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...

So, how do I begin...

My friend Jason Fullington convinced me I should start a blog. But what do I write about? Obviously, anything to do with classic motorcycles. Or motorcycle products, which is where I spend most of my time. Or motorcycling in general. Maybe blues music now and then. Or my incredibly smart but equally independent dog Vida. But mostly the world of owning and riding classic motorcycles.

So, for the inaugural post, I must pay homage to Jason and his absolutely astounding Kawazuki. This hybrid meshing of a '79 KZ1000 frame and motor, a 2001 Suzuki V1000 front end and a '92 GSXR750 swingarm and monoshock rear looks like it came straight from the factory. No doubt due to Jason's considerable time, effort and talents that went into the build. And while it may not be a true classic in some people's eyes, there's no denying it's one damn cool motorcycle! You can read the article in the March/April issue of Motorcycle Classics. While you're there, you may want to check out the Honda CB450 Black Bomber or Erik Buell's futuristic RR1000 Battle Twin. Or subscribe. Classic eye candy delivered right to your door. Way cool.

What's next? I'll try to post something every 2-3 days. As time permits, of course. Damn day job! Upcoming posts will cover some of the niftier stuff I ran across at the Dealer Expo last weekend. We're doing a Race Tech suspension upgrade to my old R60 this weekend. I'll let you know how that goes. And I'm sure one of these days it will warm up and they'll get the sand off the streets and fix the potholes and we can think about doing some real riding. One of these days...