At Spring Mill State Park

Volume 37 / Number 4 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 • $5

2016

at Spring Mill State Park

WHAT’S INSIDE: A Visit to Jay Leno’s Garage One in a Million Honda 550F

Riding into History A Summary of Honda’s CBX 1000-6 Models official publication of the vintage japanese motorcycle club of north america, inc.

IN THIS ISSUE Features

EVENTS: VJMC at the Crossroads 6 Art District PROJECT BIKE: John’s SR250 Café 12 EVENT: 1st Annual Dreyer Honda 15 Vintage Show EVENTS: Barber Vintage Festival Invitation COVER STORY 18 2016 National Rally COLLECTIONS: A Visit to at Spring Mill State Park 38 Jay Leno’s 21 Garage ODDS & ENDS: A Variety of VJMs Departments 23 PRESIDENT’S LETTER: ...... 5 EVENTS: Opportunities Abound: Celebrate the Ride KCVJMC’s 6th Annual Spring Show Exceeds BACK IN THE DAY: 27 Expectations! Yamaha YA6 / Ed Thompson...... 10 PROJECT BIKE: FROM THE EDITOR: One in a Million Riding, Rallies, and Customs...... 11 Honda 550F TECH HELP: 30 Tech Tip #15: EVENTS: Carb Adjustments, Manuals, and Changing Tires...... 55 Riding into History Motorcycle Concours EVENTS CORNER...... 57 2016 34 ADVERTISER’S SPOTLIGHT: ODDS & ENDS: David Silver Spares...... 58 You Meet the Nicest People CLASSIFIEDS...... 59 on a Honda 45 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX...... 61

Volume 37 / Number 4 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 • $5 HISTORY: On the Cover A Summary of 2016 Friday’s ride group Honda’s CBX1000-6 takes a break Models at Spring Mill State Park in front of a WHAT’S INSIDE: A Visit to 48 Jay Leno’s Garage rare, round barn. One in a Million Honda 550F EVENTS: VJMC in cover photo:

the Midwest, Riding into History A Summary of Honda’s Michael Fitterling CBX 1000-6 Models

A Great Showing OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. 53 in Central Kansas Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 3

PRESIDENT’S LETTER Opportunities Abound:

Official Publication of the VJMC Celebrate the Ride AUGUST / SEPTMEBER 2016 t’s time to ride. As you read this issue, the riding season is Volume 37, Number 4 Iwrapping up for many of you north of the Mason-Dixon line. PRESIDENT But it’s not too late to add the Barber Vintage Festival or the Tom Kolenko AIMExpo events to your 2016 bucket list. We have had more 770-427-4820 [email protected] events in 2016 at the national, regional, and local levels than ever before. EDITOR Michael Fitterling The national rally renewed many friendships, brought new 863-632-1981 members to a great time, and created new riding memories. [email protected] Spring Mill had the largest number of women attendees ever, DESIGN DIRECTOR both as riders and passengers. Three generations of the Pavlick clan enjoyed the Nadine G. Messier festivities, supporting the old adage that a family that rides together creates mem- [email protected] ories forever. Participants were treated to Jim Townsend’s zombie movie debut, a CLASSIFIED ADS sneak peek at some features in our website renovation project, evening socials, and Gary Gadd lots of great food. Our national event coordinator Pete Slatcoff’s preregistration 817-284-8195 three-day format permitted the many volunteers to also enjoy the rally as full par- [email protected] ticipants and not tethered table sitters. MAGAZINE DISPLAY Sandwiched between rallies, was the VJMC presence at the AMA Vintage Days ADVERTISING DIRECTOR at Mid-Ohio. Jim Townsend and Ellis Hollman staffed our swap meet location Bryan Bentley 864-923-0559 with their crack team of volunteers, while Sean Carrigan’s team put the infield bike [email protected] show tent together for all to enjoy. Our thanks to all of these volunteers for keeping the tradition alive and the American Motorcyclist Association for its support. MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Bill Granade Our Gettysburg rally breaks new ground as our first nationally-supported ven- 813-961-3737 ture in the Northeast. The preregistration format is a model that works with our [email protected] financial commitments to vendors and our event volunteers. I am looking forward CHANGE OF ADDRESS to meeting many members and their guests on rides, dinners, and at the socials. Please direct these requests to We hope to build a cadre of local members who can support this event in years to Bill Granade: come. The West Coast Rally continues to benefit from the hard work and dedicated [email protected] 13309 Moran Drive, Tampa, FL 33618 preparation of Jack Stein and Bob Leonard, with a format that meets its local mem- Membership check renewals: ber rally needs for rides, meals, and camaraderie. 1 year - $30 / 2 years - $55 / 3 years - $80 We often hear the refrain that “nothing VJMC ever happens in my area,” espe- Outside North America: 1 year - $50 cially from locations without active field representatives. You can change that. Vol- ADDITIONAL COPIES unteer to become a field representative by going to our website and downloading In order to minimize unnecessary expens- the application and confidentiality statement and sending it to Sean Carrigan, Na- es to the club, VJMC prints a limited number tional Field Representative Coordinator. of each issue of Vintage Japanese Motorcy- cle Magazine. However, we would be glad to Great events tend to be simple, local, and accessible. Whether you have five or accommodate any requests for additional copies fifty participants, taking the plunge to organize an event in your area which brings from members. members together and increases the chances of future meetups can be very satisfy- These requests must be submitted before the ing. Recently, a couple of VJMC field reps proposed a Labor Day weekend ride-in 15th of the month preceding each issue. For ex- to the Barber Motorsports Museum. On Saturday, September 3rd, we’ll be in their ample: for the Feb/Mar issue requests must be parking lot; meeting and greeting, rain or shine, and checking out the world’s best received by January 15. motorcycle museum. MISSION STATEMENT: Also on the field representative front, I want to thank Mike Blevins in Michigan The purpose of this organization is to promote the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of for his years of service as he steps down to meet other commitments. Welcome and vintage Japanese motorcycles (defined here as thanks to Paul Gabor who has volunteered as a field rep for Pennsylvania. those 20 years old or older). The VJMC also will Learning how our members create good times is one of the benefits of attending promote the sport of motorcycling and camera- rallies, where one has time to share ideas. In Kendallville, Indiana, members orga- derie of motorcyclists everywhere. nized by Jerry Jansen meet each Thursday night to build and restore Japanese mo- © 2016 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of torcycles. This group, called the Basement Bike Gang, includes members RJ Ruse, North America, an IRS-approved Not-for-prof- it 501(c)(7) corporation. All rights reserved. John Schoonover, Dave Rottger, Dave Hunter, and Jim Goodwin, working below No part of this document may be reproduced ground all winter until spring. Then this crew displays its projects and member or transmitted without permission. All articles bikes in unoccupied downtown storefronts, signaling that spring and another rid- copyright by their respective authors. ing season is on the way. Barry Schonberger and George Martin solicited their local Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine is pub- mall landlord to hold a vintage Japanese bike show indoors for all mall patrons to lished six times per year, in February, April, June, enjoy in Evansville, Indiana. We can learn from each other on how to show off August, October, and December. The views and opinions expressed in letters or other content these toys for others to enjoy. are those of the author and do not necessarily represent VJMC policy. The VJMC accepts no lia- Ride safe and often, bility for any loss, damage, or claims occurring as a result of advice given in this publication or for Tom Kolenko claims made by advertisers of products or ser- VJMC President vices in this publication. [email protected] Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 5 6 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 events KCVJMC at the Crossroads Art District

by Mark Bayer, President KCVJMC, Kansas/Missouri Representative / [email protected]

ust south of downtown Kansas City is Jan area called the “Arts District.” This area contains numerous art galleries, a unique blend of specialty restaurants, artsy businesses, and other urban estab- lishments. It is also an area of unique lofts where thousands of people live, night- clubs are prevalent, and theatre groups are active. Every month there is an event called “First Friday,” when many of the LEFT: VJMC banner at businesses stay open into the evening. the “First Friday” The event is obviously on the first Fri- event entrance day of each month, and as the weather allows, crowds descend on the area and there is a huge Midwest-friendly street party. Attendance estimates range from a few thousand people during the winter months to crowds sometimes approaching a hundred thousand people when the weather is nice during the summer months. I have personally attended several First Friday events when there had to be crowds approaching numbers that significant. Our event was held on Fri- day, May 6th. Late last year I was looking for a way the KCVJMC could have an event in the core of the Arts District area. After checking with a number of businesses, I found an architectural firm willing to let us use their private parking lot to hold a rally on any one of the First Fri- day dates we chose. Treanor Architects was very generous and gracious to allow us to use their lot, and Frank Sereno, The lot was approximately forty-five bers rode in early, and some stayed a lit- KCVJMC Vice-President, was willing to by forty-five feet with a raised deck in tle later. It was the type of event where manage and organize the event. Thanks the back. The front faced one of the pri- family members came, left their bikes, a lot, Frank, and also thanks to the oth- mary traffic areas where people pass by. and walked around the activities. We er KCVJMC members who helped in I would guess that at least several thou- placed a table between the parking lot the parking of motorcycles and with the sand people passed our display on the and sidewalk area and spoke with many cleaning up of the area after the event. Friday of our event. people as they strolled by. There was I know I will miss a name or two, but We scheduled the event to be from 5pm much interest from the younger crowd, thanks to: John Bender, Jim Boughan, to 8pm, which worked well. The weath- and the bikes were a big hit as well. We Claud Chafin, Drew Thomas, Jose Sot- er couldn’t have been better (in the 80s), had people stopping all evening long, tle, and Fred Reynolds. If I left you out, and the crowds were commensurate and we sold a little over a dozen KCV- please forgive me. with the good weather. Many club mem- JMC T-shirts, which support MDA. Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 7

Around seventy bikes were on display, most of which were owned by people associated with the KCVJMC. We had bikes coming and going, and by around 6:30pm the lot was full! A few bikes had to park in the street in front of the main parking lot. People would come and go, and I guess that we had around a hundred bikes showing up during the event. It was a great time of meeting friends, talking about Japanese motorcycles, connecting with people in the club, as well as talking with people who occa- sionally attend our events. We also had quite a number of people from other local motorcycle clubs come by to see what was going on. The event was great fun and allowed us to show the VJMC banner to the crowds passing by. We are considering continually and correctly notes dates, and visit us. We welcome everyone at doing this event again later this year be- times, and locations. I have another link our various activities, so please consider cause it was such a huge success. posting most of the significant motor- yourself invited. If you do come, make Check the KCVJMC calendar: www. cycle events in the Kansas City area, as sure and let one of our members know kcvjmc.org and please join us at one well: www.markbayersmotorcyclenews. you have joined us so we can meet you; of our events. The calendar is updated mysite.com/index_2.html; check it out we want to you feel welcome! l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 9 BACK IN THE DAY

Yamaha YA6

by Ed Thompson / [email protected]

This is of me on my brand new, red 1966 (or 1965) TYamaha YA6 Santa Barbara 125 single, which I bought new in June of 1966. It had electric and kick start, left side only mirror, and no turn signals. Cost was under $500—big money on my part time job pay in the mail room of a local department store. I bought it at Lewis (Louis?) Motors, Cudahy Wisconsin, where my dad had to “sign” for me. He and Mom, of course, were not wild about my having a motorcycle! I was seventeen then and had just completed my ju- nior year of Catholic high school here in Milwaukee. In contrast to the photo of Wes Martin on his 1969 Honda CL450, fresh from his return from Vietnam May. I saw plenty of (now) vintage, small displace- [February/March 2015 issue], I arrived in Vietnam for ment, Japanese motorcycles on the (so-called) high- my year-plus “tour” (near Bien Hoa) in early October ways of Vietnam during my 13+ months there—often of 1969, having been drafted (pre-lottery) that prior with up to five riders! l

10 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 FROM THE EDITOR Riding, Rallies, and Customs by Michael Fitterling / [email protected]

returned home to Florida on June and made me appreciate being a part of ment who like to see what is new that I28 from an awesome ride across our such a club filled with so many knowl- can be created from those old bikes, beautiful country and our northern edgeable and gregarious motorcyclists. many of which may not be suitable for neighbor. The beauty of North Ameri- There were so many smiling faces, and a full-on original restoration. Here in ca blew me away, with highlights being laughter was heard throughout the inn Florida, and around Orlando in par- northern Utah, Grand Teton National during our rally. Bikes came in from all ticular, I see a growing young crowd Park, and crossing the Canadian Rock- over the country, with beautiful exam- customizing and creating new bikes ies from Radium Hot Springs to Banff. ples of both restored and custom motor- from old. The VJMC has always been If you haven’t gotten away by motorcy- cycles. inclusive within the sphere of vintage cle to see this fantastic land of ours, I Speaking of custom, in this issue you Japanese bikes, and I hope that this new encourage you to do so; you will come will find an article by Toby Jones. This column will inspire and inform that im- back changed. Doing so on a bike im- will be the first of a continuing column portant part of our club. merses you in the landscape like no oth- (title still to be determined) from Toby If you have a story to tell of how you er form of transportation. about the world of customs and café restored or customized an old Japanese One thing I came back to on my way racers built on the bones of vintage Jap- motorcycle, I would like to hear from home was the VJMC National Rally at anese bikes. While many of us love to you. Let’s pass those stories around the Spring Mill State Park in southern In- bring those old bikes back to showroom VJMC campfire; you never know who diana. It was once again spectacular original condition, there is a large seg- you might help or inspire. l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 11 12 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 PROJECTHISTORY BIKE John’s SR250 Café by Robert Kelly / [email protected]

love the custom/café motorcycle Imovement going on right now. A lot of the custom bikes turn out nicer that the original designers could have imagined. The 1981 Yamaha SR250 Exciter is not a bike a lot of people would think a plat- form worthy of such treatment. John Ferguson (DesignsInColdSteel@gmail. com) of Westminster, Colorado did not let that stop him from building a nice bike worthy of admiration.

The Bike In 1980, Cycle World wrote that the Yamaha SR250 was a bike that “was designed to appeal to people who don’t know much about motorcycles. They don’t know what to ask for. They’ll understand the special styling, electric start, and the little stowage bins and not having to shut off the fuel every time, The Build Some may claim the so they get them.” This is obviously not The SR250 was a complete nut-and- high praise for the Harleyesque-styled bolt custom build. John started with only loose nut on the SR250. That being said, a lot of custom an original 1982 model with less than bike is John. builders have tackled the little-loved 4,000 miles on the clock. The frame was SR250 and have made some very inter- media blasted, modified extensively, The wheels and front forks are recon- esting bikes that just exude character. and powder coated black. ditioned Yamaha XS400 parts that were Search SR250 on web sites such as “Pi- The engine was left stock, then heavily painted and polished. Rear shocks are peburn” and “BikeEXIF” and this little detailed. The factory header was joined from Dime City. The rear brake is a SR250 from Colorado stands up to the to a custom silencer to finish it off. For stock Yamaha piece that was stripped best of those bikes featured. juice, John added a Shorai battery on to bare aluminum, and the front brake a custom-fabricated battery box and is a four-piston modern unit from a Su- mounted it where most builders leave a zuki, mounted with a custom machined huge open space, which looked odd and adapter. For piloting the SR, John in- unfinished to the builder. All electrics stalled clip-on bars and Lockhart Phil- OPPOSITE PAGE are under the seat, and the majority of lips controls. clockwise from top left: the leads are hidden from sight. The John painted the bike Artic White Engine polished tail lights are LED and recessed into the and black, followed by a clear coat with up nicely! frame rails, and the headlight is halo- a lightly pearled hue, subtle but very The seat features gen. eye-catching. Since finishing the SR, tuck and roll leather upholstery by The gas tank is off of a 1970s era Ya- John has ridden the bike about 150 Dustyn Bust maha enduro and only needed a slight miles to ensure everything is in order— out of Denver, modification to fit the SR frame. For the no issues, other than a few loose fasten- Colorado. seat pan and café bump, a salvage yard ers here and there. Some may claim the The SR250 Café— supplied a rusted gas tank that had the only loose nut on the bike is John; me, gas tank is off of a 1970s era desired shape, which was cut and weld- I’m happy to share this bike. I can’t wait Yamaha enduro ed to fabricate the pan. to see his next build. l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 13

events 1st Annual Dreyer Honda Vintage Show

by Ellis Holman / [email protected]

ay 14th, 2016 dawned cold and BELOW: Mwindy in Indianapolis. The tem- In front of the perature hovered around 42 degrees Honda dealership, bikes for the Fahrenheit (5 C), with a wind chill of 38 various classes Degrees Fahrenheit (3 C). Good weather began to arrive early for the show. or not, this was the day for first annual Dreyer Honda Vintage Show. After six months of planning for the show, we Pop Dryer became a went forward, regardless. Dreyer Honda is the oldest Honda dealer in 1959... and dealer in North America. “Pop” Dey- was the first dealer east er applied for a Honda dealership and became a dealer in November of 1959. of the Mississippi... and Dreyer Cycle was then the first dealer is now the oldest dealer east of the Mississippi and the ninth dealer in the United States. Since then, in the United States. the other first eight dealers have gone out of business, making Dreyer Cycle the event, and the bikes that were rid- the oldest Honda dealer in the United den in were as interesting as those in the States. show. The bikes ranged from a CB750- Working with Mike Dreyer, we deter- based chopper to a very stock appearing mined where the bike show would take Bridgestone. place, and after looking at other possi- As the day progressed, the tempera- ble show dates, we settled on May 14th tures did not improve and the clouds as the date for the show. Even though remained as thick as ever. Despite tem- Mother Nature wasn’t cooperating, the peratures that were more like February turnout wasn’t too bad, especially con- than May, many people came to look at sidering that this was a first show. Trail- bikes and to talk about them. In some ers, pickup trucks, and vans began ar- cases, people just cruising by would cir- riving and unloading many interesting ABOVE: bikes for the show. Host Mike Dreyer The classes were; 1959 to 1966, 1967 chatting with the Sandcast owner to 1976, 1977 to 1986, Custom, Com- petition, and Best of Show. The judging was by people’s choice. Mike Drey- er graciously donated the trophies and provided food and drink as well. Some very tasty bikes showed up, such as the Honda endurance racer in the competition class, pictured on the right. In the 1967 to 1976 class there were many well turned out bikes from Ka- wasaki Z1s to Honda Z50s. In all, fifty bikes arrived to compete in the various LEFT: Honda endurance classes in the show. racer in the A few hardy souls rode their bikes to competition class Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 15 cle back and stop in to look around. A local television station came out and did a small spot for their noon news segment about the show. Even the folks that brought bikes and parts were doing brisk business. Our host, Mike Dreyer, is very much into the vintage bike scene. He is in the photo on page 15, comparing notes with one of the folks that brought a nice CB750 Sandcast. Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha were all well represented in the 1967 to 1976 era. I am glad that it was not up to me to determine who would be the winner. Late in the day, as the event wound down, the people who came to see the bikes and those that brought their bikes gathered inside the show room in the warmth to see who would take home a trophy. As it turned out, the 1959 to 1966 category was not represented. That allowed us to award trophies to all the bikes in the 1967 to 1976 category. There were smiles all around as the trophies were handed out. Of course, it might have been that people were just happy to be inside where it was warm. As the bikes were being loaded and we were cleaning up, Mike and I discussed the show. He was quite pleased with how the show turned out, and we agreed that next year we would have a second annual show. We also agreed that we would find another date for the show. Hopefully the date we choose will be much warmer. l

16 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 17 events: barber vintage festival invitation p18

18 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 events Barber Vintage Festival Invitation by Tom Kolenko, President / [email protected]

ome and help us celebrate the twelth anniversary of the greatest vintage motor- Ccycle event in the world on October 7-9, 2016. We need your help to do it in style. Our goal is to gather over 150 high-quality, original members’ bikes for all 75,000 visitors to admire. What brings the world to Leeds, Alabama, in October? Over 800 entries in AHR- MA racing, huge 500+ vendor swap meet, tech seminars, expo vendor Fan Zone, rides, thrill shows, Ace Corner for the café racer bunch, auctions, and access to the world’s largest motorcycle museum just yards away. This is a family-friendly, fun event where spouses and children feel welcome, too. The VJMC needs your best stock, original or restored, vintage Japanese motorcycles for its premier Saturday bike show. Good clean and original early machines from Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and even Bridgestone, Tohatsu, Fuji, and Marusho are sought. High-quality and variety are the Barber Festival traditions, with over forty awards given. High-quality street bikes, motocrossers, and road racers are invited. To maximize member participation, we limit single member entries to three bikes. So get out the polish and bring your best vintage iron for the show. The generous Barber folks provide two free weekend passes ($120 value) to each of the pre-registered VJMC members who bring show display bikes. Saturday show bikes need to be pre-registered through Tom Kolenko ([email protected], 770-427-4820) by September 15, 2016, to qualify for the free admission package. Send your complete contact information, mailing address, phone number, bikes you want entered, bike photos, membership number, etc. to get pre-registered. You must send an email photo of the bikes you will enter, unless you have displayed these approved bikes in years past—all new entries must have photos. Box stock and factory original bikes are the target for members to qualify for the free weekend pass. High quality “drive-in” bike show entries are not eligible for the free ticket deal, but very welcome all weekend at the VJMC booth. Make your hotel and camp ground reservations soon, since most lodging sells out early for this international event. VJMC on-site camping is very limited and reserved for those VJMC members who have worked the event since 2005. Detailed event and local lodging information can be found at www.barbermuseum.org. There is lots for VJMC members to do, even if you don’t bring a display bike for the show. Friday’s activities include a huge “show & shine” area, the Sounds of Japanese Horsepower contest, technical seminars, regalia sales, and member meet & greet opportunities. Saturday is filled with morning bike show registration, our huge afternoon bike show, and ends with a members’ barbecue picnic. Expect over 150 premier examples of vintage Japanese iron on display. It’s people’s choice judging, as always, with everyone invited to participate. Sunday caps the event off with our members’ pa- rade laps around the famous Barber race track at noon. If you still haven’t added this event to your bucket list, then check out the YouTube video of the Barber Vintage Festival that Don Erwin posted of his drone flyover in 2014. Many volunteers are needed to help set up, score the bike show, work the membership booth, sell regalia, and create these fun times. Please contact me if you wish to help. See you all there! l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 19

collections A Visit to Jay Leno’s Garage by Ian Foster / [email protected]

n 2013, I first met Jay Leno at the “Rock IStore,” a popular bikers’ hangout up in the Mulholland Hills to the north of Los Angeles. He struck me as a real down- to-earth guy, even though he is known internationally as the past-host of The Tonight Show on television. Knowing that he owned a CBX, we got chatting, and I introduced him to the book that I had just published— CBX Book (www.facebook.com/ groups/171923629534314/). Jay came over and chatted with the Californian CBXers and kicked a few CBX tires, as he was interested in CBXs, having had a CBX-Z in 1979 and still owning a 1982 CBX-B. I gave him a copy of the book for his library. A couple of years later, I saw him again at the “Rock Store” and told him I’d self-published a second CBX book, so got his address and promised I’d send him a copy. A few days later, he He is so down to earth, called me at 8am and wanted to meet to just like any of the rest chat about the books and CBXs. Unfor- tunately, I was flying out of Los Angeles of us who are into our that day and didn’t have the time, so a cars and bikes. The only plan was made to meet the next time I difference between us visited California. In April, 2016, I called Jay, and we all is that Jay is the “Kid made an appointment to see his collec- who owns the Candy tion of bikes and cars, including his 1981 Store”! Honda CBX1000-B ProLink. I brought my two Californian cousins, who treat- sat a number of steam engines; one had TOP: ed the experience like a Catholic would supplied power to the island of Malta Touring Jay’s treat an audience with the Pope! It was for the past one hundred years. Farther warehouse considered a real big deal to have a per- along was a series of steam-powered CENTER: sonal tour of the “Jay Leno Garage.” cars and a steam-motorcycle! In the I’m giving Jay some books We arrived at the business park adja- next room was his collection of jet-pow- cent to Burbank Airport in northern ered vehicles, including a number of BOTTOM: Jay holding Los Angeles, and Jay was standing at the jet-cars and the helicopter-engined Y2K my CBX book door waiting to greet us. He ushered us Superbike that I think he said was made in out of the strong Californian sunlight famous in the Fast and Furious movie. and heat into his air-conditioned collec- As we moved to the next room, Jay tion of factory units. stopped at a 1920s ACE motorcycle and Jay started showing us around by ex- commented on how difficult it was to plaining that he collected anything to do ride some of these older bikes with dif- with motors and speed. At the entrance fering controls. He got on the bike and Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 21 started it on the first kick. He advised that all the bikes and cars in the collection were sitting prepped “on the but- ton”! All were running, registered, and taxed and able to be taken out when the need arose. I saw about ten mechanics during the visit, all wearing black “uni- forms,” tending to vehicles, polishing cars, checking battery-chargers, and working on restoration projects. We came upon another section of big bikes, ranging from a Honda Rune to a Triumph, Harleys, Moto Guzz- is, a Boss Hoss, and a 2016 Kawasaki H2R. Among them sat his 1982 Honda CBX1000-B, hooked up to a battery-ten- der. We had a good yarn about his ex- periences on CBXs through the years. He had incorrectly fitted Euro-Sports bars to his brand new 1979 CBX-Z and crashed out at the first corner! The bike was written-off, but he was able to buy TOP: a brand new 1981 CBX-B with the in- Admiring Jay’s surance pay-out. He remembers in 1981 Vincent EGLI fitting a new-fangled “de-acceleration LEFT: Gary Blandin, warning light” to the rear of the bike, Jay Leno, and the idea being that the new brakes were Chuck Anderson so powerful that one needed to warn look over the 1981 CBX-B the drivers behind when braking—how perceptions change! That CBX-B he has BOTTOM: The Y2K jet-bike kept to this day, in very clean, original condition, with about 12,000 miles on the clock. It was a real pleasure meeting Jay Leno and seeing his collection. One might think that these TV superstars would have a real ego, but this fella is so down to earth, just like any of the rest of us who are into our cars and bikes. The only difference between us all is that Jay is the “Kid who owns the Candy Store”! He is absolutely fanatical about cars and motorcycles and was able to tell a story on the history of each car and motorcycle we looked at. After an hour and a half tour, Jay had to go to record a television show, so we said our goodbyes and thanked him for an entertaining morning. I have seen quite a few remarkable motor museums and collections around the world during my travels, but I will remember that visit to the “Jay Leno Ga- rage” for a long time to come! l

22 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 odds & ends A Variety of VJMs by Toby Jones / [email protected]

few days ago while searching the While flipping through the photos, I torcycle that has been nicely custom- Apicture files on my laptop looking began to notice a pattern emerge. About ized with performance and appearance for a certain photo of a friend’s motor- half of the photos were of either beau- changes to reflect the owner’s taste. It cycle, I got side-tracked (This happens tifully done restorations or original seems the same qualities, performance, to me a lot.) and began to look at all the motorcycles. The other half were nicely dependability, affordability, fine engi- photos I had taken at various vintage done café racers, customs, or competi- neering, and styling that we all admire motorcycle shows and events. These tion-style bikes. I guess you could say I in these wonderful vintage Japanese were events like the Barber Vintage Fes- admire both equally. Growing up, like motorcycles attracts both restorers and tival, the Riding Into History Concours many of our members, with memories customizers. d’Elegance, the Dania Beach Vintage of visiting the dealerships and seeing Many of the next generation vin- Motorcycle Show, and our own Destina- these bikes brand new and shiny under tage motorcycle enthusiasts are not old tion Eustis event. There was such a huge the showroom lights was a pretty heady enough to have had the new bike deal- number of beautiful and interesting experience and one that will always re- ership experience that our generation bikes in these shows that, unable to pho- main with me, so I am always excited had, but they are definitely beginning tograph every single one of them, my when I see one of these machines that is to understand what a fine starting point photos were normally limited to bikes an original or is painstakingly restored these older Japanese motorcycles are that I really admired or were bike pic- to new condition. At the same time, I for building the bike of their dreams, tures taken to share with a friend. really enjoy checking out a vintage mo- though that next generation often has

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 23 different ideas and opinions on what a dream bike should be. The café racer movement is popular now and growing. The attendance and participation at their shows and events is also growing. There is an entire in- dustry built around supplying parts and services for café racers. We are also beginning to see more and more competition bikes and replicas at our shows these days, and they are always a big crowd favorite. Some of the craftsman- ship and fabrication on these customs is amazing. I have even seen several bobber and chopper-style bikes at re- searching for a CB400F that was rough Looks can be deceiving. At first glance this CL125 looks like a great candidate cent shows that I admired. Whatever enough to do what I wanted with and for a restoration. Upon closer inspec- style the builder chooses, many of these have even resold a couple of bikes after tion the fuel tank was badly rusted and leaking. The chrome on the fenders, customs are built entirely from pieces checking them over and finding they exhaust, turn signals and many other scrounged from different piles of old were just too restorable to modify. I also parts was pitted beyond cleaning. The forgotten parts, often putting together, seat cover and foam were totally gone. make it a point to pass along to others As this is not a terribly rare motorcycle literally, “something from nothing.” the unused factory parts removed from it would make sense to find a better I rescue and refurbish old motorcycles my builds. What it really comes down example to restore to factory condition. as a hobby and typically do customs or to is that there are a lot of vintage Jap- resto-mods. When I say rescue I mean anese motorcycles out there that, due model is extremely rare and desirable, the bikes I start with are normally in to parts missing, numbers not match- sometimes a total restoration is just not pretty sad shape. In fact, most would ing, rust, neglect, and other problems feasible or advisable. The alternative to be classified by the restorer as a “parts are just not reasonable candidates for a custom build might just be the scrap bike.” I spent over a year and a half stock restoration. Unless a particular heap. Economics and lack of skills and

24 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 The good news: After a carb rebuild and tune up the little low mileage engine ran like a top, the electrics were in good shape and the wheels cleaned up nicely. The exhaust heat shield cleaned up alright so the pipe was cleaned, sanded, and painted in hi-temp black. A swap meet SL125 tank and rear fender were given a new coat of paint and a small aftermarket tail light added. The seat was sent out to a local upholstery shop for recovering. Although not a restoration it is great fun to ride and the people you meet always want to tell you about “the one they had’. As this is not a terribly rare motorcycle it would make sense to find a better example to restore to factory condition. experience also often enter into the equation. The modified and custom segment of the hobby is what younger poten- tial members are oftentimes drawn to, and those new to our hobby sometimes would like to “dip their toes in the water” before committing the considerable resources and skills that a full restoration requires. I certainly remember scraping enough money together to fix up an old motorcycle a little at a time and sometimes using the same bike as daily transportation—definitely a learning experience. Sometimes, sticker shock is also responsible for turning people away from the restoration segment of the hobby. Have you priced a set of NOS or decent used exhaust for a SOHC 750 Honda lately? In short, I don’t think we want anybody’s limited resources or skills to turn them away from joining the VJMC. Instead, I believe we all need to help them and work with them to better their skills and knowledge of these wonderful old machines. What led me to become a member of the VJMC was looking at and reading about the restored and original factory Japanese vintage motorcycles, and I believe they will always be the backbone of our organization. My hat comes off to the folks that restore and maintain them in the factory showroom condition that many of us remember so well. They will always have my respect and admiration. What keeps me renewing my membership each year is the great people, the great events, and all the amazing motorcycles, stock and custom. Is there room in the VJMC family for all types? With the different categories and classes that our event or- ganizers provide, our desire to grow membership, introduce future generations to our hobby, and promote these fine old Japanese motorcycles I can only say, “Yes.” Whatever you de- cide to build, build it safe, build it clean, come join the VJMC team, and enjoy the ride. l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 25

events KCVJMC’s 6th Annual Spring Show Exceeds Expectations!

by Mark Bayer, President KCVJMC, Kansas/Missouri Representative / [email protected]

n May 21, 2016 Kansas City’s VJMC held their annual Ospring show at Donnell’s Motorcycles in Independence, Missouri. Donnell’s is one of the oldest consecutively oper- ating Japanese motorcycle dealers in our area. We like the location because it is an easy place for people to find and the show area is in a highly visible location by a major traffic way. Bart Shiflett, the owner/manager of Donnell’s, has been a very good host for this event as well. This was our third year with this event at his dealership. Our club was expecting this show to be slightly smaller than the one last year. This was because a number of our key members had other commitments and were not going to be able to attend the show this time. Furthermore, another well-attended vintage motorcycle show had changed its date and was scheduled at the same date and time as our event. Even beyond that, just several weeks earlier, we had enjoyed a first time event in downtown Kansas City called “First Fridays at The Crossroads Art District” (featured else- where in this issue). This is a well-attended city event when the weather is good. The weather turned out to be very good! The “Crossroads” event surpassed all expectations, and we were not sure if two events so close together would limit the attendance at this spring meet. This spring show has become one of our oldest and most important shows, so we were hoping for the best. Everything fell into place as expected, except that the bikes never stopped coming in. By 10:30am, streams of motorcycles were either being ridden in or were being brought in on trailers. By 11am, the numbers had clearly surpassed the volume of motorcycles we had at last year’s event. A half hour later, Frank Sereno (our vice-president) and I realized that we were nearly out of space and were concerned about what we were going to do if many more bikes came! Someone made the comment that we were getting close to a “standing room only” event during its busiest time. We had a packed house, surpassing any numbers we previously estimated. I made several counts throughout the morning, and all were over one hundred motorcycles at any point in time. I am sure we featured somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 to 180 motorcycles throughout the duration of the event. We also had people from at least five states in attendance. Every year we have been attracting a few more people from farther distances. The event was a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 27

Association (MDA), and by the entry fees collected and by estimating the size of the crowds, I would guess the event was attended by over four hundred people. We raised approximately $2000 for MDA and sold around thirty T-shirts, though final tallies will take time to col- lect. The numbers are not nearly as important as the need to have a good event Bikes, bikes, and at which people enjoy themselves. There more bikes! is little doubt that the event was a success relative to those objectives. Great later this summer and will end the year weather, lots of vintage machinery, a with the “VJMC Regional Meet” in Au- healthy crowd of interested visitors and gust. We will also have a picnic in the enthusiasts, plenty of food, and a little fall, which has been well-attended. One money raised for a good cause ensured of our members is also planning an all that this show was a great success. two-stroke event, which has not yet been These events are always fun, howev- finalized, but watch our calendar for de- er, it’s especially fun when everything velopments! Please make plans to join goes so well. We intentionally schedule us sometime this year, as we really en- several events yearly so that we have a joy meeting new VJMC members from better chance of having one or more around the country. Make sure and put shows with good weather. Some years, our web site: www.kcvjmc.org in your all three of our events have been poten- favorites list and follow our progress. tially weather challenged. We will have We are a busy group, especially when our “All Japanese Show and Swap Meet” the weather is good! l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 29 30 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 PROJECT BIKE One in a Million Honda 550F

by John Harrington / [email protected]

, ike most guys, I rode and owned a few bikes in the 70s while attending college, Ltrying to save money on gas, not being married, and just liking motorcycles. I started with a used 1970 CL100, then a used CB450, and finally was able to buy a brand new 1976 blue Honda 550F. To me, that was the cat’s meow—that beautiful inline four, the engine sound as you ran it through the gears, and that four-into-one exhaust. Then, as often happens, marriage began, a family started, got jobs, lost jobs, relocated, new job, divorce, single parent, etc. We’ve all heard the stories, and some of us have lived it. So, by 1978 the bike had been sold, and that was the last bike for sixteen years, while the above mentioned series of events occurred. Fast forward to 1994. I was then a single parent raising three of my sons up in Pennsylvania. One Saturday morning in March 1994, I picked up the newspaper and was reading the “For Sale” ads. I wasn’t looking for a bike, as I was a new single parent and was watching my expenses, but being the beginning of spring, I always got that “motorcycle itch” and glanced at the motorcycles for sale. One ad was for a 1975 Honda 550F with 6800 miles. Of course, there were no pictures to see back then, so I couldn’t see the bike. I figured it was either beat up or had been sitting out in the rain somewhere or in the back of some shed, all rusted with the aluminum all oxidized, you know, the typical thing that happened to these bikes. We had nothing to do that day, so I asked my sons if they wanted to see the kind of bike I had when I was younger, and of course, they said yes. They asked if I was going to buy it, and I said no. The price was $900 and I didn’t need a bike, but basically wanted to relive a memory. I called the seller up. The address was only twenty minutes away in a nearby town. He said the bike was in good shape and ran. “Yeah, right,” I thought. We hopped in the minivan, and off we went. Arriving at the address, I knocked on the door, and the owner, about ten years younger than me, answered the door and said that the bike was out back in the garage. As we walked to the back, I was thinking, “Yep, here’s some kid owning this bike; it’s going to be pretty ragged.” And then I walked into the garage…and saw the bike…and my jaw dropped to the f loor… Luckily, the owner didn’t see my reaction. I could hardly contain my astonishment. The bike was absolutely amazing. The engine cases were perfect, there was no oxida- tion, and the fins were still perfect. The clutch case, the alternator cover, all showed that nice, semi-polished aluminum with the Honda clearcoat—all intact. I looked at the odometer, and holy cow, the break-in decal was still on the speedometer! The gauges were faded some. I started looking the bike over. It still had the original Bridgestone SS tires, the rear tire being the 3.75 x 18 size that most everyone took off and replaced with the bigger 4.00/4.10 and also, to my limited knowledge, that bike was the only one to use that size tire. The fuel tank was dent-free, and the paint was immaculate, except for one pea-sized place where the paint had flaked off. It was not faded. I took off the gas cap to look inside the tank, expecting rust, but it was perfect. The side covers, still there, were like factory. The fenders were straight and not scratched or showing any signs of damage. The same with the handlebars and grips—no road rash. The rims were nice, the spokes were dull and had some surface rust, but nothing Never Dull couldn’t take care of. All blinkers were intact and un- Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 31

, damaged. The chrome fork covers were The owner said that he was the second with my 76. The plug was cross-thread- nice and shiny and straight—unbeliev- owner. I thanked him for his time…and ed. Damn! But I also knew that with a able! The seat, fork boots, all the decals, left…That’s right, I didn’t buy it. little luck and taking my time, I might , all intact, with no rips or tears. Yellow Considering where I was at that time be able to fix it like I did in 76. So I paint marks that are dabbed on a bike’s in my life, I walked. On the way home, carefully backed the plug out, bought bolts as it travels down the assembly I told myself to give it a week and then new plugs, cleaned the threads in the line? Still there! That brought back my call back. If it was still unsold, then I’d head, used anti-seize, and carefully, , memories of buying my 76 550F, bring- go back. very carefully, (You only get one shot ing it home, and immediately washing I called the next Friday, and he had at this.) aligned the plug and started it off all those ugly yellow paint marks… not sold the bike. Still tempting fate, I into the hole. Backing out and starting and, of course, taking off that stupid told him I’d be up Saturday morning again, I eventually got it to seat proper- speedometer decal. around eight. Once again, that morn- ly. And then the bike ran perfectly—no So I opened up the seat, and sure ing, after I took the seats out of the van, backfire. enough, there was the owner’s manu- down we went. The bike was still there. Subsequently, over the years, I discov- al, with the electrical diagram. Yep, the I rode the bike that time, and other ered the bike was missing two rubber intact tool kit was there where it was than that same occasional backfire grommets on the chrome fork cov- supposed to be. I’m like dreaming this, when closing the throttle, the bike ran ers where the blinker wires enter. It right? like new. Again tempting fate (or being was also missing the tachometer cable I put the keys—yep, he still had the stupid, as you’re thinking now) I offered bracket that mounts on the horn. Over two original keys—in the ignition and $500 to his $900 asking price. He coun- the years some screws and bolts have fired the bike up. It started without a tered with $800, I offered $700…and he been replaced, but all replaced parts are hitch, with no smoke, as I revved it and accepted…the bike was mine. from Honda and NOS. There are no af- checked out everything. I didn’t ride it. The backfire? I got lucky on that, also. termarket parts on this bike. There has There was a little backfire when closing I got the bike home and really got a been no engine or carb work. the throttle, but I’ll explain that later. It good look at it. Looking at the number So that’s my one in million story. A still idled perfectly. I ran through the one plug after pulling off the cap, I no- bike that survived from 1975. No refur- gears (the bike was on the center stand) ticed it was slightly cocked. I knew ex- bishing aluminum parts, no repaint- with no trouble. Clutch and shifting actly what the problem was; I had done ing—and I almost let it go. That won’t was fine. the same thing in my younger years happen again. l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 33 34 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 events Riding into History Motorcycle Concours 2016

by Michael Fitterling / [email protected]

he weather forecasts this year during the week leading Thanks to the many VJMC members that brought bikes and Tup to the 17th annual Riding Into History event on May helped make this show the spectacular motorcycling event it has 20 and 21 were not promising, with rain a distinct possi- become, and to those who helped at the VJMC booth and set- bility. Luckily, Saturday dawned bright and sunny. By the ting up and taking down. Events like this that the VJMC partic- time I arrived from Lake Wales, the sky was bright blue with ipates in would never get off the ground without dedicated vol- scattered puffy cumulus clouds in just enough quantity to unteers and I am glad, that when work needs to be done, VJMC provide some passing shade from time to time. The forecast members are always ready to step up and lend a hand. rain did keep some collectors from bringing their bikes, but Many VJMC members were winners in the Concours. See the you would never have guessed it from walking around the sidebar below for their names and categories. l 1.2 mile circumference lake, around which many beautifully restored and rare bikes sat side by side, ringing the lake. VJMC Winners at Riding into history 2016 Unfortunately, the iconic racer and Grand Marshal, Mal- colm Smith, fell ill just before the event and was unable to Japanese Vintage 1946-1968 attend, but his co-writer Mitch Boehm, of the new book Best in Class Paul Enz 1965 Honda CB160 Malcolm! The Autobiography, stepped up to take his place Japanese Vintage, 1946-1968 along with Mark Tuttle, Editor-in-Chief of Rider magazine. Award of Merit Barry Schonberger 1966 Honda CB77 On Friday, the day before the Concours d’Elegance, was the Grand Marshal’s Historic Vintage Lunch Ride, during Japanese Vintage, 1946-1968 Award of Merit Chet Glisson 1966 Suzuki T20 X-6 which the promised rain made its appearance. Luckily for Hustler the more than fifty riders, the downpour passed through Japanese Classic, 1969-1980 while they inside at lunch in Palatka at “Corky Bells,” leav- Best in Class Gene Ploeckelmann 1976 Kawasaki ing them dry and unscathed by the time they resumed KZ900 LTD Japanese Classic, 1969-1980 riding, completing their thirty-five mile ride. During the Award of Merit Tom Ewing 1979 Honda CBX1000 Grand Marshal’s Dinner that evening, VJMC member Billy Aldrich was presented with the Dusty Miller Award for his Japanese Classic, 1969-1980 Award of Merit Irv Bucek 1976 Honda CB750A ongoing efforts not only in supporting Riding Into History Hondamatic but for his starting the event back in 1999. Japanese Modern, 1981-1990 During the Concours d’Elegance, the VJMC team had Best in Class Ronald Smrekar 1981 Yamaha XJ650 their headquarters in one of the lay-bys jutting out toward Japanese Modern, 1981-1990 the lake from the circle under a shady gazebo, where many Award of Merit James Mayner 1982 Honda GL1100 members dropped by to chat and enjoy the respite from the sun and those interested in our organization came to ask Japanese Modern, 1981-1990 Award of Merit Scott Robertson 1981 Honda CB650 questions and to sign up as members. Police Trike Saturday, the concours wrapped itself around the beautiful Japanese Modern, 1981-1990 lake on the brick walkway. Vintage Japanese bikes, primar- Award of MeriT cEcil Broome 1986 VF500F ily from VJMC members, constituted the biggest segment Japanese Specials thru 1990 of the collection of motorcycles from around the world. It Award of Merit Billy Aldrich 1972 Honda CB350 was a workout, but I managed to circuit the lake three times taking in the astounding variety of bikes. There is so much Offroad thru 1990 Award of Merit Gene Ploeckelmann 1969 Kawasaki to see at Riding Into History that I would say that any mo- F21M 250 torcycle aficionado should put it on his or her bucket list. International Scooter thru 1990- Award of MeriT cElia Williams 1968 Fuji Rabbit Next year promises to be even more exciting for us fans of Touring Japanese bikes when the event will be “Honoring the Japa- nese Motorcycle”! Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 35 36 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 37 38 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 cover story

2016 at Spring Mill State Park

by Michael Fitterling / [email protected] & Tom Kolenko / [email protected]

Bikes lined up at the Spring Mill Inn photo by: George Martin Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 39 Lucky winner of a Fearless ride BELOW: Shoei helemet tries leaders Paulette Ellis Holman received it on for size and Jim Turner Best of Show award

John Keele at West Baden Dome

BELOW: Original 1972 T-shirt to go with Kathy’s original 1972 bike

40 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 cover story

photos by Michael Fitterling & George Martin

n Wednesday June 22, I rolled up in early afternoon at the Spring Mill State OPark Inn just outside Mitchell, Indiana. After depositing the bike bags and clothing in my room, I found my way downstairs to the banquet room, only to find everything already done by the efficient volunteer crew of Kent Bruner, Rob Schro- eder, and Julie Slatcoff, who had arrived ahead of me. Later in the afternoon we decided to ride to a local diner, the Dairy Master, in nearby Loogootee, that was reputed to have killer tenderloin sandwiches, which was ultimately proven to be true. That ride was the first of many throughout the weekend that gave our members a taste of the winding, hilly terrain through corn fields and woods which we would be exploring. Breakdowns were few, but director and former club president Jim Townsend got a reminder of what can happen when his CA95’s alternator gave up the ghost early. With everything prepped for arriving members, we were left to enjoy the inn and the state park grounds with its several caves: Donaldson (Shawnee), Bronson, and Twin. While most have been closed because of fear of spreading white nose bat dis- ease, there was a short boat ride still available in Twin Caves for those wanting to get inside and do some aquatic spelunking. Within its 1358 acres, the park also contains an interesting reconstructed village, offering a glimpse into what it was like to live in the area in the 1860s. The mill, for which the park is named, is running again and grinding meal, which visitors can observe in progress, and is still powered by a waterwheel turned by water gushing out of Donaldson Cave. For those with an interest in space travel, the park is also home to the Gus Grissom Memorial. Grissom was a former resident of Mitchell and one of the Mercury Seven astronauts, who later died in the Apollo 1 accident. The memorial houses the Gemini 3 spacecraft and other personal effects. And for relaxing, especially as the weekend heated up, many of use found refuge in the afternoon in the inn’s inviting pool.

The Ladies of the VJMC

JMC rallies have become a popular forget to appreciate. And we Vevent for women, but this year’s can’t leave out Kathy, who, Spring Mill National Rally drew well with husband Joe, had just over thirty women; some are VJMC returned from adopting a members, some rode their own VJMs, 1972 Suzuki step-through some rode with a spouse or friend, and that is exactly like the one a few came just because they wanted she had in college! to. Watching Paulette mount her Ka- Confirmation by all of the wasaki 900 with grace and confidence women attendees that the put a smile on many faces. Hearing VJMC rallies are fun, inclu- Marsha, after her return from a ride sive, and they “want to attend again,“ through Amish Country on Jim’s Hon- makes planning for future rallies even more The VJMC ladies at the da 550 Four, express her joy at corner- exciting. Don’t be surprised if you see lots National Rally ing without braking, added a welcome of smiling faces on VJMC members who try ride but also returned after enjoying perspective that some long-time riders have not only gone for a refreshing coun- their mani-pedis! l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 41 Thursday morning, waves of members Stretching from salads to desserts some for another feast in the great banquet and their guests began arriving under thirty feet with four main entrees, this room, where the wall of glass looking clear and sunny skies which dominat- amazing spread was offered each of the out on the forested hillside gave a gentle ed the weekend. The registration table three nights. These diverse culinary of- green glow to the room. After all were got busy as guest packets with event ferings meant there was something for full, the ladies of the VJMC were each T-shirts were handed out. However, everyone. I think it is safe to assume that asked to share ways to make our rallies each afternoon the humidity drove no one lost weight while at the rally! better for women riders and passengers. members into the air conditioned inn’s After dinner, members were asked Everyone agreed that this year saw the large lobby where clusters of old bike to stand up and introduce themselves biggest turnout of women in the club’s lovers gathered to swap stories. and the bike they brought to the rally. history, many of whom had brought While some gathered to talk, others With introductions over and desserts bikes to show and ride themselves. (See were out in the circular driveway lin- digested, members scattered, forming Randy Mayes’s sidebar on women’s par- ing up for one of the numerous rides groups here and there in the lobby and ticipation on the previous page.) each day. Rides were carefully planned outside, where the bikes were parked, Next up, Peter Slatcoff, who has been and led by ride captains, John Keel, and or remaining in the dining hall. After in charge of the updating and redesign Jim and Paulette Turner, who came up dark, many members and guests gath- of the VJMC website, gave us a look at from Louisville several times to ensure ered on the back veranda and were lost some of the features and appearance of all routes were worked out in advance, in conversations and laughter until the new site, which is slated to go live by as did board member Ellis Holman close to midnight. the end of the year. The rollout is a bit from Indianapolis. Routes took club Following Friday’s breakfast, more later than hoped due to the large legacy members to see covered bridges, round and more members and bikes rolled in data files which have to be verified and barns, and the “dome” at French Lick/ and the circle grew fuller while last min- moved to the new system. However, West Baden, home of NBA star Larry ute arrivals checked in. Good weather when finished, all that information will Bird, which now houses a casino and once again greeted us and more riders be incorporated into a easier to navi- restaurants. lined up in front of the Inn’s circle drive gate and more powerful website that That evening began with everyone all day. will serve all our members. Once the back at the inn sitting down to enjoy After a strong day of riding the beau- presentation was over, it was a repeat of one of this event’s spectacular buffets. tiful Indiana countryside, it was time the previous night’s veranda meetup for

• NOT ENOUGH VINTAGE RIDES in your area? • NOT ENOUGH VINTAGE BIKE SHOWS in your area? • NOT ENOUGH VINTAGE TECHNICAL EVENTS in your area? • MISSING OUT ON International Motorcycle Show participation and other major events in your area? • MISSING OUT ON weekly or monthly “Vintage Bike Nights” in your area? • NOT SURE OF the VJMC members in your area or how many are missing the same things? YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU! STEP UP AND BECOME A VJMC FIELD REPRESENTATIVE TODAY!

. org

Our experienced team will provide you with membership listings and MENTORING to get you started. We’ll HELP you with that first invitation all the way though planning and holding your member events. CONTACT any of our Directors and let them know that you want more from your VJMC. One of our board members will answer your questions and start the process. www.vjmc.org/officers.shtml

42 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 FAR LEFT & BELOW: Medora Covered Bridge, circa 1875

Vintage Group Ride at Spring Mill National Rally

riday morning, during another fan- like in the northern part of the state, and our leaders. Next up was a stop at a Ftastic VJMC National Rally, I decid- we rode along through wide sweepers and unique round barn, quite a variation ed to join the “Covered Bridge Ride,” around tight corners while constantly ris- among the many Dutch-style barns so which rolled through the surround- ing and falling over the numerous hillsides. prevalent in the area. After our pause, ing Indiana countryside for some 100 The route passed through bucolic glacial we made our way to a Dairy Queen for miles. After a short briefing on where rolling terrain clothed in the deep green of lunch and conversation before turning the ride was going and how it would be summer forest, bordered every so often back toward the inn at Spring Mill. managed for everyone’s safety, we all by corn, already well past “knee high by Our over seventeen bikes rolled mounted our rides and formed up the the fourth of July,” even though the holi- in unison following our leaders, Jim line of bikes. Motors were started and day was still a couple weeks away. and Paulette Turner, along the well- we made our way out of the state park About halfway through the ride, we planned route. Jim and Paulette, from and onto the Indiana backroads. stopped at the promised Medora Cov- Louisville, Kentucky, had made the ex- Soon we were off Indiana Highway ered Bridge, built in 1875. Through special tra effort to ride up to the area several 60, the main highway that runs in front arrangement, the group was allowed to times before the event to make sure of the park entrance, and on roads ride across the bridge between the bar- the rides had something for everyone rolling through farmland and forest. riers preventing automobiles from pass- to enjoy. Many thanks to them for Southwest Indiana is not flat farmland ing over, thanks to previous planning by their hard work. l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 43 drinks and conversation. Finally, Saturday arrived, and after breakfast, the circle be- Three Generations Enjoy the Rally came a beehive of activity as bikes were logged in and tagged. A Tiddler Ride was held for smaller bikes, using the park’s loop road, free of traffic and filled with great scenery. All group rides were planned out to return in time so that any Tom, I wanted to express my appreciation for the of the riders wanting to enter their bikes into the show could outstanding rallies the VJMC group puts on. My first was several years ago in Cumberland, MD and do so. Many thanks to Greg Pitt and Jill Nihiser for manag- after a long hiatus decided to bring my son and ing the popular Saturday bike show registration, voting, and grandson to the 2016 rally at Spring Mill. The main purpose was to introduce Alex to high quality rides scoring tasks. Volunteer Charles Osterly also helped herd the and help him develop good road skills. - entries into their proper spots. That goal was realized as members and especially ride leaders provided good examples and encour The final Saturday night feast was again varied and delicious. agement for Alex. Even more important was the Members enjoyed another piece of pie and a cup of coffee as associations that are being developed with VJMC organization and members. The atmosphere of they watched our director, Jim Townsend, in his film debut as inclusion that pervades all the activities is a zombie in a hilarious short film. Then the bike show award something unique to the VJMC. winners were announced, with trophies presented across the You and the other VJMC staff should be proud of the organization and I thank you. Hope to see all classes. Recognition awards were also presented to volunteers of you in Gettysburg. who helped make this delightful event a reality. Raffle door Best regards, prizes were passed out, with generous Field Rep. Jack Briere Pete Pavlick providing many tie-dyed T-shirts for the raffle. A Shoei hel- met was the grand prize won by Roger Rollins, of Altona, Illi- nois that actually fit the lucky winner. Saturday night’s social on the veranda was especially cordial as members recounted the great rally rides, chatted with new friends, and shared fun, vowing to return again in 2018. l

44 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 odds & ends You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda by Tom Price / [email protected]

rowing up a youngster in the 1960s S90, the innovative step up for Honda Gmeant growing up in the middle of manufacturing and the motorcycling the the rage of the mini-bike era—the JC USA. Red, chrome, and with all the Penney’s Pinto, the Bonanza, the Rupp, bells, again, I can still recall this bike and all the rest. The Southern youth like it was yesterday. I can still remem- probably saw the injection of the craze ber how we would run beside it or be- later than the Northern or Californian hind it as kids to just see him ride. Silly, kids, but it made it as big as ever. I know, but the world was changing in , From the onset, I was smitten and tak- the 60s and some of us were a part of it! en away from my old Schwinn Sting Ray Was it possible to get my own Hon- that had been my most reliable trans- da? Not a snowballs chance in—a fur- portation for most of my childhood. nace, shall we say. I was one of six chil- The mini-bikes gave way to the Sears dren and there wasn’t anybody going Allstate, the Montgomery Wards River- to find or waste the money on such an side, and the JC Penney’s Benelli that the extravagant item, no buts or ifs about it. older kids started showing up with, rid- Problem number two: my father was an ABOVE: First restore, ing in the neighborhood. Catalogs were insurance executive and absolutely con- 1976 Honda in filled with the explosion of the two- sidered motorcycles as automatic death “Parakeet Yellow” wheel versions that could be had for few traps. “Not as long as you’re living under dollars, and payable by the month. this roof,” he would bellow when I con- Then it happened: the first Honda that fronted him with my dream. ed and purchased a used 1972 Honda I ever laid eyes on and the first one in As I continued to live in a neighbor- CL70 for me, but with the expressed our part of the world, a small Southern hood and a world that was increasing (strongly, may I add) condition that it town. The local Buick dealership had in the use of motorcycles for transpor- was only for trail riding in the yard and taken on a new franchise venture, Hon- tation and fun, I hoped and dreamed fields around our neighborhood. Free- da Motorcycles USA! The dealer, to pro- that time would change his mind on the dom! or to some degree, anyway. While , mote Honda, gave the use of a new bike dangers of motorcycles. In 1965 or 66, I my friends would ride with me for a for the reigning Miss Tennessee during received a terrible blow to my well-laid while, they would return to the streets her one year tenure. The sales manager plans of changing things to my way of to broaden their horizons. for the local dealer purchased that Hon- thinking. My older brother had bor- Fast forward again, I had a son that da for his son after the year’s use and rowed a friend’s Honda 250 Baby Dream grew up in the era of three-wheelers and lived a few houses from me—a white (while my parents were out of town) and four-wheelers, and we had our share of Honda Cub 50. I think it was a 1964. I wrecked into a light pole, causing sever- them. Of course, always a Honda, from can still remember that bike to this day al days of a hospital stay. Alas, this total- the 70ATC, the 185ATC, the 110ATC, and how every kid in the neighborhood ly proved my dad’s way of thinking was 125ATV, 250 Four, etc. I reached my flocked to see it. correct, at least to him. forties and purchased a 1996 Gold Wing , , No longer would our friend, “Mo,” The 60s to 70s saw Honda totally 1500 that I rode all over this great coun- ride a bicycle with the rest us, no longer dominate the motorcycle world, and try of ours. My older brother and I rode would his days be idling by. No; from it became the thing to find Santa had Gold Wings, taking trips to Key West, here on he would be “riding,” zooming, brought a new Honda as the “must the Rockies, etc. a couple weeks each and leaving us in the dust! And on a have” for Christmas. I saw my friends, year. Sadly, he passed away too early in new Honda, at that, the motorcycle that relatives, and anybody and everybody this life, and the riding was never the was all the rage and craze of the times. get a new Honda. The Mini-Trail 50s, same. I rode the Gold Wing one last “First gear alright!, second gear wound the CT-70s, the CL70s, CL90s, and all trip and sold it the next day; my zest for tight…” the SLs from the 70s to the 350SL. Hondas seemed to be gone. The Cub 50 wasn’t around long until Fast forward a few years, and being A few years passed, and with a grow- his dad stepped him up to the Honda the youngest of the boys, my dad relent- ing grandson, I ran across an old 1976 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 45 tle part of my youth, only better! I can finally have a few of the bikes I relished as a kid. I’m no expert with everything on old bikes. I struggle with motor and electrical issues, and believe me when I say the old motorcycle gearheads are LEFT: fading from us fast, but I enjoy the tin- 1975 ST 90 & 1968 CL175 kering, the polishing, and the small things of the vintage motorcycles. Honda Mini-Trail 50. “I ought to restore never reach the level of many of the There’s something about riding this for my grandson to ride around the members of the VJMC. I see bikes each around, cruising on a 1972 CL70 with yard,” I thought. Problem was I went month in the magazine that bring back 400 original miles, going for ice cream overboard and restored it to a high stan- my youth and all those dreams of yes- on a 1968 CL125A or a 1967 CL90 dard, too nice to ride! But, it restored my teryear!—the CTs, the SLs, the Dreams, low-mileage bike. It’s no longer about love of an old Honda. Oh, by the way, and Superhawks! The bikes that were the speed, but slowing down and enjoy- the restored 50 sits in my den. beyond my reach and can’t be bought ing the ride. Joining the VJMC got me a Hmmph…If I can do one, I can do today new off a showroom floor. I like wealth of information about parts, tips, , another, so I purchased a 1968 Honda em vintage, original if possible, and I and advice about something that always CL125 with some front end damage. It want them to be riders. There remains, was burning inside me. was while searching for parts for it that to this day, something about the sound I own several vintage Honda mo- I was introduced to the VJMC by a re- of an old Honda—the quest of taking a torcycles now, and I fix one up, tinker gional field representative, who proved forty-plus year old machine and kicking and ride it awhile, until something else to be a valuable asset. He encouraged four times and hearing it come back to catches my eye. I remain intrigued by , , me to check out the VJMC and become life! the Hondas of the 60s and 70s. I cur- a member, which I did. You see, with the start of an old Mini- rently have a 1976 Honda 50, a 1967 Now, I will be first to tell you, I will Trail 50, I found that I can enjoy my lit- CL90, a 1968 CL125A, a 1968 CL175, a

46 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 FROM R to L: CL70, ST -90, CL-90, CL-125A, CL-175, 550-Four

1972 CL70, a 1968 CM90, a 1975 ST-90, was fortunate to grow up in entirely dif- and a 1976 550 Four—all mostly origi- ferent times of the country, and Hondas nal and all running vintage bikes. were a big part of it. There remains, to this day, nothing So…do you really meet the nicest peo- like riding around on a “cool” old Hon- ple on a Honda? Well, after all these da. Not a time goes by with each of my years, I would have to say Honda prob- quests with old bikes, whether it be get- ably got it right! Ride a forty-nine year ting them running or riding them, that I old bike to your local Sonic or local car don’t go back in time to those glory days show; yes, “You Meet the Nicest People TOP: BOTTOM: ST-90,CL-90, A yard full of youth and Honda, when it dominated on a Honda.” “First gear alright, second Mini-Trail 50, of Hondas! the motorcycle movement in America. I gear…” l CL-175, 550 Four

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 47 A Summary of Honda’s CBX1000-6 Models

by Ian Foster / [email protected] COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Drive across USA with Penske he original CBX-6 marque was pro- Tduced for five years, from 1978 to Meeting Mike Corbin 1982; thereafter the CBX-name was AMA Museum, reused on smaller capacity bikes. This Columbus, Ohio article presents a summary of the var- Rich Chase’s collection ious six-cylinder models that were in Omaha, Nebraska developed as the CBX-6 went from Picking up some bikes a “Super Sport” to a “Sports Tourer.” for my collection Discussions between owners never seem to conclude on an agreed winner between the early twin-shock and the later Pro-Link models. They can, however, agree to differ and realize that each model has its particular charac- teristics and selling points. The CBX has now assumed an enviable position in classic bike circles, way ahead of its contemporaries from “back in the day.”

1978-1979 Honda CBX1000-Z Having undergone design develop- ment since 1976, the first CBX-6s rolled the famous RC166 250-6 race bikes that off the Honda production lines in Japan took European grand prix tracks by from the Wako Factory (engines) and storm in the mid-1960s, but was com- Sayama Factory (frames and production pletely redesigned by Shoichiro Irimajiri line). These are known as the CB1 (or (“Iri”) and his team of engineers. The Code 422) and are the most sought af- bike weighed in at 549 lbs. (249 kgs.) ter of the model by collectors, being the and had a reported maximum speed of original and slightly higher horse-power 140 mph. Standard colours were Perseus bikes. The CBX-Z was introduced with a Silver and Candy Glory Red, with some fanfare of publicity as the “Super Sport very limited numbers being delivered in King” and was designed to take Hon- black to the French and German mar- da into the 1980s, as the CB750-4 had kets. The official release of the CBX-Z done for the 1970s decade. Specifica- was delayed in the US due to shipping tions for Europe and USA differed, with disputes, but a few early bikes arrived the former having a more sporty stance across America in the summer of 1978. (shorter bars, foot-pegs pushed back) The international release happened in for European riders, and the latter hav- early June 1978 at the Isle of Man TT, ing a more cruiser stance (higher bars, where the CBX-Zs were used as the mar- foot-pegs further forward) preferred shalls’ bikes, on loan from Honda. The by American riders. The engine was first production bike sold to the public a six-cylinder, double overhead cam- was frame number CB1-2000042, with shaft, four-stroke, with 105 bhp, and engine number CB1E-2000060, the pre- looked dramatic and wide compared ceding bikes having been referred to to its contemporaries. The engine con- as pre-production prototype bikes be- figuration was an acknowledgement of ing used for display and racing. These

48 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 history

RIGHT: Three Kawasaki Triples in Arizona bike breakers yard needing refurbished

BELOW: Buying the Seeley frame and bodywork Getting my bikes ready for export from California to Northern Ireland Daniel (sitting on right side) introduces some of the bikes’ histories

sand-cast, pre-production bikes were supposed to have been destroyed, but a small number still survive. Production 1981 CBX-B 1982 CBX-C numbers went up to about frame number CB1-2024590. About 25,000 CBX-Zs sive and complex machine, which put a were built in 1978-1979 and sold around lot of buyers off purchase. An economic TOP RIGHT: the world, with a price-tag of $3,798.00 downturn at the end of the 1970s also re- 1978-79 CBX-Z in the USA. The CBX-Z was well-re- stricted sales, and CBX-Zs could still be CENTER: ceived, but was perceived as an expen- found on the Honda showroom floors 1980 CBX-A

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 49 this the rarest of all CBX models. They sold for $4,198.00 in 1980. The CBX-A is commonly referred to as a smoother and more refined bike to ride than the CBX-Z. It is now popular with Ameri- can owners having the “Made in USA” tag on the VIN-plate.

1981 Honda CBX1000-B The CBX-B took the marque in a until 1983 at well discounted prices. partment was incorporated into the rear completely new direction, with Honda seat fender with a little lockable “trunk” coining the phrase “Sports Tourer” to 1980 Honda CBX1000-A access panel. Standard colour schemes market a new product, primarily to the In 1980, the US and Europe received for the CBX-A were Candy Glory Red American touring market. It was re- an upgraded model in the form of the and black, with some very rare Perseus leased at a press launch at Honda’s twin CBX-A. This bike was referred to as the Silver bikes being delivered. Frame Tochigi track in Japan in late-1980. The SC03 or Code 469. This was developed numbers restarted at SC03-2000026, bike was then complete, with full fairing as a refinement of the CBX-Z, which had with only about 4,950 bikes being built, and luggage bags. Weight increased to been “fast-track” designed. A number of making this a very low production 611 lbs. (277 kgs.). European journalists details were improved for ride comfort model for Honda. To overcome im- were initially shocked by the transfor- and stability, namely, the swing-arm port duties on large capacity bikes, put mation but became pleasantly surprised bushings were changed, rear shocks up- in place to protect Harley-Davidson’s by the ride offered by the new Pro-Link graded, and the reverse-comstar wheels home market, CBX-A production was bike. Frame numbers were recorded in improved. The engine was detuned to moved to Marysville, Ohio. Some 1,800 the USA as JH2-SC0605BC300004 and 98 bhp to respect the new laws intro- CBX-As were built in Japan for the Eu- in other markets as SC06-230XXXX, duced by Germany. A new glove com- ropean and other markets, making with a total of about 3,754 CBX-Bs hav-

50 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 ing been built. The bike was referred CBX-B and the 1982 CBX-C, those be- looks, and the promise of an ultimate to as the SC06 or Code MA2. The air ing minor colour changes from grey motorcycle now flock to this stalwart of adjustable Pro-Link with adjustable to white in the US market (European the classic motorcycle scene. A classic damping was a revolutionary new fea- markets continued to get the grey co- bike show is never complete anywhere ture Honda had developed for its road lour scheme, same as 1981.), the addi- around the world without a CBX on dis- and scramble bikes. The bike did not tion of a passenger grab-rail to the rear play. In the past decade, the price of a de- sell well, with buyers wondering what of seat, and a slight weight increase cent CBX has quadrupled, making them the CBX-B could give that the hugely to 613 lbs. (278 kgs.). Frame numbers very sought after collectibles. Prices for successful Gold Wing was not already were recorded in the USA as JH2-SC- a good CBX-Z have reached $10,000.00 giving better! In the USA they were sold 0604CC400001 and in other markets as and seems to be steadily climbing. As for $5,598.00 in 1981, but knock-down SC06-240XXXX, with a total of about they are quite unique, with their six-cyl- prices were soon to follow the release. 2,737 CBX-Cs having been built. The inder inline engine, they are sure to re- Following very slow sales, Honda gave bike was referred to as the SC06 or Code main an attraction to future collectors. away many of these unsold bikes to lo- MA2, same as the CBX-B, and sold for Now is the time to get out and enjoy cal technical colleges to train mechan- $5,698.00. It was an unceremonious them while we can still afford them. ics, leading to the term “School Bike” in ending to an iconic motorcycle marque, This article, hopefully, serves as an easy the CBX-community, when these bikes but the CBX-C should, however, not be reference to help summarize the various were released for sale to schools in the overlooked, as it is visually stunning and production CBX-6 models. Much more early 1990s. The CBX-B remains a very appreciated by collectors because of its in-depth details can be sourced in the red comfortable bike to ride, but has not in- limited production numbers. They are a CBX Book or the silver CBX Book II, de- creased in value the way the CBX-Z has. very comfortable bike to ride, whether tails of which can be found at www.face- touring or enjoying the twisties. book.com/groups/171923629534314/, 1982 Honda CBX1000-C The mighty CBX did conquer the from the author, who comes from The CBX-C represented the end of the hearts of many. Those who lusted after Northern Ireland but is based in Hong line for the CBX-6 marque. There are (but in 1978, couldn’t afford) the huge Kong, or by contacting Louis Mintrone very few differences between the 1981 engine, the jet-fighter sound, the sleek at www.usedcbxparts.com in Florida. l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 51

events VJMC in the Midwest, A Great Showing in Central Kansas

by Mark Bayer, President KCVJMC, Kansas/Missouri Representative / [email protected]

n fall of 2015, during a vintage motorcycle auction close to Wichita, Kansas, a Inumber of students approached me about participating in a show at their school, McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas. McPherson College is the only school in the US which offers a degree in automotive and motorcycle restoration. The school has a dedicated motorcycle restoration shop. This school has been the recip- ient of numerous national awards. After graduating, many of these students have gone on to work for significant employers in the field of professional automotive and motorcycle restoration. An event called “Motoring Fest” is put on every April by the students in the school of restoration through their club called C.A.R.S. (College of Automobile Restoration Students). The event is a large regional event, which begins with a Fri- day “cruise-in” followed by the Saturday show. The C.A.R.S. president, Bob Hes- pen, stated that the show usually hosts somewhere between two hundred to three hundred vehicles at the Saturday event alone. The event this year certainly featured that many cars! He stated that the car show has always been much larger than the motorcycle part of the show, but they would certainly like the motorcycle segment to grow. I told the students last year that I would mention the event at our next VJMC club meeting, where we would determine if we wanted to participate in 2016. Be- cause our local club already had a busy event schedule, and because McPherson, Kansas is just under two hundred miles southwest of Kansas City, we felt like making a commitment to participate in the show was not something we could do whole-heartedly. The more that I thought about the invitation, though, the more I got excited about making the event one for Kansas VJMC members, rather than just our local group. I then called Neil Havran, a long term VJMC member in Wichita, Kansas (Wichita is around fifty miles from McPherson.) and talked to him to see if it would be something the Wichita VJMC members might be interested in participating in. His response was positive, so planning began. The day of the “cruise-in” was windy and rainy, and the day of the main event began with mist, followed by ominous looking clouds, then finally, clear skies. By 11am the weather had cleared, and the crowds finally came. As could be expected, fewer motorcycles were shown than normal. Our display represented around two- thirds of all motorcycles shown. The automobile crowd did show up, and I’m sure there were 250 to 300 cars. Our Kansas City club is comprised of about half Missouri members with the other half being from Kansas. We are on the state border, so our Kansas members are mostly from eastern Kansas. The north-south road, State Line Road, is actually maintained by both states. The west lane is maintained by Kansas and the east lane by Missouri. We have had VJMC members attend our events from western Kansas on a regular basis, however, because of the distance, the numbers have been small. One of my goals in offering the McPherson “Motoring Fest” event to Kansas and Oklahoma VJMC members (McPherson is around ninety miles north of the Okla- homa border.) was to not only have something for them to attend closer to where they live, but to allow VJMC members in that area to get to know each other. Be- Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 53 come to the event, but the bad weather kept many at home. A few of the students in the motorcycle restoration pro- gram were also able to come by. Lyle and Susan Penner came all the way from Parker, Colorado, bringing four Hondas. They were quite a hit with our club members. They brought a 1964 , C110, a Candy Gold 68 CL175, a 1965 S90, and a beautifully restored 1961 CB92. Fred Reynolds, a past Missouri VJMC field representative, brought a 1972 Suzuki Water Buffalo, a 1979 Gold Wing, and a 1972 Suzuki GT750 J. Da- cause of the weather, most were unable vid and Dennis Czaplinski brought a 1978 Honda CB750 Super Sport and an to attend, however, a few did come by , and visited with other VJMC members, 83 Gold Wing 1100. Both were in real- as well as the members of our group. ly good condition. Mason Lee brought We set up a large tent with a VJMC a 1971 Honda CB350; KCVJMC’s banner, which turned out to be a great vice-president, Frank Sereno, brought plan because of the large numbers of his 305 Dream; and Dale Keesecker people who stopped by to see who we brought his beautiful Honda CB750 were. We had a constant stream of vis- Rickman Mettisse. There was also a itors interested in the motorcycles on CBX Sport Touring bike, a Honda SL70, display. Though most had never heard and a 1971 Honda CB100 on display. of the VJMC, we made a point of shar- If I failed to mention you or your bike, ing about the national organization please forgive me, I was often busily with dozens of people passing by. We running around the event viewing the did have a few distant VJMC members great cars. There were some really special cars. An “original” leather-covered 1929 Duesenberg 8 was on display, as was the famous 1952 Manta Ray concept car, which had recently come out of nearly sixty years of storage. There was an ac- tual Auburn Supercharged Sportster, a perfectly restored 1904 Haynes-Apper- son touring car, and a really early 1965 Shelby GT350 track car. I really believe that if the rains had stayed away, we would have had a huge VJMC showing. I received far more requests regarding this event than I normally do, and the interest by our own members was also high, however, rain will keep people from attending an event. The school was happy that we attended and has opened the door for us to attend next year’s event, so we will certainly consider doing so. If we do attend next year and the weather is complimentary, this event is well worth whatever distance you need to travel. We will keep you posted. l

54 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 tech help Tech Tip #15: Carb Adjustments, Manuals, and Changing Tires by Jim Townsend / [email protected] & Ellis Holman / [email protected]

Jim: I got a call the other day from the I rode the bike about six miles, and it more carbs way out of sync. The early son of a friend who had just purchased never missed a beat. I called the owner CB750s were especially prone to that a Honda CB350, about a 1971 model. He and told him what happened and that I with four separate cables always stretch- was telling me that it popped and back- just turned one screw one turn. He was ing and difficult to keep in sync. fired and wouldn’t run very well. I told quite pleased that it was so simple a fix. Jim: One thing I always recommend is him that I didn’t work on other peoples’ that riders get a service manual. Haynes, motorcycles since I didn’t have liability Ellis: I had a similar experience with a Clymer, or a factory service manual— insurance for that, but I would help him Honda CB450. A friend brought his ’71 really makes little difference which one. and use my shop and tools. CB450 over, and it was only running I also tell these guys not to just put it un- We made arrangements, and he on one cylinder. Checking closer, I no- der their pillow at night in hopes it will brought the bike up to the shop. Sure ticed that the exhaust valve was set real- somehow get in their heads by osmosis. enough, it ran terribly. It had been taken ly tight. So I got him to hold the revs at They have to actually read it. Someone, care of and looked pretty good. The only about 2000. I unlocked the adjustor for I think it was Jim Myers, said that he thing it visibly needed was a new front the left exhaust valve, and immediately didn’t read much, but give him a service tire, since the current one was old and that cylinder kicked in. I let the engine manual and he could hardly put it down cracked (sort of like me!). warm up and let the engine idle. I then until he read the whole thing. He may After he left, I started it and tried to unlocked each adjustor, turning them have been stretching the point a bit, but take a test ride. Those 350s are twins clockwise until the engine just percep- I usually have one next to my chair at with two carbs. All the external adjust- tively slowed, then backed off to where home. ments are pretty handy. It seemed to me the valve just started to make a little Those manuals can really save you that the idle needed speeded up a bit, so noise and locked the adjustor at that some time, and money too. For me to go I gave the idle on the right carb about point. The CB450 ran cleanly on both to the local Honda shop is a one way trip a half-turn, and it started running bet- cylinders. of seven miles, and their hourly rates ter. Still, it wasn’t running quite right, Back in the days when I was working are $70, while some shops charge as so I turned the idle adjustment another in a Honda shop we would often see much as $100 per hour. If you are hav- quarter-turn. Altogether, I turned the four-cylinder bikes that would sound as ing something done like having a tire screw just about one full turn, and it if the engine was about to come apart. changed, it will save you a considerable started running like it should. Those bikes would often have one or amount if you can take off the wheel

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 55 and take it in. However, be warned that one person come by complaining of poor Another tool/machine I use is a manu- some shops will not put a tire bought handling of their bike. After a check of al tire changing machine from Harbor somewhere else, like from mail order, their head bearings to make sure they’re Freight. I don’t like to change tires on on your wheel. They want to sell you snug and not “notchy,” I then move down cast wheels, but I can with rim pro- the tire, too. I highly recommend tak- to the wheels themselves. Loose spokes tectors. I am amazed at the guys from ing your wheel in and having your tires and a decidedly wobbly wheel showed tire companies that change tires at race mounted if you have cast rims. It is too where this bike’s poor handle was com- tracks. It just takes them seconds to easy to ruin a rim with tire tools, and a ing from. One wheel suffered from both change a tire. It is an education just to Coats tire machine will do the job with- lateral (side to side) and radial (top to watch them. out marring your wheel. bottom) runout. I use a pair of magnet- An addition to your chemicals, is a ically mounted digital dial indicators to supply of tire lubricant to put on the tire Ellis: In addition to the shop manual, show me the runout in both directions. to make it slip more easily on the rim. I try to get the owner’s manual for the I try for about a millimeter of runout in For those tubeless tires that just insist on , , bike, too. Most of the 60s and 70s bikes both directions. Depending on the skill leaking at the rim there is a sealant you have handy specifics for tune-up and of the welder, I sometimes find that the can put on the tire to stop that, too. general maintenance in them, although rim exceeds that. Much more than two , by the time the 80s arrived, the owner’s millimeters and I’ll scrap a rim. A prop- Ellis: I use RU-Glide from my local manuals had less and less useful infor- erly trued rim will work wonders on the NAPA store on tires, and for fitting oth- mation, and more and more of “refer to road manners of a bike. er rubber parts. I also use tire talc on the your dealer.” inner tube. The tire talc helps keep fric- I’m still an “old school” guy on the Jim: I use an indicator to align rims, too. tion between the inner tube and tire to a subject of tire changing. I have a pair of I try to get them within .020 (or 1/2 mm) minimum and reduces the possibility of Snap-On tire irons and a set of rim pro- total indicator reading. A few years ago, the inner tube failing. tectors that I still use. I haven’t figured I invested in a truing stand that has a set out where I can put a tire machine, but of bearings on the top that I can rest a If you have a topic you want to see cov- one of these days... Speaking of handy wheel with the axle on and check stat- ered, just email either or both of us: jim- tools and one that isn’t expensive is a ic balance. That is usually good enough [email protected] or buddy.holman@ wheel truing stand. I’ve had more than for anything except a Bonneville racer. gmail.com. l

56 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 events Events Corner

by Peter Slatcoff, Vice President, Events Coordinator / [email protected] UPCOMING EVENTS AUGUST 26-28 ugust moves us west to east with Field Rep, asked me to remind you that West Coast Rally Aour events. For those of you living on September 17th he will once again Prescott, AZ in the Southwest, check out the VJMC host a vintage motorcycle show during September 3 calendar and see what is planned for the the Capital City Bike Fest, taking place Barber Ride-In West Coast Rally. I heard through the at the Tallahassee General Aviation & Membership Drive grapevine that Prescott, Arizona is the Airport. This show will be inside their Leeds, AL place. This year’s event includes rides, newest hanger, so rain or shine, it will October 7-8 group dinners, and a bike show. Con- be an awesome event. Barber Vintage Festival tact Jack Stein at westcoastrally@vjmc. There are a lot of events and activi- Leeds, AL org for more details. Labor Day takes us ties that take place throughout North October 13-16 to the famed Barber Motorsport Muse- America. Please take the time and AIMExpo um for our annual southeast member- share those events and activities with Orlando, FL ship drive. We encourage everyone to us. A simple email will do or call me at NOVEMBER 4-6 come out and join what will surely be 850-624-8811 and tell me about it, and Florida State Rally a fun time. I challenge every member I will pass it on to our membership. I Location TBD coming to bring someone to sign up get hundreds of emails and phone calls as a new or returning member. Those asking about events in or near where DECEMBER 17th Annual that do will be eligible for a special prize our members live. Help me get the word Florida VJMC Christmas Ride drawing. out so others can enjoy our enthusiasm Brooksville, FL Steve Gauding, our North Florida as well. l

2016

October 13-16, 2016 Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Florida “AIMExpo creates an all new paradigm for motorcycling. A way to come together at one place… at one time… at the right time… in a celebration of the lifestyle” for motorcycling enthusiasts of yesterday, today and tomorrow. VJMC is part of an exclusive opportunity to participate in an unprecedented event. Our partnership with AIMExpo is so successful that VJMC’s role has been expanded to include host of the AIMExpo Vintage Motorcycle show – “Retro Affair”. This show will be innovative and outside the box of traditional vintage or classic motorcycle shows.

Online Registration will open Aug 1 2016. Registration will require the submission of a photograph of you’re your motorcycle as part of the show entry application. For more information please contact [email protected]. Online Registration: www.regonline.com/retroaffairaimexpo2016

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 57 ADVERTISER’S SPOTLIGHT David Silver Spares by Bryan Bentley, Display Ad Director / [email protected]

hile searching an online fo- Wrum for some help on a bike I was working on, I saw a posting from someone that said they never buy from overseas suppliers such as David Silver because the shipping is too high. Appar- ently, that person must not have been a member of our club, because the ad in the back of our magazine is from David Silver US. I recently ordered some new old stock (NOS) Honda parts from Da- vid at his Hanover, Pennsylvania, facili- Parts, parts and more ty. The total shipping and handling was parts! eight dollars, and my parts arrived in four days. That is when I decided to do ity, although it is not normally open to this article and clear up any confusion the public. This former furniture fac- about David Silver Spares. tory contains not only the parts listed David has two facilities, one in the UK on David’s website but also pallets full and another here. Both locations work of NOS parts that have been purchased together to get you the parts you need from dealers all over the world. Check- in the most cost-effective and quickest ing all these parts in is a very slow and method possible. The UK facility stocks labor-intensive process, so if you don’t about 90,000 lines, and the US facili- see your part listed today, you may find ty stocks about half that. If you order a it tomorrow. I even spotted a pallet of part from the US facility and it is only NOS exhausts waiting to be checked in stocked in the UK, the part will be in- from Norway, as well as David’s newest cluded in a larger shipment to Pennsyl- purchase, the parts stock from Orazio vania and shipped to you from there. Cycles here in the US. There is also a You can also order straight from the large selection of exact replica exhaust, UK facility, but be aware the shipping is of which I purchased a set for one of going to cost more. Almost all parts or- my CB750s, and they look great. Da- dered and shipped from the US facility vid ships containers full of replica parts are charged eight dollars for orders up over here several times a year. to $69 and seventeen dollars for orders Here is a tip I learned while I was there. over $69. All orders are processed with- When looking for a part on the website, latest, such as the VFR 1200, and he is in two business days, so they will arrive you can choose to shop by model or by using this knowledge to create his new promptly, and telephone help is always part number. If you don’t see your part museum in the UK. As long as we have available from their main facility in the listed under the model, always search people like David helping us to get the UK. Simply call the US number, (717) for it by part number. If you are not sure parts we need at reasonable prices, our 458-0852, and your call will be routed of the part number call them, and your hobby will continue to grow. l to the main facility, Monday through call will be handled by a knowledgeable Friday 4am until 12:30pm and Satur- person who can help you. contact info day until 11:30 pm. However, your mate David Silver was an absolute pleasure David Silver Spares probably won’t believe you when you tell to meet and deal with. His knowledge 717.458.0852 her you were ordering parts at 4am! and passion for Honda motorcycles is [email protected] I recently had the opportunity to meet matched by few. His knowledge ranges www.davidsilverspares.com David and tour his Pennsylvania facil- from the early dry sump models to the 58 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 A “Vintage Japanese” motorcycle is 20 years old or older and, of course, CLASSIFIEDS Japanese. Please be aware that ads may/will be edited to conserve space. 12 lines of print will be free to club members. PLEASE NOTE: Please be aware of publication deadlines. For an upcoming issue, ads Ads will be run for one issue only. Please are due by the 20th of the month of the preceeding issue’s release. For example, ads for the October/November 2016 issue are due August 20. resubmit via the VJMC website or email if If you have business related ads, please consider taking out a commercial you wish an ad to run longer. Also, contact our display ad. Contact Bryan Bentley ([email protected]) or me for details and rate information. Classified Ads Editor, Gary Gadd, if your post We can include color photos with your ad. Cost is a minimal $10 per pho- has been fulfilled, again via the VJMC website to per issue. Payment via Paypal is available on the VJMC website. For payment by personal check or money order, please address payment or email ([email protected]). This will help keep to “VJMC” and send to the address below. Photo ads will appear in the our classified ads as current as possible. magazine issue following payment. GARY GADD • 3721 HOLLAND ST. • FORT WORTH, TX • 76180 / 817.284.8195

1965 Honda CA95 Benley. com/. Asking $6500. Mike Jami- 150cc. Very good condition. son, 423-836-6722, Knoxville, FOR SALE $1800. Bart Bertetto, 610-868- Tennessee, [email protected] 4993, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, [email protected] 1982 Honda Z50. Very good HONDA condition. Needs nothing. 1965 Honda Super Hawk. Over $650. Bart Bertetto, 610-868- $1300 in new parts. Runs and 4993, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, drives great. Recent show win- [email protected] ner. $4000 cash, no trades, thin- 1972 Honda CL450. Set up for ning the herd. Need pics, will AHRMA MX. Have all street send. On Charlotte, NC, Craig- components, also. $3500. Ship- 1982 Honda MB5 50cc. Rare. slist. Ray Lewis, 704-734-9813, ping available. See my other Very good condition. $1500. Kings Mountain, North Carolina, ads here and on eBay under Bart Bertetto, 610-868-4993, [email protected] “customracer.” Robert Cox, 719- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 630-7891, Colorado, slark@ [email protected] barbermuseum.org For 1966/69 Honda CA/CB/ CL160, New and Used Parts. 1982 Honda MB5. 50cc, un- NOS fork tube covers. Perch- der 300 original miles, titled, es, levers, engine parts, and rare. $2000. Mike Kirby, 407- covers. Electrics, rear fenders, 417-5798, Longwood, Florida, re-chrome parts, CL handlebar [email protected] assembly. Email me your needs, and I may have them. Paul Enz, 1984 Honda Spree 50cc Motor 321-268-5461, Titusville, Flori- Scooter. No title, would make For 1962/65 Honda Trail C105T, da, [email protected] a good pit bike. $500. Bart Pea Shooter Exhaust Muffler. Bertetto, 610-868-4993, Bethle- Also fits the C100 Cub, as well 1967 Honda CL77. Very original, 1973 Honda Elsinore 125MX. hem, Pennsylvania, oldbiker@ as the C100T. Replace your rust- unmolested, excellent condi- Factory race cylinder, Webco rcn.com ed or damaged pea shooter tion. 1400 original miles. Com- head, fresh top end. Have stock with an exhaust made to the components, also. $3500. Tires, original specs. The mounting pletely checked out; serviced 1986 Honda Spree 50cc Motor and new tires/tubes installed carb, and side panels are off for Scooter. Very good condition. bracket is the same on all these (kept originals). Runs great, storage and are included. One models. Give your bike a great owner bike, shipping available. $1200. Bart Bertetto, 610-868- sound and a custom look. Stain- rides great, everything works 4993, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, as it should. Everything is there. Also have Champion or Boss El- [email protected] less steel, made in America, no Clean title in my name. $5700. sinore 250 flat track frame. See rust problems. $270, ships free Call with questions. If you’re my other ads here and on eBay in the US. Bob Barron, 740-546- looking for a well-maintained, under “customracer.” Robert 1986 Honda CN250 Helix Scoot- 3968, Adena, Ohio, lynn.bob. Cox, 719-630-7891, Colorado, er. First year model “Super Size” [email protected] original CL22, this is the one. Bob, 515-554-4016, Urbandale, [email protected] scooter, powered by water Iowa, [email protected] cooled 250cc four-stroke single. 1964/66 Honda CT200 Trail 90. 1975 Honda CB500T. All orig- This one, “ran when parked.” Mileage unknown, last regis- First series Trail 90. Pushrod 1972 Honda SL100. Complete inal, excellent condition, runs motor, 4-speed transmission great, starts easy. Joey, 706- tered over ten years ago; fuel restoration. Call me for details. system issues at the very least. and dual overlay rear sprock- Asking $2800. Norton Muzzone, 988-7264, Royston, Georgia ets. 6237 miles showing on the Good parts bike if you’re trying 321-720-6949, Melbourne, to keep yours up and running or odometer. Motor kicks through. Florida, legacycyclesllc@gmail. 1978 Honda XL350. 24 miles Missing the front fender. Project a solid start for a rebuild. $250, com since new. Original sales re- includes title. John Bergener, bike or parts donor. $250. John ceipt, owners manual, and Bergener, 575-910-2666, Ros- 575-910-2666, Roswell, New tool kit. The nubs are still on Mexico, [email protected] well, New Mexico, jberg98n@ the tires. See pictures online at: gmail.com https://hondaxl350.shutterfly.

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 59 classifieds

1974 Suzuki TC100 Blazer. POINTER 100cc rotary valve two-stroke single enduro with dual-range 1962 Pointer Comet 155cc. In 4-speed transmission. This proj- running and riding condition. ect bike is mostly complete. Very nice original condition. 5126 miles on the odometer, Fuel valve that has broken piec- motor kicks through. No title. es has been bypassed, and the $250. John Bergener, 575-910- rear tail light lens has been re- 2666, Roswell, New Mexico, paired. This cool little bike runs [email protected] and rides excellent. Has clear Yamaha Champion RD250 1968/81 Hondas. 50 Japanese title, $2250. Contact me for Flat Tracker. Rare! One race bikes, mostly Hondas, $100 details. Rob K. 717-926-8039, 1975 Suzuki RE5. Complete; and practice on fresh top end. each or will part out. Also in- Hershey, Pennsylvania, RobK@ stored for 15 years or so. Has Professionally built and main- cludes 1978 Gold Wing engine, MopedCentral.com Windjammer fairing, owners tained. Two owner bike. Ship- front wheel and fender, carb. and repair manuals. Needs seat ping available. $7500. See my Set and manifold, cooling fans, recovered, paint faded, no rust other ads here and on eBay and other GW parts. Deal on on the chrome. 12000 miles, under “customracer.” Robert whole lot. Also 2 Yamaha Big SUZUKI looks good, runs, everything Cox, 719-630-7891, Colorado, bear scramblers and Yam and works as it should. The gear [email protected] Honda mopeds. Lots of seats indicator and temperature indi- and side covers. For CB750. Gas cator both work. Has twin discs tanks. For Bridgestone 100/150 on the front. No dents or dings. seat, very nice, $100. Dream $4000. John Donavan, 435- and Super Hawk frames with 245-3956, john_donavan@ attached fenders, electrics, comcast.net wheels, etc. 1965 Honda Dream engine, 150 cc, $100. Ask for 1980 Suzuki GS750E. Parting prices or deal on large or whole out. No cosmetics left, carbs lot. Located near Rhinebeck, 1966 Suzuki X6 Hustler. Frame missing. Mostly an engine, roll- New York, AMC super meet site. and all painted parts powder ing chassis, and/or components. This stuff has to go. Ken Krauer, coated by Like New Parts in Pe- Send me your wants or buy it all 1978 Yamaha XS110E. Has han- 845-266-3363, Salt Point, New kin, IL. All chrome parts were for $250. John Bergener, 575- dlebar-mounted gauge for fork York, joankrauer@ yahoo.com plated by Quality Plating of 910-2666, Roswell, New Mexi- air pressure. Also have another Sterling, IL. Many parts were co, [email protected] 1978 XS1100E with title that can reusable. I did replace the han- be retired but have used some WANTED dlebars, brake and clutch le- small parts from it. Clean title. vers, cables, tail light, petcock, YAMAHA Many new OEM parts. $4000 spokes, various rubber pieces, for both bikes. Scott Maser, 704- HONDA various bolts/nuts, and the seat 576-3633, tsopranoismyhero@ cover (kept all the old pieces). gmail.com Honda ME/SA/SB Dream. Engine, transmission, and ex- Prefer a running bike. Seller haust in good shape. Carbs 1979 Yamaha SR500. Com- must ship. Good price paid. needed cleaning. Wheel bear- plete restoration. Contact me David Livingstone, Redcar, UK, ings, tires, and tubes replaced for details. Has Florida title. easternsunrisedave@gmail. by previous owner and checked $3200. Norton Muzzone, 321- com out just fine. Starts, runs, and 720-6949, Melbourne, Florida, rides great. Selling for another [email protected] project. I like to ride but love to restore. $5000. Michael Has- 1972 Yamaha DS7. Everything selbusch, 309-868-4475, Peo- works: lights, horn, gauges. 1981 Yamaha XJ550RH Seca ria, Illinois, mikebusch876@ Turn key. Seat recovered. Tires, 550. Parting out, cosmetics gmail.com tubes, chain, and sprockets gone, mostly down to engine replaced. Only 7400 miles. and rolling chassis and/or com- Enjoyable bike. Runs well. ponents. Let me know what 1972 Suzuki GT750J LeMans. you’re looking for or buy all for First year Water Buffalo for Paul Crook, 508-641-2258, [email protected] $250. John Bergener, 575-910- parts or rebuild. Lot includes 2666, Roswell, New Mexico, motor (appears stuck, no pipes For 1961 Honda CB92, right [email protected] side cover. or carbs), swing arm, rear wheel 1972 Yamaha DT2. 250cc. Bike Part number 50303- assembly. Motor is in frame has been in storage since 1988. 205-000. Fits behind top of rear cradle, but the entire front end Reasonable to good condition. misc. FOR SALE shock and screws to the fender. has been decapitated at the Ken Barnes, 705-429-1113, Aluminum on early CB92s, then steering head. $250 or send Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Cana- steel. Will take either. Steve your parts wanted list. John da, [email protected] Keys for Honda and Yamaha. Pearl, 619-843-6393, San Diego, Bergener, 575-910-2666, Ros- Contact me via email or my California, [email protected] well, New Mexico, jberg98n@ website, rustyrockets.com, for a gmail.com list of keys and other items. Keys All information on the Honda are $12 with free shipping. Joe Cub Rally conversion. I have Lachniet, [email protected] an original bike and would like find how many are left. I have

60 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2016 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX information I will share from the ADVERTISERS APPEARING IN THIS ISSUE: original conversion kit. Jerry Sira, [email protected]. MISC. WANTED Acme Zoom (Mule Pack Panniers)...... 17 AHRMA...... 46 1972 Honda Z50 K3. Looking for Dealer Memorabilia. Collector excellent, original bike in candy seeks 1950’s-1980’s Japanese Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum...... 32 gold color. Would like to find an dealership items, including ban- original paint bike. Sean Mor- ners, signs, ashtrays, lighters, Buchanan’s Spoke and Rim...... 23 phew, 562-698-7484, Whittier, hats, clocks, promos, etc. Rare, California, vintage1948house@ weird, and old is good. Tom Ko- Buzzzzz Rag...... 50 yahoo.com lenko, 770-427-4820, Atlanta, Georgia. CMSNL...... 64

YAMAHA Honda CBX 1000cc 6-cyl mem- David Silver Spares...... 63 orabilia for museum and the Diamond Gusset Company...... 46 1972 onward Yamaha RD 200cc CBX book I am presently writing. and larger air-cooled bikes. Any brochures, adverts, post- Gasolina Boots...... 25 Looking for running bikes or ers, owner’s manual, workshop works in progress, but no com- manual, set-up manual, toys/ Hagon Shocks...... 9 plete basket cases, please. Orig- models, old photos, etc. related inality of parts not that import- to the 1979-1972 CBX. Also pe- Honda Restoration...... 55 ant. Steve Gould, 306-692-1559, riod aftermarket fairings/body- Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Can- work. Let me know what you J Wood and Company...... 8 ada, [email protected] have and how much you need! Thanks. Ian, 626-444-9358, Cal- JDV Products/Vessel...... 10 ifornia, [email protected] l Jess Bikes...... 51 Japanese Vintage Motorcycle Show...... 47 Johnny’s Vintage Motorcycles...... 17 KSM-Hagerty...... 28 LeMay America’s Car Museum...... 33 Marbles Motors...... 50 MikeXS, Inc...... 16 Hey members! Motorcycle Yamiya 750...... 26 Tell us YOUR story! Moto-Services...... 11 The best way this magazine can accurately reflect what National Motorcycle Museum...... 29 our members are up to is if you tell us what you’re doing! Nor’Easter Blastworx...... 52 The VJMC magazine is only possible through member interaction, and we’ll pay you for it! We pay $100 for feature stories NOS Parts Now...... 44 (typically at least two full pages with four or more photos). Paul Miller Motorcycles...... 17 If your story is selected for publication, you will receive extra copies of the issue in which it appears. Precision Motorcycle Painting...... 25 Send your stories and high res photos to: [email protected] Rick’s Motorsport Electrics, Inc...... 24 RJ Cycle...... 55 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Schmitt Mulhern, LLC...... 20 TEXT: • .pdf, .rtf or .doc file formats • include your byline, photocaptions, and Spacecoast Plating...... 51 credit for the photographer PHOTOS: • high-resolution color pictures (300dpi) Speed and Sport Yamaha...... 14 • typical file size of a .jpg will be at least 500kb • 1mb - 3mb per image is preferred Vapor Honing Technologies...... 36-37 Vintage Suspension (Race Tech)...... 44 Western Hills Honda...... 42 Workshop Hero...... 2 Yamaha Powersports Division...... 4 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 61 VJMC REGALIA ORDER FORM

You can also order online: VJMC.ORG/STORE SHORT SLEEVE T SHIRTS: • White 100% cotton, printed front & back, Available in sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL ...... $15 • Gray 100% cotton, 35th Anniversary shirts, Available in sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL...... $15

POLO SHIRTS: • Black, red, or white embroidered with club name & logo on left chest in 100% cotton • Available in M, L, XL, 2XL ...... $25 HATS • Black or Gray, cotton, baseball style with embroidered club name & logo ...... $15 • Red cotton “TEAM VJMC” embroidered baseball style ...... $15 CLUB MEDALLIONS: • White/black or Black/Gold metal with 1/4” top tab mounting hole ...... $10 DRINK KOZEE: • Red foam with white club name & logo screenprinted ...... $1.50 KEYCHAIN: • White soft vinyl with club name & logo screenprinted fastened to chrome ring ...... $1 VJMC PIN ...... $7 NEW VJMC CIRCLE DECALS • Available in 4”, 8” 12”...... 4” $3 ...... 8” $7 ...... 12” $20

Quantity Item Description Size Price Total

Shipping Charges $

Add shipping and handling costs to your order: Enclosed is my check or money order made out to “VJMC” for the total of $ • All items sent U.S. Priority Mail with Ship to: item and $4 each for additional items for USA only. Name: • Canadian orders multiply U.S. Mail rate by 1.5 to determine S&H Address: charges. City, State, Zip Code:

SEND YOUR ORDER TO: Tom Kolenko • 2445 Elmhurst Blvd. • Kennesaw, GA 30152 Questions?: [email protected] VJMC REGALIA ORDER FORM

Quantity Item Description Size Price Total

Shipping Charges $

SEND YOUR ORDER TO: Tom Kolenko • 2445 Elmhurst Blvd. • Kennesaw, GA 30152 Questions?: [email protected]