Vintage Motorcycles's topics - tribe.net

For Yous in So Cal

lowfiron — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:41:13 GMT

and this group loves vintage bikes of any stripe. Might be a Sunbeam at this event! HD's & brit bikes are the prominate.

http://www.chopmeet.com/

7/19/08- Wrightwood, CA- Swapmeet, Vendors, Bike Show & Music.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

Kick Starting a Shovelhead Stroker

lowfiron — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:25:09 GMT

My after market starter took a shit. I took it apart the last time and cleaned the contacts in the 'solinoid'. It's not anything like a car solinoid other than a magnet shoves the gear into the big gear behind the clutch basket. I will fix it, or have it fixed, but unless I have to take it apart to order parts, I'm riding it. I've never kicked a bike this large. I had a Triumph 500, no problems kicking that.
Just wanted to share with you vintage bike folk!

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 5 replies

Ventura, CA next weekend

lowfiron — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:50:24 GMT

4/26 Vintage Harleys, Indians & Britbikes- '69 & earlier.
http://www.backtothebeachventura.com/backtobeach/event.html

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

hard starting 72 BMW R60/5

starpower — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 03:58:18 GMT

I've got an older BMW in fantastic shape, runs perfect ... just hard starting. Battery is fully charged (new gel) new plugs, only 26,000 miles on bike.

I have to hit the starter button about 15x to get it to start. More when its cold. Points were new about a year ago.

Any suggestions?

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 16 replies

What do you ride?

toesup — Thu, 03 Mar 2005 23:57:42 GMT

I just wondered who had what?... and it might to know who had the same bike (or similar) so you can discuss problems.

Me?.. i think i MIGHT just be on my own here..

1934 Koehler Escoffier (tiz French) 350cc, hand change
1938 Vincent HRD Comet 500cc

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 85 replies

1972 Kawasaki H2

Nikolas — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 23:25:11 GMT

I have had this bike in my garage for years, and would love to restore it. Needless to sat, electronic parts are scarce and very expensive, so I was wondering if anyone has any ideas for modifying modern components to work on the bike.

Thanks.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 7 replies

Anyone is San Diego? Here's what I got...

juderoshi — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 06:53:33 GMT

I live in Hillcrest and have a 1965 Honda 305 CA77, otherwise known as a 'Dream'.

She doesn't ride like a dream yet, but she runs good.
I am working on her little by little with a group that meets down here
every monday at a motorcycle garage.

Anyone down here want to ride??

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 2 replies

75cb400f help

tim — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 22:58:53 GMT

Greetings. I have a 75 cb400f. Love it. I rode it to work - all was well. Go to ride home - it's dead. No lights, no nuetral indicator, nothing. Battery is good. Main fuse is good. No voltage present at the hot lead of the ignition. Not sure where to look next. I removed the tank to look for wiring breaks - nothing obvious. Any ideas for some possible test points to isolate trouble. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 2 replies

74 CB400 Honda hawk

Erny — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 21:33:35 GMT

so I just got gifted a sweet classic. But it has a blown motor. It's going to be a spring project, but I need to track down the repair manual. any help?

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 2 replies

Triumph

chien — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 05:08:19 GMT

Hi all,
I have a 1968 T120 triumph bonneville and would like it restored of fixed for riding. It is sitting in Jersey and I am based in HK. Any suggestions who i can find to fix it up. NY area would be best but am willing to look into any state. Much appreciated.
Chien

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 2 replies

Vintage?

toesup — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 22:10:43 GMT

'Vintage' is defined as a vehicle manufactured prior to 1930... and i dont think any of us here have a bike thats that old..

'Classic' is defined as a vehicle made at least 25 years ago.. which i think quite a few of us have bikes that fit in to this age bracket...

I can understand how some more recent bikes are classed as 'classics' due to the performance, style or rarity value..

opinions anyone?...

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 5 replies

Frankenbike

Poster_Boy — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 04:31:14 GMT

Well, I bought my first bike about two weeks ago for $200. It's a 1982 Honda CB 650 Nighthawk SC. The guy who sold it to me tried to turn it into a custom job, by chopping the back off and welding on the back end and fender from a Harley Sportster. He intended to build this as a bike for his wife. He has also cut the tank with a welder, in an attempt to make the bike (and tank) look more 'wasp-waisted'. The welds on the tank still aren't sealed, so I would have to take it to a welder to get this done. Otherwise, I would need to get another gas tank. The guy suggested either a Harley Sportster tank, or simply a Nighthawk tank.

In the ad, the guy told me that all the bike really needed was a paint job for the frame...which seemed perfect for me since I am getting into doing murals on motorcycles (gas tanks, fenders, etc.) as well as helmets. He welded some custom handlebars for the bike which he thought looked cool, but I don't understand how they would work since they block the ignition lock.

I have also noticed that some other parts of the bike are missing, such as the speedometer/ tachyometer instrument panel.

Of course, half the Bike's engine is removed and is currently sitting in a box in the shed...along with the bike itself. However, in order to paint the frame of the bike, I will have to remove the rest of the engine (the bottom half) myself (or hopefully with some help).

I also recieved a Clymer shop manual for Honda CB fours along with the bike. I suppose this isn't as good as the owner's manual itself but it's better than nothing. The manual actually seems quite comprehensive. However, since I know very little about motorcycle mechanics it seems like quite a daunting task.

When I recieved the bike, I paid $200 in cash for it...yet neglected to get a reciept or the ownership papers for the bike. I called the guy who sold the bike to me right away, informing him of this. He told me that he would either mail the ownership to me, or mail a complex reciept to me...which would permit me to get the bike registered.

I have done quite a bit of research in regards to buying a motorcycle, especially a 'first bike'. One authour warned against the 'false economy' of purchasing a cheap 'fix-up' model, since it would cost more to repair a $200 'as is' bike than it would cost to buy a $2,000 used model that had been certified. I can certainly understand the reasoning behind this, since I must now not only purchase all the tools and parts required to get the bike up and running, but I must also invest the time to take apart the engine, paint the frame, and put the engine (and the bike) back together. Not to mention the fact that I will be effectively learning as I go.

However, even though the investment in tools and equipment for repair and maintenance of the bike might cost as much as another bike...I expect that I could save as much money by learning to do my own maintenance and repair myself. Also, if I want to get into the business of custom motorcycle murals I should become familar with disassembling and reassembling the engine in order to paint the frames of any potential customers I might have.

I can't really say that this bike is a 'rip off', since for $200 the bike is worth the cost of the tires alone. It would certainly be useful as a 'parts bike', since most of the peices of the bike seem to be there.

However, if I don't recieve the ownership/ reciept in the mail, I doubt it would be legally rideable.

Still, for a mere $200 it will be worth the experience just to custom paint the bike with a kick-ass paint job/ mural and reassemble the bike as a 'show bike'. Not to mention the experience I will get in disassembling, cleaning, tweaking, and reassembling the engine.

I am thinking of covering the tank, front and rear fender with H.R. Giger murals. However as this is my first bike (and I am bound to drop or crash it) I might want to start with something simpler, such as a flame job/ pinstripes, and so forth.

Ideally though, I would love to be able to ride this motorcycle as my first bike.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 5 replies

considering a new ride

shift8 — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:48:49 GMT

request of imput.

so - i live the xs series of yamaha. had an xs650 (stolen), now have an xs750 '77 and an 81 xs850 that i use for parts.

i commute about 70 miles a day on the 750, and it's a solid 65-85 rider. engine is a tank. *but*, i want to do more restoration work on it, and it's wheelbase and tire size leave a bit to be desired as a freeway commuter.

i'm looking for a new bike, and main interestes are smaller wheelbase w/ larger tires. any recommendations? i like doing my own repairs, and that's on eof the main considerations on a bike for me. i also want something that is water cooled and has a reputation for long engine life.

what do you guys think? any recommendations? current main interest is the triumph 900 thunderbird tripple (i like tripples :)

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 5 replies

Cleaning aluminum dark stain

GiovanniMotta — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:40:09 GMT

Cross-posted (DIY tribe)

I'm restoring a '79 CB750K and last week I ended up following a bad suggestion to clean the carburetors.
I've boiled the bodies (4) for three hours in a large aluminum pot filled with water and vinegar/CLR.
The carbs are clean now BUT they turned black (reading more I found that the issue was the use of an aluminum pot instead of a steel one).
I am not a fan of shiny bikes, but now I have carburetors with aluminum colored top and bottom and a black body. Not good.
Any suggestion on how to remove the black stain?
The cleaning must be chemical or electrolytic since due to the intricate structure I don't have access with a rug or a brush to all the surface.
I've already tried the carb cleaner spray and the carb dip (2 nights soaking) and they didn't do much.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

help with my 1977 honda cb400f

nina — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 01:45:03 GMT

My bike's main fuse will randomly blow. I've been trying to see if it happens after anything particular, but it seems very random. The one thing is that the fuse housing is getting hot but only the main fuse blows. if you have any ideas I'd appreciate it.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 1 reply

CB 750 Fans out there

Matt — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:35:33 GMT

Come on CB750 Heads join my tribe http://tribes.tribe.net/cb7504ever

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

New Tribe

lowfiron — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 01:05:17 GMT

The Ventura Conemotor Club
http://tribes.tribe.net/venturaconemotor

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

Glass Pack for CB360?

david — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 03:33:20 GMT

I want to replace the rusty mufflers on my 74 CB360. I like the look and affordablity of slash-cut glass pack mufflers, but I don't want to be annoyingly loud.

Does anyone have any experience with glass pack's on small Hondas or should I just order them and find out the hard way?

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 2 replies

Part needed.

CrapCountyBiker — Thu, 09 Mar 2006 00:14:58 GMT

Anyone know where I can find a throttle cable for a 1971 Honda CL125? Onlything missing from complete restoration.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 6 replies

Baffled!

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:35:19 GMT

The previous owner of my '82 Seca removed the exhaust baffles, and I'm utterly ignorant about what to look for in replacing them. Could I beg and plead for a few suggestions and pointers? :3

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 7 replies

Suzuki mandura 700

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 22:38:02 GMT

Ihave a suzuki 700 mandura it scream's fast and it only has 19000 miles on it
I got it from a friend in Oklahoma he had it in a barn from 1985 to 2004 when I got it from him it's bad iss;

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

77 CB750 with front sweeking brakes!!!

Mateen — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 03:03:19 GMT

Put new pads on my bike and they sweek loud only when I'm stopping under 40mph.
Took them off and sprayed anti-sweek spray on the pads. Sweeking stopped for 10miles or so and then started again.
Took the pads off again and sprayed more anti-sweek on the pads. Same thing happened.
Any ideas??? I called my local Honda dealer and they said "Yup, they all do it. Nothing can be done"
I'll be damned if I'm going to live with it. There has to be a solution. I'm sure it's the piston side pad that's vibrating.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 5 replies

Honda 450 I think it's a 69'

lowfiron — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 04:02:50 GMT

Is sitting in a friends shop. It's recently restored. The gas tank on it has a crack, but theres a good one in the shop for it. It's a nice looking bike, like the one on the picture for this tribe. I got a Triumph 500 instead of making an offer on it. My bother used to have one that I rode every once in a while and it was fun. I'll get you in touch if your interested, it's in Ventura.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

NEED HELP

Footpeg — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 01:35:27 GMT

I need a kickstarter for a 1977 Honda cb750a "a" as in automatic it seems that I cant bump start this bike being that it has no clutch . I have had no luck finding parts for this one does anyone know where I might find such a part ? I have been to every moto-salvage yard in my area, an even tried to modify other kickers to fit but no luck. Strange application I guess.
Thanks.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 2 replies

Part Wanted for 77 Honda CB 400f

nina — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 00:48:08 GMT

Hi,

I'm looking for the side covers (plastic piece that covers the battery on one side and some wires on the other) for my 1977 CB400f Honda. Yellow with black....400 four....

Thanks

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

Newbie w/maintainance Q

jbt13 — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:55:40 GMT

Hello All,

I own a 1972 Honda CB350, but havn't ridden for 6 years! Why? Lots of reasons...won't go into now. But recently had her worked on and got her started. ( I took it apart a few years back to paint it and I ended up breaking something in the process of taking the tank off.)
Now I'm in a dilemma. I really need to find out how to maintain it myself or I'm gonna have to sell it. I only rode for 3 years before I stopped. In addition my husband really wished I wouldn't ride.
I would love to continue riding, I just don't feel safe on it, and it needs TLC. The turn signal lights won't work, and it has a hard time starting. When I did ride it it tended to stall at stoplights.
I have to kick start it, since the original electric start doesn't work, and another electric start was added in a different place, but now this one won't work either.
Are there any classes or books anyone could recommend? I live in San Diego, CA.
I know how to gas it up, change the oil and plugs, that's about it. I'm pretty handy so I can learn if I have the right teachers/text. I have Clymer's text for it but it's really hard to understand. It assumes you know the basics of how a motorcycle works, something I really ought to know. Would an automotive repair class help?
Any help appreciated!

JBT

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 7 replies

my first bike- 69 scrambler- looking for info

satireDUN — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 02:08:21 GMT

i just got my first bike, a 69 honda scrambler (125 cc). im looking for info on these bikes, so if you know any good leads (especially parts) that be great. im fairly experienced with auto repair and am making the leap to bikes.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 1 reply

so sad :(

korntee — Sun, 21 May 2006 19:24:59 GMT

my 75 cb550 brake a cam chain, not worth fixing, I just donated it to the SF City College motorcycle repair class.
Maybe someone there will rebuild it and ride it again.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 1 reply

1977 Hondamatic CB750A motorcycle for sale...Los Angeles

®ick — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 06:20:44 GMT

1977 Hondamatic CB750A motorcycle for sale...Los Angeles

Just got married, no longer have time to ride this machine. Could use some extra cash...

Metallic blue, good condition, new tires, recent complete tune up, runs great... 36k miles, automatic transmission...

asking $1400.00

Send an email for pictures.

Rick
erecords@hotmail.com
310-279-2388

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

Any flattankers about?

Michael — Tue, 13 Dec 2005 23:33:29 GMT

Hi, seeing if anyone with 1920's or earlier machines are around.

Mike

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

Any of you guys live in Los Angeles

Mateen — Tue, 13 Dec 2005 22:45:27 GMT

I'm tired of going to these weekly bike meets here in Los Angeles only to see new GSXR's. I want to start a weekly meeting for vintage, rat & streetfighter bikes here in Los Angeles.

Anyone interested let me know.
83GS1100E@gmail.com

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

Biker Dude/Babe Tshirts

powerflames — Sat, 22 Oct 2005 17:48:33 GMT

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfrppZ50QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQrdZ0QQsassZpowerflames73

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

Charity Bike Build

powerflames — Tue, 11 Oct 2005 00:50:52 GMT

Ok Biker Brothers and Sisters here it is...

My friend and I are going to be hosting a weekly bike night at his bar, Club Diablo (http://www.clubdiablo.com/) for next spring 2006. One of the main features of this bike night will be a custom chopper, I (South Side Kustoms) will be building for raffle, with the ALL the proceeds of this raffle to go to The Western New York Food Bank and The Make A Wish Foundation.

So this is where I need help. I need to get this bike build financed. I need a frame/motor/everything. So I am looking for donations of parts/money for this build for charity. Like I said ALL money from the raffle will be going to these 2 great charities. Anyone who donates a part/money for this build will get a receipt with the value of the part/money, so you can right it off to Uncle Sam and hey YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING REALLY NICE at the same time!

To make a donation of parts/money or if you have any questions or would like to help...please feel free to contact me at southsidekustoms@adelphia.net

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

New Years in Portland

Mon, 26 Sep 2005 15:55:08 GMT

Hey there all,

Anything cool going on shows, etc.....in Portland around New years? Or anyone want to take 2 rockin chicks riding.I will be there from Dec 28- Jan 2nd.

Thanks!

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

Your first bike?

Mmmonte — Fri, 04 Mar 2005 03:38:58 GMT

So I am now curious about what other people's very first motorcycle was.
When I was 15 I got a Honda 150 twin. It was like a baby Honda Dream (300), and did I have fun. $300 financed at the Credit Union for $15 a month.
Wish I still had it, of course, but it eventually broke and I sold it in a basket. I found a picture of one like it online and posted it in my profile photo album.
What was your first motorcycle?

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 17 replies

So there i was...

toesup — Fri, 19 Aug 2005 00:32:54 GMT

So there i was browsing the good ole net looking for pictures of Vincent's when i happened accross a 1939 picture of a rather nice rapide.. in front of a house that looked familiar.
Getting out my 'file' on the Comet, the house in the background of the picture i have is exactly the same as the one on my screen. The article confirms my suspicions.. the bike was originally owned by a guy that became a TT (Isle of Man) winner in the 1950's!.
On a 'hunch' i looked up the name in the phone directory to find one listing, in the right area... and dialed the number....
A rather sprightly 88 year old answered and after introducing myself, told him my little story about the two pictures. "Did you own a Comet"? i asked... "Oh yes...FG something was the registration...".

Yep, i tracked down the owner of the bike who bought it new in 1938!

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 1 reply

New motorcycle tribe

LittleMIke — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 07:29:05 GMT

I just started a new tribe that centers around Harley riders in northern Cali. I'm not a Harley or nothing type but wanted to talk with other like minded riders. Pedal scrappers are more than welcome and really the tribe, (I hope) is more about where good spots are and what events are going on.
ANY input will be helpfull and I hope to see you there.
Travel Easy,
LittleMIke

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

The Rock Store

toesup — Tue, 23 Aug 2005 00:06:37 GMT

Mulholland Hwy... outside of LA..

Has anyone visited this venue on a Sunday?...and is it worth a visit?

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 6 replies

looking for a moto morini

Caudata — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 21:54:40 GMT

I just moved to CA near the bay area. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to go about finding a 1983/'84 moto morini 350/500 sport. The bike obviously is not very common, and I haven't had any success through ebay or cycletrader. Thanks in advance for any help!!

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

Need a kickstart sound recording for an art project

Sun, 10 Jul 2005 01:16:09 GMT

Hi,
I need to record a motorcycle kickstart sound for an art project. If you have a motorcycle with a kickstart and would be willing to let me record it for a minute I would really appreciate it and if you want I can pay you something or trade. I've been told only dirtbikes have a kickstart anymore, and I need that sort of start-up sound, it's been a bit hard to find ....thank you. email me?
Tracy
peacekey@earthlink.net

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 4 replies

Paint Match (CB350Twin)

Atomic_Love — Fri, 22 Oct 2004 16:49:16 GMT

Can someone help me with a paint code for my '72 CB350 Twin. The bike is originally a deep cherry red or that's what it looks like under the emblem. It also has a white pearl like undercoat. The pic is in the Tribe photo album. Thanks!

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 5 replies

Oregon Vintage Motorcycle Show

jtontheweb — Wed, 18 May 2005 23:12:28 GMT

If you live in the area, this may be worth a visit. It's happening this weekend.

http://www.oregonvintage.org/corvallis_files/26th-Annual-Corvallis3.htm

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

Honda Super 90

jtontheweb — Fri, 29 Apr 2005 23:41:04 GMT

I just bought a new bike. It's a 1969 Honda Super 90. Does anyone know of any good links for information online? Are there any forums that would relate to this bike?

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 4 replies

Good shop for old Hondas in Oakland?

BourbonCowboy — Wed, 27 Apr 2005 08:12:41 GMT

Hey all...

Everyone knows that Charlie's Place in San Francisco is THE place to take old Hondas. Is there any place that's recommended in the East Bay, especially Oakland? I ride a '72 Honda 550-4 SOHC, and it needs a little more love and care than I'm capable of giving it right now.

Thanks!
--BC

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 9 replies

Tool Kit

Fri, 11 Mar 2005 16:24:33 GMT

Who manufactures a decent tool kit? Something that will last seven generations.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 17 replies

how did you become a biker?

dannyinlondon — Thu, 07 Apr 2005 15:38:25 GMT

i'll start. when i was 10, in 1974, my brother took me to see evil kneivel attempt to jump 16 london buses at wembley stadium. wembley stadium was already a mythical place for a 10 year old into football (soccer for the yanks) and the whole experience was incredible. he may have been a crap stuntman, but what a showman! after that i used to go to sleep fantasising about riding a bike.
btw, what bike did he used to ride. maybe my memory is tricking me, but was it a harley?!?! what loon would try that on a harley???
one of my dreams is to own a set of evil kneivel leathers! my friends say im mad, but id ride around in them every day!

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 5 replies

New Horse in the stable

resistzine — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 20:59:45 GMT

Just picked up a new bike this morning. A 1976 Yamaha XS360. Took it for a little ride (a very little ride... before it ran out of gas and i had to push it back... "it doesn't have a license on it, so don't take it very far." he said. He should have said "it's low on gas, and i already flipped it to reserve.") Other than that, it's a nice bike... has kind of a nice sound. I don't like the color scheme much though. I think it might have a date with the rattle can. (and some clubmans while i'm at it)

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 1 reply

The HOg Farm

powerflames — Tue, 22 Mar 2005 02:09:00 GMT

http://www.the-hog-farm.com/

Check It Out!!!!!!

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 10 replies

good bay area resource

korntee — Fri, 11 Mar 2005 05:38:38 GMT

http://www.clarity.net/cgi-bin/bamsearch.cgi

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 1 reply

My first bike

Dzeli — Thu, 11 Mar 2004 23:56:39 GMT

Hello. I admit it. I'm a newbie.
I've been super-fascinated with motorcycles for a long time, have been a passenger and took the SF Skills and Safety class, but I have yet to buy a bike. I'm a little wary and intimidated as I don't want to buy a bike that quickly ends up costing me a lot of money in repairs but I also don't know what specifically to look for to prevent that from happening.

Could you please help me with some of my questions?

a good starter bike and a reasonable price for it
what to look out for when buying it
a place or person to buy it from
motorcycle insurance - pros, cons & recommendations

much thanks,
Dzeli

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 5 replies

Vintage insurance.

Tue, 26 Oct 2004 04:04:32 GMT

Hi there!
Anybody have opinions on historical insurance for bikes?
Company they use, rates, etc.
Thanks.
Mike

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 2 replies

Vintage Motorcycle import

toesup — Fri, 25 Feb 2005 00:12:52 GMT

Ok...
So i have two vehicles, motorcycles that i wish to bring in to the United States...

1/ Is French (Koehler Escoffier KLS4), manufactured in 1934 and imported in to Great Britain in the early 1980's. It states on the V5 registration document that it wasnt registered in this country prior to that date.
It also states on that registration document that my Father was the previous registered keeper of this vehicle, from the date of import.
Delving in to the French registration system, no records of vehicles manufactured prior to 1950 exist, they were all destroyed in the 1970's and i cannot therefor veryfy that this vehicle was not stolen prior to its import in to this country.
I Can however prove, by the paper trail, that it was legally imported in to Great Britain and registered with the DVLA (Driver Vehicle Licencing Agency..for the American readers) and given an age related number for the year 1934.

2/ I also have a Vincent HRD Comet 500cc Manufactured in 1938..
I know the name of the builder (E. Hampshire), i know the name of the test rider (S.Wood), I know the date of despatch from the factory (11th October 1938) and i know which dealer (Colgans in London) it was sold from in September 1938. These details came from the works records which were salvaged when the company closed down in the late 1950's and also go to prove that the parts on the bike (from serial numbers) are as originally manufactured.
I know who bought the bike (J.F Kentish)..and who rode the bike in the Lands End Trial for 1939 (S. G. Vane-Hunt)..yes, i have paperwork covering that too, including photographs, and including the programme for that trial, all showing the vehicles registration.
I have the reciept from when the bike was bought by my Father (June 1981) and copies of ALL receipts of monies he spent on restoring the bike.
I have correspondance from the DVLA regarding the registration of this bike, and how it was inspected at the time to prove that it was in fact what my Father calaimed. Records prior to about 1980 for vehicles that were not registered with the DVLA were destroyed when registering a vehicle for British roads became computerised.
I have the V5 registration document from the DVLA stating that my Father was the previous registered keeper and that it passed to my name on the event of his death.

My understanding is, that to import a vehicle in to the US OLDER than 25 years, all i need is a steam cleaning certificate to prove it has been cleaned and proof that the bikes belong to me. They are not subject to emmission laws or saftey equipment laws.

Can anyone add anything that i might need?

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 6 replies

rebuilds

toesup — Sun, 27 Feb 2005 17:38:37 GMT

I am planning on doing a 'bike' rebuild and need some advice...

1/ Any decent vapour / bead blasters you have dealt with?

2/ I am looking for a decent / sympathetic chrome plater... Any dealings with 'such'?

3/ Also in need of an enameller who can enamel frame parts.

(All within the in the Portland Or area, or within reasonable travelling distance.)

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

new bike

cole — Fri, 31 Dec 2004 07:00:00 GMT

i just bought an 82 cb900f on ebay.
supposedly in good working order... new tires and brakes.

what a bargain! i'm so stoked!
c

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

Need a 6 volt blinker relay

Woody — Fri, 31 Dec 2004 06:33:10 GMT

Anyone know an easy place to pick up a flasher/blinker relay of the 6 volt variety for an old Honda 175. The blinkers flash very slowly, and I suspect someone changed the original flasher relay for an easily gotten automotive 12 volt version.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

throttle return cable

korntee — Tue, 08 Jun 2004 22:49:34 GMT

I've got a 75 Honda CB550. a few weeks ago I had the carbs rebuilt. I just noticed that the throttle return cable is missing. Whe I inquired about it at the shop I took it to, they didn't admit to taking it off, but said that i don't need one, and that they don't even sell them because no one buys them. I don't agree with them, why would honda put make them if they weren't needed? I don't notice a huge difference, but I do think it worked a little better than before.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 4 replies

Older Honda starter switch

korntee — Thu, 18 Nov 2004 03:38:10 GMT

I found an alternative to the $60 (out of stock) starter switch from Honda, for my 75' CB550K. If you pick up part# 275-1556 at radioshack for $2.
It just happens to fit in the switch housing, and you can use the existing button from the old switch, if you heat up the push arm a little bit and pull it out of the plastic.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F002%5F015%5F002&product%5Fid=275%2D1556&hp=search

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 1 reply

Lake Elsinore Grand Prix - November 13-14

Woody — Wed, 20 Oct 2004 03:29:42 GMT

Okay, anyone in Southern California with a dirt bike, or a dual sport, or even a quad, you ought to do this race at least once. Despite the wal-mart up the street, Lake Elsinore is very much the same as it was in 1970 when Malcom Smith and Steve McQueen raced it. It's $95 to preenter, which is a bit much maybe, but you get to run down main street with 100 other bikes, then up into the hills for a big 5 mile loop. There is only one real jump on the whole course, so its good for beginers, or even vintage bikes.

In only have vintage bikes. Last year I road a 1970 Husky CR400 Harvey Mushman replica, the previous years I rode a Honda SL450 of my own creation.

www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

When was the last time your bike ran totally sweet?

^RaVeN^ — Mon, 04 Oct 2004 20:14:48 GMT

When was the last time everything worked perfectly, was adjusted right on your bike?

You know what I'm talking about, all of the good noises and none of the bad, no need more of this or need to tweek that later.

My stars were aligned yesterday... just gave it gas and it purred along. ahhh...

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 1 reply

Won't start in the morning

^RaVeN^ — Wed, 22 Sep 2004 16:32:20 GMT

Now that the weather has cooled off, I can't seem to get my bike (1977 Honda CB750) to turn over in the morning. If the sun has been on it a couple hours, it turns right over, no problem. I'm thinking that there might be moisture on the plugs or ???

Anyone have any ideas?

^R^

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 6 replies

Rebuilding my CB450 motor

Woody — Sun, 03 Oct 2004 22:15:39 GMT

Okay, I swore the last time that I would never again carry a motorcycle motor up a flight of stairs and rebuild it in my bedroom. But here we go again. And I wonder why I'm not married?

Okay, so I'm rebuilding the top end of my 1970 CL450 in my bedroom. All the machine work is done, all I have to do is assemble it with new pistons, rings, cam chain and gaskets. Here's the question, should I be using new wrist pins? the motor had 30k on it when it suffered a cracked ring and scored a cylinder. The wrist pins have visable discoloration, but feel fine to my fingers. Anyone know if Honda still has them available?

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

What's wrong with your bike?

jessehattabaugh — Mon, 22 Mar 2004 16:36:21 GMT

Some might consider it a nuisance to have to work on their bike, but I find it a draw. There's nothing like flying down the road and knowing that it's my hard work and mechanical skill that made it possible. So in that light I'd like to start a thread about the mechanical problems with our bikes and how we plan to fix them. I hope I can get advice from people who have been there, and maybe help some others out.

Right now my bike has quite a few problems, but that's to be expected with as little work that I've done to it since I bought it. Cold Missouri winter doesn't inspire one to tinker. I think I'll split them into multiple posts cause if you all are like me, you don't read posts more than two paragraphs long. :-)

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 7 replies

Vintage Dirt Riders

Woody — Fri, 17 Sep 2004 06:26:46 GMT

Who here has a Vintage dirt bike? Show of hands? I bring this up cause the Elsinore GP is coming up in 60 days or less. I am heavily into preparation for this years race. I'm working on my stamina, to do a 45 minute race. Building a new motor for my Honda CL450. Getting my Husky CR400 set up with a new tire, brakes and cables so I have my choice of bikes to ride. And making my truck road worthy again

Anyone wanna go for a ride?

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

Honda Translation circa 1962

Woody — Tue, 22 Jun 2004 06:43:15 GMT

Supposedly taken from a 1962 owners manual. This will be quote funny to those of you who enjoy engrish.com

I promised Francis I would send this to him, so here it is for all of us:

1962 Safety Rules from Honda

Taken from a 1962 Honda Motor Cycle Owner's Manual.
Translated by Honda for the American Motorcycle Rider

1. At the rise of the hand by Policeman, stop rapidly. Do not pass him by or otherwise disrespect him.

2. When a passenger of the foot, hooves in sight, tootel the horn trumpet melodiously at first. If he still obstacles your passage, tootel him with vigor and express by word of mouth, warning Hi, Hi.

3. Beware of the wandering horse that he shall not take fright as you pass him. Do not explode the exhaust box at him. Go soothingly by.

4. Give big space to the festive dog that makes sport in roadway. Avoid entanglement of dog with wheel spokes.

5. Go soothingly on the grease mud, as there lurks the skid demon. ! Press the brake foot as you roll around the corners, and save the collapse and tie up.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 1 reply

hello people

Thu, 01 Apr 2004 07:53:19 GMT

saying hi, checking in. i ride a 75 honda cb360t and she is beautiful. her name is thelma (yes i name my vehicles; sometimes i'm tempted to name my kitchen applicances!). she won't start. :( new plugs, got gas, good battery - won't start! what could it be? suggestions welcome; i am utterly mechanically challenged. i was proud of myself the other day when i replaced a brake light on my car, fer crying out loud.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 3 replies

New Old Ducati Motorcycles for sale

Woody — Thu, 22 Apr 2004 00:24:43 GMT

Hey, a friend of mine brought an army surplus/survival catalog to work the other day adn right there on the cover:

"Ducati Swiss Military Condor A-350 $2995 plus shipping"

How cool is that? For three grand not only are you getting a new bike, but a Ducati and sure to be a collectable classic. I have no affiliation with the site, I just want one of these bikes. Here is the link:

http://www.majorsurplusnsurvival.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=MSS&Product_Code=086753

Woody

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 1 reply

sidecars, trikes, and cyclecars

conradin — Sun, 21 Mar 2004 01:50:30 GMT

I have created a tribe for three wheelers: ATV, street, racing, dirt, home made, it ain't matter. As long as you like three wheel drift this is it.

sidehack.tribe.net

under recreation and sports

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

hi

conradin — Sun, 21 Mar 2004 01:26:29 GMT

I own four rigs, although only two of them I would consider "vintage"..all three qualify as "vintage" over this tribe though. I currently do not own any solos.

1. BMW 75/6-IZH Sputnik
2. Honda CB750F-Watsonian Palma
3. 85 Honda VT500C Kosman (work in progress)

The fourth rig is a racing rig, so it does not count.

I have never owned anything street legal that was not over 15 years old, with the exception of one 91 Nighthawk CB250 as part of a trade.

My first bike was an 87 Yamaha SRX 250, while my second is an 86 Kawasaki Concours. My first sidecar is a 77 Jawa 350TS- Velorex 562.

All of them needs work. I especially enjoyed "struggling" with the Jawa. I probably learned more about 2 stroke technology than I will ever want to deal with. It always broke in one part or another. Me doing acrobatic on three wheelers including flipping it upside down did not help (I flew over a couple lanes of traffic as a result). Finally I sold it to a couple of older folks.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 0 replies

Welcome

jessehattabaugh — Thu, 04 Mar 2004 16:51:14 GMT

Howdy, I'm Jesse. I started this tribe because the other motorcycle tribes I'm a part of tend to discuss things that don't pertain as much to vintage motorcycles as they do to new bikes. Things such as "riding" and "traveling". The things I do with my bike tend to be more centered around repairing, troubleshooting, finding parts, repairing, and maintenance. I hope you all enjoy it.

posted in Vintage Motorcycles - 3 replies