February-March Contents Editor’s Column ...... 3 This issue’s web password is: groundhog President’s Column ...... 3 Effective: Meet The Webmasters ...... 4 2/1/2005 AVJMCFirst:TheConcoursd’EleganceBikeShow.....5 President Pete Boody (865) 607-8179, [email protected] Restoration Technique: Zinc Plating ...... 6 Magazine Editor A Honda CJ360T And Some Fond Memories...... 9 Jason Roberts (562) 777-2565, [email protected] The VJMC National Rally-It Just Keeps Getting Better .....12 Classified Advertising Gary Gadd Rally Registration Form ...... 14 (817) 284-8195, [email protected] Commercial Advertising Director Rally Schedule ...... 16 Bob Billa (949) 588-6840, [email protected] Rally Listings...... 18 Membership Bill Granade, Treasurer VJMC Photo Corner ...... 20 (813) 961-3737, [email protected] Webmasters The VJMC Ten And Twenty Years Ago...... 22 Steve Blake (508) 359-8140, [email protected] Bill Goldberg And The Honda 160 Dream...... 23 Beth Braun (860) 228-4252, [email protected] Fork Restoration – An Easy Weekend’s Work ...... 24 Cover Layout Jason Bell Calendar of Events ...... 25 (972) 245-0634, [email protected] Magazine Layout Classifieds ...... 26 Darin Watson (913) 897-3021, [email protected]

 2006 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club. All rights reserved. No part of this doc- ument may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission. The opinions or views expressed in letters or articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy of the VJMC. The VJMC accepts no liability for any loss, damage or claims occurring as a result of ad- vise given in this publication or for claims p. 5 p. 9 made by advertisers of products or services in this publication.

Mission Statement The Purpose of this organization is to pro- mote the preservation, restoration and enjoy- ment of Vintage Japanese motorcycles (defined as those greater than 15 years old) and to promote the sport of motorcycling and camaraderie of motorcyclists everywhere. p. 12 p. 24

2 February/March 2006 From The Editor: Restorations Of The Future by Jason Roberts was dated; other bikes were attracting my and ducts and whatever else, needed to attention, and the Kawasaki was soon sold return these bikes to showroom-stock con- Back in 1994, as I was returning from a off to finance the purchase of a newer and dition? And what about all the various fin- lucrative job overseas with a wad of cash hotter machine. ishes used? On older bikes you basically burning a hole in my pocket, I had a plan WorkingontheZX-11wasachore, have chrome, paint, and zinc or cadmium already set in my mind before the plane nothing like the easy wrenching I did on plating to worry about; on newer models even hit the tarmac at Los Angeles Air- my old H1 years before. I remember pull- you have all those plus anodizing, “black” port. ing the fairing off to access the engine, al- and plastic chrome, and of course all those Prior to leaving the USA, I’d attended ways a fun task. There were so many little little decals... the annual new bike show in December bits and bobs attached to such an other- Think about it. Compared to the average 1989, and it was there that I saw the wise simple piece of plastic: stick-on foil 1960s-70s era motorcycle (except for the Kawasaki ZX-11. Billed as the quickest insulation to keep the heat away from the Suzuki rotary, perhaps), the following gen- and fastest motorcycle in the world, the belly pan, little side ducts to direct air to- eration of two-wheelers are much more sleek black land missile was the first wards the radiator and away from the parts-intensive. And speaking from years stock bike to break the 10-second quarter rider’s legs, etc etc. And of course, all the of experience chasing down this or that part mile, and boasted an unheard-of top speed screws needed to hold the whole thing to- for my own restoration projects, I sure of 175 mph. It sure looked the business gether. I think there were at least ten fas- wouldn’t wanna restore a ZX-11, or for that too, with its wind-tunnel sculpted fairing teners of various sizes for each fairing matter, pretty much any post-1985 and ram air mouth gaping at the front. side piece alone. sportbike. I’ll leave that to my kids, thank Man was that bike hot! I knew I had to It’s funny to think that my old Kawasaki you very much! own one, and sure enough, I set aside ZX-11 is almost “vintage” now (the VJMC We’re interested in hearing from you, our some of my cash to buy a clean 1990 rules stipulate that bikes 20 years or older members. Write and tell us what you’re model upon my return...even before I had may be considered vintage). Which makes working on, or what you’ve already fin- a job to feed the beast. me wonder: what will folks have to contend ished. What sort of problems did you en- We spent a few good years together, that with when they take on the task of restoring counter? Did you learn any new tips that Kawasaki and I, racing around the local one of these complex machines? What sort you could share? Any problems that per- canyons and generally playing hooligan. of nightmare will they face when searching haps other members could help solve? Drop Later, I put it into storage for several years for the innumerable nuts, bolts, screws, us a line and we’ll put your questions in the as I went back overseas for another job. By brackets, cosmetic fastener covers, tubes, next issue! the time I returned, however, the ZX-11 solenoids, subframes, and plastic fairings Ride em, don’t hide em! President’s Column: Goals For The New Year by Pete Boody geared toward maintenance and restoration best, it will be our responsibility to solicit of those prized VJMs sitting in your ga- your suggestions and to provide the mem- Whenever I begin a new task, it is always rages. We will also provide advice on re- bership benefits that you want. a challenge to make good decisions based sources for parts and services, information The Vice President and I will travel to as on experience. To this end, I wish to prom- on particular makes and models, and assis- many VJMC state events as possible, and ise our members that this VJMC adminis- tance with technical issues. You can expect other Board members will also try to be tration will meet those challenges head on, improved accuracy and response time. present for additional club functions. I have will strive to provide you with good man- Other goals include publishing the best set a personal goal in 2006 to attend the agement, and is committed to making color vintage magazine possible, improv- VJMC National Rally in Michigan and at changes as required to ensure that VJMC ing its quality by listening to your sugges- least four to five additional events spon- remains the very best vintage motorcycle tions, adding usable advertising, and sored by our state field representatives. My club around. As you read this, the new increasing the number of technical infor- tentative plans are to attend whenever the Board of Directors will have already made mation articles. request is made by any field rep. Members many decisions that will improve this great I promise that the Board and I will do ev- are encouraged to contact any of us with a club for all of us. This will remain the erything we can to provide the things you request as soon as possible, and we will do Board’s highest priority both now and in expect from a vintage club. And I want to our very best to attend your event. the future. assure you that with your help, the VJMC’s The VJMC is growing and striving to pro- In the coming months, VJMC will be try- future will remain very bright. As soon as vide our members with the best resources ing new things and new ideas that will be possible, the Board will be contacting the possible. With your help, I foresee a great consistent with the goals that we will under- membership to solicit your comments and future for the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle take. Some of these improvements will in- opinions. This is your club, and because Club of North America, Inc. and all of its clude adding new features to our website, you are paying your dues and expect the members. Thanks for reading the VJMC Magazine!

February/March 2006 3 Meet The New Webmasters! This is me, Beth Braun, picking out a new sport bike. Just my size, eh? I have been riding and fooling around with old bikes for the past 15 years, not counting the Honda 50 rentals during high school. I started off with a Honda 200T and a few months later moved on to a Honda VF 500F. Still have both bikes plus a 305 Dream, a 150 Benly and a Honda XL175. I went the “too many projects” route then pared down to these five. I’ve been a VJMC member off and on for six or seven years. I like to have fun with the bikes, fitting ac- cessories and non-stock seats, seat covers, and such. I’m not much into total restorations but I’m very handy with the blast cabinet and rattle-can paint! I can usually figure out how things work but if all else fails my husband J., a former Honda factory mechanic, can help. I’m looking forward to working on the club web site; making it useful and visually interesting. I have a background in graphic design and photography (among other things). Please check out the site often to see what’s going on. You’ll know when we know about club activities and news, plus the online classifieds are updated weekly on Thursday nights. This is YOUR web site. We would like to hear from you about what you would like to see on these pages. Beth Braun, Amston, CT [email protected] www.dreamqueen.com

I rediscovered my love for old Hondas three years ago while digging a rusty 1985 450SC Nighthawk out of a snow bank. I am currently in the “too many projects” phase of collecting and have a shop/warehouse with 30 Hondas and the beginnings of a Honda restoration business. I tend to focus on SOHC Fours but can’t resist any Honda in need of a little TLC. I’m a freelance software engineer in the Boston area specializing in database-driven web applications and CD-ROMs. I also have a background in audio and video pro- duction as a musician, sound mixer and re- cording studio designer. We are currently reorganizing the website to make the rich existing content more ac- cessible. We are also adding new features and updates that should make it worth a weekly visit by our members and a recruit- ment tool for new members. Steve Blake, Medfield, MA [email protected] www.steveblakedesign.com www.hondarestoration.com

4 February/March 2006 A VJMC First: The Concours d’Elegance Bike Show by Pete Boody

The 2005 VJMC National Rally in Oak Ridge, Tennessee this past September was our fifth National Rally and a very signifi- cant event for this club. It marked the first time ever that a Concours d’Elegance bike show was officially part of a VJMC nation- ally sponsored event. In past National Rallies, the bike shows held for our members offered recognition in the form of placement (First, Second, etc.), Best in Show, People’s Choice and more. Most of our members who entered bikes in these shows were happy to have been in- volved, and the judging was accomplished in a spirit of friendly competition. For the 2005 rally, the committee decided the bike show should be in keeping with VJMC’s official Mission Statement, as posted inside the front cover of this magazine: “To promote the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of vintage Japanese motorcycles [VJMs].” To this end, a Concours d’Elegance format was chosen. The concours would offer expert opinions on the originality of member restora- tions or preserved VJMs. A motorcycle is original only once in its life- time, and that is the day it is purchased. Any- one who has restored or preserved an original VJM or who wishes to undertake restoration of a bike will realize that there is only one way to return it to correct showroom condition. A multitude of factors are involved in achieving this “originality,” the most important of which is knowledge – knowledge of the many details that define a motorcycle and its particular make, model, and year of production. A challenge for the 2005 committee was locating judges qualified to define the origi- nal, stock condition of Japanese motorcy- cles. Fortunately, this daunting task was overcome when we contacted a VJMC member who has these credentials and, best of all, agreed to provide his expertise at the September 2005 VJMC National Rally. Richard Sulik, who is also a member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, was instrumental in the success of our first Na- tional Rally Concours d’Elegance. A judge at many AMCA bike shows, Richard served as our guide, mentor, and Senior Judge. Top: Richard Sulik (on left) was VJMC 2005 Senior Concours Judge, with Apprentice Judge Pete Many thanks Richard for a job well done. Boody. Bottom: About one half of the entrants in place for the Concours d’Elegance. The concours event for the Oak Ridge modest quantity of pre-qualified bikes, per- judging on Saturday morning of the Rally, rally was discussed in detail in the VJMC haps fifteen to twenty at the most, and we their owners eager to see if their bikes had magazine and on the club website. Mem- also made separate plans for any remaining what it took to win as perfect, original ex- bers were informed of the official rules and bikes to be judged in a “People’s Choice” amples. it was frequently mentioned in many emails alternate showing. To our surprise, almost received by the committee. We expected a 40 wonderful machines were presented for Continued on page 8

February/March 2006 5 Restoration Technique: Zinc Plating by Jason Roberts The DIY Method plater. Plating these few parts will cost you Restoring old motorcycles is all about detail the same as doing a large load, so take your work – getting the right paint match for the Home zinc plating kits have been avail- time and be sure you remove and collect ev- tank and sidecovers, rechroming the shiny able to restorers for some time through erything plate-able from your bike’s engine stuff, replacing any worn or perished rubber companies such as Eastwood. These kits in- and frame. items, etc. Any dull or unfinished parts will clude the electrolyte solution, electrodes, a Next, give all the parts a thorough cleaning, first in grease-removing detergent such as stick out like a sore thumb against the gleam- battery pack to create the positive-negative ing background of fresh chrome and charge, and a container to hold the chemical Simple Green (not the strongest degreaser but paintwork and will detract from the overall bath. Such kits aren’t expensive; I paid its easy on the hands and our environment), appearance of your machine, making it look about $75 for Eastwood’s small kit, and the then in a rust dissolver such as Evap-O-Rust rough and unfinished. Replacing these parts plating process is quite easy to learn. or milkstone remover. Bead blasting (and is often impractical due to the high cost and As with any metal plating, the most impor- possibly the above-mentioned media tum- rarity of many NOS items for Japanese bikes tant step is the proper preparation of the metal bling) is also a great way to clean up every bit over 20 years old. For this reason, you will surface to be plated. The surface must be abso- of remaining corrosion. The plater will still definitely want to consider replating most, if lutely clean of any dirt, grease, or rust for the clean the parts as well, but you will most not all, of your bike’s zinc-plated parts. zinc to form a successful bond. Unlike likely do a more thorough job and it’ll make Zinc is a dull blue-gray metal that is applied chrome, however, zinc plating doesn’t neces- their work much easier. After the de-rusting, to nuts, bolts, screws, brackets, and other sitate careful polishing of the metal surface be- immediately dry the parts with paper or cloth small parts to protect them from corrosion. It fore application, and is more forgiving in this towels to prevent any new rust formation. is applied via electroplating, in a similar man- way. Once the part is clean, it can be attached At this stage you’ll want to carefully ner as chrome plating. Raw parts are attached to the electrode and submerged in the chemical count and list each part to be plated, if you to a negative-charged electrode, then sub- bath. Most small parts like bolts and screws haven’t done so already. Such documenta- merged in a vat of solution containing a strip need only be submerged for a minute or two; tion will help in case any bits go missing of zinc that is attached to a positive electrode. indeed, if kept in the bath longer the zinc coat- while at the platers, which is a distinct pos- The zinc migrates off the strip through the ing will become too thick and unsightly. In this sibility with big commercial shops. When conductive electrolyte solution and coats the case, the zinc plating can be removed by re- you bring the load in to the plater, have negatively-charged metal parts. After a set versing the electrodes, i.e. positive to the part, them note the exact number of parts in writ- time period the parts are removed from the negative to the zinc strip, and re-submerging in ing. If there are any really tiny parts make solution and buffed to a shine. the bath for a few minutes. sure they will be individually secured when Zinc-plated parts eventually lose their It’s important to wear gloves during each submerged in the chemical bath so they luster, and rust will develop over the years step of the prep and plating process. Not won’t disappear; my plating shop wraps from exposure to the elements and contact only is the electrolyte solution made of each part with a wire, creating a sort of with tools, which can damage the metal highly corrosive sulphuric acid, but also oil daisy chain that holds the parts together. coating. Adding to the problem is the fact from your fingers will soil the parts and pre- There are several types of zinc plating, so be that older Japanese bike parts were often vent the zinc from adhering properly. sure to tell the plater you want a “clear zinc” hastily plated to a price point, leaving only When removed from the solution, the parts coating applied. This is closest to the OEM the thinnest coating of zinc to protect the raw are a dull gray color but can be buffed to a nice plating on vintage Japanese parts. If you don’t metal underneath. Sometimes you can shine bluish-silver luster using Autosol polish, which specify the type of zinc, you parts may come up dull zinc-plated parts using elbow grease is included in the Eastwood kit. However, I back coated in the wrong color. You may no- and a commercial metal polishing com- have found that polishing small bolt heads, tice that the appearance of the zinc finishing pound. This may brighten them up a tad, but screws etc. is extremely laborious and the result has changed over the years. The hue of an isn’t very practical with hundreds of small is often unsatisfying. Also, larger parts are often NOS part will look slightly different from a nuts and bolt heads, and often doesn’t yield a too big to fit in the smallish plastic electrolyte freshly-replated part; the old-style coating is clean, shiny result either – I’ve found that container supplied with the DIY kits. usually a little more silvery and less bluish. zinc doesn’t react very well to most polishes. This is due to changes in the metallurgy and (If anyone knows a polish that works well on Plating Shops plating procedures for improved efficiency zinc, please send me an email.) and reduced environmental impact. In my Alternately, the restoration supplies retailer For these reasons I prefer to have my parts opinion, the modern plating is close enough to Eastwood (www.eastwood.com) offers a vi- re-plated by a professional shop. The shop I original to satisfy all but the pickiest restorers. brating tumbler that promises to clean and use specializes in commercial zinc plating As soon as I receive my replated parts from shine small parts using several types of media, and has done several parts batches with ex- the shop, I like to separate and categorize them which rubs against the parts in the tumbler for cellent results, for about $45 per pound of according to their dimensions and if possible, several hours. I haven’t tried this method, and parts. However, there are several rules to where they will fit on the bike, i.e., all 10mm x while the advertised results look good, I ques- observe when farming out your precious 30mm bolts in one pile, 12mm nuts in another, tion whether the existing zinc plating is re- bike bits to such commercial shops. brackets and special parts in another, etc. Then moved by the media or if it is cleaned up. First, be sure and gather ALL parts that I bag them in sandwich baggies and label them Removing the zinc and polishing raw metal need zinc plating from your bike; nothing is for future reference. This takes some time, but may look nice for awhile until corrosion inevi- more frustrating than finding the odd nut or you will thank yourself when you can quickly tably sets in. Therefore, in my opinion, the best bolt still attached to your bike in a hidden locate a given part during the reassembly pro- option is usually replating the parts. nook after you just sent your parts to the cess, believe me!

6 February/March 2006

Concours d’Elegance: No Losers In This Show Continued from page 5

I had previously agreed, as an appren- tice judge, to help Richard review the bikes presented for this event, but little did I realize the daunting task that lay be- fore us. Most of the bikes were elegant in appearance; some were beautifully re- stored and a great number were preserved originals. Richard and I began our obser- vations right after the meeting of all en- trants and placement of the bikes. Beginning at 9:00 A.M. and finishing at 5:00 P.M., we worked nearly non-stop, scrutinizing each of the bikes in detail. It was a labor of love for me. Richard and I were amazed at the patience of the en- trants during this long period, most of whom were pleased with our careful in- spection of their bikes. The Saturday Rally was inundated with hundreds of lo- cals who were fascinated by the gathering of so many pristine Japanese motorcycles all displayed in one place at one time. Many a time we would stop briefly to an- swer a question about a particular bike we were reviewing, or to field a question or two about another. In our concours events, there are no win- ners and best of all, there are no losers. Each bike was judged on how close it came to its OEM, showroom-new state. Bikes were never weighed against each other solely on their own merits, making the pro- gram very fair. Some period aftermarket items were allowed as long as they didn’t detract from the bike’s originality. To my knowledge, no one left feeling they were treated unfairly. Happily, there were three bikes that scored 100 percent, with not a single point deducted. The owners of these splendid examples were awarded a crisp new one hundred dollar bill for their perfect ma- chines. The remaining twenty-one entrants who scored 85 points or greater were given certificates of achievement signed by Richard and myself. Every one of the par- ticipants received their judging forms by mail, which outlined details of their ma- chine requiring some attention in order to achieve a higher scoring at future concours events. Our hats are off to all who participated in the 2005 Rally, and Richard and I both hope to see your magnificent machines once again in the near future. If you would like to learn more about host- ing a concours event in your area, please Top: Additional show bikes shown here about nine rows deep. Bottom: One of two Suzuki GT750s on contact me at [email protected]. display at the Concours d’Elegance.

8 February/March 2006 A Honda CJ360T And Some Fond Memories by Michael J. Reedy

Do you remember getting your first mo- torcycle? Well I sure do. It was a sunny April day in 1967 and the weather in Green Bay, Wisconsin was just right for the first ride of the year. My 16th birthday was com- ing up in June and I already had my tempo- rary license, so I could legally drive a motorcycle during daylight hours in Wis- consin. My dad, who was a diehard union man, was somewhat hesitant about me spending my hard-earned money on a mo- torcycle, especially a foreign one, but I had helped him build a duplex rental property earlier that year and he had paid me $375 for my efforts. The classified ad in the Press Gazette that spring morning described the bike as a “black and silver 1967 Honda CB160, like new condition, best offer." After some pleading and promising, dad finally got over his anti-foreign attitude and we went over to the east side of Green Bay to take a look at this Japanese-made Honda CB160. As many of you know, the CB160 was a fabulous bike for its time and it made just over 16.5 HP. The electric starter, overhead cam, and leather-look seat that would at- tract any girl in the neighborhood for a ride made life a joy. Additionally, the bike’s ability to wind up to 10,000 RPM without anything flying apart was unheard of for most of my buddies. The sleek lines and chrome pipes of the CB160 were light-years ahead of the only other two wheeler on our block, a 1960-something Cushman. After some serious negotiating with the owner of the CB160, we scored this almost new motorcycle with only 405 miles for $370. Naturally there were no introductory motorcycling courses in those days, so I jumped on the black beauty, set the choke and hit the electric start. The sound of the Two looks at the Honda CJ360T, all original except for the tires. 161ccs coming to life was music to a kid’s ears and my key to a world of new adven- but nothing really excited me, and my heart the garage. The owner appeared in the tures. Naturally I took the longest route kept going back to the old days and my garage and uncovered the bike. To my sur- home possible, practicing shifting through CB160. One Saturday morning as I was pe- prise, there sat a beautiful, almost the four-speed tranny and revving up that rusing the local classified ads, I spotted an new-looking Honda CJ360T. A little con- sweet sounding twin. ad for a Honda 160cc, in “nice condition fused, I asked the owner if he also had a Well by now you are probably wondering but needs battery. Best offer takes it.” Well CB160 for sale and he replied “No, the pa- what these recollections of my first CB160 one phone call later and I was in my car per made a mistake...our ad should have have to do with a story about the Honda heading over to check the bike out. As I stated 360cc, not 160cc." However, the CJ360T shown here. So let’s fast forward drove I couldn’t help remembering all the sheer beauty of the CJ360T and the realiza- 30 years, from 1967 to June of 1997... good times I had experienced as a 16-year tion that I had found a rare old Honda with After many years of being the typical guy old with my first 160. just 1490 miles in pristine condition with kids, a mortgage and a beautiful wife, When I pulled up to the owner’s house I quickly diminished my disappointment. the urge to ride a motorcycle returned. I could see what looked like a motorcycle The CJ360T had been purchased new in looked at new bikes and some used ones, covered with a white bedsheet in front of 1976 by his father-in-law, said the owner,

February/March 2006 9 and it was only ridden for one summer be- ders feed into a single exhaust, whereas fore he passed away. It had been covered the CB model sported dual mufflers. The and stored for the last 20 years until I pur- transmission has only five speeds, and chased it that morning for a bargain $325. while it is smooth, the performance is After trailering the bike home, I removed timid compared to other models of the Quick Tip of the gas tank and carbs for cleaning, same size. the Month changed the oil, installed new plugs and a Technology notwithstanding, it’s a new battery. Amazingly, the bike fired up great daily driver and has been an attrac- “Before about 1983, most Japanese and started running on the second kick. Af- tion wherever I have shown it. The bike motorcycle frame numbers were used ter warming it up and tweaking the carbs a as you see it is all original except for the to identify the model of the unit and a bit it ran great. tires which I replaced two years ago. I sequential serial number, but indi- The CJ360T is a twin and was Honda’s now have 6500 miles on it and ride it at cated no other information. The more entry-level model, but it wasn’t very popu- least a couple time a week. I would ride it modern VIN identifies the year, lar and had a mere two-year production more but I purchased a 1998 Honda color, date of manufacture, place of run. Compared to other 1976 Honda mo- Valkyrie last year, in addition to my manufacture, etc., and a sequential torcycles, this bike was built with older 1974 Honda CB550 and 1981 CT70. And serial number.” technology; there is no electric start, and yes, I almost forgot – I am currently both front and rear brakes are drum style (I working on a black and silver 1967 believe the CB360 models had a more CB160. Keep the rubber down and enjoy modern front disc brake). The twin cylin- the free air.

Attention all members: If you move, change addresses or change e-mail addresses, please notify the membership chair as soon as possible. Please address any membership questions to Bill Granade (see page 2 for contact information).

10 February/March 2006

The VJMC National Rally-It Just Keeps Getting Better Why just take a casual ride on your vin- tage bike? Why settle for an ordinary vaca- tion? Once you’ve been to this National Rally, you won’t be waiting around any- more – you’ll be counting the days until the next one. No matter when, where or how you started riding, somewhere along the line you began to dream: What would it be like to take a week off, get on your bike and cover some serious pavement or dirt trails? You’ve been thinking of a motorcycle va- cation, one you’d remember forever. Per- haps you didn’t have a destination in mind – you just wanted to get out and see some- thing new.

Best of Both Worlds

Whether you attended the previous ral- lies in Asheville or Oak Ridge, or if you missed a few, you can realize that dream at the Michigan Blowout. The Blowout offers the best of both worlds. First, it’s a great ride. No matter where you start from, the roads to the 2006 National Rally just west of Cadillac, Michigan, are some of the most memorable in the country. insula for some awesome sights and in- elicit even more praise. After all, do you And once you arrive, we’re going to show credible riding. After hugging the Lake think we chose Michigan just for its good you more great rides, spectacular sights, Michigan shoreline, you will witness the food, relaxing atmosphere, or great coun- and things to do than you ever dreamed breathtaking Mackinaw Bridge before try hospitality? Well, those are fringe ben- possible. Second, there’s a great destina- feeling its majesty as you cross beneath its efits for sure, but at the Michigan Blowout tion: the Blowout itself, held from August vast spans. Staying two nights in historic the rides and sights are the main attraction. 31 through September 2, hosted by St. Ignace, the tour will take you to And variety abounds, with rides through Caberfae Peaks Resort, and presented by world-famous Mackinac Island, the small towns via forest trails and over rural the VJMC Michigan CenterStands Chap- Tahquamenon Falls, the Shipwreck Mu- back roads. There are even some big high- ter 2. Everyone is welcome. Located in seum at White Fish Point, then along the ways in between, if you need to make time. the heart of the Manistee National Forest, Lake Superior shoreline to Sault St. Marie which has some of the most beautiful rid- for a boat tour through the Soo-Locks. In Something New ing scenery in Michigan, the Blowout the evening you’re free to enjoy a quiet puts you close to the Lake Michigan walk along the shoreline boardwalk to This year’s Rally will feature rides for shoreline, the Silver Lake and Sleeping catch the night-lights of the mighty Mack, Dual-Sport and tiddler bikes too! Sur- Bear Sand Dunes, the Hartwick Pines or try your luck at the Kewadin Casino Re- rounded by hundreds of miles of Michigan State Forest, and the Traverse Bay area – sort. cross-country cycle trails, you will experi- and many other great roads our scouts On Wednesday morning you’ll cross the ence riding that the “street-goers” only have mapped out for you. No matter how Mack once more and proceed along the dream of: winding trails through the many VJMC rallies you have attended, Lake Huron shoreline. Next stop is Hub- Manistee Forest, crossing creeks and we can just about guarantee you’ll leave bard Lake for an exclusive viewing of an streams and kicking up dust as you speed the 2006 VJMC National Rally with lots incredible vintage motorcycle collection. down some wide-open paths. There are of incredible memories. Finally, you’ll return to Caberfae Peaks in spots of interest, stopping points for fuel time for the Rally Welcome Party. and locations to grab a meal. And it’s easy And If That Isn’t Enough to going for the tiddlers, too. The traffic lights Twist Your Grips... Get Ready to Ride are few and far between. Smooth, tar stripe-free roads are the norm, with an oc- The pre-Rally Tour Ride held August Every year at the National Rally, riders casional passing car that will likely slow to 28th through August 30th will prime your pull up to Rally central, take off their hel- check you out. tank nicely. We will depart form Caberfae mets and say, “Man, I just had a great There will be a few loaner bikes available Peaks Resort early Monday morning and ride,” or “I sure wish they had roads like for you to try out as well. So bring your head northward to Michigan’s Upper Pen- these where I live.” We think 2006 will bike(s) of choice and enjoy it all!

12 February/March 2006 Everyone’s Welcome vides the perfect atmosphere for our Na- Thursday: Take advantage of the Bike tional Rally, with its cathedral ceilings with Wash to clean your mount after your jour- exposed timber construction, large win- ney. Field Games are scheduled in the The National Rally is a vacation with hun- dows overlooking the grassy slopes, and a morning, followed by a full array of short dreds of your fellow club members riding two-story stone fireplace against a back- area rides, or sign-up for one of two long all sorts of bikes. Part of the fun is rubbing drop of natural beauty. With 16,000 square rides. Take an afternoon break and enjoy elbows with other riders who share a com- feet and a 500-guest capacity, this spacious aclassicmovieattheVintageTheatrein mon bond: the preservation, restoration and lodge will accommodate everyone, come the upper level of the Blackmer. Take part enjoyment of vintage Japanese motorcy- rain or shine. in the Home Style Cookout along the cles. At every Rally there is always a bike A second option is staying on-site at the shores of Lake Cadillac. Close out the or two that really catches the eye, or an indi- 36-room hotel MacKenzie Lodge, astep evening back at the Blackmer with an- vidual whose conversation solves a di- back in time with walls adorned with vin- other movie or schmooze at the lemma from back in your garage. Whether tage photos and old wooden skis. Conve- Talk-It-Up With Pride and Ice Cream So- you ride in, trailer your bike, or drive your niently located just across the lot from the cial. four-wheeler, the new friendships formed Blackmer, you’ll be just steps away from and old ones renewed are worth the experi- Friday: Shares many of the previous all of the Rally activities. After a great ence. So mark your calendars and get ready day’s activities. Added to selected rides day of riding, relax in their outdoor to meet up with your VJMC friends, be- will be a Poker Run feature. Spend the eve- heated pool and hot tub. A buffet-style cause in August 2006 there’s only one ning in Manistee, have dinner at Mariner’s breakfast and lunch will also be available place to be for the ultimate motorcycle va- Cove Restaurant and receive $10 per per- for all Rally attendees in the lodge restau- cation and that is the VJMC National son in complimentary gaming tokens for rant. Rally–Michigan Blowout in Cadillac, play at the adjacent Kewadin Casino. At Michigan. And if you have space on your bike or dusk, be sure to step outside for a stroll room in the car, feel free to bring your golf along the beach, with sand between your clubs. You’ll receive discounted green toes, to catch the Sunset over Lake Michi- The Cadillac of Small Towns fees at The Peaks Course, Michigan’s gan – a spectacular closing to your fantastic best-kept secret. Nestled in the heart of the day. The town of Cadillac is a great destination Manistee National Forest, the Peaks in itself. Visitors and residents alike find Course is a unique world-class golf experi- downtown Cadillac a delightful experience, ence. Golf course designer Harry Bowers Saving the Best for Last with its bustling lakefront and city park, se- has done a magnificent job integrating the rene lumber baron estates, and the Wexford course with the natural beauty of the sur- Saturday is the day to show off your vin- County Museum. Historic buildings house rounding land, using knowledge and talent tage bike and for the club to strut its stuff to numerous galleries, offices and sidewalk gained from his many years tutelage under the public at the VJMC Vintage Bike Show. cafes as well as newer storefronts that har- Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The golfer crosses Sign-up for the Ride-Through-Time Bike monize with the old. 11 bridges as he winds his way along a Competition and be sure to check out the beautiful two-mile nature trail. Each hole Tech Seminars throughout the day as well. has its own unique personality, providing Don’t leave town just yet! Attend the Direc- A Unique Setting For A a different and exciting challenge in com- tors & Members Meeting followed by the Memorable Event! plete isolation from other holes. All holes Closing Ceremonies Banquet Dinner. Then have a minimum of four different tee loca- put an exclamation mark on your 2006 Na- The nerve center for the 2006 National tions. With striking views, giant 75-ft. tional Rally experience with the Michigan Rally is Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort, trees lining the fairways, miles of forested Blowout Party! just 11 miles west of Cadillac. The hills and valleys unblemished by housing Blackmer Lodge at Caberfae Peaks pro- developments, roads or farms, the course is pure wilderness land for the golfer to en- Plan Accordingly joy. Take the week off and plan a Michigan The VJMC National Rally vacation centered around the 2006 Rally. Michigan Blowout There’s So Much to See, Whether you are a Pre-Rally Tour Ride at- August 28–September 2, 2006 You’ll Need A Plan tendee or just playing tourist, you have the Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort entire weekend to arrive comfortably. Cadillac, Michigan To make sure you don’t miss anything, Make the time to say good-bye to old check out the list of events and register friends and new by arranging your depar- See pages 14-15 for early. As a pre-registered attendee, you’ll ture for Sunday. Monday provides added Registration Forms. receive hefty discounts on area accommo- cushion for your return, and I am confident dations, Rally gear and other items. you’ll be home in time for your normal La- See pages 18-19 for Wednesday: For folks not attending the bor Day festivities. Rally Listings. pre-Rally Tour Ride, the fun starts rolling Don’t hesitate. Make the decision to “live as soon as you arrive at Caberfae Peaks for your dream” and come to the entire 2006 the Blowout. Take advantage of the VJMC National Rally – Michigan Blowout See page 20 for pre-registration packet pick-up at the Mac- at Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort, Ca- Rally Schedule. Kenzie Lodge Rally Welcome Party, even dillac, Michigan this August 28th through if you have not pre-registered. September 2nd.

February/March 2006 13

Rally Schedule Rally Schedule Rally Listings

18 February/March 2006 Rally Listings

February/March 2006 19 VJMC Photo Corner

VJMC Magazine Photography Submission Guidelines

We encourage members to submit their photography for possible publication in the bimonthly VJMC Magazine. The Magazine is printed on high quality paper using the standard four color printing process at 300 dpi; therefore only high quality photographs and illus- trations are considered for print. Submissions should comply with the following guidelines:

Cover Photographs • Vintage Japanese bike subject. • 4x6, 5x7 or 8x10 high quality print in terms of focus, exposure and composition. Vertical rather than horizontal view. SASE for return of print(s). • High resolution digital file at 2500 x 3000 pixels per inch. The highest quality capture setting on a 3 megapixel camera or above is the minimum to achieve this resolution. Again, a vertical shot rather than horizontal is needed. • Burn the file(s) to CD and mail with a description to the Maga- zine Editor. These files are normally too large to email.

Magazine Body Photographs & Artwork • Vintage Japanese bike or activity subject. • 4x6, 5x7 or 8x10 high quality print in terms of focus, exposure and composition; suitable for scanning. • We especially welcome photos or illustrations which accom- pany an article. SASE for return of print(s). • High resolution digital file taken at your camera’s highest qual- ity setting. Burn the file(s) to CD and mail to the magazine editor with a description if they are larger than 1 MB each. Magazine submission deadline is ONE MONTH prior to the date of the next issue. For example, submissions for an April is- sue should be in the hands of the Editor no later than March 1. Please contact the Magazine Editor if you have any questions Top left: Waiting for spring in New England. Top right: A restored 1963 about magazine submissions. CA77. Above: A CB450 Super Sport police bike.

20 February/March 2006 ORDER FORM FOR REGALIA ITEMS

Show your colors. Let other riders know you are a member of the VJMC!

T-shirts - White 100%cotton printed front & back available in sizes M, L, XL and XXL, 3XL...... $15.00 T-shirts - Black 100% cotton printed front & back available in sizes M, L, XL...... $15.00

Hats - Red all-fabric ball caps, one size fits all, logo screened on front...... $15.00 Nylon Stuff bags (black 14” x 12” zippered w/hand strap & screened-on logo, nice, seen at rally...... $9.00

Stickers, Large Logo, 3-3/8 x 3-3/4, vinyl ...... $0.75 Stickers, Small Logo, 2-3/8 x 2-3/4, vinyl...... $0.50

2002 VJMC Calendars (nice photos, classic quality)...... $5.00

Quantity Description Size Cost Tot al

____

____

Add Shipping & Handling: All items sent Priority Mailing with delivery confirmation $4.50 first item and $2.00 each additional item (except stickers which are mailed at $0.37) USA only. Canadian orders multiply US mail rate by 1.5

Shipping Charges $ ______

Enclosed is my check or money order for the total of...... $______

Ship to: Send your order to:

Name______Tom Kolenko, Regalia Chmn. 2445 Elmhurst Blvd Address______Kennesaw GA 30152

City______State _____ ZIP______

February/March 2006 21 The VJMC Ten And Twenty Years Ago by Jim Townsend Ralph Walker wrote a column, and how it worked. Some of the bikes he “Marusho/Lilac News," gave a short history of listed as sold were a Suzuki RE5 rotary with December 1985 the Marusho and described a meeting with Mr. 8,000 miles for $1,150, a 1968 Suzuki X-6 Back then, the VJMC had about 150 mem- Hiraishi, the financial backer of Marusho. 250 Hustler for $950, a 1966 Honda Dream bers. The newsletter was 12 pages including Also included were the complete lyrics for $475, and a Kawasaki H-1 for $900 that the covers, and was all in black and white. for the “Ballad of the CB77". They are too was “well used to be sure.” Two pages were classified ads from mem- long for this column, but I can send them to “A Kawasaki H-2 drag bike that was all bers, which were free as they are now. Listed anyone who wants a copy. beat up bid to $750, while the reserve was was a big bore kit for a CB72/77, a Yamaha set at $1,150 ‘dreamer dollars’,” he wrote YDS3 parts bike for $50, a Marusho Mag- December 1995 about the pre-Ebay auction. (Some things don’t change much, do they?) num with 600 miles for $2,800, and tank In addition to the newsletter, the club also Tom Kolenko, former VJMC Treasurer, badges for a Honda Dream for $5 – try find- published a membership list in magazine wrote a letter to the editor about the new ing that today! Dave Richter, our current form. We were about 600 strong by Decem- Barber Motorsports Museum in Birming- Massachusetts Field Rep, was seeking a ber 1995. The newsletter had a color cover ham, AL. Just a few weeks ago Tom set up fender for a CL72 Honda. and was 32 pages. With today’s 2,100 at an event there and was very pleased with In Pat Halstead’s Editor’s column there members, a member list would fill a the VJMC turnout. was a reminder that you couldn’t renew at 70-page magazine alone. the old $8 rate due to a change in July 1985. By this time, the newsletter had grown to Bill Silver, currently Field Rep in Hawaii, The new rate was $12 per year. 24 pages on heavy white 8 1/2 by 11 paper wrote a very informative article about the There was also a request for technical arti- and was beginning to look like a real maga- cam chain tensioner on CB400Fs. cles. Some things never change! zine, which it was, but was still called the This newsletter had various An interesting article on Pointers was on “newsletter.” marque-specific columns as well: John page four. The author, Pat Halstead I pre- A statement on the front page says that the Mitzel had an interesting Kawasaki page, sume, wrote about visiting a Pointer dealer organization was run informally by a group Rick McKean wrote the Bridgestone page, in Arlington, VA in the early 60s as a col- of dedicated volunteers. Ron Burton was Graham Ware the Suzuki page, and Jeff lege student and not really paying much at- the editor, Ed Theilmann was the Publisher Hubbardt he Yamaha page. tention to them at the time. He mentioned and Herbert Selbach was the Membership A pair of Honda tank badges were adver- that he never knew anyone with a Pointer Chairman. Those were the only officers tised at $150 a pair! And the back cover ran nor ever saw any on the streets. (We never listed. an ad for David Silver Spares, one of our see any at events either. Are there any cur- Curt Krause (still a member in Chicago) current advertisers. The more things rent members with Pointers?) wrote an article about attending an auction change, the more they stay the same...

The beautiful Mackinaw Bridge is just one of many sights to view in Michigan. See this and much more by signing up now for the VJMC National Rally, Aug. 28 through Sept. 2 in Cadillac, Michigan. Regis- tration forms are on pages 14 and 15.

22 February/March 2006 Bill Goldberg And The Honda 160 Dream by Jeff Ecker ing along a little road racing on the Needles Highway, that darn Davey smoked me on the inside of a curve. Later, we stopped to It was 104 degrees with a 15-mile per hour headwind as we crossed rest at a tunnel entrance and watched bikes come through. We just the National Grasslands in Northeastern Colorado. My 16-year old took our time, enjoying ourselves, and arrived at the BMW camp- son David and I were riding to Sturgis! I was on our Sears Allstate site near Lake Pactola in the early evening. 250 and David was on the Honda 160 Dream. David and his machine David wanted to spend all his time in downtown Sturgis and I looked clean and sharp; my rig looked like some sort of Taliban left- wanted to stay out in the Hills and swill whisky in the evenings over, held together with baling wire and duct tape. with my BMW friends. I really think David was counting on seeing David had just gotten his license, and I was 50, fulfilling a long-held the women’s coleslaw wrestling event! Once David rode the dream to ride a small bike all the way to Sturgis. We’d brought all our Honda Dream into Sturgis and them came back about 3pm to check camping gear, extra tools, and tire repair gear along; I had even packed in. He rode in, stopped and leaned over the handlebars in a a spare six volt battery for the bike. Naturally, it wasn’t long before the Brando-like manner and announced that he had just met Bill battery somehow tipped and leaked all over the inside of the back- Goldberg and a few of Bill’s buddies at a gas station up by Nemo. pack, the acid eating holes in the pack and everything in it. “Who is Bill Goldberg?” we asked. David was irate that we could We had struck out from our home in Pueblo, Colorado early that be so ignorant, informing us that Goldberg was a FAMOUS profes- morning, and by late in the afternoon we were tired from the heat sional wrestler. He said Bill and his friends were impressed with and looking for a camp spot with water and shade. We got all the David’s Honda and his feat of riding it up from southern Colorado. way to Scotts Bluff, Nebraska in the early evening and pitched David put 180 miles on the 160 Dream that day, probably because camp in the city park. Their showers were very cold and that’s the he took the most roundabout route ever devised to get to and from way we liked it after a day of heat and wind. Later, we went out to Sturgis. We accused him of getting lost, but he responded that he eat and spent the rest of the evening re-wiring my moth-eaten load. “meant to go that way.” Of course, his next request was for permis- Davey was reading Lonesome Dove that summer, and we felt like sion to return to Sturgis. we were on a cattle drive in the old Wild West. We rode those little machines all over the Black Hills that week The next morning was downright cold when the sprinkler systems and even took them trail riding. David’s Honda Dream got far more in the park kicked on, providing a wet wakeup call. As we headed attention than my Allstate, and he seemed to be a real hero to a lot north, my face was cold! We pulled over to fix my carburetor, of “hardcore” bikers that week. which had worked its way loose, and a farmer stopped. He told us Our ride home to Colorado took us almost 3 days, due to my pen- to go over to his place if we needed tools or help, and that he would chant for taking back roads and seeking out unusual camp sites. be back in a while. Nebraska is the nicest, friendliest place! On the The first night we camped out at Toad Stool Park, located a little whole trip, anytime we pulled to the side of the road, someone north of Crawford, Nebraska – a real nice prairie setting in the Na- would stop to inquire about our welfare, and despite our slow pace tional Grasslands with toadstool-like earth formations and a re- no one ever tailgated us either! stored sod house that we were tempted to camp in. We probably About mid-morning we stopped at a farm with antique tractors lined would have, but I have never liked houses all that much anyway! up in the yard. The old boy there would have entertained us all day. He The second night we desperately looked for shelter from the hor- fired up some of his tractors, explained how combines worked, and rendous winds and ended up sleeping behind a cattle wind break. gave us a ride in his Model A. I guess not too many visitors are inter- Surprisingly, we spent a rather pleasant night there reading, sipping ested in his collection, but anyway David and I are great fans of rust. on a little “Old Overholt” (for me, lest you think I’m into corrupt- The next stop was Cascade Falls which is about 15 miles south of ing minors!) and sleeping well while the wind just howled away. Hot Springs, South Dakota. Time for a swim! The Green Tortoise We rolled back into the Pueblo, Colorado heat at noon on the third Tours bus was there, so we spent a couple of hours swimming and day and headed straight for the lake with our boat to water ski. visiting with hippies and Indians. Lunch was in Hot Springs, then It’s 550 miles to Sturgis from Pueblo, but with all the extra touring we decided to take the meandering tour up through the hills for the we put about 1400 miles on the little machines with a minimal rest of the day. The Allstate was humiliated yet again as, while rid- amount of problems. David wanted to repeat that trip in the summer of 2003, going solo on our 1966 Yamaha 250 Catalina, but I couldn’t get it running in time so he rode up alone on his Suzuki GS 550 twin. Someday he and I will tour again on small, interesting antique ma- chines to Sturgis, but this first trip was a real milestone for both of us.

Check out the classifieds section of this issue for dozens of bikes, parts, and miscellaneous items wanted and for sale.

February/March 2006 23 Fork Restoration – An Easy Weekend’s Work by Eric Wala

Sometimes I’m amazed at all the nicely restored VJMs I see here in central Florida. Then again, sometimes I wonder why the owners don’t bother to clean up their forks, when – down here at least – “love bug” resi- due can eat right through the clear coat and make them look like they’re made of con- crete instead of aluminum. Is the job of re- moving the forks just too intimidating, or is it that the owners just don’t know how to re- establish that nice factory finish? In fact, all it takes is part of a weekend or several spare evenings to do a nice fork cleanup job. The process begins by removing the front wheel and fender. Raise the front end and support the bike with a small jack or cinder block, with some wood shims placed to protect the engine. Next, remove the brake caliper from its mount and hang it with a wire on any convenient point on the frame or engine. Remove the speedometer cable from its housing and coil it out of the way. Loosen the axle nut and slide the axle out, noting the orientation of any spacers. Pull the wheel down and straight out, and place it aside. Remove the front fender and fork brace, if any. Finally, loosen the upper fork pinch bolts, then the lower pinch bolts one side at a time. Gently slide out each of the tubes and you’re ready to start. At this point, if you want to polish your front wheel, now is the time. Need to lube or replace wheel bearings? Do that, too. You might want to replace your fork oil or seals if that’s on your maintenance list. But for now, let’s just consider the cosmetic fork restoration. In order to get your sliders ready for Top: A makeshift holder for the forks. Bottom: The finished product. Photo courtesy of Kelly Wright. recoating, you’ll need: it’s time to rub it off with a pad of steel you’ll be able to see any spots you missed; • semi-paste paint stripper wool. Observe the pattern of the metal as they will have a cloudy, yellowish tint that • an old sash brush you work. You’ll notice that the original will stand out next to the exposed alumi- • a few pads of 00 steel wool finish on the aluminum goes “round and num. • some acetone round,” and you want to maintain that fin- If your sliders look crusty, like those I • wet-or-dry sandpaper in 80-100, 220, ish. Spinning the slider with one hand while mentioned at the beginning of this article, 400 and 600 grit holding the fork tube with the steel wool in you’ll need to start by sanding away the ma- • a small plastic pail or basin, and the other works for me. Finish removing the jor corrosion on the leading edges of the • some old newspaper, rags and towels coating from all the nooks and crannies by sliders. I cut my wet-or-dry sandpaper into The first step is to strip away any of the re- laying the part on your bench and scrubbing one inch by nine inch strips so I can use the maining clear coating. I use a two-inch with wadded-up steel wool as needed. Keep “shoe-shine” method to polish. After wet- China-bristle brush to apply the stripper. It scrubbing until you’ve removed all the ting down the part and the paper, I use a resists the chemicals, and can be reused. I loose coating. side-to-side stroke to gradually remove the work one slider at a time, rolling the part You’ll probably have to reapply the strip- pitting, while observing the part’s finish. over and over ‘til I know I’ve got the whole per, but two applications should be enough As shown in the photo, I fashioned a thing coated with stripper. if you’re using a good quality product and hold-down of sorts by banding the slider Don’t go overboard, but use just enough giving it enough time to work. tubes with wire and padding, and held them so that the stripper doesn’t dry, and keep When you’ve got all the old coating off, straight with nails driven into my work- moving it around with your brush. When wash the sliders down with water and a lit- bench. A small vise would work best, of you see the old coating begin to wrinkle up, tle dishwashing detergent. Once it’s dry, course, but I have such limited space that I

24 February/March 2006 decided not to mount one. Anyway, this using a clean cloth wetted with acetone. if you bake it under an IR (infrared) light method worked fine for me. This will remove fingerprints and sanding during the curing process. And it’s cheap If you’re in doubt about what grit to start residue so you can really judge your work. and available…about $3 at Kmart. The in- with, polish the backside of a slider first, us- You’ll want to view it under very good light structions say your parts can be handled in ing a fine grit so you can see how much metal to observe the continuity of your sanding. one hour, but don’t believe it. There’s noth- you’re removing. Then select coarser grits Check for especially bright or dull areas, ing worse than creating a big dirty thumb until you start effecting some visible changes and also look for striations, or stripes, up print on your nice fresh part as you try to re- without too much time and effort. Just keep and down the part. If you see any inconsis- install it before the coating dries. Don’t ask sanding, making sure that the part and paper tencies, you’ll have to re-sand with a fresh me how I know. I’d wait at least 12 hours be- are wet. Rinse your paper frequently. piece of 600.This may try your patience, fore handling your parts unless you decide to DON’T SAND AGAINST THE METAL but stay with it. It’s important that you du- bake them with an IR light. GRAIN! You’ll get scratches that will take plicate the factory finish, which is very con- The other spray is Diamond Clear from hours to remove. Don’t even slide the paper sistent. A little extra effort will assure you the Eastwood Company, which they de- up or down the part between areas you’re get results you can be proud of: not too scribe as a “gloss clear for bare metal sur- working on. Instead, LIFT the paper and bright and not too dull, but just right. faces.” I ordered some of this when I wasn’t blend the new sanding work into the area Finally, you’ll want to apply a clear achieving the “uncoated” look I wanted for you’ve just finished. acrylic coating to preserve the shine. some brightly buffed aluminum parts. In Just keep buffing…aluminum responds to After wiping the part down with acetone that case, the Krylon seemed to veil the sanding like r-e-a-l-l-y hard wood. If you one last time to remove any skin oil, I hang parts’ shine and looked motley. Eastwood’s do get a scratch, you’ll be able to remove it it from a wire in a doorway where I have product worked very well for that applica- with more sanding, but that will take con- plenty of good natural light, and spray my tion, but it’s not necessary if you’re repro- siderable time and effort. coating up and down the part, laying on one ducing an OEM finish on a typical VJM Gradually sand with finer grits up to 600 light coat at a time. You should get the feel part. Eastwood recommends a 24-hour dry- as you see the finish improving. After a for this pretty quickly. I recommend two ing period. If you’re a purist, spend the $11 couple hours of labor, you should have one light coats. If there are any runs, drips or er- plus shipping from Eastwood. Call them at side done. At least that’s how much time I rors, you can simply wipe the acrylic off 1-800-345-1178 or go to www.east- allow, but it could take longer depending on with more acetone and try again. wood.com. how many trips you make to the fridge for Two acrylic coating sprays have worked Then, as they say in the shop manuals, cold beers! well for me. The simplest and easiest I’ve “installation is in the reverse order of the re- When you think you’ve got it right, wash used is Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating from moval.” the part down with water and wipe it down Krylon. It’s a very durable finish, especially Good luck!

February/March 2006 25 Calendar of Events March

3 Kershaw, SC The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association’s 2006 Works Performance Historic Cup roadrace at the Carolina Motorsports Park. For the complete AHRMA schedule and more information, visit www.ahrma.com or call (615) 851-3674. 6th–10th Daytona, FL 2006 Daytona Antique and Classic Motorcycle Auction, Vintage Bike Swap Meet, and Trade Show: “The nation’s oldest and best annual vintage motorcycle auction.” 8am-6pm, Stetson University, Deland, FL, (352) 795-8895, website: www.jwoodandcompany.com. 13 Alameda Point, CA Northern California’s newest monthly bike swap meet. New and used parts, vendor spaces for rent, etc. 6am-3pm. Also held on April 16 at the same venue. For more info call (510) 522-2316 or visit www.turnkeyprod.com.

April

1 St. Paul, MN 18th Annual Minnesota Motorcycle Auction at Aldrich Arena. 9am-5pm, preview on March 31 5pm-9pm. 1850 White Bear Rd. For more info call (800) 473-2324 or visit www.midamericaauctions.com. 9 Belleville, IL B&G Promotions Motorcycle Parts Extravaganza ath the Belle Claire Fairgrounds. Over 200 booths inside and 100 booths outside with thousands of new and used parts at bar- gain prices. Route 13 and 159 just off Route 15. For more info call (217) 864-9540 or email barrysmotorcycles@ya- hoo.com. 29th–30th Rosamond, CA The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association’s 2006 Works Performance Historic Cup roadrace at Willow Springs Raceway. For the complete AHRMA schedule and more information, visit www.ahrma.com or call (615) 851-3674

May

6th–7th Hatley, Wisconsin 19th Annual Motorcycle Swap Meet. Japanese, British and European motorcycles. “Largest Swap Meet Of Its Kind In We manufacture fork tubes for Japanese motorcycles Area.” Auction on Saturday, May 6th. For information, Call from the 1950's to 2005. Machined to match O.E.M., (715) 446-2225. centerless ground, hard-chromed. Guaranteed to fit. Large inventory. Stock length, over and under.

26 February/March 2006 Classifieds Remember that a ‘Vintage Japanese’ mo- 1970/76 Honda. 1970 CL450, running, 1976 Honda CJ360T. Rare, nice original torcycle is 20 years or older (cut-off for this not original. 1970 CB450, rolling, 2800 red, unrestored condition. 17k miles, muf- year is 1986) and, of course, Japanese. miles. 1971 CB450, running, not original. fler internals are loose, but chrome is still Please be aware that ads may/will be edited 1972 CL450, running, all original. 1973 good. Includes owners manual. $1200. to conserve space. If you have large busi- CB450, almost running, not all original. William Mack, (865) 983-4204, 2329 ness ads, please consider taking out a com- 1973 CB450, rolling, 13000 miles. 1976/76 Airbase Road, Louisville, Tennessee, mercial ad (Bob Billa, , 949-588-6840 is CB500, rolling, low mileage. No reason- 3777-4024. [email protected] our Commercial Advertising Director). able offer refused. Don Mason, 125 North Don’t feel reluctant to use punctuation and Steam Boat Ave., North Kingstown, Rhode proper case on emailed ads. Island, 02852. Be mindful of publication deadlines. Ads Kawasaki th are due by the 20 of the month in which a 1971 Honda CL175. Very good original newsletter is issued for the NEXT newslet- condition, 5000 miles. Everything works, 1971 Kawasaki A-1 Avenger 250cc. ter. For example, ads for the June 2006 runs great, clear title. $975. Myron Otte, PO Marina blue, lots of chrome. Chrome Newsletter will be due to the editor by April Box 69, Southengton, Ohio, 44470. chambers, great condition, tank could 20th. use a repaint. Runs great, fast. $1450 Send all ads to: 1971 Honda CB350. $1700. John Yuhn, gets it. (205) 824-8160/(205) 356-6373, Gary Gadd (248) 634-7533, Holly, Michigan. Birmingham, Alabama, 3721 Holland St. [email protected] Ft. Worth, TX., 76180 1972 Honda CL175. Good condition, gold color, front fork brace, seat has rip that (817) 284-8195 For 1972 Kawasaki S2 350cc Triple, was repaired, good tires, good exhaust, 14k Or e-mail: [email protected] looking for aftermarket exhaust cham- miles. Right side cover has a hole in it, no bers. Any information about sources, side cover emblems. Call for details and in- drawings with dimensions or inter- formation. $750. Chris Walchak, (989) changes with other models will be greatly 752-4714. 706 Shepard St. Saginaw, Mich- For Sale appreciated. Also interested in other in- igan, 48604. formation, parts, parts bikes, or titled frames for the S1 250, S2 350 or S3 400 Honda 1973 Honda CB450. Original owner, 13k Kawasaki Triples. Raymond Amos, (828) miles. Very good condition. $750. George, 697-6924, Hendersonville, North Six boxes of NOS parts. Most 1960s small (586) 286-3793 Macomb, Michigan. Carolina, [email protected] displacement parts, speedos, switch gear, 1983 Honda 200X. 3-wheeler, original electrical. No body panels. Call for details 1972 Kawasaki H2 750cc. Very complete and information. $500 for all. Chris owner, $200. George, (586) 286-3793 Macomb, Michigan. bike for restoration. Engine turns, exhaust Walchak, (989) 752-4714. 706 Shepard St. good, overall straight condition. Pa. title. Saginaw, Michigan, 48604. $3000. Jack Bishop, (570) 660-2188, 1985 Honda VF1000R. Italian import in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, fantastic original condition. Low miles. 1962 Honda C72. 125cc. Ge Heezen, Hol- [email protected] land, [email protected] Taxed and tested. Needs an owner who will use it. J. Leech, 01782 775029, CA95 150 Dream rolling frame and CA95 Stoke-on-Trent, UK, [email protected] 1975 Kawasaki F7D 175cc. Very nice 160 motor plus a large quantity of parts original condition. Was in heated storage from this model and Chilton manual from 1989 Honda GB500. 1972 CB400F Sport for many years. Tank is Kreem coated. Sat that era. Motor is in excellent condition and and CB550F Sport. 1975 CK175 and for several years, will probably need carb ran well when last installed in late 70s. Can CL450. All run well and look good. Call or cleaned. Getting hard to find in this original email photos upon request. Make an offer email for photos and details. Bob condition. $1200. Chris Walchak, (989) for all. Will Bishop, (317) 587-4142, Ringgenberg, (513) 761-7070, 752-4714. 706 Shepard St. Saginaw, Mich- [email protected] or phone. [email protected] igan, 48604.

For 1965 Honda CYB 72, five (5) speed For: Honda CB500 F, 0.020 genuine pis- 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000A. Bare frame, transmission. Complete set with lots of ex- ton and ring kits. Includes wrist pins and all body work is custom painted, Have all tra NOS (in the bag) gears. Excellent condi- circlips. New in the box, $100. parts and a few extras. 4 into 1 exhaust. tion. $5000 (or trade). Tim Miller, (512) CB/CL/SL100, 0.010 piston, $25. 0.030 Motor is a 1976 KZ900 A4 with a Star big 657-5282, Pflugerville, Texas, piston and ring kit with wrist pin and block 1393/1425cc kit (can’t remember [email protected] circlips, $35. CB350 twin, Standard pis- which). Motor is together and ready to go, tons, $55. CB/CL/SL1751st oversize 0.010 includes stock engine parts. Easy Winter 1969 Honda SS125. Street bike, original rings for both pistons, genuine Honda, $20. project. Call for details and information. owner. Very good condition. $1750. William Mack, (865) 983-4204, 2329 $1500. Chris Walchak, (989) 752-4714. George, (586) 286-3793 Macomb, Michi- Airbase Road, Louisville, Tennessee, 706 Shepard St. Saginaw, Michigan, gan. 3777-4024. [email protected] 48604.

February/March 2006 27 Membership Application New ______Renewal ______Membership options: *************************************************** 1) Multi-year membership–$45 for two years; $65 Name: ______for three years. 2) Spousal membership–$15 per year with no discount Address:______for multi-year applications. This type of membership can be ______completed at any time. The membership must be for the spouse or partner of a current member or can be included City: ______State: ______with a sign up of a regular member. One magazine will be de- livered to that household with both names on the mailing la- Zip/Postal Code: ______Country: ______bel. Spousal members will have a membership card with a Phone: ______unique number such as 5226A. Yearly dues: $25 (USD) for North America; $50 (USD) outside E-mail address: ______of North America. Please send your check or money order made out to VJMC along with this application to: Preferred Make(s): ______Bill Granade Preferred Model (s): ______13309 Moran Dr. Tampa FL 33618-3011 Signature: ______Thank you! Date: ______

28 February/March 2006 Classifieds

Suzuki Yamaguchi each plus $1 postage for any quantity, and an T10 additional dollar for credit card pay- 1962/63 Yamaguchi 50/80cc. 30 year ac- ment if desired. 50% fill rate. I also have 1968 Suzuki TC200 Stingray. Complete cumulation of Yamaguchi motorcycles. 250 old Kawasaki NOS keys and a few except for left side cover. Original condi- five nice bikes, 11 in parts. Plus boxes of Suzuki. I can cut duplicate Suzuki keys for tion, engine turns over with good compres- parts, tanks, engines, some NOS sales lit. the same price. Barry Sulkin, (310) sion. Has rust in various locations. Easy and manuals. Rare poster and signs. Etc. 398-6406, Culver City, (Los Angeles) Cali- restoration. Call for more info. $500. Chris Too much to list, buyer must take all. Seri- fornia, [email protected] Walchak, (989) 752-4714. 706 Shepard St. ous inquiries only. James Rozee, (503) Saginaw, Michigan, 48604. 287-6620, Portland, Oregon. Liquidating my side cover collection, 1970s thru early 1980s. They range from 1979 Suzuki GS1000E. Excellent condi- Miscellaneous Items repairable usable to new, priced from $40 tion. 16K miles, $1200 obo. Joe to $135. Many Honda, some others, e.g. CX Turbo, ‘78 XS650, SL350, H-1, GT750, Rutherford, (734) 354-9350, Plymouth, Motorcycle leathers road race/dirt track. GL, CB350/360, 450, XV other and more, Michigan, [email protected] Red, white and black with yellow edging. about 180. Sorry no Honda 750. All plus Circa 1980s. Made by TT Leathers Interna- S&H. I have a CL77, blue tank and side tional. UK size 107cm/42. Very heavy duty covers, two tone seat and chrome fenders. Yamaha and in great shape. Call for details and in- The tank emblems have wings and say 300 formation. $350. Chris Walchak, (989) not 305 is this standard? Pittsburgh, Penn- 752-4714. 706 Shepard St. Saginaw, Mich- sylvania, [email protected] 1963 Yamaha YG1 80cc. 90% mint con- igan, 48604. dition, all original, fully operational, 5092 miles. Chrome gas tank, black and gray Metric stainless fasteners for your vintage Wanted paint. Stored last 6 years in my home. Be- Japanese motorcycle. Many models to fore that it was stored 32 years in a motor- choose from, or custom order! (330) cycle crate. Runs and rides. Must see. 519-4772, www.stainlesscycle.com Honda Asking $5000. Sean Smith, (810) 874-1393, Flint Michigan, Keys for Early 1960s and up Japanese For 1962 Honda CL72, Need an engine [email protected] bikes. Thousands of OEM Honda and for 250 Scrambler restoration project. Pre- Suzuki keys. $10 a piece, which includes fer complete engine but will look at any- shipping. Thousands of NOS parts for those thing. Please call or e mail if you can help. I 1967 Yamaha Big Bear Scrambler. 250cc, old bikes in stock. Just send us what part will pay for shipping, etc. Doug Gregory, blue and white, complete, fair condition, you need with the bike model and year, or (281) 655-4944, [email protected] motor locked up. Solid exhausts, speedo preferably a part number, and we just may shows 10k miles. Shows promise, could be be able to help you out. We also make gas- For 1966 Honda CL160, I’m trying to re- restored or use it for parts. Buyer must pick kets. Please email or call and let us know store a Honda CL160 which is almost un- up or have it picked up, uncrated, paid in which one you need. A part number would known in Germany. I’m looking for tank, advance. $500 obo. Dave Mignella, (401) be helpful. Over 16000 gaskets in out pro- handlebars, skid plate, seat. May I ask for 568-0389, Glocester, Rhode Island, vin- gram. We cannot make head gaskets. some overseas help...? Alexander Maier, [email protected] Queen City Motorcycle, (931) 648-4355, 01734557916, Germany, Clarksville, Tennessee, [email protected] Yamaha RT360 Parts. Several engines, [email protected] extra cylinder heads, including a Don Honda CB/CL160 parts. I have a lot of Vesco racing head. 2 frames, one modified Keys. We supply hard to find key blanks used CL77 parts that I would like to trade for sidecar ice racing. Stock forks, one for classic vehicles! We stock keys for cars, for CL or CB 160 parts. I’m currently work- stock exhaust, one Jemco for racing. A cou- trucks, buses, motorcycles and even some ing on a CL160. Robert Purifoy, (501) ple of stock rims, other misc. bits and airplanes. Visit our web site to browse our 557-2110, Bauxite, Arkansas, pieces. Call for more info. Chris Walchak, catalog and order online, or to request help [email protected] (989) 752-4714. 706 Shepard St. Saginaw, finding the key you need: Michigan, 48604. http://www.key-men.com. Key Men - Keys For 1966 Honda CA77, looking for a set for Classics, Monroe, New York, of Buco bags for my Dream. Tom, (323) [email protected] 314-2410, Los Angeles, California, 1974 Yamaha TX650A. $1900. John [email protected] Yuhn, (248) 634-7533, Holly, Michigan. Keys For 1958/85 Honda, Kawasaki. Over 4000 Genuine Honda precut and 1974/78 Honda CB750 F/K. Several 750 For 1979/81 Yamaha 1100 Special, Mid- numbered absolutely genuine original keys motorcycles. Various condition. Projects, a night and Gold spoke alloy, include disks. exactly as they came with new cycles. Send couple complete. Lots of parts. Couple of From an XS1100SG. $300 plus shipping. code number which is stamped on the face 550s. Email for details. Art Tanner, (518) Michael Shinners, (716) 884-6832, Buf- of your ignition switch or fork lock, later 789-0244, Millerton, New York, falo, New York. models only had the number on the key. $5 [email protected]

February/March 2006 29 Classifieds For 1981 Honda CM400A, I need the fol- For 1972 Kawasaki S2 350cc Triple, Suzuki Titan T500: need clean, original lowing parts: master cylinder, chain, both looking for aftermarket exhaust cham- tank and/or sidecovers for magenta 1973 front muffler header pipes, both engine bers. Any information about sources, model. Jason Roberts, crash bars, choke cable, both engine side drawings with dimensions or inter- [email protected] covers, both rear tail pipes, head light, gas changes with other models will be greatly tank petcock, and manuals. George appreciated. Also interested in other in- Bingley, (815) 937-4456, Kankakee, formation, parts, parts bikes, or titled Yamaha Illinois, [email protected] frames for the S1 250, S2 350 or S3 400 Kawasaki Triples. Raymond Amos, (828) For 1965 Yamaha YDS3, looking for For 1983 Honda CBX550F, need gas tank 697-6924, Hendersonville, North nice mufflers for street bike. 305 YM1 in very good condition in white, red and Carolina, [email protected] will work also. Buck Mitchell, (706) black. Also need center stand. Paul Brown, 264-9288, Cohutta, Georgia, (301) 865-0276, Frederlek, Maryland. [email protected] For 1974 Kawasaki S400, need upper right (#3) muffler. Al Onia, (403) 286-2770, Cal- For 1983/86 Honda V65 Magna 1100c, For 1972 Yamaha G5S 80cc, I need gary, Alberta, [email protected] KG “six pack rack” for KG sliding backrest hand controls, foot pegs, seat, blinkers, assembly. Canadian part # ALR01, US part maybe other stuff. Scott Larson, (712) # 19-814. This rack clamped to the ends of Suzuki 527-3235, Glenwood, Iowa, the mounting rails and match the rest of the [email protected] assembly. Michael, (405) 390-3190, [email protected] For 1965 Suzuki K10 80cc, looking for a For 1977 Yamaha RD400, Performance fuel tap and carburetor float. Duaine Folie, parts! Scott Larson, (712) 527-3235, 1983/83 Honda GL1100 Aspencade. (207) 725-0058, Brunswick, Maine, Glenwood, Iowa, [email protected] Must be complete and running or restor- [email protected] able. In Dallas/Ft. Worth area, please. 1987 Yamaha SRX-6. Looking for any of Gary, [email protected] For 1966 Suzuki X6 Hustler, I need a fuel the years imported SRX-6. Good condition, For 1975/76 Honda CB400F, looking for petcock gasket. This gasket has been diffi- running, etc. East coast preferred (unless original factory low-style handlebars. Pete cult to find. It is round and has one hole in you know of cheap shipping). Chauncey, Chandler, [email protected] the middle and four surrounding holes and Brooklyn, New York, chaunzee@ya- is about the size of a nickel. It sets just be- hoo.com Kawasaki hind the fuel shut off lever. Larry J Wisse, (937) 644-0035, Marysville, Ohio, Miscellaneous Items Wanted [email protected] Kawasaki Triple. Looking for triple any size or condition, prefer complete bike but Want very low mileage cycles. 1976 parts bike considered. Will travel. I will pay 1973/74 Suzuki TM125. Looking for a 750A, 1986 VF1000r, 1973 Suz 750, 1983 cash or trade for one of my bikes. Stewart somewhat clean TM125 to restore. Bill 1100 Katana, 1983 650 Honda turbo, 1983 Readman, (352) 637-1496, Inverness, Moore, (831) 252-3510, Honda CB1100, 1982 Eddie Lawson, Kent Florida, [email protected] [email protected] Myers, [email protected]

Make plans now to attend the VJMC National Rally! See pages 12-20 for details.

30 February/March 2006 HONDA ~ HONDA ~ HONDA ~ HONDA

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