The 49 Mile Ride 2011

My favorite ride of the year has come and gone. Lori was adamant about going so I made sure the XS was running good for 2-up, actually, 3-up counting the baby. I got a new tail light and borrowed a new battery. Of course, Sunday morning my headlight wouldn't work. Francisco's Bomber wouldn't kick either, so I had to bump him and start my day sweaty. We had a small crew meet for coffee, then ride across the bridge and to the boat club where 300 classic, vintage, and antique motorcycles were gathering.

The ride was great. The weather was amazing. This will be the last year I ride my XS. I can't wait to cruise on my Triumph for next year. When we returned to the boat club, I noticed my swing-arm shaft had sheared off at the nut. This is the 3rd time. Something is up, probably the bushings. I'll decommission it for the year and look into it.

We had our new Canon with us and was excited about shooting in aperture priority mode for some photos with pizazz... SOMEWHERE along the way I had some setting on wrong and a vast majority of our photos were blue and washed out. I did my best to salvage them with Photoshop.

All the photos, including more bikes and ride photos. The following is a more personal recap.



















Lucas


Francisco










There's a baby in there


3 videos

Breaking Up

This was a little more difficult than I thought it would be. I had to be creative.


So was this


Now to wash and soda blast.

Hens Teeth

Like I mentioned, I went and visited RJ last weekend. He was awesome and kind and gave me two XS650 motors, and, as the cherry on top, an elusive, hard to find, XS1 front drum and wheel. I've been wanting one of these forever and they are just about impossible to find. And definitely not cheap. And the guy just gave me one! It will be going on the XS soon. So sexy. I love how I am doing the opposite of any sane person and purposely putting drums on all my bikes.

RJ's Bultaco

My buddy RJ in Antioch hooked me up with some parts. RJ is an ol timer flat tracker, and he used to race this bad Bultaco before he made it a show piece.

About Last Night

Lori is in LA once again for work. This is either the 3rd or 4th time now in 3 months. Which meant I was alone to de-evolve into bachelor life for a night. I spent the night cleaning Juliet's carbs and pulled the jugs off the pre-unit. I also discovered the battery on my XS is probably bad, just a few days before the 49 Mile Ride. As for the carbs, at first I thought all the gummed up components and rust were from the petrol tanks, but the trick little inline filters at the bottom of the carbs were spotless. So maybe moisture got in through the venturis and got down into the floats. Needless to say, this has to be why it wasn't starting. I'm hooking them back up today and will find out. Jugs came off with little sweat. At first I was thinking I'd be cursing for not having an engine stand, but it all worked out.

Mr. Irresponsible

I had to have one last impulsive action before the kid came. I picked this up this weekend... hopefully it will be BabyXY and my first project. I must thank the wife for hardly putting up a struggle!

1953 Thunderbird motor (factory rigid), 1955 Thunderbird chassis (first year swingarm). Complete basket case. Missing a lot. No fenders, seat, nacelle, engine mounts, most of the front end. I do have the fork lowers and triple trees. The front wheel is incorrect, but surprisingly correct for my '67 TR6. I thought they made repops for the fenders and nacelle, I guess they do, but they're fiberglass or Indian made (quality questionable). Luckily it does have the gas tank (including trim and badges), oil tank, and battery box (minus cover), magneto, and primary cover. My original plan was restoration... but not sure now. I won't be touching this for quite a while. Soon I need to go through the entire parts list just so I have a record of what's missing and what needs replaced. Project wise... I think I'm good for a while. Unless I find a factory rigid too good to say no!

2 Years of Smooches & Bruises

Today is Lori and my 2 year wedding anniversary. I married the sexiest, feistiest, sweetest, sexiest, smartest, cutest gal on the planet.
A look back at the best day ever. Click for all.