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...

Forks, generators and Flash2Pass

Well, I made it through the weekend. Big snowstorm, so I didn't get down to Backus' house for the suspension project. Matt Wiley at Race Tech is the bomb when it comes to motorcycle suspension. Anyway, the bike is there. Richard started tearing the forks down on his own and I'll join him one night this week to install the emulators and shocks. It will be pretty damn sweet when it's done. So instead I started the process of removing the generator on my 73 Guzzi Eldorado. Oh, here's an article about it. Won't charge and makes a horrible sound. My guess is brushes and bearings. I got the seat and the tank off. I'll pull the generator this week and take it to the local repair shop. Can't work too fast, that ruins all the fun. Old bikes were made for piddling. And spending time in the garage. Nice...

I told you I would mention some of the things that I saw at the 2010 Dealer Expo. So here's the first. The Flash2Pass Garage Door Opener System. I guess because I'm older now and I like the niceties of life. Put the transmitter in your headlight bucket. It's small, about 2 inches square. Wire it to any hot wire controlled by a switch. They recommend the high beam. Replace your button inside the garage with the Flash2Pass receiver. Voila! Pull into the drive, flash your high beam twice, door opens. No more fumbling for the remote in your pocket. Or getting off the bike, going inside, opening the door and rolling the bike in. Easy. You can buy extra transmitters for multiple bikes. Or your car. Or extra transmitters for multiple homes. If you have that. It has all kinds of encryption and other cool stuff to make it secure. $79.95 for the transmitter, receiver and installation hardware. $34.95 for an extra transmitter. Up to six for a single receiver. If you need that extra receiver for that extra house? You probably don't care about the cost. Check out all their stuff at http://www.f2ptechnologies.com/. Whew! I gotta get me one of these.

Next time, more on the suspension project. Maybe a picture if I'm lucky. Hoping for warmer weather soon. of course, if it's too soon neither of these projects will be done. Then I'll be forced to ride my girlfriend's Buell Blast. Oh yeah, it's a real blast...