RD350's (stockers)
Here are a couple of pics of a 78' Honda Hawk 400t the we did over the winter. It was a throw away we retrieved and started chopping. It's low budget but cam out pretty good. The swing arm has be extended 4" to get a little more wheelbase. The front old Goodyear DT dirt track tire was the start of the inspiration to head to the dirt track look. Tank is a 88 Yamaha Virago 250, license plate bracket is two 5hp Briggs connecting rods. Handle bars awe from a Yamaha ATV. Rides great and has good handling manners. Cheap fun!
Thanks,
Ted Brecheisen
ted@marketshareplus.com
Awesome Ted. Thanks! And if you get a chance I'd love to see those RD350's! Always in the hunt for good 2-stroke pics for the other site!
Reminder To The Race Fans! Laguna Seca Moto GP This Sunday!
Be Sure and Tune in! Should be a great race!
Reminder To The Race Fans! Laguna Seca Moto GP This Sunday!
Be Sure and Tune in! Should be a great race!
Nice CX500 Turbo Resto.... from the Land of Disco!
Mike Skelton sends in another beauty.
He Writes:
Steve,
This is a 1982 CX500 Turbo my restoration buddy Ed @ Cycle Treasures just finished. It was running when he got it, but just barely. A full service, some fuel injection foibles repaired and fresh paint were in order to arrive at the finish you see here.
The unit has less than 12000 miles on it.
Brother Ed is also quite skilled at polishing and painting with a 12oz spray can. He has taught me a few tricks using a rattle can and a secret process to make $6.00 worth of paint really look good!
A few Ebay bits here and there, and viola! Fini!
Nice CX500 Turbo Resto.... from the Land of Disco!
Mike Skelton sends in another beauty.
He Writes:
Steve,
This is a 1982 CX500 Turbo my restoration buddy Ed @ Cycle Treasures just finished. It was running when he got it, but just barely. A full service, some fuel injection foibles repaired and fresh paint were in order to arrive at the finish you see here.
The unit has less than 12000 miles on it.
Brother Ed is also quite skilled at polishing and painting with a 12oz spray can. He has taught me a few tricks using a rattle can and a secret process to make $6.00 worth of paint really look good!
A few Ebay bits here and there, and viola! Fini!
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