35Th Anniversary Rally

Vol. 33, No. 5 October 2012 • $5 The

35th Anniversary Rally

Years

1977 201 2

•Inside: Tempting Suzuki find • Rust-removing tips • Vintage show reports • Hundreds of classifieds

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The

COVER STORY 28 VJMC celebrates 35 years in style East Coast rally draws hundreds to Indiana Features 34 Tiddling around 08 DealingTool withtips broken fasteners Big fun in little packages 37 Show report 12 VJMCShow is ‘Classicreport Club’ at Mid-Ohio VJMC at the Gilmore Museum 40 Ride report 16 CustomXS400 Yamaha cafe ‘wins’ project rally Storming the S.C. backroads 42 Restored CB400F 20 ATempting closer look at theSuzuki GR650 Bringing a four back to life 46 Show report 24 IntroducingGL1000 a newproject generation to VJMs All Japanese show in Kansas City 48 Show report 26 RemovingTech help rust from tanks Hodaka a star in Washington

Departments 04 President’s letter 50 Classifieds 06 Letters 54 Regalia Vol. 33, No. 5 October 2012 • $5 The

On the cover

35th These Kawasakis were AnniversAry just two of the dozens rAlly of beautiful VJMs to show

Years 1977 201 2 at the East Coast rally. •Inside: Tempting Suzuki find • Rust-removing tips • Vintage show reports • Hundreds of classifieds

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. October 2012 www.vjmc.org 3 PRESIDENT’S LETTER The

VJMC magazine October 2012 Full speed ahead Vol. 33, No. 5 President his club has the pedal to remains one of the best vintage Tom Kolenko the metal. It’s midsum- motorcycling events in the USA. 770-427-4820 Tmer as I write this and we The seasoned team of Lloyd Blythe, [email protected] are in the execution phase of the Gordon East, Bill Granade, Buck Editor 35th Anniversary event schedule. Mitchell and Barry Whitley continue Brendan Dooley [email protected] I had the privilege of attending the to set new standards for a club event. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at The generosity of George Barber Art Director Mid-Ohio celebration and our East providing free weekend passes to Rhonda Cousin Coast National Rally in the past 30 our members bringing show bikes Classified ads days. At both events, the hard work, guarantees an amazing field of Japa- Gary Gadd 817-284-8195 planning and commitment of our nese iron. You owe it to yourself to Blythe, bike show specialist Greg [email protected] members to serve others was truly visit this iconic setting at least once Pitt, chefs Gary Rhodes and Steve inspiring. These folks were commit- in your life. Searles, and others who donate their Display Ad Director/VP ted to helping members have fun. The momentum in the club contin- Gordon East time and talents so many others can 864-944-8687 Mission accomplished in most ob- ues to build. In response to my plea have fun; you all make this club bet- [email protected] servers’ eyes. for greater local event participation, ter each year. Thank our dedicated Leaving Atlanta for Mid-Ohio at individual members have stepped West Coast Rep club volunteers when you see them Volunteer Needed 9 p.m. and driving all night gave up. David Rutherford contacted me at events … it goes a long way. me lots of seat time to reflect on to volunteer to represent the VJMC Perhaps our greatest challenge is to Mountain States Rep Volunteer Needed the amazing people in this club. El- at the Japanese White Rose show in get the word out about this club. It’s lis Holman and Pete Slatcoff spent southeast Pennsylvania. I sent him a impossible to “over communicate” Central States Rep months assembling a cadre of vol- display banner and some membership with our members or the motorcycling Volunteer Needed unteers that made things happen. signup cards which he put to good community. People even approached Northeast Rep With the belief that you “frontload use by enrolling 11 new members. us at the Rally wanting to know how Volunteer Needed for success,” these men and their David has just become our newest they could join the club. Raising Southeast Rep dedicated teams created amazing Field Representative in Pennsylvania VJMC awareness is a continuous Volunteer Needed memories for all our members lucky and we thank him for his hard work. task. Case in point, Gordon East just Membership Director enough to attend either event. Mid- If you are interested in becoming a sent me the upcoming schedule for Bill Granade Ohio volunteers this year signed up VJMC Field Representative, please the 2012-’13 International Motor- 813-961-3737 [email protected] more new members than any other contact me directly. cycle Shows which begin Nov. 2-4 in single event in our club’s history. The The best part of this job so far is Atlanta and finish in Charlotte Feb. Mission statement: The purpose of this organization is East Coast National Rally also broke meeting our members face to face. 22-24. We want to represent at each to promote the preservation, res- club records as the largest national Some have even become my riding of their 13 locations and keep vintage toration and enjoyment of vintage Japanese motorcycles (defined here rally in 35 years. Thank you to all heroes. At the Indiana rally, a trio cycling alive during the upcoming as those 20 years old or older). The the VJMC volunteers who made of 76-year-old members in Russ winter months. We will use email VJMC also will promote the sport of motorcycling and camaraderie of this happen. Bees, John Keele, and the legend- blasts, our website, and excellent motorcyclists everywhere. Next on the event horizon are ary Jim Townsend continue to ride magazine to get the word out. Wear © 2012, Vintage Japanese Mo- the West Coast National Rally and at a pace that keeps us youngsters in your club shirt to motorcycle events, tor- cycle Club of North America, an IRS-approved Not-for-profit the Eighth Annual Barber Vintage tow. Diehard Suzuki Katana rider, bring a friend along, help your lo- 501(c)(7) corporation. All rights Festival. The amazing team of Bob Koyo Takitani, rode 13 hours through cal field representative to stage an reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in Leonard and Jack Stein have gone torrential rains and thunderstorms event, volunteer to work a booth, or any form without permission. into top gear to create a rally program to come to the rally. His colorful organize a short vintage ride in your The VJMC magazine is published in Solvang, Calif., that sets a new Japanese dinner garb and T-shirt gifts area. Get involved. Help spread the six times per year, in February, April, June, August, October and standard for the VJMC out West. It’s provided added entertainment at our word about our passion for Japanese December. The views and opinions our first stand-alone VJMC rally in Saturday banquet. motorcycles. Ride safe all. expressed in letters or other content are those of the author and do not California. Don’t miss this opportu- Ultimately, this club depends on I hope to meet many of you in necessarily represent VJMC policy. nity to ride, show, scope out museums members interested in service to oth- Solvang and at Barber’s in Octo- The VJMC accepts no liability for any loss, damage or claims occur- and share experiences with fellow ers. Whether it’s field reps organizing ber. ring as a result of advice given in this club members over this weekend. I local events or regular booth work- publication or for claims made by advertisers of products or services hope to see many of you there. ers like Steve and Melody Adams, Tom Kolenko in this publication. The Barber Vintage Festival Julie Slatcoff, photographer Debbie VJMC president 4 www.vjmc.org October 2012

Letters, news and miscellany

Ideas for the VJMC off promotional space. The local AMCA club chapter has a list of locals who are proven, I have enjoyed being involved in the VJMC gave us space at their last show (2,000 visitors honest and reliable. We promote these busi- group. I am currently the Missouri field rep- and 120-plus bikes) to promote our club. We nesses, people and groups. resentative and the president of KCVJMC. had a free VJMC table, fliers with rotating Mark Bayer I just thought I would share some ideas and members at the table to promote VJMC and [email protected] observations which have come to mind! KCVJMC. First, I am surprised as to how many motor- Regarding the tendency for people to have High Praise for VJMC short-term VJMC membership; as I meet these

cyclists have never heard of the VJMC club. Vol. 33, No. 4 Magazine August 2012 • $5 people who have been past members, I tell THE Secondly, I am surprised as to how many Now I get quite a few people have joined VJMC for a year or two them that our club is there for them! We want to represent VJMC locally for people who club magazines, news- and then stopped their active membership yet letters, etc., and to be like the old Japanese bikes. Every meeting still remained active with local motorcycle honest I scan though events. Thirdly, many people who own older begins with a “soft sell” request for member- ship in VJMC (very soft sell). We also begin them in a matter of min- Deceptive Japanese bikes don’t see them as vintage utes. Then I read the Au- R5 bikes, and finally, I have found that there is each monthly meeting with testimonials. Any gust issue of your club’s •Inside: TX500 goes ‘all out’ member or visitor can tell their story. We are • VJMC show reports a significant interest in parts and service for • G oldwing carbs compared working to be inclusive, interested in people, magazine and found it • Hundreds of classifi eds the older Japanese bikes with few avenues OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. careful to make sure wives are given credit really informative and to get what they need. entertaining, as we say “a good read.” If these observations are true, how can for letting their husbands be involved, and try to make regular contact with them. We Congratulations on producing a much- my club help resolve these issues locally? If improved publication. work on being inclusive, not exclusive. we can succeed, we might have some ideas Brian Slark that could help the VJMC at a much larger Many people will continue membership Technical Consultant level! Here are some ideas: for the continuous updates and information Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum We are looking for a “non-profit” which we about events, parts and service. A computer- can sponsor a charitable ride for which can accessed library available to members only SHOW REPORT give us free local advertising. Many chari- would be an asset. Many people will continue Correction table organizations can get free advertising membership as a “value.” On page 42 of the Au- because TV, radio, and printed media either Regarding the idea that often riders don’t gust 2012 issue in the must provide some space or are compelled see their bikes as vintage, continual commu- “Riding Into History” to do so. This way, we get the advertising nication is important. We continually com- article, bike builder Earl

Poster artist Don Bradley (from left) poses with poster- bike owner Wayne Rainey and RIH Grand Marshall Mitch municate who we are and why we meet. Many Harrington (center) was Riding Into History Boehm. at no cost! By Peter Slatcoff n May 19, the World Golf V illage in S t Augustine, F la., hosted the 13th annual Riding Into History Concours VJMC members received four of the seven awards d ‘Elegance. T his year’ s e vent f eatured the Landmark presented to the featured Landmark Japanese of the newer bikes will someday become misidentified. The 1983 MotorcyclesO of Japan. Motorcycles. Nearly 4,000 spectators w ere on-hand to v iew m ore t han 300 • Japanese Vintage, 1946-1968 Secondly, we connect “all” of our activities motorcycles t hat ringed the lake at the World Golf V illage. T he majority of the display w as t he 120 entries of the featured Japanese Ronnie Dale; 1961 Honda CB72 motorcycles, and it stretched almost halfway around the lake. • Japanese Classic, 1969-1980 The Grand Marshall for the event was National Champion Mark R. Adams; 1971 Suzuki T125SR Stinger Racer and Motorcycle Hall of Famer Mitch Boehm. Some of classic vintage bikes. We have many riders Kawasaki ZX750 GPZ you may know Boehm as the editor and publisher of Moto • Japanese Modern, 1981 On Retro Illustrated, a magazine focusing on motorcycles of the Gene Ploeckelmann; 1991 Kawasaki ZXr7-K1 with the VJMC logo to promote the main club; 1960s-’80s. • Competition Classic, 1969-1984 A friend of Riding into History for the past eight years, Don Bradley donated h is time and artwork to c reate the feature poster Gary McGoron; 1970 Yamaha XS650 art. H is s ignature a rt for the 2012 Riding Into History Concours we feel promoting VJMC helps us locally. who have newer bikes who are interested bike in the photo is a 42 www.vjmc.org August 2012 We also have our members sponsor rides in the older vintage. The love of Japanese replica of the race bike to other shows and events (which we don’t bikes is the draw, not the specific year of that was built by Harrington for the RIH sponsor as a primary event of KCVJMC) their bikes. event. He is flanked by RIH poster artist and promote VJMC and KCVJMC. Finally, the issue of parts and service has Don Bradley (left) and RIH Grand Marshall Thirdly, we have connected with other been addressed. I think VJMC would be a Mitch Boehm (right). vintage bike clubs in our area and have traded great resource for this sort of expertise. Our

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club board members President: Tom Kolenko PR director: Roger Smith Ellis Holman 770-427-4820 248-628-6262 317-691-4242 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

VP, Ad director: Gordon East Safety Coordinator: Lloyd Blythe Membership coordinator: Bill Granade 864-944-8687 [email protected] 813-961-3737 [email protected] [email protected] Board members at large: Secretary: Bob Leonard Jim Townsend Webmaster: Mark Johnson 602-788-7302 574-551-2255 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Editor: Brendan Dooley [email protected] Treasurer: John Fiorino Peter Slatcoff 208-286-9369 850-624-8811 [email protected] [email protected]

6 www.vjmc.org October 2012 ® presents VJMC 35th Anniversary Florida Bike Show Saturday Nov. 3 at 2 pm Winter Haven City Park

—Classes— 20 to 30 Years Old • 31 to 40 Years Old 41 to 50 Years Old • Over 50 Year Old Min/Scooter • Enduro/Offroad Custom/Special/CafeRacer Best Unrestored • Best of Show Come out and enjoy a look back at motorcycling history — For more information contact — Peter Slatcoff at [email protected]

Have a vintage Japanese motorcycle? Talk to us about joining VJMC! Enjoy the comradery of fellow enthusiasts and join us for one of our vintage motorcycle rides. TOOL TIPS

Broken fasteners and re-tapping holes By Gordon East VJMC director

ot too long ago, I found a broken Easy-Out or extractor tool. The reversing me my plan. I got a set of carbide cylinder 8mm bolt in the frame of a fully screw “bites” as it turns left and is supposed ball-end bits for my Dremel tool. These spe- Nassembled bike that I’d missed ear- to be tapped into the hole you’ve drilled to cial bits are tougher that tool steel. Within lier. The female threads were visible from the back out the broken fastener. 5 minutes, I had the entire piece of broken outside, but the problem was hidden some Snap! Without warning I was looking at a tool and the broken fastener out (in bits and 1/2” into the hole. bad situation made a lot worse. The hardened- pieces). Please wear safety goggles because My decision to center-punch the broken steel extractor tool was now broken off and that carbide bit just disintegrates metal and fastener and drill its center was OK. The lodged where my exhaust bracket needed spins at more than 10,000 rpm. second choice turned out to be a bad one. to hang. Once the ugly parts were gone from the After drilling the center, I decided to try an A quick call to a machinist friend gave hole, my plan included putting new threads

Author guidelines

The VJMC magazine is only possible through member SUBMIT interaction. AND we'll pay you for it, $100 for feature stories (typically at least 2 full pages YOUR with 4 or more photos). Text for stories can be sent as .pdf, .rtf or .doc files. Make sure you include photo captions, your byline and a credit for whoever took the pictures. Pictures must be high-resolution

STORY Vol. 32, No. 5 October 2011 • $5 color pictures to come out correctly at the press. The A typical file size of a .jpg will be at least 500kb for us to use it. Around 1mb to 3mb per image is

The preferred.The best way this magazine can accurately reflect what the members are doing is if the members,

Vol. 33, No. 1 Vol. 33, No. 2 February 2012 • $5 April 2012 • $5 err, tell us what they’re doing. Send your stories and hi-res pics to the editor: [email protected]

The Beautiful machines A Pesky Great Water Buffalo XS at SoCal concours

Inside:• Upgrade your bike’s drum brakes was• Hot timesa at VMD • Bikes in the blood ‘parts• Hundreds of classifieds

bike’OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONThe OF THE VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. • Inside: The other ‘Yama’: Yamaguchi • CBX motorcycle diaries Vol. 32, No. 6 December 2011 • $5 • Build your own restoration workbench • Hundreds of classifieds

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Inside:• Historical dealer shots • Riding to Panama • Rare Roadpal S • Hundreds of classifieds OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUBCBX OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. Gets Modernized Inside: • Show reports from: Motogiro, Rice-O-Rama, Barber, Concours • Collecting literature

• Hundreds of classifieds

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

8 www.vjmc.org October 2012

TOOL TIPS The broken extractor tool and the carbide bits used. into the frame using one of my all-time favorites, a Time-Sert thread insert. Next, I used two drill bits in sizes smaller than the drill bit provided in the Time-Sert kit. Once I had the final hole drilled using the Time-Sert bit, I followed the reaming step that cuts a recess in the new hole so that the thread insert ends up countersunk and flush The Time-Sert kit. with the surface. The threads for the insert itself were made next with the provided tool, then compressed air used The kit’s supplied drill bit is used last to remove the debris and shavings. to provide the correct hole size. The insert is tapered on the inside and the special installation tool actu- ally performs two functions: It fully tightens and seats the insert; next, after bottoming the insert into that recess, the installation tool spreads the insert threads at their tapered inside. This mechanically “locks” the threads into Using the supplied reamer, a re- the aluminum or steel part you’re re- cess shoulder is cut into the metal pairing. surface of the hole Using oil on the threads of the in- Threads for the insert are cut into stallation tool is a must and I like to the new hole add a few drops of thread locker to the outside of the insert. ●

The special installation tool and how the parts are assembled.

Insert fully installed, recessed flush, Ready to make the repair; once installed, new locked in and ready steel 8mm threads will be in the frame waiting for a little black on the exhaust bolt. paint.

10 www.vjmc.org October 2012 RIDE ‘EM, DON’T HIDE ‘EM

More than just a magazine, Motorcycle Classics provides a community where gearheads and classic bike fans gather to share their passion and enthusiasm for the power and beauty of the world’s greatest bikes. Every time you pick up an issue you’ll find: • Reliable reviews and evaluations of incredible motorcycles from around the world, from the greatest classic bikes of all time to the latest retro rides. • Profi les of the legendary riders who helped shape motorcycle culture into what it is today. • Inside information on the most incredible classic bike rallies and events, near and far. • Restoration tips and instructions, from minor tune-ups to major overhauls. • And much, much more!

See us on the road: Road America Vintage Motorcycle Classic, June 8-10, 2012 Bonneville Vintage GP, Aug. 31 - Sept. 2, 2012 Barber Vintage Festival, Oct. 12-14, 2012

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: Get 6 issues for only $19.95 www.MotorcycleClassics.com/EMCADCZ2

VJMC-FP.indd 1 4/18/2012 11:37:44 AM SHOW REPORT VJMC is ‘Classic Club’ at Mid-Ohio

he AMA’s Vintage Motor- Wood, the AMA’s operations manager. This end for visitors. Bikes were also on display cycle Days at Mid-Ohio is honor included giving VJMC a stellar location at the swap meet booth and included CB350 a mecca for vintage motor- in the track’s infield area among the show fours, CA95 and even a Honda GL1000. Jim cycle enthusiasts. This year’s bikes, complete with a 20’x40’ tent, tables Townsend even had his Honda 50cc Cub trike VMD was no exception and and chairs. As the display bikes began to back in running order this year and put it to packed solid with road racing, motocross, arrive, the tent’s size shrank rapidly. good use getting around the facility. Ttrials, bike shows, restoration seminars, ce- We had nearly 30 bikes on display, includ- The VJMC put on three seminars, including lebrities and a huge swap meet. ing a Honda VTR250, Honda Ascot, Suzuki Ed Moore’s “Parts Not in the Parts Books - Typically, the VJMC has supported two GS1100, Honda CB750K4, Honda CA77, Advice on Details of Finishing Restoration locations for our members to congregate, in Suzuki T10, Suzuki GT380, Suzuki GT750, Jobs,” Pete Slatcoff and Lars Eriksson cov- the swap meet and in the infield area. This ’72 Honda CL100, Yamaha LT3, Honda CB450 ered “History of the VJMC” and “Norway’s year the AMA selected the VJMC as its “Clas- Police, Honda XR75, Honda RC166 replica Classic Honda Club,” and Jim Townsend and sic Club of the Year,” with help from Katy and more. This display was a magnet all week-

12 www.vjmc.org October 2012 "Nuthin’ Like It!" “No one covers ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s motorcycling like Moto Retro Illustrated, and no one does it as well. Packed with deep-background stories, stunning photography, crazy characters and the street, dirt and mini bikes we all remember, Moto Retro is a great read.” —Kenny Roberts

Premier issue: '60s, '70s & '80s motorcycling like you’ve never seen! THE BEST OF DIRT, STREET AND MINI MOTOCULTURE FROM THE ’60S, ’70S AND ’80S! STREET, DIRT AND MINI CULTURE FROM THE '60S, '70S AND '80S STREET, DIRT AND MINI CULTURE FROM THE '60S, '70S AND '80S STREET, DIRT AND MINI CULTURE FROM THE '60S, '70S AND '80S Street, Dirt anD Mini Culture froM the '60S, '70S anD '80S

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If you know KR, you know there’s not an ounce of BS in the guy. Which is • Four issues per year why this makes us so proud. Look, Moto Retro is more than simply the only • U.S. subscriptions: $50 full-coverage — dirt, street and mini — retro magazine around. It’s also the • Foreign subscriptions: $70 most in-depth classic read in existence — and a glossy, oversized one to • Available at select Moto Shops boot. Call it a time capsule to '60s, '70s and '80s moto culture! • Subscribe online , by phone (310.849.1845), or at: Moto Retro, POB 202, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 www.motoretroillustrated.com SHOW REPORT

Ellis Holman presented “When to Restore and When Not to.” All three seminars were filled with many questions and extended well past the allotted time. One of the new vendors in the swap meet field was David Silver Spares from England. David Silver Spares brought with them some bits and bobs such as the master cylinders for CB400F (that they now reproduce), exhaust systems for the CB750 and various cables systems. Elsewhere in the swap meet, one of our members found an early CL77 front fender for $10. Honda CL125A NOS side covers were dug up for $20. Recruiting new members has always been a major part of the VJMC mission at Mid- slaved over 5 little grills for 90 minutes to Ohio. This year we recruited 56 members at feed the 85+ hungry members. The club pro- the swap meet booth and another 22 at the vided the burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips and infield tent for our club’s most successful cool drinks as in years past. Having plenty single event total in its history. Regalia queen of tables and chairs permitted members to Melody Adams fully stocked both locations. linger, swap stories, make new friends, and The new 35th Anniversary shirts and hats were renew old friendships. selling well at their first outing. All scheduled As with all good things, Vintage Days came booth volunteers received a new red “Team to an end on Sunday. The weather had turned VJMC” hat making them easy to spot. warm and humid. We struck our tents in the A Saturday evening cookout tradition was mid-afternoon and loaded the trucks. An- upheld even without grill masters Steve Searles other Vintage Days was done, but with new & John McElfresh. A replacement cooking friends made, old friends re-acquainted and team was drafted consisting of Matt and Don a whole helmet full of memories gained. We Reither, Norm Felger, and Ray Bayless who are already planning for 2013 where it will be bigger and better than this year! ●

14 www.vjmc.org October 2012

BIKE BUILD

XS400 Café ‘Wins’ Rocket Rally By Angela Studley

n Sept. 25, 2011, I and no maintenance history—just a plastic tub was sent a link to a filled with OEM parts that had been removed Craigslist ad from (blinkers, chain guard, headlight). a friend titled, “A After a thorough looking over, my friend good café starter.” confirmed the frame and motor had matching The ad pointed to numbers. That was a plus. The bike fired right a bright yellow 1980 Yamaha XS400 Special. up without a choke, and ran with no exhaust OWhile I was looking for an XS650, I was smoke. It did have some oil seepage from curious to see the XS400. After discussing it various places on the engine itself. It was with Chuck, my significant other, I decided confirmed by the owner that it only dripped to call and set up a time to see it. I enlisted one drop every so often. It was dropped by the help of the friend who sent the ad, and the current owner as evidenced by the bro- we went to look at it the next day. The owner ken clutch lever. There were also two broken didn’t have a whole lot of past information fins on the engine, but no confession there. I 16 www.vjmc.org October 2012 time when I was so excited about a purchase. I rolled the XS400 into the garage and couldn’t The author wait to ride her the next day. with her When I geared up the next day for my ride, original I thought the motorcycle would feel similar XS400. to riding the Honda Magna we once owned. I took it for a spin in the neighborhood and immediately I was fearful it was going to fall over on me. The front was threatening to wash out with every turn. It felt like I had a flat tire on the front. I made it safely back home and pulled it in the garage. I checked the air pressures and the tires were at 32 psi, so that was not the handling problem. In doing so, the XS bit me back by burning my arm in two places. My XS and I were not getting along, so it sat for three days until Chuck came home. When he went for a ride, he confirmed what decided to sleep on it. motorcycle! I called Chuck and told him and I was describing in the handling. While I went to bed uncommitted, I woke he was ecstatic. I promptly phoned the owner I was planning on riding the XS to our up around 3 a.m. thinking about the XS400. and the deal was done. She rode the motorcycle monthly VJMC meeting but was not confident When my alarm finally went off the next over that evening, and then it was mine. I felt enough to take it out on the street in oncom- day, I made my decision. I had to have that like a kid again. I cannot remember another ing traffic. Chuck was more than willing to give it a try. The members of the VJMC were

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alone, working on the bike. The dog sits on guard outside while I clean grease off the frame or try to trace a small oil leak. Every time I go out to the garage, the “Baby Yam” as we affectionately call her, puts a smile on my face. One year later, and it was time for my XS400 café racer to make its debut. The Rocket Rally was the perfect event. It featured a group ride Other café racers at the Rocket Rally. from the Flying M coffee shop in Nampa, Idaho, to the show destination in Boise. excited to see a new addition to the club. The braided brake lines, and replace the carburetor Housed in an old service station, the Flying XS looked great. We discussed its handling spacers. These simple maintenance tasks did not M is the perfect gathering spot for waking up problems, and it was suggested that maybe go as planned. I was soon to discover a simple to your favorite morning cup of joe and the the handlebars were tilted too far forward. oil change is not so “simple” on the XS400. I sweet sounds and smells of vintage motor- It had a windscreen on it that a member of spent many hours pouring over various Web cycles. There was a great turnout of vintage the club was envious of. I had no intention sites, looking at parts diagrams and ordering Hondas, Yamahas, soon-to-be-classic sport of keeping the windscreen, so I sold it on the parts I thought I needed to change the oil. bikes, and an interesting rust revelation from the spot. The XS looked great without it. We I wanted to be thorough, so I also removed Union Cycles. moved the handlebars back and it brought the filter screen. I did indeed order the various Members from the Idaho VJMC were there the brake reservoir back to level. The guys gaskets needed and the correct filter. It was proudly showing their motorcycles and partici- took the XS for a test run, and it felt better, reassembly time. I replaced the oil filter and pating in the group ride. I arrived on my 1980 but not fixed. the housing it’s in without any issues. So far Yamaha XS400, fresh from its café makeover. It was suggested that the steering head bolt it was a piece of cake … almost ready to add I was joined by Richard Hinkle on his Honda might be on too tight. Since we did not have new oil. I just had to install the filter screen Nighthawk. The interest in my little project the tools to make this adjustment, it would cover … and one of the bolts snapped while was remarkable and I was pleased with the have to wait until we were home. Once it was torqueing it 5 ft./lbs.! positive remarks. safely back home in the garage, we lifted the I felt like a complete failure, making such When I was gathering ideas and looking at front wheel off the ground and sure enough, a rookie mistake. Luckily I know how to use pictures of other café racers, I noticed that no there was a definite flat spot when turning an easy-out. Of course Chuck comes along two are alike. Everyone who builds their café the handle bars side to side. We loosened the with the needle-nose pliers and simply backs racer has their own take and taste, and that’s steering head bolt until it rotated freely. the broken bolt out. what I love about them. I had to chuckle when Time for a test ride! It was like night and On the braided brake line replacement, I was asked, “Are you going to paint the tail day: I could ride with confidence. The little I also bought a master cylinder rebuild kit. and fender to match the yellow?,” “Are you bike was a blast and handled like a dream. This, When Chuck went to replace that, the brake going to add racing stripes?,” and on and however would not be the only fix needed. As light switch disintegrated on him. Now I’m on. Everyone seems to have an idea and a we became more familiar with the XS400, rethinking replacing the old original brake different opinion and that’s what is great, it we noticed the rear tire was rubbing. A few fluid reservoir and updating it with some- really gets the conversation started. washers used as spacers, and the problem thing modern. At 9:30 a.m. sharp, we pulled out and took was solved. There’s something very satisfying in bring- back roads to Big Twin. We only had one The next thing we did was change the oil, ing the XS400 up to spec, and making it bet- mechanical (the rust revelation) and one service the brakes, replace the brake pads, add ter. There are days when I’m in the garage close call with two dogs playing chase in the street. 18 www.vjmc.org October 2012 The motorcycle show is open to vintage road racers, cafés, bobbers, chops, customs, dirt and restorations. Entry was free and you compete for bragging rights and a commemorative key chain. Each year this event gets better with the addition of live music, dyno runs and freshly baked wood-fired pizzas. When Richard and I arrived at Big Twin with the group ride, we were immediately asked to pull our motorcycles inside the show room, rather than show our motorcycles outside. This is an honor and by invitation-only, and in the words of the event sponsor, “We won!” We joined fellow VJMC member Joe Fyie and his beautiful Honda CBX already inside. Honestly, I didn’t know what to think and was very proud to be “inside” with other beautifully restored classics. There was another excellent turnout this year, and the day quickly passed. I met new café racer fans, other XS400 owners and fellow vintage motorcycle enthusiasts. This event is by far the best one in Boise for the variety of vintage machines on display, and I hope the tradition continues. I will be back next year, and I’m sure I will have changed something on my little café racer. For now, I am very proud and enjoying the sheer pleasure of cruising around town on my show winner. ●

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By Dave Reiss

magine the weight and handling of a classic British twin 450cc bike, but with the power of a 650cc, and throw in some low-end torque to boot. Then update the suspension with a rear hydraulic swingarm-style mono-shock and adjustable front air forks. Make the bike look good with Ichromed exhaust and fenders, contrasted by black cylinders and frame, pay homage to the classic Triumph twins with a teardrop tank and clean lines, and oh yeah, keep it affordable—very. That’s what you have with the Suzuki GR650, yet with all it had to offer it failed to catch on in the U.S. I have yet to see another besides the one parked in my garage. The country was gripped in a recession at the time, and U.S. buyers who did buy new bikes flocked to four-cylinder bikes with their wallets, including Suzuki’s own GS models, and in doing so they missed the GR650. Too bad, it’s a very sweet bike as the many Europeans can testify who snapped them up. I bought my used Tempter in 2004 … I think it’s a terrific bike and it’s a shame the marketplace missed a real gem. The GR650 was produced in two models, the budget “X” model pictured has traditional spoked wheels, a single color paint scheme and non-adjustable Preload front forks, all out the door for $2,149. The upgraded “D” version got a adjust- two-tone color paint scheme, mag-style wheels and upgraded adjustable ment knob front air forks for $2,399. Cycle World’s test boasted, “For a little over TWO located Grand you can own a real, honest-to-gosh, full-size, brand-new undented under the motorcycle.” (A solid well-cared-for example with low mileage GR650 now carburetor. will run a little over ONE Grand!) But besides the clean retro “roadster” styling, the GR sported some in- teresting innovations under the hood. The engine is a four-stroke twin, with dual-overhead cams on each cylinder, and utilizes a twin-dome combustion chamber first introduced in the ’81 GS650 models, which improves com- The GR650-X bustion efficiency, and added an air swirl feature to the fuel Model in mixture. Suzuki also made a bold engineering design with a red with trick two-stage flywheel, that when under 3,000 RPM creates aftermarket added torque allowing the rider to lug forward in almost any windscreen gear without stalling the motor. and backrest/ Power is delivered to the rear tire by a traditional chain. rack. No kickstart option was offered, but the electric start and handlebar choke adjustment work well. The twin megaphone style exhaust has a sweet subdued sound, and pleasing swept- back lines. The bike weighs just shy of 400 lbs. dry, making it very agile for a cycle with the power of a 650cc engine. Its 3.4-gallon tank provides a decent distance, as the mileage leans toward the mid-50-mpg mark when not driven hard. The seat is pretty comfortable and relatively low at just under 30 inches, with plenty of space for a single rider, and decent for two. Under 20 www.vjmc.org October 2012 Only the U.S. received the ill-fated Tempter badge for The instrument package includes a gas gauge and gear the GR650. indicator—thoughtful items on a budget bike. the one-piece seat is a small tool tray and access gearing, which is as a bit low and make the When first introduced the bikes were well to the battery, as well as a helmet lock on each bikes rev high, annoying mostly when cruising received by the motorcycle press. Cycle World side of the frame. at higher speeds. Changing out the rear sprocket wrote in their favorable review, “You’ll notice The “full floater” swingarm suspension in- from the stock 38 to a 36-tooth model is a popular we’ve been carefully referring to this as the cludes the ability to adjust the preload from 1 modification, along with swapping the front 15 GR650, a perfectly good name for this great (low) to 5 (high) with the round knob located to a 16-tooth sprocket. The electrical system bike—Tempter is a silly name. This is not a under carbs—useful when riding two-up. The is another potential weak spot, with the stock silly motorcycle.” single front disc and rear drum brake provide regulator/rectifier unit somewhat underpowered, The magazine would go on to do a long-term adequate braking since the bike is so light for so another popular modification is to replace the report one year and 14,000 miles later, calling its class. The entire package makes for a nice unit with a larger more powerful one. My bike the bike “a good and faithful servant.” ride on a twisty road, banks and turns with ease, came with the rear sprocket modification already, I found this original GR on eBay being sold and has plenty of power. The low-end torque and in the course of owning it I’ve upgraded the by a very nice guy who had bought it used and makes the bike forgiving in any gear. R/R unit, as well as rebuilt the starter motor and kept it in storage, never even tagging it. It had Some performance comments rose about the added some aftermarket accessories. only 7,500 miles, and was in overall very good

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0000-CD-12-Antique Motorcycle of America.indd 1 8/27/12 3:43 PM SUZUKI

drill, stainless screws and bolts adapted it to fit just fine. the existing grab rails. Everyone in my town seems eager to drop The Tempter gave me the confidence to work over $15,000 on a new Harley. For that I could on bigger bikes by myself, and fulfilled the desire have bought 15 of these bikes, but I only need to own a British-style twin, but with Japanese one. This allowed me the to succumb to the ulti- dependability, and some clever engineering to mate temptation and buy another used Japanese boot. When I park my bike at work, a Suzuki bike. I’ve come to realize that fixing them up GSX-R sport bike is always right next to mine. is almost as fun as riding them, and there are I always look at the racing style rear swingarm many low-mileage bikes just waiting for a new and note my 23-year-old bike sports the same owner. Now that I think of it, 23 years later, the The tool tray under seat provides technology, but fits my 40 years and budget name “Tempter” is somewhat fitting. ● limited but adequate storage. condition. It never received a single bid on eBay back in 2004 when the opening bid was set too high at $1,200. After some research I offered the seller $1,000 for it, and added another $100 to Vintage Suspension deliver it the 100 miles to my home. DIRT & STREET MODELS AVAILABLE, CALL FOR DETAILS AND CUSTOM APPLICATIONS When it arrived I was disappointed to find some parts missing, such as the chain guard and G3-S CUSTOM SERIES SHOCKS air filter, needed to remove the carbs and clean We now offer custom shocks them both as they were gummed up. During for vintage dirt and street models. the process the gas tank’s prior rust treatment • Reservoir or Non-Reservoir Models dissolved into big chunks of plastic “Kreem” • Twin and single shocks available crud, and was removed and flushed out before • External compression and putting the bike back together. I ended up hav- rebound adjusters available • Ride Height Adjuster ing to replace that tank a year later so that stuff Made in did not work anyway. U.S.A. The bike is a bit cold blooded, like many models from the day, and in the states the mixture screws FORK GOLD VALVE HP FORK SPRINGS on each carb are covered by brass caps … mak- EMULATORS® • 30-43mm forks. • Many rates available. ing adjusting anything but the idle impossible. Gold Valve Cartridge I drilled those annoying caps off my carbs, and Emulators make damping rod forks perform like cartridge now can easily adjust the mixture, which is a forks. AHRMA Legal. must in my opinion for a 20-plus-year-old cycle. • 30-43mm and many more! • KYB, Marzocchi, Maico, I’ve found that after a few minutes warming Betor, Ceriani, Showa and BRAKE ARCING TNK FORK TUBES up, with the right mixture, the bike runs well, most others. Optimize your braking for Superior Quality modern performance. Replacement Tubes delivering a smooth pleasant rumble. Unique 2 step process • Built to OEM Specifications For me the bike is a good fit for my 5’-10” optimizes drum and shoes! • CALL FOR APPLICATIONS frame, and never ceases to give me a great ride, whether it’s for a short hop or long day trip. In Europe where it’s a more common sight, riders commonly adapt their GRs for touring by adding hard cases and windscreens, for which it seems well suited. There is a very active user group at FULL SHOP SERVICE AVAILABLE www.gr650-forum.tk. FOR ALL FORKS AND SHOCKS. The GR650 is a straightforward machine for CALL FOR DETAILS the average shade-tree mechanic, and except for • REBUILDS • UPGRADES • COATINGS the valves that require shims for adjustment, ev- erything is very accessible. Parts such as gaskets, filters, replacement screws, etc. and such are still available, as the GR shared many basic parts from the GS line. I’ve found BikeBandit.com to 951.279.6655 be a good source for OEM parts, although most aftermarket accessories passed on the Tempter. When I decided I wanted a backrest/rack, I ended up buying a used one-piece unit from an early ’80s Yamaha, and with the help of a hacksaw, PROJECT BIKE

From Geezer Glide to Go-Getter By Buck Mitchell

eaching the youngsters about things would need repairing to get the bike vintage bikes is rewarding back to working order after its long hiberna- in many ways. Quality time tion. The brake calipers were stuck from lack spent with the younger gen- of use and would need to be rebuilt before eration passing on the knowl- they would ever work again. After that the edge and love for vintage fuel tank came off for a good cleaning and the motorcycles is the future of carburetors were removed and sent to Pistol our hobby. With my grandson Pete’s Goldwing service for a rebuild. Pete staying with me for a month, worked his magic on some really gummed up a vintage bike project was carbs as the bike was parked and old fuel left just the opportunity for some in them for many years. Pistol Pete did a great male bonding and a great job on these and while at it he made some way to occupy us while waiting on spring upgrades to the stock jetting for a smoother and riding weather to arrive. running bike and had them finished in less TWe started with a 1977 Honda Goldwing I than a week. had recently purchased. A large touring bike We decided to replace the timing belts while has little appeal to most young people, but the cover was off for polishing. The bike has when challenged to transform one into a hot- only 23,000 miles, but Honda recommended looking sport bike the gauntlet was thrown replacing the belts every five years and the down and the fun began. thought of a belt breaking was not pretty. The old bike had been parked for many While I worked on installing the belts, Austin years but was always kept inside and pre- learned about sanding and buffing the alumi- served quite well. First we needed a plan and num valve covers, timing cover and fork legs. after some input from my young apprentice With that done we concentrated on the front it was decided we would build a GL1000 of the bike replacing steering head bearings The 7” tall touring bars were replaced with Street Fighter-style bike. and fork seals. New tires were mounted up a 2” low-profile set. After a good cleaning we found that many and the wheels were cleaned and bolted on. A seat was found called a Dark Wing made 24 www.vjmc.org October 2012 taillight built in and removed quite a bit of weight from the original set up. We then replaced the stock mufflers with a universal pair of Emgo megaphone exhaust onto the stock header pipes with some adapt- ers made up at the local muffler shop. These would turn the exhaust up in the rear to give a more sporty appearance and a little growl to the sound. filled with smoke as oil burned off from the The points were replaced with a Dyna-S cylinders being oiled down through the spark electronic ignition for a better spark and new plug holes to free up the pistons and rings. Dyna coils were fitted to replace the 35-year- After running the engine through a couple of old stock coils. heat cycles the smoke cleared up and the old We decided to use the stock front fender bike sat and idled smooth and had a rich sound after cutting some from the front and rear from the muffled megaphones. When Austin sections to go with the sport look we were headed home after his visit, he went with a trying to achieve. The original paint buffed out little more knowledge and the satisfaction he very well and the new seat base was painted helped build his first vintage bike. and striped to match the tank panels and side The seed has been planted for many more covers. projects to come. ● The project was coming together quickly by Fast Glass and fitted to the frame … af- and Austin and I were eager to fire it up and ter removing the stock rear fender, grab rail hear the note from the new exhaust. The shop and large turn signals. The new seat has the

October 2012 www.vjmc.org 25 TECH HELP

Removing rust from gas tanks (and elsewhere) By Jim Townsend VJMC director

’m going to reveal a top secret. You must face the West (Japan), lay your right hand Ion the gas tank of a Japanese motorcycle and repeat these words: “I will never reveal this secret formula more than 20 times on the Internet. So help me God.” Now that you are formally a keeper of the secret, here it is: Phosphoric acid in a dilute solution will remove rust! That’s it. Where do you get this stuff? The most common form of Phosphoric acid is found in cola drinks, but it is so diluted that it isn’t really usable for us. The easiest to obtain is in the chemical used to clean the milk lines in dairies and on farms called “Milkstone Remover.” This MSR is available from many farm-supply stores like Tractor Supply Co. MSR as it comes from the store is 58-per- cent Phosphoric acid and must be diluted for safety. Dilute it with water to an acid- ity of less than that of common vinegar or roughly 5 percent. To do this, pour 1 gallon MSR into 8-10 gallons of water. (Always pour acid into water and not the other way A 12-gallon plastic bin will hold enough MSR mix to combat most around.) This dilute solution is safe enough rusty parts. to stick your hands in. A stronger solution, say 1 gallon MSR into 4 gallons of water will at my place.) not work much better and is not as safe to use. Besides, you need more than you may Using MSR Mix think and 8-10 gallons will go nicely into a Using an MSR-diluted mix is really simple Rubbermaid 12-gallon plastic bucket. You and safe. For your gas tank, plug all the cross- can use this indefinitely as it never loses its over pipes, cover the petcock holes and fill acidity. I have used the same mix for more the tank with MSR mix right up to the top; than two years. When you do want to throw be careful not to leave any big air pockets it out, just pour it out in your yard, as it is a in the top of the tank. Leave the MSR mix fertilizer and is beneficial to your lawn! in there overnight at room temperature and (Just a note about Muriatic acid. Muriatic shake it up a couple of times. Pour it out acid is basically a form of hydrochloric acid, after a day. Light surface rust will be gone Use alcohol to clean out old gaso- which is the meanest stuff on the planet. Yes, and if you still have some heavy rust, fill it line and MSR mix. it will remove rust, but not as well as MSR again and let it sit another day. and it is far more dangerous to have around. The pictures show a mid-’60s Honda Dream tanks unless you plan on either painting the You can use diluted Muriatic acid, but do tank that has a very rusty exterior. Since I will tank or powdercoating it. MSR will not harm not breathe the fumes as it will eat out your powdercoat this tank eventually, I gave some your paint if you spill some on the outside, mucus membranes in your nose. Also, if you thought to just submerging the whole tank in but you should wipe it off with a dry rag as get any on you, it will burn. I won’t have it my bin of MSR. I don’t recommend this for soon as possible anyway. Be sure to remove

26 www.vjmc.org October 2012 Use plugs to cover petcock holes.

hang them in your bin with a wire. Don’t do this with aluminum! It will eat aluminum or zinc if it is left in for more than a few minutes. For rims you can just let the rim rest on the bottom of the bin and just rotate occasionally to remove rust. ●

petcocks as it will ruin the zinc diecastings. After you are satisfied it is OK, rinse it out with water and dry it inside. I suggest putting in some WD-40 or other oil to stop flash rusting. I don’t coat tanks and have good luck as long as it is being used and is not going to sit. WD-40 is a friend, use it to keep rust at bay. I use MSR to remove rust from about any part that is rusty. With rusty bolts, just put some MSR in a plastic dish and drop the bolts in after you wash off the oil and grease. For other parts such as rusty Use a wire hook (not aluminum) to suspend parts in the sidestands or foot pegs, you can wash off the oil and grease and MSR mix.

October 2012 www.vjmc.org 27 COVER STORY

Years

1977 2012

COVER STORY

undreds of guests turned out to help the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club celebrate its 35th Anniversary at the East Coast National Rally at Spring Mill plenty of twisties, elevation changes, and inter- State Park in Mitchell, Ind., on Aug. esting sights. Townsend led riders on Thursday and Friday 9-11. More than 125 club members and to the majestic West Baden Springs Hotel for lunch in the hotel’s Atrium. This famous hotel guests made it our largest rally yet. is anything but ordinary. It is a National Historic The setting was perfect at the scenic 1,358-acre vehicles, trailers and our many motorcycles. The Landmark built in 1902 with a one-of-a-kind state park surrounded by rolling hills with plenty deck’s first floor provided a great backup location domed atrium spanning 200 feet, and it has been Hof curvy roads begging to be explored by vintage for the bike show if inclement weather threatened. called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” motorcycles. Attendees were able to choose camp- Evening meals were held in a dedicated banquet On Thursday evening, everyone came together ing or reserve rooms at the historic Spring Mill room decorated in VJMC banners. at the Pine Hill shelter for a cookout. Our large Inn, both within the park boundaries. The huge On Wednesday, the rally committee got busy tent with plenty of tables and chairs provided limestone inn was built in the 1930s and captures with banners, tents, pop-ups, registration badges a perfect setting to meet and greet folks. Gary the style of stately mansions of the time. and goody bags. Each registered member got a Rhodes and Greg Pitt grilled brats and kielbasa for Each evening was capped off with an informal goody bag with a 35th Anniversary T-shirt, a the crowd to go with the chips and sodas. VJMC social hour on the huge stone patio in the rear 35th club pin, a rally program and any additional President Tom Kolenko welcomed guests in his of the inn. Many biking tales were told and new regalia items ordered online. opening remarks to the VJMC 35th Anniversary friends made in this comfortable retreat. Thursday started off dry and warm, and members Celebration and National Rally. Next, Townsend A logistical bonus for this motorcycle rally was started rolling in to register. Ride captains Jim and I shared a brief overview of the schedule for a two-story parking deck about 200 yards away Townsend and John Keele led scheduled rides our rally events. This cookout was a perfect way from the inn. It provided a secure location for for all comers. The preselected routes provided for folks to get to know one another and make 30 www.vjmc.org October 2012 new friends. Even I made a new but absolutely perfect for the VJMC friend, Rick Pope better know to the bike show. Many visitors came to group as “Ice Cream Man.” the park just to view the beautiful Friday morning started with a bikes on display. slight chill and evidence of overnight “A total of 50 motorcycles had showers. It quickly warmed up to either pre-registered or registered a beautiful day for rides. New ride on-site representing six classes on groups were formed. Steve Searles, display for People’s Choice voting,” our Michigan Field Representative, said Greg Pitt. “The Pine Hill site organized a “Big Boy” bike ride on provided a park-like setting where Friday to Nashville. I got really ex- participants could set up canopies, cited about this ride. When I said, enjoy some hot dogs and drinks on 35th Rally Show Winners “Man, this is my kind of ride,” I was the house, and spend a beautiful Best of Show quickly told that a Big Boy bike ride day relaxing among old friends, 1983 CB1100F; Russell Briney, Lenexa, Kan. was for big bikes, not big boys. Any- new friends and a wide selection one have a CB1100F for sale? of vintage motorcycles ranging in Terry Sell shepherded another age from 1961 to 1989.” Honda, Pre-1970 group to Columbus on scenic back Thanks to everyone who brought 1st: 1967 CL100; Art Bensheimer, Boggstown, Ind. roads. Later, John Keele led his trusty their bikes out for the rest of us to 2nd: 1961 CB92R; Art Bensheimer, Boggstown, Ind. band of small bikes for a second trip enjoy for a day, and to Pitt for manag- 3rd: 1969 CM91; Rick Pope, Lawrenceburg, Ind. to the West Baden Hotel, beating ing a wonderful show. The club also Townsend’s group of bigger bikes wants to thank Steve Adams, Melody there. Tim Bender from Texas rode Adams and John Keele for staying Honda, 1970 and up the wheels off his 70cc Honda Pass- after the show and cleaning up. 1st: 1975 CB750K5; Ray Lezotte, Lawton, Mich. port along with Steve Jacobs’ 90cc Following the bike show, the 2nd: 1983 CB1100F; Russell Briney, Lenexa, Kan. Suzuki enduro to push the little bike members mounted up for a two- 3rd: 1972 CL100; Greg Pitt, Indianapolis, Ind. riders to a win. mile parade ride through the park Getting lost with Jim was part of culminating at the front circle drive the fun according to Brian Olsen of the Inn. This single file parade of Kawasaki from Marietta, Ga. Jeff “Deer-Slayer” bikes was videoed with the help of 1st: 1975 H2C; John Pedersen, Morton Grove, Ill. Suttle had a close encounter of the Julie Slatcoff. 2nd: 1975 Z1 900B; Tony Paton, Grandbury, Texas. deer kind on his ride. Luckily he Saturday night’s festivities were 3rd: 1980 KZ1000; Jeff Suttle, Auburn, Ind. managed to keep his bike upright and well attended and began with a social ride away unscathed. Rides for smaller hour followed by a banquet buffet. displacement and large displacement Each member was given a ticket for Suzuki motorcycles meant everyone got to door prize drawings. 1st: 1974 GT750; Roy Reynolds, Franklin, Ky. enjoy the great destinations. Kolenko shared news about the 2nd: 1970 T500; Roy Reynolds, Franklin, Ky. Friday evening we all met in the future of the VJMC and how the 3rd: 1971 T125R; Terry Sell, Bourbon, Ind. Lakeview room at the Spring Mill Inn board of directors was working hard for a traditional pork loin sandwich to create a great magazine, exciting popular to southern Indiana. Better Web site, and local events for our Yamaha still was the added opportunity to get members. He invited past president, 1st: 1973 LT3; Greg Pitt, Indianapolis, Ind. to know fellow club members. Jim Townsend, to the podium to re- 2nd: 1981 XV750SE; Steve Adams, Lebanon, Tenn. Saturday morning was a bit chilly, ceive a lifetime achievement award Competition 1st: 1976 YZ125C; Greg Pitt Indianapolis, Ind. 2nd: 1976 YZ125X; Marty Wermeister, Louisville, Ky.

Honorable Mention 1985 Suzuki GS1150EF; Tony Paton, Grandbury, Texas. 1975 Suzuki RE5M; Todd Haifley, Auburn, Ind. COVER STORY

for his 15-plus years of leadership excellence. The member Koyo Takitani donated two Japanese room erupted into applause, which Jim graciously T-shirts for the cause. accepted before thanking everyone for their support While these presentations were going on, I over the years. Then on behalf of Bill Granade was checking the feedback surveys on the Spring I presented Jim with a lifetime membership to Mill rally site. Based on survey feedback and VJMC. This was only the second time in the the overwhelmingly positive comments from history of the club that a lifetime membership members at the rally, a consensus was reached has been bestowed on a member. to hold another national rally at Spring Mill in Since this wasn’t Tom’s first rodeo, he used door June 2014. So reserve that slot for the VJMC’s prize drawings interspersed between awards to return visit to Spring Mill. keep the room awake. Steve and Melody Adams Before the evening ended, Jim Townsend had generously donated two brand new helmets requested that all the women in the room pose for prizes, past regalia items became prizes, and for a group picture. We all know how important

32 www.vjmc.org October 2012 these supporters of our hobby are to our lives. “The Ladies of the VJMC” photo captured 14 spouses, friends and companions. On behalf of the club president, board of directors and 35th Anniversary committee, we would like to thank each member who attended the 35th Anniversary Celebration and National Rally. See you all in 2013?

VJMC members Steve and Melody Adams, Greg Pitt, Steve Searles and John Keele con- tributed to this report. Photography by Neil Carpentar, Martha Sells, Debbie Blythe, Terry Sells, Ray Lozette, Melody Adams and Steve Searles.

• Don’t have enough Vintage rides in your area? • Don’t have enough Vintage bike shows in your area? • Don’t have 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 be a Leader. Become a VJMC Field Representative TODAY. 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 contact you and answer any questions you have and get the process started. Do it today – http://www.vjmc.org/officers.shtml

October 2012 www.vjmc.org 33 Tiddlers! Small displacement, big fun

By Don Orton

Four-point-nine horsepower. That is f you’re old enough to remember “You the showrooms in 1992, the only changes what the dynamometer printout read, meet the nicest people on a Honda,” you’re across the availability span being Bold New showing an increase from 3,000 RPM also old enough to remember that a great Graphics and small price increases. until the bike ran out of breath just short deal of those same nice people made their In the land of “Bigger is Better,” the tiddler of 8,500. The little ‘89 Yamaha YSR 50 first motorcycle purchase one with a tiny is an anomaly. Besides having just enough could barely muster up enough urge to Iengine. Most everyone who rides started horsepower to outrun a full loaded five-yard off on a tiddler of some sort, somewhere in dump truck across an urban intersection, they spin the dyno’s drum. Not exactly an the sub-100cc engine displacement. Honda have an ergonomic package that could be used encouraging performance, but under- saturated the burgeoning small-displacement in place of waterboarding for torture. Brakes, standable, seeing as how this engine has bike market in the early- to mid-’60s with usually drum at both ends and usually do a the piston the size of a shot glass. Still Cub and Super Cub models ranging from poor job with what little speed you manage. … the ice maker on my fridge has more 50cc to 90cc (with other Japanese brands Additionally, a tiddler’s diminutive swath power. The springs on my toaster have following suit). means drivers that couldn’t see you riding more power. The kitchen faucet sprayer... Every decade or so, one or two of the major your festooned Ultra Classic or stretched You get the idea. I just had to know what manufacturers decided to test market demand Hayabusa will have absolutely no idea that I was working with if I was to use this by importing machines such as Yamaha did in you exist until they arrive at their destina- bike as an occasional commuter. So, I the late ’80s with the diminutive YSR. Despite tion and wonder why that plastic bag drag- divided my ready-to-ride weight by the HP it’s obvious dearth of horsepower, the YSR ging along the undercarriage of their Buick reading and got—drumroll, please—82 became the must-have pit bike/neighborhood has handlebars in it. The key to being seen pounds per HP (yes, I rounded the HP racer/garage ornament of its day. Spec race is to ride your tiddler in a pack with other series sprung up all over the country. Big bike like-minded middle-agers trying to recapture number up). I am going to be asking tuners like Spec II and Stuart Toomey made their youth. Other motorists will think you a lot from this bike if I ride it 23 miles performance parts. People bought ’em and and your pack of 40-somethings are simply each way to work. used them up like tissues. The YSR had an looking for the tail end of a parade. impressive stateside run (for a tiddler, anyway) Every so often, my co-workers and I engage of five model years before being pulled from in a fun commuting activity we call “50cc

34 www.vjmc.org October 2012 Erik, who normally pilots a KTM690, gets his colostomy bag runneth over. I decided to the lead slot on a DT50; I slot into the No. try an old-skool Gran-Prix running launch 2 position on the RD60; James, who is the with the RD that goes horribly wrong when heaviest of us all and needs every aerodynamic I overestimate my ability to run more than advantage he can find, wedges himself onto three steps without getting severely winded; the YSR and takes up residence in the tail-end- as I pause mid-launch to catch my breath, I Charley position. We take a route that keeps momentarily forget that I am holding onto a us off any roads with a speed limit higher motorcycle that is accelerating a lot quicker of Fury,” where we roll my tiddlers out of than 45, which is at the upper mechanical than when I am on it, and I drag it into a their climate-controlled slumber and set out to limit of these bikes anyway. Drafting is used wheelie that almost terminates in the rear ride 23 miles to work. Thankfully, our work judiciously to gain precious momentum, and end of an Xterra that forgot to move when schedule is different than the 9-to-5 weekday stop lights are viewed as an evil cast upon us the light changed. James slams the YSR’s slog that most humanoids unwittingly im- by The God of Traffic Control, and are dealt footpeg into the asphalt so hard mid-corner merse themselves in, so traffic is minimal. with by planning well ahead. Rolling off the that he scares Erik into falling out of the draft. Setting out at oh-dark-30 on a crisp Sunday throttle is tantamount to admitting defeat, morning in March, we reacquaint ourselves and catching anyone in our threesome who to the necessity to turn the throttle to the stop makes a killer launch breakaway is nearly just to reach residential speeds, and line up impossible. nose-to-tail on the higher-speed arterials, fold- People stare, children point, bearded bik- ing into some semblance of a tuck that looks ers pull out their cellphone cameras, and all equal parts dirt-tracker on the back straight of activity at the skateboard park ceases as we the San Jose Mile, a suddenly modest Rollie scream by. The old guy in the C6 Corvette Free at Bonneville, and a grown man who stopped beside us at a red light launched just got kicked in the [ahem]. away like he has something to prove … or Vapor Blasting By: rice relics

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AFTER October 2012 www.vjmc.orgAFTER 35 but it has also driven up asking prices to lu- dicrous levels. Bikes, such as my Kawasaki AR80, which retailed for around $900 new, are now fetching $2,000 and more, and these are prices for bikes that are about as rough as jail time. Will the madness ever stop? Not likely, but they’re still cheaper front- end purchases than collector cars, and they take up less space. You can fit eight or more tiddlers in one-half of a two-car garage and still have room for the kids’ beach bikes. Your time is spent in the garage instead of the local watering hole or topless joint, and beer/cigarette/PowerBall money is channeled into bid-sniping for an NOS headlight ear or footpeg rubber that you just gotta have to fin- We all wonder when this madness will result ad-hoc racetracks. Laguna Safeway. Willow ish the resto-mod on your Kawi G3SS. The in a melted piston or engine seizure. Springs Junior High. Sears (and Roebuck) family knows exactly where you’re at and Only 22 miles to go. Point. Put some sand in a few red Solo cups what you’re doing … in the garage, working Momentum is a wonderful thing, and when to mark turns and rip it up. Just be careful of on a bike. What could be more comforting you’re astride a tiddler, it’s all you’ve got go- speed bumps (tumble), curbs (vault), medians to a spouse and little ones who like to see ing for you. You could be riding an older bike (crunch), and light poles (clang). I’m not their daddy on occasion? like a Suzuki K10 or Honda S90, or a newer advocating this type of behavior, but it sure True Grits Fun Run. MotoGiro. Lap of the bike like a Honda NS50 or an Aprilia RS50, is—you guessed it—fun. Lake. Organized tiddler rides, one and all. but aside from obvious differences in engine The proprietor of the local motorcycle sal- I’ve got a plan to have a little get-together design, output and accoutrements, you’re still vage yard called me on a Saturday morning. here in Phoenix for the fans of the under- on a motorcycle that is at a disadvantage any “I just got in an MB5! I know you’re into this powered. Only rules: gotta be street-legal, time acceleration is needed. stuff. It’s pristine! You want it? If so, I’ll hold licensed and insured, and no bigger than You learn to scan ahead and plan your course it for you, but you gotta come get it soon. I’ve 100cc. I’ve got a route picked, just need to of attack well in advance, things that benefit got three other people who want it!” find some volunteers to help with the orga- you as a rider on any size bike. Going back I take my lunch hour to go retrieve the bike nization and running of the event. My mind to the near-impossibility of any other driver before the vultures descend. Upon arrival, I’m is made up—even if my friends and I are the to see you, the lessons you will learn about directed to the corner of the yard that holds only ones to show up, we’re going. Should being conspicuous and not hiding in blind my prize, which, upon inspection, reveals a be an awesome, kick-ass time, flat-out, 10 spots will also carry over to your piloting of one-owner, complete, but decidedly un-pristine mph under the speed limit. a larger motorcycle, where you also have the 1982 Honda MB5. The saving grace is that What kind of tiddler bike fuels your fire? added benefit of throttle manipulation to squirt it does run well and has an open title. Care to revisit why you started riding in the past a trouble spot. In short, riding a tiddler “Uhhhhh, you said pristine over the phone. first place? This sub-genre of motorcycling could be construed as educational. That isn’t quite what I had envisioned.” may be the place to start. ● Hold on now, so what’s the allure of riding “Dude, I work in a one of these pint-sized death ’sickles, again? JUNK YARD. Take a look Besides the obvious lessons in momentum around you. Compared and conspicuity, is there any reason for one to to everything else around succumb to the charms of a bike that would here, that is pristine. You lose a drag race to a reasonably-fit woman want it or not?” on a Trek road bike and folds the rider up Yes. After the necessary like a giant paper clip sitting on top of an quibbling over the price, upholstered Altoids box? it is loaded and taken to Yes. Fun. my garage for a—ahem— You can take an all-day trip on a tiddler re-pristining. and never leave the neighborhood. Empty The advent of Craig- shopping center and school parking lots or slist and Ebay has opened abandoned subdivision streets make great up the market for tiddlers, 36 www.vjmc.org October 2012 SHOW REPORT VJMC at the Gilmore Car Museum Vintage Motorcycle Show Words and Pictures by Mark Husa, Michael Blevins, and David Lower unny skies and temperatures in where lush lawns and authen- the 90’s greeted enthusiasts at the tic antique barns add to the Steve Searles (right) and Michael Blevins Gilmore Vintage Motorcycle Show vintage atmosphere, hosted (middle) discussed VJMC Western Michigan in Hickory Corners, Michigan on about 6500 participants, ac- Region activities with show participants under SJune 10th. The Gilmore Show grounds, cording to Jay Follis, Public the VJMC canopy. Relations Manager for the Museum. The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club Canopy was in attendance and was manned by Michael Blevins, Western Michigan Regional Coordinator, of Scotts, Mi There were 218 entrants shown at the Gilmore Vintage Motorcycle Show.

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• Rustic fully furnished cabins • Paved roads and Covered and rooms bike parking • Large Rustic Pavilion with • RV Sites with FHU, and 110 Creekside dining VAC sites for pull behinds • Gift Shop and snack bar • Tent camping and bunk- • Large MultiMedia theater house and training room • Large modern clean show- • Free Wifi and Internet Hot ers and restrooms Spot • Laundry on the campground • Pavilion with large fireplace • Unloading ramp • Private function rooms • Group Campfire every night • Massage room and thera- pist on call Enjoy a relaxing motorcycle vacation in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Ironhorse is located just minutes from great roads like the famous “Tail of the Dragon”, Cherohalla Skyway, Moonshiner 28, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Base your vacation out of the Ironhorse to enjoy great motorcycling, whitewater rafting, boating, hiking, riding scenic railroads and casino gambling. Make Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge your motorcycling home away from home. SHOW REPORT

and Steve Searles, Michigan Representative, of Marshall. They handled club membership information, handed out copies of the VJMC Club magazine, and answered ques- tions regarding the group. According to Scott VanLeuwen of the BMW Club of Battle Creek (sponsor of the event) there were 218 entrants for showing, 211 of those participant ballot judged, and 7 Masters Class entries. There is no criteria provided for the participant judging. The participant judged catagories were: England, 500 cc and under, and 501 cc and over, Germany, all displacements, Japan, 299 cc and under, 300-599 cc, and 600 cc and over, and USA, 1000 cc and under, and 1001 cc and over. Completing the catagories were: Other Countries, Competition, Custom, Scooters and Mopeds, and Sidecars/3 Wheelers. The club also recognizes the

Larry Rix, of Battle Creek, Mich., won second place in “Japan: 600cc and over” with his 1983 Suzuki GS1100E.

127 riders participated in the prior day’s Vintage Bike Ride that started from the Gilmore Car Museum.

Oldest Cycle, Director’s Choice, People’s Choice, and Best of Show. The Masters Class is judged by a panel of expert judges that use a criteria that the BMW club has developed exclusively for the show. The criteria includes “Workmanship/ Condi- tion/Cleanliness”, for (1) Finish, paint decals striping, (2) Brightwork/Plating, including bare metal, (3) Mechanical, engine, frame, suspension, (4) Operability, machine and components, which is optional but must be demonstrated, and (5) Other, wheels, rubber, cables, instruments, controls, saddle, accessories, and display. The second part is “Judges Assessment”, including, (6) Overall Appeal, (7) Styling, Design, (8) Historic Significance/Rarity, (9) Engineering / Innovation, and (10) Authenticity/Originality/Preservation.

Ronald Struble, of Battle Creek, Mich., won 2nd place in the “Japan: 300cc-599cc” with his 1973 Kawasaki Mach III. 38 www.vjmc.org October 2012 The Best Selection of Classic Honda Side Covers on the internet!

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• Also Carbs, Gas tanks, Badges, Manuals, Fenders, Speedos/Tachs, Tool Kits • Search by Manufacturer, Part Type, or use our search engine Ray LeZotte, of Lawton, Mich., showed his 1975 Honda • Order Securely Online, use your credit card to pay using Paypal. CB750 in the Masters Class and won a 2nd place for the • Lightning Fast Shipping from someone who actually answers class. your emails! A “1-10” scoring scale is used with “10” being “Outstanding” to “0” being “Poor”. The Saturday before the show the BMW club sponsors a Vintage Bike Ride through rural Allegan county. This 70 mile ride had David Hellard, Columbus, Ohio, VJMC Member #4720 127 participants for the all day event. Bikes ridden are given points towards judging for the Sunday show. ● WorldWide SaleS BERKSHIRE J u n CYCLE k YOUR NEW NOS KAWASAKI+ S i Your central New England B PARTS SOURCE n i vintage motorcycle shop THE VIRTUAL JUNKYARD c k e e Don’t let the name fool you, we (The Lovely Japanese Wife and I) stock and sell new parts for your S vintage bike restorations and are adding 1 more old stock all the time. Prices average European 50% BELOW MSRP. I buy dealer stocks, parts 9 W lots and am always hunting for more. Finders- 9 a fee paid for referrals. Visit my funky website American for detailed parts listings, updated every 9 n Monday. Watch our eBay listings too, save t seller RDracervirtuallyjunk for hard to find Contact: e parts deals. Brad Howe Site is at VirtuallyJunk.com Goshen, MA d — or — email me [email protected] 413-268-7511 berkshirecycle.com tomBStone, aZ October 2012 www.vjmc.org 39 Some enjoy seeing the water- RIDE REPORT falls, others the 4,200 feet in elevation, and many of us just want to see what’s around Seneca Ride those thousands of corners. Tackles Twisties

By Gordon East VJMC Director

One of many waterfalls and river scenes along the way.

This bike had just as much fun as the larger bikes. Going downhill those 325cc were hard to catch!

Just before the pre-ride meeting.

he Appalachian Mountains are well known for their thick, dark green forest, their natural rivers, majestic waterfalls, and mild Tlate spring and summer temperatures. Hundreds of small, historic towns and communities dot the landscape of north Georgia, and the western region of the Carolinas that are connected by some of the best motorcycling roads. On April 28, the VJMC held it’s sixth annual Seneca Ride and Bar- beque event that let members experience and enjoy those connecting sections of asphalt. The ride included a 114-mile loop through the twisting, winding, scenic roads of Highway 130, Highway 64 and the locally famous Highway 28 while a major spread of barbeque and fixings were being prepared for our return on Lake Keowee. Lake Keowee is located near Seneca, S.C., and has played host to 40 www.vjmc.org October 2012 Vintage Yamahas are waiting for their turn to rumble up and down the mountain.

the last two events. Oconee County’s South Cove Park provided space for trailer parking and ride set-up. The large pavilion and tables are used for our morning meet and greet, then our pre-ride safety meeting, lunch and afternoon conversations. The park offers both tent and RV camping with full hook-ups and designated swim areas so the family can come enjoy the weekend too. ●

Both riders and bikes stop for a refuel near the 90-minute mark.

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October 2012 www.vjmc.org 41 RESTORATION

A CB400F brought back to life, part one By Paul McMain

had completed a full restoration of a CL350K4 in the summer of 2008 and Iwas thinking about the next project for 2009. I have a mostly original ’77 CB550K and really like that cycle. That winter I started considering another SOHC four as my next project. I had seen a few 350 fours, but I had only seen pictures of a CB400F. I started look- ing at ones that came up on eBay and ones I found searching the Internet. In February of 2009 I was looking at Craigslist and saw a 400F listed about 90 minutes north of where I live in central Indiana. It was real rough and being sold as a parts bike. It had been sitting outside for years and it showed. The good news was the price at $75, which made it worth the drive. I headed north that Saturday morning with my trailer in tow. It turned out to be a terrible winter day, cold and very windy. The further north I went, the more snow on the ground. I finally found the seller (thank you, Map- quest), and he told me that he bought the 400F to rob a few parts to get his CB500 I purchased a parts lot from a guy that was parting out a ’75 CB400F. I running. For $75 I thought I might as well purchased all remaining parts. The engine was disassembled and in boxes jump in. I encountered 50 mph cross winds (frame and wheels not pictured). coming back home and it was not a fun trip for this one either. ing in the cylinders, head was not bad, but with a trailer, but I made it. I drove over to I knew from other restorations I would be we could see at least one bent valve. Based a friend’s shop who is a professional cycle replacing most parts so I wasn’t real bothered on what we were seeing and what we could mechanic. He asked what brought me out on by about some missing parts. I was concerned not see (bottom end), I decided to look for such a nasty day. I told him the story so he though about not being the one that took the another engine. I saw one on eBay, but it was came outside to have a look. He just shook his cycle apart. I normally bag and tag everything in Pennsylvania. I talked to the seller multiple head. It did look pretty sad all tied down to so I know what goes where. This cycle was times and he said it was from a running cycle the trailer. He agreed though that $75 wasn’t in boxes and tubs, including the part of the that he was parting out. The price ended up much to lose. engine that had been dismantled. being reasonable, but of course the shipping Not much happened for a few months and My first chore was to lay out all the parts wasn’t so nice. I continued to monitor eBay and Craigslist. in the driveway and then attempt to group After many phone calls and transportation I saw another ad on Craigslist for a CB400F them. The nuts and bolts were in coffee cans, arrangements, the engine arrived. Not very being parted out, again north of me. So I so most of them remained a mystery. I could pretty, but Pat checked the compression and headed north again the following Saturday. tell most of the larger parts were there. Tank it was good as the seller stated. It looked like He bought it from a friend and it was not run- had a dent in it. Seat would not be usable. we had something to work with, so I took ning. He took it apart, decided it was too much Rims had some pitting and so on. the engine home and started the degreasing, to tackle, and was selling the parts. Someone I took the engine parts over to my me- cleaning, painting and detailing. before me had “cherry picked” some of the chanic friend, Pat Singleton, at Singleton I continued my daily eBay searches for carbs nicer parts. I made the guy an offer for all Performance in Kokomo, Ind., where I live. and new parts. I knew from past experience I remaining parts. We negotiated back n’ forth The carbs were obviously missing, some scor- would not be satisfied with used chrome parts, for a while and ended up on a price. No title The frame after the sandblaster and prior to painting.

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Engine after a thorough cleaning and a new paint job. so I kept searching eBay and contacts that I had made during prior restorations. Part by part I found what I was looking for. I took the frame to a friend that does media blasting to get it all prepared for paint, which saves a lot of paint prep time. Then it was off to the body shop for paint. I did not want high gloss black on the frame. Originals have more of a semi-gloss sheen; at least I think so. I worked with the painter and we ended up using a Nason enamel with a de-glosser added. After multiple trial pieces to get the sheen to my liking, the frame was painted. Finally at least one piece of the puzzle was done. I found bronze bushings for the swing arms, which I thought would be a good addition at this point of the assembly. The search and procurement of other parts continued. I found an original seat still in a plastic bag. It was a barn find from a guy who raced 400Fs that he must have removed the seat to replace with a solo October 2012 www.vjmc.org 43 RESTORATION

Re-assembly continues. job when you have hundreds of nuts, bolts, washers and so on. Once bagged, then the as- seat for racing. It was like new. That was one stockpile vintage parts. I found some. I next sembly could begin. I found some period-correct more key part off the list. turned to David Silver Spares in England. tires and continued to look for a new tank and My next assignment was to order every- I found the complete OEM exhaust system some odds and ends, like new gauges. thing still available from Honda. I printed and other really hard-to-find parts. The search Pat, the mechanic, and I both worked on off the schematics for every section of the continued with a smaller list. One by one I the reassembly. I am the first to say that I am cycle then identified the parts that were No checked them off. not a mechanic. I can take parts off and put Longer Available. I ordered most of the other When the OEM parts arrived from Honda, new ones back on, but when it comes to the available parts. For the NLAs, I checked West- the tedious task of bagging the parts for each engine and carbs that is definitely Pat’s area of ern Hills Honda and a few other sources that section of the cycle began. This is not an easy expertise. I can find parts and do detail work, but the engine is off limits for me. The reassembly continued through the sum- mer and fall of 2009. I still had not found a tank so I took one of the used tanks and sealed the inside so it could be temporarily used. I tried Kreem and that did not go well at all. Many people swear by it, but I swore at it, and vowed to never use it again. It did not stick to the inside tank walls after hours of swishing it around to cover all surfaces. I let it sit overnight and it all moved to the lowest point. I scrapped that tank and wrote it off as a bad experience. I sealed a second tank using the kit from KBS coatings and that attempt went much smoother. I at least had a tank to use to get the cycle started. It was sometime in October 2009 that the pieces came together for the initial ride. The engine had good compression, but unfortu- Most parts back together, except for the engine. nately also had some timing chain chatter 44 www.vjmc.org October 2012 N.O.S. DISCOUNT PARTS PRICES

N.O.S. Discount Parts Prices 60’s — Mid 80’s 60’s - Mid 80’s PAUL MILLER MOTORCYCLE “when your dealer says no give Paul a call”

Phone (860) 828-1771 72 Whispering Brook Dr. Fax (860) 828-7490 Kensington, CT 06037 E-Mail: [email protected]

The day of my first ride on my ‘new’ 1975 CB400F. Paul Miller Motorcycle Phone (860) 828-1771 72 Whispering Brook Dr. Fax (860) 828-7490 that bothered me. I got some expert advice from Pat and another 400F Kensington, CT 06037 Email: [email protected] expert, Terry, who lives in Wabash, that the timing chain issue needed to be addressed at some point, but it would be OK to ride. By the time the cycle was ready to ride, the riding season was over in Indiana. Since winter was coming and I had not found a tank, I decided to have the tank I sealed painted. To make a long story short, I took it to 5thGearParts.com a guy in October and ended up pleading and arguing with the guy the following April to get it back. I finally did. I was not happy with the The easy way to fi nd parts for your Vintage Metric Bike results and he wasn’t happy either. Chalk it up to a bad experience. In the process of prepping the tank he found a pinhole on the front underside. He decided JB Weld would be a good choice. That turned out for me to be a very bad choice. I did learn the hard way that I should not have had the tank media blasted, even lightly. I sealed the tank to use it temporarily and then decided to just have it painted. At that point I had it media blasted (after sealing) before going to the painter, which was a bad idea. The summer of 2010 I did ride the “new” 400F. I wasn’t happy with the tank so I had some downtime to wet sand the paint and I hand polished it to make it acceptable. It turned out much better and I got a summer of riding it. That timing chain noise continued to bother me, so I knew it would be going back to Pat for some repairs. Now fast forward to the winter of 2010-’11. On one really cold day I went into the detached garage and the smell of gas was really strong. It didn’t take me long to find the culprit. That JB Weld patch gave way and the gas blistered the paint on the lower portion of the tank. It didn’t leak on the engine and ruin that paint, so I am thankful for that. By June of 2011, Pat had the cycle for the timing chain repair and I was doing the bodywork on the third tank, which was an eBay find. [email protected] (I will not be going back to the painter I used previously.) Stay tuned for the rest of the story. ● October 2012 www.vjmc.org 45 VJMC ad2.indd 1 12/31/10 8:38 AM SHOW REPORT

All Japanese Motorcycle Show By Mark H.Bayer KC chapter president he Kansas City Chapter of VJMC, not counting our monthly meetings, is involved in about six yearly rides or show Tevents. We also sponsor two major events of our own. The first show/event is our “First Sunday Show and Swap Meet.” The second event strongly promoted by our club is the “All Japanese Motorcycle Show,” held this year on July 8 at the Kansas City “City Market.” The City Market is a modern shopping area which houses the largest open fruit and vegetable market in a 400-plus-mile radius, a dozen restaurants and coffee shops and a string of retail shops. The market also sponsors “The Art of the Ma- chine” series of car and motorcycle shows. We chose this area because it is free, easy to find, somewhat indoors, modern, safe and attractive. There is parking all around the structure, and a no-curb access area which allows bikes to enter the area without jumping the curb. The structure is very modern and allows two rows of bikes to be parked on either side of the structure with plenty of space down the center for traffic. We had to make an event proposal which required that we show the building full and some motor- that we were a legitimate motorcycle club which was serving cycles were relegated to the curb some public interest and that we would be family friendly; I do next to the building. I am sure we believe that our association with VJMC was a significant part reached at least 100 bikes. of the approval process. We had one man show up who The event was scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; by 9 a.m. had worked in the Hodaka factory we had at least 30 bikes. By 9:30 a.m., the bikes were coming in (substantiated by a local motor- streams. By 10:30 a.m., we had one side completely full and we cycle activist), and many old-time were working on the other side. From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., we had dealers, mechanics and an array of enthusiasts among the 1,500 to 2,000 estimated attendees. The local motorcycle enthusiasts came out of the woodwork and we made quite a presence. I was told by two sources that this was the largest motorcycle event the market had ever sponsored. From a distance, the crowd looked impressive and the rows of motorcycles stunning. What made the show so great was its casual atmosphere and enthusiast-centered theme. We saw old friends, a few local motorcycle personalities, a few VJMC members who don’t attend regular meetings (they are certainly welcome), and hundreds of newbies we would like to reach out to in the future. In the end, the City Market gave all of the participants 46 www.vjmc.org October 2012 Interested in Old Motorcycles? Sign me up!

a great brass plaque and invited us back U.S.A.....$30 Canada & Mexico.....$34 All other Countries.....$40 for next year. The Join the Antique Motorcycle Club of America! The largest organization in motorcycle pictured the country devoted to antique motorcycles. Membership includes a full- on the plaque was color quarterly magazine loaded with feature articles, restoration tips and a free Want Ad section. a vintage Moto Guzzi, I suppose Name ______we can wish for an Address______old Japanese bike at City______State______Zip______some point in the future. We are already planning the 2013 event in Mail to: Antique Motorcycle Club of America, Inc.® AMCA/Cornerstone Registration, Ltd., P.O. Box 1715, the market area. Maple Grove, MN 55311-6715, U.S.A. We want KCVJMC to reflect the highest standards of showman- Join online! It’s secure and safe at: www.antiquemotorcycle.org ship and character to give our club and VJMC a good reputation in the community. Above all, we want to best reflect the sport of motorcycling, VJMC, motorcycle safety, and to compliment the event in which we are involved! Check out our activities at www.kcvjmc. org and www.midwestcruisers.9f. com. ●

October 2012 www.vjmc.org 47

Untitled-3 1 8/17/10 9:32 PM SHOW REPORT

Hodaka Stars at Washington Show By Mike Ashford Washington Field Rep

nlike last year’s great “North’wet,” we were greeted with 70 degrees Uand no rain for our July 14 Show and Shine at member Ron Orr’s Hin- shaw Honda. This was the third year of this event and was the biggest and best yet! There were about 70 vintage bikes on hand; the vast majority of them were Japanese. The local Vintage Motor- cycle Enthusiasts club was invited to participate and brought some British, German and Italian bikes, as well as vintage Japanese. One bike that stole the show was mem- ber Ben Schenk’s 1977 250cc Hodaka. Hodaka built the 250 for only two years in 1976 and 1977, so they are a real rar- ity. This bike won Best of Show at this year’s Hodaka Days in Athena, Ore., and Schenk brought the trophies with to prove it. (Last year at Hodaka Days, Ben won Best of Show with his 175cc Hodaka, so he is on a roll!) Member, Harvey Beaver displayed his red Honda S90 that idled like a Swiss watch. I brought my newly restored 1967 Honda S90 (the first bike I ever rode) and my 1975 Kawasaki H2C. Ron Orr brought out quite a few bikes from his vast collection of vintage ma- chines and had an Open House at the dealership that included grilled hot dogs and beverages for all the attendees and spectators. We had a great time “kicking tires” with fellow VJMC’ers and introduc- ing the public to what the VJMC is all about. ●

48 www.vjmc.org October 2012 Your Biz Card Ad Here.

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October 2012 www.vjmc.org 49 Classifieds

**PLEASE NOTE: Ads will be run for one issue only; please resubmit via the VJMC website or email if you wish an ad to run longer. Also contact the classifieds editor Gary Gadd if your post has been fulfilled, again via the VJMC website or email. This will help keep our classified ads as current as possible. ** vintage Japanese motorcycle for the VJMC is 20 years old or or me (contacts below) for details and rate information. Aolder and, of course, Japanese. We can now handle color photos to accompany your ads. Cost is a Be aware of publication deadlines. Ads are due by the 20th of the minimal $10 per photo per issue. Please address payment to “VJMC” month in which a magazine is issued for the next edition. For example, and send to the address below. Send all classified ads and money for ads for the February 2013 magazine will be due to the classifieds editor photos, to Gary Gadd, 3721 Holland St., Fort Worth, Texas, 76180; call by Dec. 20. 817-284-8195; or e-mail: [email protected]. If you have business related ads, please consider taking out a com- mercial ad. Contact VJMC ad manager Gordon East at [email protected],

eters in the box. For NS50F, on cases and non stock Travelbee, 517-673-5531, For Sale excellent body panels. For reflectors. Clear title. Quincy, Michigan, rtravel- MB, front fender. For RX50, 4000 original miles. Pete [email protected]. misc parts. Robert Brandner, Shaginaw, 919-568-8216, Honda 561-776-6212, North Palm Mebane, North Carolina, Beach, Florida, suncycle@ [email protected]. 1959/79 Honda collection. msn.com. 49-1047 cc. Selling 50 year 1975 Honda CB400F. 0 collection. From junkyard to 1973 Honda CB350 K3. miles on rebuilt motor (in- museum pieces. Paul Crippes, Very clean, garage kept, all stall available). 13K miles 707-894-3174, Cloverdale, original. 14k original miles, on spare good running mo- California, pjcrippes@com- all paint/chrome in very good tor in bike. Blue, all original. cast.net. condition. Seat is very good. Lots of spares: wiring har- Includes owner’s manual, tool ness, matching blue paint, For 1964/69 Honda 160cc, kit, extra parts, new battery. performance manual, parts new and used parts. All mod- Ready to go cross country if manual, points, condensers, els, engine, frame, electrics, you want. Asking $4500. A.D. etc. Possible delivery. Roger bulletins, parts, books, fiche Smith, Philadelphia, Pennsyl- Mansfield, 317-844-2265, copies, owners manuals. S65 vania, [email protected]. Carmel, Indiana, mansfiel- stuff too. Email or call. Paul [email protected]. Enz, 321-268-5461, Titusville, 1981 Honda CB900F Super Florida, [email protected]. Sport. All original. 14400 original miles, Runs good For 1968 Honda CL350, and all electrics work. No parts. Gas tanks, wheels, all title, bill of sale only. Not engine parts, frame, handle restored. Has slight clear bars and more. May have coat peeling and small what you need. Gene Mc- crack on rear tail section. Daniel, 334-365-1997, Prat- For Sale: 1975 Honda Small scratch on front tville, Alabama, melharley@ CB360T. Frame up res- 1978 Honda CX500 Deluxe, fender. Good tires and rides charter.net. toration. Carbs rebuilt, restored. Under 11000 like a true vintage Honda. brakes rebuilt with DOT 5 miles. New tires, battery , $3000 firm. Duane Segas- Honda Parts. For 1970 fluid. Fenders and pipes mufflers, seat cover and sie, 770-820-1548, Doug- CT70, two sets of new rechromed. JetHot coat- $700 in correct paint. Runs lasville, Georgia, segad4@ chrome exhaust guards. Two ing on mufflers. Tank lined well. Carbs were profes- aol.com. new trail wing tires and as- and repainted. New forks, sionally rebuilt by George sorted other parts. For 1966 chain, battery, cables, in Texas. Needs nothing. 1982Honda MB5. Decent S90, excellent seat. Has seals, clutch. Upgraded Email for additional details condition with 1840 original minor tear on the lower rear. ignition coils and shocks. and photos. Over $3000 in- miles. Stock except for club- For NSR 50, NOS speedom- Non-stock wrinkle coat vested, $1975 obo. Randy man bars and mirrors. Well

50 www.vjmc.org October 2012 Classifieds kept. Includes recent title in beautiful shape. True col- Erie, Pennsylvania, benelli6@ from Massachusetts. Also Kawasaki lector quality. Many pictures aol.com. have original Honda factory available. Terry Smith, 720- service manual. Ruckster1, For 1960’s/70’s Kawasaki 422-5490, Denver, Colorado, 1966 Yamaha YM-1. Com- 401-523-5321, New England, 125/175/250/350, F5/F6/F7/ [email protected]. plete restored 305cc. 20000 [email protected]. F8/F9/F11, NOS piston kits. original miles. Email me and Each kit includes 1 piston, 1 1968 Suzuki M12-2 50cc. I I’ll send you pictures. Scott Free to Good Home: Honda ring set, 1 piston pin and 2 have a good running M12-2. Hunter, 612-501-1093, Min- PA50 Moped. No paperwork. circlips. Kits are $40 each Color is red, everything is neapolis, Minnesota, scott@ Gordon Bass, 985-807-6581, plus shipping and handling. operational. The chrome is signatureelectric.net. New Orleans, Louisiana, gor- Email with size needed, pitted in areas, but really in [email protected]. standard or oversize. Steve great shape overall. The seat Yamaha TD1C 250cc road- Lloyd, 814-899-3935, Erie, has no rips, the paint is in racer. Complete, last raced 1982 Honda CX500T Turbo. Pennsylvania, benelli6@aol. excellent shape. 2000 miles, in 2001. Unrestored, includes Rare and super clean. 24000 com. still being ridden. Kevin some engine spares. Norm, original miles. Beautiful bike, Quinn, 913-341-1255, Lee’s 888-811-2232/909-883- rides great, very comfort- For Kawasaki Triples S2/ Summit, Missouri, kquinn@ 2232, California, normaero@ able. Won 3rd place vintage KH400/H1/H2, NOS carb boundlessnetwork.com. aol.com. Japanese class at 2011 Pro kits. Kits include main jet Italia Café Desmo show. metering rod (needle and 1972 Suzuki J Sebring 1973 Yamaha RD350. Pro- $5500 obo. Cash only, no cir-clip), pilot jet, main jet, 380cc. 13k miles, stored 25 fessionally built streetfighter trades. Brian, 818-231-0179, mixture metering screw and years. NOS ignition switch, bobber. Total rebuild, hot Los Angeles, California, mo- spring, washers, float bowl air intake boot, points. New rod black/yellow, Toomey [email protected]. gasket and float needle and chain, battery, air filter, plugs, chambers, clean title, needs seat. $15 each plus shipping fuel and oil lines, tires, tubes. nothing, pictures available. and handling. Steve Lloyd, Carbs rebuilt, gas tank sealed. $1990. Scott Ferrecchia, 814-899-3935, Erie, Pennsyl- Original paint, chrome and 508-397-0747, Hudson, vania, [email protected]. upholstery. Factory service Massachusetts, scott@lin- manual and owner’s manual, colntool.com. 1985 Kawasaki ZN700 LTD. Clymer repair manual, tool All original, has 11000 miles. kit. Current title and regis- For 1976/81 Yamaha Great bike for collector, no tration. Have original blue XS750/850 triples, 900cc work is necessary, just keep and yellow Pa plate. Con big bore kit. Includes hi-perf 1984 Honda VT500 Ascot it clean. Asking $3000. Troy Wallhausen, 724-216-5941, head gasket, base basket, (V-Twin) all original with Woomer, Allentown, Penn- Greensburg, Pennsylvania, 6-circlips, 3-pistons/ring 4,700 miles, motorcycle sylvania, steelforce0516@ wallhausen110@comcast. sets/wrist pins. $325 plus is a federal specification rcn.com. net. shipping and handling. Steve, model and black in color. 814-899-3935, Erie, Pennsyl- I am looking to trade this 1980 Suzuki GS850GL. Well vania, [email protected] motorcycle for a recent Suzuki maintained, garage kept, model Honda or Yamaha 4 never down, in running con- 1982 Yamaha IT175. Roll- stroke dirt bike in the 250- For 1965/68 Suzuki B100P/ dition. Has original paint and ing chassis only. No motor. 400CC range, or I will sell B120 K10, NOS seat. Has seat. Asking $975. Mike Say- Includes tank, seat, good for cash offered at $3,500. later pattern on seat for er, 215-801-6183, Flourtown, wheels and general parts Gary Treadwell, 562-537- B120 but fits both models. Pennsylvania, miklmc@aol. bike. Free, just come and get 5624, [email protected]. Also have NOS complete com. it. R. Gangle, Acworth, Geor- front fork assembly including gia, [email protected]. 1988 Honda Hurricane 1000. triple tree for a Suzuki K10P. 405 kilometers. Bike is virtu- Pics available on request. Yamaha ally new. $5000. Raymond, Fred Sauter, 905-640-2851, 250-459-7792, Clinton, BC, Ontario, Canada, fsauter@ For Yamaha YR2/YDS3/ Misc. Items Canada, [email protected]. sympatico.ca. DT1/YA6/YL1/YF1, NOS piston kits. YR2/YDS3 sets for Sale 1966 Suzuki K15 Hill Billy. of 2 each, $75. DT1/YA6/ Unassembled plastic mod- Perfect bike. Missing rear YL1/YF1 set of 1 each, $35. els. 1969 Honda CB750 by rack and glass from speed- Plus shipping and handling. Nagano, $100. Kawasaki ometer. All else is original and Steve Lloyd, 814-899-3935, Z-1 by Revell, $50. Honda October 2012 www.vjmc.org 51 Classifieds

750 working engine by Mini- and brochures. Many gems, Over 4000 Honda keys. All Original motorcycle maga- craft, $100. Vince Tidwell, some NOS bits. Email for a new and numbered. Through zines containing road tests 678-358-0963, Dunwoody, list. Rick Seto, Ottawa Cana- the decades, Hondas came for your 80’s vintage Japa- Georgia, s.vince.tidwell.sr@ da, [email protected]. with four keys, sometimes nese motorcycle. $2.00US gmail.com. 5. The dealer gave the buyer plus $7.77US s&h (incl air 1970 Suzuki 250 cc Hustler, 2 and he kept the others! mail for anywhere in Canada Japanese bike parts supply. $300. 1965 Yamaha Big Bear, These are some of the ‘kept’ or US). email your year, make 10’s of thousands of parts, two bikes. For 1978 Honda keys. $10 each for any quan- and model to me and I’ll see new and used. Reasonable Gold Wing, parts. Lots of tity including postage sent if I have a copy for you. I am price in order to make a plastic side covers. 2 rear anywhere in the world. Email clearing out my motorcycle speedy deal. Gene Crump, drive units, two radiators preferred. Barry Sulkin, 310- magazine collection to ben- 662-369-4542, Aberdeen, with fans, front fenders with 569-1383, Culver City, Cali- efit VJMC people. Canadian Mississippi, crumpcycles@ emblems, oil filter cover, fuel fornia, [email protected]. Stu at [email protected]. bellsouth.net. pump, carb and manifold set, misc small parts. $300 for the Over 1000 Kawasaki keys. For 1958 through 1980, Vin- lot or separate. 1978 Honda All new and numbered. Wanted: tage Japanese carb kits. 400 twin with good engine, Through the decades, Hon- Buy them all for $3.50 each $200. Parting out 50 Hondas, das came with four keys, or best offer. Or individual kits 1969/80, $75 each. Yamaha sometimes 5. The dealer Honda from $5 each. Shipping and and Honda mopeds. Lots gave the buyer 2 and he kept handling extra. Email with of seats. 4 CB750 4-cyl gas the others! These are some For 1949 Honda Dream, make, model and displace- tanks, $50 and up. Located of the ‘kept’ keys. $10 each looking for photos of original ment of bike. Steve, 814-899- near Rhinebeck, New York for any quantity including 1949 Honda Dream. Jojo 3935, Wesleyville, Pennsylva- meet site. Ken Krauer, (845) postage sent anywhere in the Johnson, 619-718-1928, nia, [email protected]. 266-3363, Salt Point, New world. Email preferred. Barry Idaho, josette59cafe@yahoo. York, joankrauer@yahoo. Sulkin, 310-569-1383, Culver com. Vintage Japanese Parts. com. City, California, barrysulkn@ Selling off my spare parts aol.com.

If you enjoyed this issue of the VJMC magazine, why not pass on the legacy to a friend. It is easier than ever to join our great organization. Simply go to www.vjmc.org and click the “Join the VJMC” button. Our dues are $30 per year, which entitles you to a year’s worth (six issues) of the club’s bimonthly magazine, and our event schedule is growing monthly for the benefit of members.

If preferred, your friend may fill out the form below and send it along with the dues to Bill Granade, 13309 Moran Drive, Tampa, FL 33618-3011.

New Member Name: ______

Date: ______Address: ______

City:______State: _____ Zip: ______

Preferred Brands: ______

Phone Number: ______

Email: ______

Referred By: ______

Dues: $30 one year; $55 two years; $80 three years

52 www.vjmc.org October 2012 Classifieds

For 1953 Honda Dream or anything related to the 1974/78 Honda XR350. Any working on my TT500D. If 3-E, information. The first 4 Roadster Kit that Honda of- condition for restoration. Bob anyone has completed one stroke bike Honda built. Any fered in the mid 1960’s. Also Hicks, 978-774-0906, Wen- of these and has advice or part sources, info or contact need seat for the roadster kit. ham, Massachusetts, maib. suggestions and is willing with anyone knowledgeable Honda or any related reason- [email protected]. to share knowledge, please with these bikes would be able items. Bob Barron, 740- contact me. Bruce Casey, most appreciated. Michael 546-3968, Ohio, lynn.bob. 1976/78 Honda XL350. Alabama, freebird21@char- Howarth, 760-218-3410, mi- [email protected]. Looking for decent runner ter.net. [email protected]. or semi-restored bike to put For 1970/71 Honda SL175, inusable condition. For trail/ 1992/93 Yamaha TDM850. 1962 Honda Cuby. Look- looking for rolling frame or road use, not show. Clear Looking for ready to ride ing for 19cc engine and SL175 with a non-running title, Ny/New England prefer- bike. No project bikes, no any parts or literature. Tom engine. Incomplete bike is ably. Rich Whyman, 207-563- broken up bodywork or Kolenko, (770) 427-4820, OK. Let me know what you 5262, Damariscotta, Maine. heavily modified bikes. Atlanta, Georgia, tkolenko@ have. Thanks. Ellis Holman, Please email description and kennesaw.edu. 317-691-4242, Indianapolis, For 1984/86 Honda Night- photos. Steve Huggins, 407- Indiana, eholman@comcast. hawk, NOS parts for any 927-4835, Orlando, Florida, For 1963 Honda T10 Cuby net. year/color Nighthawk S. I’ve [email protected]. 19.7cc, looking for the lost all my parts in a huge Honda book ‘Cuby Engine’. 1971/71 Honda SL175. Any house fire, and am still look- The booklet explains in- shape, does not have to run. ing for anything I can find stallation of attachments: Frank Mowrey, 518-673- NOS for these bikes. Please Misc. Items water pump, circular saw, 3483, Canajoharie, New York, contact me if you have generator, dust blower, drill- [email protected]. anything you’d like to sell. Wanted ing machine. Volker Wolff, Thanks! Joe Angelucci, 216- Japanese NOS mopeds and 004961742577959, Germany, For 1971 Honda CL450, 382-8965, Cleveland, Ohio, motorcycles from the 60ties [email protected]. looking for a motor or some- [email protected]. and 70ties for our showroom. place that will rebuild the mo- If you have anything to offer For 1962 Honda CB72, tor I have. If anyone can help please contact me. Mike parts. I am restoring an early out, I’d appreciate it. James Suzuki Buttinger, mike.buttinger@ matching numbers CB72. Houlbert, Coventry, Con- cmsnl.com. Have frame and case, need necticut, whitee25@yahoo. 1975 Suzuki RM125. James the rest. Rolling bike pre- com. Neill, 662-417-5295, McCa- Dealer Memorabilia. Col- ferred but will consider any rley, Mississippi, neillland@ lector seeks 1950’s-1980’s parts. Mark Wentz, 408-420- For 1972 Honda CL175, bellsouth.net. Japanese dealership items 9613, Milpitas, California, need exhaust pipe for the including banners, signs, [email protected]. scrambler. Bob Williams, ashtrays, lighters, hats, 608-751-0731, Clinton, Wis- Yamaha clocks, promos, etc. Rare, For Honda CL72, informa- consin, [email protected]. weird and old is good. Tom tion. Need help with resto- 1967/68 Yamaha YG1T. Kolenko, (770) 427-4820, ration of a domestic CL72. 1972/73 Honda XL250. Would also consider YL5T. Atlanta, Georgia, tkolenko@ If you had one or have one, David C, Rhode Island, fis- All conditions considered, kennesaw.edu. contact me. Cliff Vaughn, [email protected]. the closer to Pennsylvania 814-490-0212, Edinboro, the better. Fred Klopp, 717- Honda CBX 1000cc 6 cyl Pennsylvania, only67s@ya- 1974/75 Honda Elsinores. 273-0141/717-421-4287, memorabilia for Museum and hoo.com. CR125 and CR250. James Lebanon, Pennsylvania, fkk@ the ‘CBX Book’ I am pres- Neill, 662-417-5295, McCa- comcast.net. ently writing. Any brochures, For 1964 Honda C100, look- rley, Mississippi, neillland@ adverts, posters, owner’s ing for anyone who has or bellsouth.net. For 1975 Yamaha XS650B, manual, workshop manual, sells repro side cove decals looking for a pair of exhaust set-up manual, toys/models, headers with the chrome old photos, etc. related to the muffler joint nuts. Thanks. 1979-1972 CBX. Also period Buy from vjmc John Chaves, 813-391-5407, aftermarket fairings/body- Lutz, Florida, john_chaves@ work. Let me know what you advertisers who yahoo.com. have and how much you need! Ian, 626-444-9358, California, support your club For 1977 Yamaha TT500D, [email protected]. advice. I am about to start October 2012 www.vjmc.org 53 VJMC Regalia ORdeR FORM

YOu Can ORdeR Online tOO, at 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...... $20 long Sleeve t ShirtS: • Light Gray 100% cotton, printed front & back, Available only in sizes: L and XL ...... $20 Polo ShirtS: • Black, red, or white embroidered with club name & logo on left chest in 100% cotton. • Available in M, L, XL, 2XL ...... $25 Sweat ShirtS: • Gray heavyweight cotton, printed front & back, available in 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 Coffee MugS: • Black ceramic, 12 oz. with club name & logo ...... $6 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 vJMC PatCh ...... $10 Quantity Item Description Size Price Total

Shipping Charges $ Add shipping and handling costs to Enclosed is my check or money order made out to “VJMC” for the total of $ order: • All items sent U.S. Priority Mail with Ship to: delivery confirmation; $6 for first item and $4 each for additional Name: items for USA only. • Canadian orders multiply U.S. Address: Mail rate by 1.5 to determine S&H charges. City, State, Zip Code: SEND YOUR ORDER TO: Melody Adams • 3516 Hickory Ridge Road • Lebanon, TN 37087 Regalia54 www.vjmc.orgQuestions?: Email [email protected] 2012 HONDA - HONDA - HONDA - HONDA - HONDA - HONDA “The world’s largest Independent Stockist of New Old Stock for Honda Motorcycles” SPECIALISTS IN PARTS FOR HONDA ALL AT DISCOUNTED PRICES

WE KEEP IN STOCK MOST OF THE PARTS REQUIRED FOR • BOTH ENGINE REBUILDS AND COMPLETE RESTORATION PROJECTS ORIGINAL MUFFLER SPECIALS: CB750K0/K1 ‘300 TYPE’ SET OF 4 EXHAUSTS • CB750K2-K6 (72-76) ‘341 TYPE’ SET OF 4 EXHAUSTS CB750K7 ‘405 TYPE’ SET OF 4 EXHAUSTS CB500F/550K/K1/K76 ‘323, 374 TYPE’ SET OF 4 EXHAUSTS CB350F ‘333 TYPE’ SET OF 4 EXHAUSTS AFTERMARKET MUFFLERS: • CB750K0-K6 4:1 CHROME COMPLETE EXHAUST PLUS MANY MORE ORDER ONLINE: VAST COMPREHENSIVE AND EASY TO USE, SECURE ONLINE STORE – • THOUSANDS OF GENUINE HONDA AND AFTERMARKET SPARE PARTS LISTED FOR HUNDREDS OF MODELS WE STOCK MANY LARGE COMPONENTS: • CYLINDERS, BARRELS, CRANKCASES, WHEELS, TANKS, EXHAUSTS, FAIRING PANELS, SEATS, FRAMES, etc. PARTS SUPPLIERS FOR ALL HONDA MOTORCYCLES: • FROM THE EARLY 60’S AND 70’S CLASSICS TO 2002 MODELS

We receive huge deliveries of old and obsolete Honda parts throughout the year. Check out our website for your model. DAVID SILVER SPARES Unit 14, Masterlord Industrial Estate, Station road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4JD, United Kingdom Web: www.davidsilverspares.com

HONDA - HONDA - HONDA - HONDA - HONDA - HONDA - HONDA - HONDA - HONDA - HONDA - HONDA Email: [email protected] Phone: 011441728833020 Fax: 011441728832197 DAILY UPS SHIPPING TO THE USA HONDA ~ HONDA ~ HONDA ~ HONDA FUEL YOUR DREAMS

HONDA • SUZUKI • YAMAHA • KAWASAKI OVERRACING • TAKEGAWA • KITACO • G-CRAFT • DAYTONA

Convenient • Reliable • Professional Over 1.000.000 parts available for your all time favourite!

WWW.CMSNL.COM へ ようこそ。 PARTS FOR A BETTER RIDE 56 www.vjmc.org October 2012