Think you're the only one having a bad day?

From Bruce:

Try picking up a Yamaha Venture-861 lbs. It can be done easily if you know how, learned from a 115 lb girl at Wing Ding some time ago. 1 1/2 years ago I backed out of the garage and went to leave for work, turned a little too sharp and she started to go. I tried to jump off but my cuff caught on the foot peg and I heard my leg break. I yelled for my son and he had it off in a flash. adrenaline works really well. He asked if I was OK and I said my leg's broken. He asked if it wasn't just a sprain? Uh no, I heard it break. I hobbled into the house and told him to get his mom who was just getting out of the shower. She comes out and I told her I needed a ride to the hospital. She says "do I have time to dry my hair?"

Sure dear, go right ahead, its only broken.

Let's go camping

Herman sent this link.



It certainly makes backing up a lot easier but I have my doubts about the towing capacity of the VW. Still, it should be enough for a person and a Giro bike.

MotoGiro Pictures

The MotoGiro pictures are here. All 1384 of them! In order to get them out as quickly as possible I have not edited them or deleted any. Download and print all you want for free. Pictures from last year's Giro are there too.

If you would like the full sized files (~9 meg each) let me know. $10 each or 3 for $25 seems fair for standing in the sun all day.

I'm working on a panorama print of the group shot. 5 feet wide! I'll post a message when it's done in case anyone wants one.

I had a great time. Too bad the last leg was canceled. See you in the fall if not before.
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MotoGiro Picture

No reports this weekend because I had the only motel in the world without WiFi. Before I run off to work here's the group photo we took on Sunday afternoon. I'll post more pictures and a complete report tonight.

Dead guy rides bike!

OK, this is just plain creepy! They embalm the guy and put him on display. I guess it's OK to not wear the helmet since he's already dead. The whole story is here.

I'm off to the MotoGiro. Reports from the road tomorrow.

Motorcycles On An Intellectual Plane

If you think you know a lot about motorcycles and what to take it to a higher plain check out the International Journal of Motorcycle Studies. It's an online journal of people who take motorcycles very seriously. However, this is no egghead journal just for physics and chemistry. In the current issue is an article on "A Matter of Style--Charlie Parker and Jack Kerouac: Between Coolness and Ecstasy" and "Marx and McQueen: Racing against Communism in Fordist America" Bird? McQueen? How cool is that!?

There are book reviews and an article on a German art/motorcycle exhibit. Something for your brain on those cloudy, rainy days when you're stuck inside.

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Got too much money?

This in from Dave:

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Apparently somebody does.  You can see it all here. Current bid is US $122,100.00. 

Yeah, I've got it on my watch list!

More Destruction By Evil Dirt Bikers

This picture of rock fall in Arch Canyon in SE Utah is more evidence of the wanton destruction caused by off-road vehicles (who are also responsible global warming).

Or it could just be a natural occurrence. Much like what has been happening for the last million years. Even before the wheel was invented, let alone the SUV.

You be the judge.

More Manuals On Line

Shane Rivet has been busy scanning manuals into his web site for Rivet Restorations. You can find them by clicking Service Tips. He has wiring diagrams also. As he seems to have a lot more time than I do the list seems to be ever expanding. He has access to George DeCamp's old archives and has offered to scan any manual requested. So if there is something you need you should drop him a line.

If anyone else wants to send me links to manuals on line for any make of motorcycle I'll start an archive of links and keep it posted.

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Note: I have figured out that I need to write this in the evening for posting the following day. Rushing to catch the subway seriously cuts down my blogging time in the morning. Hopefully I'm back on track.

Things That Make Things

How often have you wanted a simple part but it just didn't exist. I'm thinking of the clutch push rod seal retainer for a CB160. It has to be big enough to hold the seal in but small enough to clear the sprocket. The first thought is for a nice lathe to cut the piece from aluminum stock. Hmmm. I seem to be short on lathes and metal stock at the moment.

Plan B: go to the hardware store and get some PVC pipe and cut it to length and put a couple of big washers on either end to hold the seal. Cheesy and about as elegant as a donkey on roller skates in the Easter Parade.

Enter the MakerBot, billed as the "Robot that Makes Things".This 3-D printer can construct just about anything using the same sort of plastic as Legos use. It can even construct a hollow sphere!

Just the thing for my seal retainer and once I make one I can make a million just like it for all the other racers. $1000 may seem steep for something you might only use once in a while but I'll bet that if you had it you would be thinking of all sorts of things that need making.

A constant problem for vintage restorations is parts that are no longer available. Unobtanium! However, there is usually somebody that has one but doesn't want to sell it or the price is too high. If only you could clone it!

Enter the 3-D scanner. As Jay Leno demostrates, a few minutes and you can have all the details in a working file. Feed that to the MakeBot and you have your part. Admittedly, it won't work for a cylinder head or transmission gear but maybe a side cover or tail light bracket? Use your imagination!

Traveling

Note: I've acquired a 9-5 job which is seriously cutting into my fun time. Adjusting to the work-a-day world has been awkward which has led to the missed postings. Bear with me while I get used to my new schedule.

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Here's a post from Ben on the problems of traveling from Boston to Bangalore while the Icelandic volcano is spewing and causing problems. I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.

·        American Airline flight from Boston to Chicago to Delhi with overnight in Delhi and continue to Bangalore on the first flight out.

·        Checked 2 bags and 1 carry-on in Boston.

·        AA representative in Boston informed me that my checked bags will arrived in Bangalore not in Delhi.  My checked bags ticket also shows final checked bags will arrive in Bangalore.

·        Delhi has International and Domestic Terminal separated by about 5 miles.

·        10pm - Landed in Delhi after 15 hours flight from Chicago flying north to north pole and down Russia/Siberia and Pakistan.

·        10:30pm - Went through the custom with a carry-on bag but without the 2 checked bags.
Went to the hotel and slept until 4am to catch the domestic flight to Bangalore.

·        4:30am - Checked out of the hotel and hotel driver drove me to the Domestic Terminal.

·        5am - Domestic flight terminal informed me that they do not have my checked bags and it should be in the international terminal.

·        Domestic airline, Jet Airways was helpful by hailing me a cab at a negotiated price of 150 rubee.
6am - On a way to the International Terminal, the cab driver turns the car around to go back to Domestic Airport to return previous passenger's cell phone which he forgot.

·        6:15am - We made it to International Terminal however, nobody spoke English and they were not helpful.

·        6:45am - Saw a person sleeping on the floor in the AA office. The office has a sign that says open @ 10am.

·        Everyone (Port Authority, Customs Officials, Military, Jet Airways personnel) advised me to wait for AA office to open at 10am.  Wasted 4 hours in the International Terminal playing soduko (thank god my mind was busy).

·        10am - Went back to the AA office and nobody was there.  But the door was open.

·        10:30am – Security guard on break informed me that the AA office opens at 10:30am because it is Sunday.

·        10:45am – AA staff enters the office.  Phones are ringing left and right and one AA staff takes all these calls.

·        11:30am – AA staff attends to my needs.  I filled out a form and waited for AA staff's assistant to return with photocopies of passport.

·        12:15pm – AA staff's assistant returns with the photocopy.

·        12:45pm – AA staff's assistant, staff, and I go upstairs to the other side of the terminal.  Staff requested that we wait there and he leaves.

·        1:15pm – AA staff returns and chats with Port Authority officials and we sign more papers.  Port Authority officials gave me 1 hour pass into the International Terminal.

·        1:30pm - we are back at AA office and we fill out same form again.

·        2:00pm – AA Staff's assistant escorts us the baggage claims area and the Custom's official tells the assistant that he needs PID or some form from AA.

·        2:25pm – AA Staff's assistant does not return and I run to AA office to get the Assistant to come with me and that I only have 5 minutes left to get back into the International Terminal.  Fortunately, United Emirate (UE) staff was at AA office and he said that he can help me.

·        2:28pm - I rush back into the International Terminal.

·        2:35pm - UE staff chats with the custom's official and he let's into the baggage claims area without PID form.  The baggage claims employees are having their lunch so we waited for 15 minutes until they were finished.

·        2:50pm - I got my bags after paying 300 Rubee and filled out more forms and now the bags need to go through x-ray and fill out again more forms.

·        2:55pm - I goto Inter-Terminal connection place to board a bus and waited for the next bus ~ 3:00pm.

·        3:00pm - I was informed that I am not allowed to get on the bus because my international flight was yesterday and that I needed to get a cab.

·        3:15pm - I took a cab and rushed back into Domestic Terminal and requested to be on the next flight.  Next flight is scheduled for 8pm.

10:30pm – Landed in Bangalore and went to the http://www.theleela.com/hotel-bangalore.html.

I learned most Indians do not speak English.  I.e.:

·        Do you have a shower?  Yes sir.  Where is the shower?  We do not have a shower.

·        Please wait 5 minutes = 20 to 30 real minutes.

·        My flight number is 0834.  The response that I got was 0835.

·        Flight time shows boarding at 19:35:  I say, my flight is at 7:35pm.  The response that I got was your flight is at 8:35pm.

I do not know if they are intentionally fucking with me or not.  Maybe I am delirious.

One other thing…this is the only country so far where I could use anti-diarrhea pills.  Of course I do not have any.  I think the culprit is brushing my teeth with tap water instead of bottled water.

Cheers from India,

MotoGiro In Two Weeks

The Spring MotoGiro is all set to begin Friday, 30 April. Geoff Boughton is going all out to present the best ever Giro. The Spring event will be held in the Berkshire Mountain area of Mass. Headquarters are at the Jiminy Peak ski area.


Although I hear that the entry list is filled there is much to be seen on Saturday and Sunday as 120 ancient bikes wheeze by on their way to fame and glory. Past entries included a CZ motor scooter that was the size of my Buick and a 50cc Ducati that was passed by several old ladies on walkers.


Drop by and join the fun. It will get you revved up for the Fall Giro and all the events in between.

LSR Plans

I thought I'd update you on the status of the project. Although there have been a few setbacks I haven't given up on bringing a bike to Bonneville.

The first version was too much to be sustained by enthusiasm alone. I bought the CR-80 engine and then realized I'm no 2-stroke tuner. Just figuring out the classes, let alone picking one out took time and thought. Money turned out to be one of the lesser challenges but is there. Plus, promises of help seemed to evaporate. I went through a period when I was pretty depressed by the whole thing. However, I have a new, and more realistic, plan.

First, logistics is the first concern. The best bike in the world won't help if I don't get it there. I just bought a Chevy pickup and already have a box trailer. I'm fitting everything to carry the parts and tools I will need. The offer of a motor home to use turned out to be a bust so I may be sleeping in the trailer.

Second, a custom frame is more than I need for a first effort. I'm going to use the Moriwaki MH-80R I bought and use a modified CR-80 engine. That way I have a stable platform to start with. I doubt that I'll set any records but I'll learn enough to come back and be competitive.

Third, I've chosen to concentrate on the 100cc class. Either modified or partially streamlined. Time and resources will dictate which way to go. The CR-80 engine is easily pushed out to 100cc's so I won't have to rework the frame.

I'm going to treat this first year as a learning experience and see where it leads. I am going to Bonneville in August! The entry form is sitting on my desk and will go in next week. I already have my BNI membership so that I can compete.

Now that the scope is reduced to realistic proportions I'm committed to making it happen. Just thought you'd like to know.
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Terrorist Alert Red!

Congress has issued an emergency warning on yet another threat to air travel. "These terrorist volcanoes must be stopped!"

TSA has confirmed that volcanoes will be under greater surveillance in and around airports around the world. However, to avoid strict profiling, mountains, hills, and other mounds of earth will also be put on the terror list.

When interviewed this morning a TSA worker (Mr. Wiley Seeker at LAX) stated that: “We can’t just be searching the smoke heads…we have to avoid profiling. This morning a slag heap and her small mound were searched, and of course we found nothing”

The president stated that such derogatory terms such as “Smoke Heads”, and “Powder Puffs” will not be tolerated.

Posted by Gary on April 15, 2010, at 9:07 AM

Great job Gary - I couldn't have said it better! Here's the WBUR report. I loved the part about the 747 pilot sticking his head out the window in order to be able to see while landing!

USCRA Race School

Following up on yesterday's post on the CB160 race class here is the word from Karl Smolenski on the USCRA race school to be held on Friday, 21 May at NHMS. $75 includes the instruction, track practice, and a Rookie Race. The Formula CB160 race is on Sunday, the 23^rd and is not to be confused with the Formula CB which is for CB350s. Entry form is here.

2010 Vintage Race School
The race school will start in the media center at 9am, and the class room session will run to noon-ish, after lunch we'll tech the bikes and talk about the tech side of racing, then participate in guided practice laps and finish up with a final classroom session and the rookie race at the end of the day. New riders will be qualified to race that weekend, so if you are planning on the school and racing, you should get your primary entry form in to NHMS before the 10th of APRIL to get the reduced prices, and get your school entry form send off before the 15th of MAY. Please get in touch with me at ksmolenski@yahoo.com if you have any specific questions.

You have 6 weeks to get ready. Find  a bike, put new tires on it, and race. It's just that simple! What's your excuse now?

Hint: Go to a Honda dealer and order tires for the Dream 50R. These are racing tires for only ~$60 each. They fit the CB160 rims perfectly and are the best tires for this class.

Also, although it says Formula CB160, it includes CD160s and CL160s as well. Any stock Honda 160 frame and engine qualify.

3rd Place Racing

Tom Parker has done a fabulous job of bringing the joy of low buck racing to the small screen. The true joy of racing is not going fast but of going faster than the other guy. Some of the best races in my life have been for 3rd place against somebody who was so closely matched that the lead changed repeated, the outcome was always in doubt, and every corner pegged the sphinctometer!


The Fowler Formula from Tom Parker.

Tom has brilliantly caught the true glory of CB160 racing and the Fowler Formula. This is truly a classic!

The USCRA has just inaugurated a CB160 Stock class into their series of races.  For anyone out there who wants to race but who thinks that they aren't good enough or don't have enough money to race, this is your class! All it takes is a little imagination and some elbow grease to get it going. Once on the track it's just you and the other riders. And that great big grin that will take a week to wipe off!

Destination Pennsylvania

This suggestion is from Jay:

I had not heard of this museum until recently. It's only an hour+ from here so I checked it out yesterday. If you ever find yourself in PA, try to see it. I was astonished at the size of the place. It's not exclusively bikes, but nearly all interesting. I think Bill (I met him - very pleasant fellow) loves anything old or 2 wheeled - except anything Japanese. I saw bikes I had never heard of, but nothing from Asia. Well, Bill is a long time custom Harley guy, so....
http://www.billsbikebarn.com

http://www.billscustomcycles.com

It's a reminder of a time of when Harley built motorcycles rather noisy wannabe cartoons. Not far from the intersection of I-80 & I-81 it's a perfect weekend trip from Boston or NYC. There are many nearby state parks for camping.

Used Equipment - Wee Willy

Uber-Macho riders need read no further. Since you don't wear a helmet you won't have a face shield. And since you don't have a face shield you don't need a Wee Willy. The fact that you may already have a wee willy is another matter.

One of the real bummers of riding is bugs. I was once riding along, sans helmet, singing to myself at full volume. As I threw back my head for another chorus a bug happened to choose that very moment to occupy that very same space. Since my mouth was wide open the bug went in, down, and very nearly back out in one very smooth but decidedly un-tasty motion. Gulp! The only reason it did not make it back out was because I was sitting on the exit.

Now that I wear a helmet I have a tendency to look like the picture above during a summer ride. No matter what, bugs will find a way to commit suicide on any vertical surface in motion. When it's my face shield things are a drag because it impairs my vision. This makes it harder to decide whether the sedan ahead belongs to a person in uniform.

Enter the Wee Willy. This is a pocket sized, do-it-all face shield bug removal system. While you're pulled over for any reason. you can whip out your Wee Willy and scrub your face shield clean in a minute or two. Squirt it. Scrub it. Squeegee it. And polish it. That fast and that easy. Instructions here.

I don't know what is in the bottle but it dissolves bugs and bug parts. I've scrubbed off some serious splatters and have yet to scratch a face shield. The squeegee works like a wonder and when you get done you will think you have a new face shield! The best part is that it is tiny and fits into your pocket or tank bag without taking up much space. Some major league thinking went into the design of this thing and it shows. 5 stars for usability! I've been using the my Wee Willie for years and it just keeps working.

You might think the $21.95 price is a bit steep but let me assure you that the next time you are heading into the setting sun and can clean your face shield for a nice non-smear, non-glare ride you will think of it as money well spent. Aerostich sells a similar kit without the scrubber, the squeegee, or the secret anti-bug juice for $18. For $4 more Wee Willy is a far superior product! Plus the refill kit is only $10.95 (Aerostich just tells you to use dish soap - that shows how serious they are).

Wee Willys make great gifts. I've given dozens away to buddies who have done me a favor or for Christmas and birthday presents. Tell the WW folks you read it here and maybe they'll give me a discount on my next refill kit.
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Honda U3-X

The Honda U3-X is described as a Personal Mobility Prototype. With a little imagination, like extensible fingers for going up and down stairs, one could see this as a fantastic aid for the disabled.

However, noting the propensity of butter-butt-osity amongst the American public I can also see this as yet another escape from meaningful exercise and another excuse to down a triple cheeseburger. There were people coming down the aisles at WallyWorld the other day whose hips were wider than their shopping carts!


I cringe every time I see people sightseeing in Boston on Segway scooters when they should be walking. It's a distraction that keeps them at a distance from seeing and touching and feeling what is right in front of them. It's like those people in museums who graze from picture to picture with the earphones spoon feeding them the Pablum without any involvement.

Maybe the U3-X should be limited to a load of no more than 160 pounds. I can just see a cartoon with it running in terror from a lard bucket trying to hop on it!

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Getting dirty in a big way

Finding events to ride a dirt bike in New England is pretty tough. Most of the "dual sport" events are really just untimed enduro routes. I tried one on the Transalp and only made it to the first gas stop before giving up. Wrong bike with the wrong tires. The other riders were supportive and helped me get through a couple of tough sections but, for me and the TA, every section was a Hero Section.



Luckily, somebody must be paying attention because there are more and more events that are oriented towards the big dual sports like the TA and GS. BMW has an Adventure Riding Series and KTM and AMA have teamed up for a national dual sport series that has separate routes for lightweight and heavyweight bikes.

Three events for New England are coming soon. The 30th New England Classic Charity Trail Ride 5&6 June starting at NHMS in Loudon, NH is a great affair. It has both big bike and lightweight enduro classes. It even has a kids ride so they can get out and enjoy the fun too. It's well run, lots of fun, and has contributed literally hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This year, in addition to the lunches and banquet, they are raffling off a brand new RMX450Z (think of the old DRZ400 on steroids). Hit up a few friends for donations and you can ride free and get a chance at the RMX. Here are some photos of a past event.

The Berkshire Trail Riders are hosting the Berkshire Big Adventure on 23 May 2010.

200 miles of dirt roads, back roads, and unmaintained roads of the scenic Berkshires. Main route for Big Adventure Bikes with Hero Sections for Dualsport Thumpers. Do Not Bring Your Enduro Bike!
Signup at 7am Riders Meeting at 9am
Entry Fee $40 ($35 by 2 May)
Start/Finish at Tucker's Pub
61 South Main St
Sandisfield MA 01255
Info: trailhoun68@charter.net or dualsport522@sbcglobal.net

Hoot Owl Scramblers are hosting the Hoot's 100 on 2 May

Arrowed from CT/RI border on Rt 44
Signup 7:30-11am First bikes out at 8am
Turkey Run - 100 miles of 40% back roads & 60% nice trail with optional Hero Sections
Dual Sport - 100 miles of nice back roads with state park dirt roads. Easy wide trails with some Hero Sections (if you feel like being a hero). This ride will be rider friendly for any size dual sport bike.
Contact: Kenny Law at 401-567-0964

These are fun runs that anyone can ride on any dual sport bike. Don't let the gear (or lack of it) stand in the way of riding in one of these events. I rode in one with an old open face helmet and cowboy boots! Skip the Hero Sections and it's just a ride in the park. Dave rides with his Nolan helmet and Aerostich suit.

Maybe I'll dig out my old '66 Honda Scrambler for one of them just for the joy of riding it again. I used to ride it everywhere because it's what I had and I didn't know any better. Who says I know any better now?
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