This is a test. This is only a test.

We started dismantling the Bonneville project bike. And video'd it. Which could be fun. Or not. Anyway, the test is to see if the video link on here really works. So I'm putting up a clip of my R60 before and after I replaced the stock mufflers with Epco Stainless glass packs. Which didn't work. Maybe a youtube imbed?

Now that seems to work nicely. As they come available I'll put them up. In the meantime, you can see all of the Motorcycle Classics videos by going to youtube and searching "Motorcycle Classics." I know, tricky, huh? Until next time...

How time flies...

Good lord, I don't know how people find time to blog every day! Seems like I'm lucky to get two up in a week. Waaaaay too busy at work. So much going on, but all good! Working on bike shows for this season. Looks like I'll be in Wisconsin, Kansas City and Alabama. Maybe Utah. And some farm shows in Iowa. Too much fun. Also getting together the Bonneville sweepstakes. That's right. We're customizing a new Triumph Bonnie and giving it away this fall. I don't think the entry page is ready yet. I'll give you a link when it is. It'll be cool. Some weird combination of a bobber and hot rod. And it will have a spectacular paint job. Cuz we have a spectacular painter. Wait and see.

OK, cool things from Dealer Expo. Next up? This ultra-sweet, combination ramp and bed extender from Extreme Max. Works for ATVs as well as motorcycles. 2,000 pound capacity, universal fit and adds 2 feet to your truck box. This would be perfect for short beds and small trucks (like mine) where you can't fit a decent sized motorcycle (like mine) into the truck and close the tailgate (like mine). Are you listening, Extreme Max? And I like the dual ramp feature that allows you to walk up alongside of the bike instead of stopping halfway, having someone balance it while you crawl up into the bed and grab ahold for the final push. Looks like you can find them from a number of online retailers for around $300 plus shipping.

All right, big weekend. My Kansas State University Wildcats are trying to win the Big 12 Basketball Tournament. I need to do some overseeding in my backyard while it is still raining every day. Bad for riding. Good for grass. I'm going to see Chris Duarte Saturday night. Badass psychedelic blues and rock. Then Sunday we're going to start ripping parts off of the Bonneville in Backus' garage. Too much fun. Again. Story of my life...

One project down, how many to go?

The Race Tech suspension upgrade is finally completed. The shocks look great and ride better. But the real difference is the effect that the emulator conversion has had on the front end. Remarkable! Very smooth and controlled damping as opposed to the nose dive the stock forks exhibited under hard braking. I don't plan on testing these out on the track but I can tell already the improved handling and safety I'll experience on the road. A big thumbs up for an outstanding product!

The Eldorado generator? Not going so well. "Yeah, I know I said I would look at it last Friday but I've been busy. Probably won't get to it until next week." Oh well, it's supposed to rain the rest of the week anyway. Yes, I'm a fair weather rider. At least to work and back. And I still have the BMW if the mood strikes me. On a more positive note, I picked up a really sweet 1969 Schwinn Suburban bicycle at a garage sale on Saturday for $7.50. Lime green, original paint. Still has the original sticker from Grove's Cyclery in Wichita. A new set of tires and brake pads and I'm ready to go! And I got to see a pair of old Honda Dreams. Woman put one together in 3 months from parts. Impressed me!

Motorcycle Classics' next big project is customizing a 2010 Triumph Bonneville which we picked up last Thursday. I'll throw some pics up as it progresses. Did I mention that you can sign up for a chance to win it when it's finished? Many Thanks to Vinnie and Tim at Dairyland Insurance for making it happen. They rock. As does Jason Ricci and New Blood. Saw 'em Friday night. It's totally amazing how they have progressed in the 3 or 4 years since I last attended their show. The dude is the most incredible harmonica player out there these days. Rock, blues, funk, fusion jazz, shit you can't even descibe. You name it, Jason can play it. And Shawn Starsky is one of my favorite guitar players - whether he's ripping it, playing a sizzling slow blues or comping in the background, Shawn always plays exactly the right thing at exactly the right time. Check out their schedule and go see them if they are coming within a hundred miles of you.

Next time I'll get back on my "cool things from Dealer Expo" track. And something else. I don't know what. That's what makes it so much fun for me...

Why do classic motorcyclists own so many bikes?

Answer: So they always have one to ride. Case in point. It's finally warming up enough to ride. The problem is that one of my bikes is torn apart with the generator down at the local repair shop. Who hasn't called me even though he said he would look at it last Friday. The other one is in Backus' garage with the front forks torn apart awaiting completion of the Race Tech suspension upgrade. So, as I feared, I'll be having a Blast this week. A Buell Blast that is. Makes me shudder. But still better than a car.

OK, so I occasionally make fun of editors. It's only fair. After all, they occasionally make fun of sales managers. But I have to admit, it's pretty damn nice that with absolutely no effort from me my R60 now has new G3-S shocks installed and everything is calculated, cut and laid out ready to assemble to complete the emulator conversion on the forks. All that is missing is a pair of bushings that are on their way from Bob's BMW to replace the ones that my forks chewed up over the last 35 years. And that is all because Backus is such a good egg. Even though I offered to assist. And I even went there one night last week to help with disassembly. Something I'm far better at than assembly. At any rate, I'll soon be riding in modern suspension style and comfort. And you'll soon be able to read all about it in Motorcycle Classics. Thanks Richard.

Coming soon: Suspension completion. Hopefully a rebuilt generator for not too much money. Otherwise I'll be looking for a used one. Maybe something about Jason Ricci, one of my favorite harmonica players who is coming to T-town this weekend. Bikes and blues. And beer...