Volume 26, Number 9 June 2004 $3.50
Celebrating over 25 years of vintage motorcycling VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 CONTENTS
President’s Column...... 3 This issue’s web password is: midohio Editor’s Column ...... 4 Effective June 25th Use lower case Calendar of Events ...... 5
Sunshine Meet Kicks Off Mission Statement AMCA 2004 Season ...... 6 The Purpose of this organization is to promote the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of Vintage Japanese A Day at Laconia ...... 8 motorcycles (defined as those greater than 15 years old) and to promote the sport of motorcycling and camaraderie RidingWiththeChainGang...... 9 of motorcyclists everywhere.
Product Review: Silver's President CDs Are Golden ...... 11 Pete Boody (865) 435-2112, [email protected] Field of Dreams: Magazine Editor Karen McElhaney The White Rose Meet ...... 12 (865) 671-2628, [email protected] Classified Advertising Gary Gadd A Honda Adventure in Time ....14 (817) 284-8195, [email protected] Commercial Advertising Region A Norman Smith Passbook is Pass Back to 1970. . . 16 (941) 792-0003, [email protected] Commercial Advertising Region B Brad Powell Kettle to Water (678) 576-4258, [email protected] Buffalo Conversion ...... 20 Membership Bill Granade Secrets of Speedometer Repair . . . 22 (813) 961-3737, [email protected] Webmaster Jason Bell (972) 245-0634, [email protected] Honda History: Cover Layout At Home in Japan ...... 26 Andre Okazaki Magazine Layout Darin Watson Escape from Cubeville ...... 28 2004 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmit- Classifieds ...... 35 ted in any form without permission.
2 www.vjmc.org VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 From the President: How to get new members by Pete Boody There are a good number of folks nese motorcycle they ride is 1989 or out there who used to own a Japanese older, they can become a member, Recently I had the good fortune to motorcycle, and here are a few tips on andmaybe,allyouhavetodois locate and purchase a very rare how to rekindle their interest and per- ASK. mid-seventies Japanese motorcycle. haps inspire them to join us: Number two: Get enthused This model is quite collectable, but Number one: Ask! If you think about the enthusiasm this particular bike is special for I received an email from an officer you would experience in locating a many other reasons. For a motorcycle of the VJMC recently and he ex- rare bike and apply that same exu- of its age, only one person owned plained that when he talks to people berance in conversation, you cannot it—unique, right? Again, considering about VJMC, he will ask them three help but pass it along to others. its age, it is in very good to near-ex- times to become a member. I They will be more at ease and more cellent condition—another plus, and willing to listen to what VJMC has rare. The list goes on to include an to offer them. Just as important, odometer mileage reading that is not “If you think about they will think about what they can even close to the teens. This is do for all of us. Everyone’s mem- enough to excite any prospective the enthusiasm you bership will make us stronger and buyer, agreed? Well, when I tried to give us all a bigger voice to pro- start this incredible machine, it im- would experience mote, preserve, and ride these rare mediately sprang to life and purred in locating a rare Japanese gems. like a brand new one. If your heart is- Number three: Ride your bike! n’t racing by now, read on. I was able bike and apply that I have found that the easiest way to to buy this marvelously well main- get a conversation started is to pull up tained eye catcher for a price suitable same exuberance to the curb on my vintage Honda and to the size of my pocketbook. in conversation, if there are folks present, some will When I told him of this find, a invariably ask me about it. When this good friend asked me, “How do you you cannot help opportunity presents itself, the bike locate these bikes?” I said, “I go out serves as a catalyst to some really and look for them.” Thinking about but pass it along to great conversation about its history as it later, it seemed like my answer others. They will well as their experiences on an older was too simple, but in fact, it was- bike. It really does not matter if it was n’t. It was just the simple truth. It is be more at ease a Japanese bike, but rather the result- rare in most cases that a person ing conversation. Grab an opportu- “lucks” into a great find. It takes and more willing nity to tell them about VJMC and you youreffortsaswellasotherpeo- to listen to what will be surprised; they just might join ples’ efforts and input in order to us, and it was your effort that made it “find” the few good deals that re- VJMC has to offer happen. main out there. Last, but certainly not least: Partic- Some time back, one such effort them.” ipate! was made by a very good friend, Alex To me there are fewer things cooler Hamilton, when he urged me to in- than a gathering of like-minded folks vestigate joining the Vintage Japa- who ride, preserve, and enjoy the old nese Motorcycle Club North thought, “Now that’s a cool way to Japanese bikes. It seems that there America. When I did my research on get VJMC into the heads of those will always be a story on the mind of the VJMC, I discovered that this club who ride Japanese bikes of the someone worth telling, a ride that all was a rare find indeed. VJMC is eighties, seventies, and beyond.” In can enjoy, or an outing at a local res- unique because its Articles of Incor- this clever way, he finds them, and taurant and chat. Others cannot help poration plainly decree that VJMC is with the first proposal to join he but to notice the fun and many will dedicated to the preservation of all plants a seed. With the second, he want to know what’s going on. The vintage Japanese motorcycles fifteen reminds them that they too can be a important thing is to pass along the years old or older. By the same de- part of this growing family of idea that it is fun to be a member of cree, VJMC is likewise dedicated to friends. Then with the third, he will VJMC and that prospective members supporting its members by respond- most likely sign them. Pretty simple too can be a part of our growing ing to member input. and effective as well. If the Japa- group of friends. www.vjmc.org 3 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 From the Editor: Mid-Ohio meet coming up by Karen McElhaney through Paypal. You can visit the For further details, e-mail Jim web site (www.VJMC.org) and go to Townsend at [email protected] Summer is here, so bring on the the membership page for details or contact the AMA. bike events! In that spirit and in this about becoming a VJMC member or issue, Paul Jacob offers a humorous renewing an existing membership. New Goldwing to Be assessment of his first trip to Laconia, Paypal payments for club regalia will Showcased at September Robin Markey chronicles the history also be accepted soon. of Pennsylvania’s White Rose Meet, National Rally and Rich Sulik reviews AMCA’s Massachusetts Dealers Those of you planning on going to Sunshine National Meet. Offer Discounts In Adventures in Time, Pete Boody the VJMC National Rally in Oak shares his excitement over brother Ridge this year will get a special treat At least four Massachusetts dealers Jerry’s recent acquisition of a 1976 – a Goldwing in a box. Well, not in a are offering discounts to card-carrying Goldwing that was still in its original box now, actually, but it was in one for VJMC members. All Power in shipping crate when he got it! over a quarter of a century. Jerry Granby, Green River Honda in Gill, On the tech side, Paul Franchina dis- Boody’s brand “new” 1976 Goldwing and Valley Motorsports in cusses the secrets of speedometer re- LTD will be on display at the rally in Northampton are offering a 10% dis- pair as he tells us how he went about September, and you won’t want to count; Baer’s Cycle Sales in Spring- restoring the one on his 1965 Honda miss this wonderfully preserved piece field is offering a 10-15 % discount. CB450 K0 Black Bomber. Check of history. This bike was recently For more information, contact Dave thewebsite for color photographs awakened from 28 years of slumber in from Paul’s restoration project. Richter ([email protected]). its original Honda shipping crate. By In our feature story, Minneapolis all indications, the bike is in perfect computer programmer Maria Montello Join VJMC at condition, and Jerry has invited all in- remembers the ride of a lifetime. Es- Mid-Ohio in July terested members to come see the cape from Cubeville chronicles the first bike, take pictures, and ask questions. half of Maria’s amazing solo 7,000 The 4th annual VJMC National Rally Jim Townsend reminds us that it is and Old Fashioned Tennessee Pig mile cross-country trek on a 1975 only June now, but plans for the Vin- Honda CB400F. The trip took Maria Roast and Bluegrass Hoedown on the tage Motorcycle Days at the Lake will be held again this year in on a journey down old U.S. Route 66 Mid-Ohio Race course near as she headed south and west, about as Oak Ridge, Tennessee, September 7 - Lexington, Ohio, for July 16, 17, and 11. Events will include seminars, bike far away from office life as possible. 18 have already been underway since Stay tuned for the second part of her rides, games, bike show, swap meet, January. VJMC will have the same vendors, and some of the best Tennes- account in the next issue. spots that we have had for the last few Stories by long-time VJMC mem- see bluegrass music and southern style years. As many of you know, this food and “fixins” that you’ve ever bers Mike Vachon and T.D. Bash event was the de facto rally for the take us all for a trip down memory had. The rally is free to all VJMC club until we instituted our own back members and their guests. There is a lane, while new member Stephen in 2001. According to Jim, this is the Smalley provides a Brit’s account of $45 fee for the pig roast/bluegrass largest Swap Meet that he knows of hoedown and Awards Banquet. Addi- vintage biking on a Suzuki Water anywhere in the world, sporting Buffalo in hot, dry, Houston, Texas. tional information can be found at the roughly 20 acres covered with ven- Tennessee Chapter 1 web site: And lastly, Rick Darke concludes dors from all over the country and the report on his recent trip to the www.vjmcfirstvolunteers.orgor by booths set up by various clubs, such as e-mailing [email protected]. Honda Collection Hall in Tochigi, Ja- the VJMC. There will be manufactur- pan with a look at Honda’s historical You can also click on “Homer” at ers offering bikes for test rides, a bike www.VJMC.org production models and racers in auction, AHRMA races all weekend, Honda at Home in Japan, Part 2. vintage bike judging, and VJMC usu- Correction ally has a Saturday Night Barbeque Online Payments that’s free for VJMC members and Greg Bastek’s story on Hodaka’s re- Now Accepted guests at the Lexington City Park. vival in the April issue contained a mis- There is camping available, and we in- spelling; the ironman holding the Dirt Beginning in March, VJMC is ac- vite you to bring your pride and joy Squirt should have been identified as cepting club membership payments motorcycle to show off at our booth. Ed Chesnut. Sorry for the error, Ed!
4 www.vjmc.org VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Calendar of events June Celebrate 40 years of Hodaka mo- September torcycles. 13 Information: Paul at Strictly 7-11 9th Annual Vintage Motorcycle Hodaka, [email protected] 4th Annual VJMC National Rally Show, Hickory Corners, MI (401) 364-3427 and Old Fashioned Tennessee Pig Hosted by: BMW Motorcycle Club Roast and Bluegrass Hoedown on of Battle Creek, MI, 9:00 am to 4:00 July the Lake, Oak Ridge, TN pm, Gilmore Car Museum, 6865 Events include seminars, bike rides, Hickory Road, Hickory Corners, MI 16–18 games, bike show, swap meet, ven- 49060. Hundreds of pre-1985 motor- 2004 AMA Vintage Motorcycle dors, and some of the best Tennessee cycles; show and swap meet. Bikes Days at Mid-Ohio Sports Car bluegrass music and southern style for sale, new bike displays, demo Course in Lexington, Ohio food and “fixins” that you’ve ever had. rides, concessions & picnic area. Information: The rally is free to all VJMC members [email protected]; http://www.amadirectlink.com/vmd/ and their guests. There is a $45 fee for 269-671-5089, FAX 269-671-5843. 2004/index.aspor 1-800-MidOhio. the pig roast/bluegrass hoedown and The VJMC will be participating as a Awards Banquet. Information: Club Exhibitor at this event. For in- 18 http://www.vjmcfirstvolunteers.orgo formation, contact Scott Timoff at Oregon Vintage Motorcyclists r email [email protected] [email protected] (248) Eighth Annual Tour de Clarque 338-9320. Vintage Motorcycle Poker Rallye October 100 miles, all brands, free. Meet at 19-20 10 a.m. at Jollie’s Restaurant, east 3 Grattan VJMC Rally, Grattan, side of I-5 exit 9, north of Vancouver, Holly (Fall) Vintage Motorcycle MI Washington. Ride leaves at 11a.m. Rally, Downtown Holly, MI Michigan’s premier event. Held at Information: Tom Shoenberger, British, European, Japanese, and the Grattan Speedway (10 miles NE 360-944-1862 WA ([email protected]) vintage motorcycles will be on display of Grand Rapids) in conjunction with or www.oregonvintage.org from9:30amto4:00pm.AllVJMC the AHRMA vintage races. By show- members are invited to attend and are ing your VJMC Membership Card August encouraged to bring a bike for display. you will receive a 50% savings on the Contact Scott Timoff for information: gate admission for a full weekend of 20-22 [email protected] (248) racing. VJMC camping, BBQ, bike 16th Annual Vintage Japanese 338-9320 show/judging, poker run ride. Motorcycle Show Information: Scott Timoff White Rose Motorcycle Club, Jeffer- 9-10 ([email protected] or son (York County), PA. Information: Gotham Motorcycle Classic, NYC 248-338-9320) 717-938-4753; [email protected] New York City’s world-class, all-brands motorcycle show, held on the 20 22 rd decks and docks of the Intrepid aircraft 1st Annual Longest Day Ride 3 Annual VJMC Picnic & Ride, carrier, sponsored by RoadBike and Leave Shari’s, Oregon City, OR, 10 Auburn Hills, MI American Iron Magazine. Four divisions am. 3.2 miles south of I-205 exit 10, Annual event held at Sheffield Park and 32 classes of show bikes, vendors, “Park Place/Molalla,” on SR 213, in within the Bloomfield Orchards Sub- and more. Pre-registration is recom- Berry Hill Shopping Center. Leave division. The park has covered pavil- mended for show bikes. Please join us Korner Post restaurant, Detroit, OR, ion, porta-pots, drinking fountain, and help spread the word to increase the at 12:30. and park equipment for the kids. turnout of vintage Japanese bikes for Information: Tom Shoenberger, There will be a BBQ lunch, bike 2004. Magazine coverage and a chance 360-944-1862 WA ([email protected]) show, and 40-mile ride. Members are to have your bike photographed and fea- or the OVM website: encouraged to bring a friend who tured in RoadBike, the industry’s only www.oregonvintage.org may be interested in the VJMC. A all-metric motorcycle magazine. Visit $5.00 donation is requested. www.GothamMC.comor 25–27 Contact Scott Timoff for more in- www.RoadBikemag.comor write to Hodaka Days 40th Anniversary formation: (248) 338-9320 or [email protected] Celebration, Athena, Oregon [email protected] more information. www.vjmc.org 5 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Sunshine meet kicks off AMCA 2004 season by Richard J. Sulik ducted by the Chief Blackhawk AMCA Field Judge for Class VI (Davenport, IA), Viking (Minneap- (1959 – 1969) motorcycles, I asked if The first Antique Motorcycle Club olis, MN), and Prairie (Wauseon, there were any Japanese motorcycles of America (AMCA) National Meet OH) Chapters, just to name a few. A entered in the judging program, and of 2004 got off to an enthusiastic, if stroll through the Sunshine Chapter offered my assistance if there were. rather chilly start on February 27th. swap meet area revealed that Japa- Mr. Manders stated that indeed there Conducted by the Sunshine Chapter nese bikes were indeed in atten- were, and quickly and graciously ac- of the AMCA in Eustis, FL, the meet dance there too, with all of the cepted my offer. After confirming the opened at the Lake County Fair- major marques represented: Honda, location of the judges’ meeting on grounds under leaden skies and tem- Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Sunday morning, and making ar- peratures that barely cracked the low even Hodaka. Parts however, were rangements to participate in the 40s – parka and scarf weather for scarce nearly to the point of non-ex- AMCA judging seminar being pre- central Florida! istence. Hopefully, this situation sented on Saturday afternoon, I re- will rectify itself in future Sunshine treated to my car and drove back to As I’ve noted in previous articles, Chapter events. my winter home with the heat the AMCA has accelerated its ac- Upon completing an initial recon- cranked up full-blast. ceptance of vintage Japanese mo- noiter of the swap meet grounds, I torcycles at its National Meets in touched base with Mr. Greg Saturday dawned and things got a recent years. As a result, Japanese Manders, the Sunshine Chapter’s little better; at least some sun was in bikes and parts have had a strong Chief Judge. After introducing my- evidence. By the afternoon, the tem- presence at the National Meets con- self and identifying myself as an perature got up into the low 60s –
6 www.vjmc.org VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 warm enough for me to peel off the parka and strip down a polyurethane base coat/clear coat application, and to a shirt and sweater. more closely replicates the look of the Honda original The Saturday afternoon Judging Seminar was conducted factory finishes in the mid-1960s. by Mr. Kevin Valentine, the AMCA Chief Judge, and It is worthwhile to note here that many people believe Robin Markey, the AMCA Assistant Chief Judge. Many that the AMCA and its judging program, with its strict VJMC members know Robin from the annual Vintage standards of authenticity, are focused solely on motorcy- Japanese motorcycle swap meet that he hosts each August cle restoration. However, at the judging seminar, both Mr. at the beautiful White Rose Motorcycle Club in Jefferson, Valentine and Mr. Markey took pains to point out that the PA. primary goal of the AMCA and its judging program is the preservation of antique motorcycles. They called our at- At the Judging Seminar, I made the acquaintance of tention to the last paragraph of the January 2004 edition of Mr. Bill Fowler. Bill runs a first-class paint shop near the AMCA Handbook of Judging, which states: “Judging Memphis, TN. After decades of painting all sorts of awards as presented in the AMCA Handbook of Judging specialty vehicles, he was extremely knowledgeable, are to bring forth and emphasize the importance of keep- and possessed the rare quality of being willing to share ing original condition motorcycles as such. They are truly his knowledge. When a generalized discussion regard- rare and priceless jewels of any collector for they maintain ing the appropriate painting of antique motorcycles and show with clarity and without doubt, the true picture. turned to a specific discussion regarding the correct When these all-important machines are sacrificed unnec- colors for vintage Japanese bikes, Mr. Fowler advised essarily to restoration, we have experienced a tragic loss. us that at this time, it is a practical impossibility to accu- Therefore, the AMCA places original condition motorcy- rately duplicate the finish on 1960s vintage Honda mo- cles at the top of all judging categories.” torcycles. That is because that that time, the Japanese Now, whereas for most of us, Sunday is a day of rest, at were painting their motorcycles with a peculiar lacquer AMCA National Meets, Sunday is Judgment Day! At formula unique to that country. Mr. Fowler went on to 9:00 AM promptly, the other AMCA judges and myself elaborate, stating the best way to replicate the color and descended upon the literally dozens of shining motorcy- appearance of 1960s Honda paint is by using mod- cles that had been brought in from all over the country ern-day polyurethane base coat/clear coat materials, for judging. with the appropriate amount of flattening base in the Five antique Japanese motorcycles were entered in the clear coat. The latter material, when used appropri- program, the most unique of which was a 1969 Yamaha ately, subdues the deep gloss that is the normal result of U5E, in pink. The U5E, a 50cc step-through model, was a superbly preserved little bike that sported the original white seat with a fringe! Other Japanese bikes entered included an early model CB750 with a sand cast engine, and three small-bore Hondas that had been brought by Robin Markey. My favorite was the white S65, al- though the Trail 55 and the CT200 (Trail 90) certainly WWW.TIMSCBX.COM had their own appeal. The Sunshine Chapter’s National Meet was an excellent We Specialize in Japanese Bikes start to the 2004 motorcycle show season. I had a fabulous time seeing all the marvelously preserved or restored •RESTORATION bikes, and participating with a great bunch of folks in the •ENGINE OVERHAUL judging program. In addition, I deeply appreciated Mr. •CARBURETOR REBUILD Fowler’s willingness to share his knowledge of paints and finishes with me and the other judges. I’m hoping that in World’s No. 1 Supplier of the future we can get together and produce an entire arti- •NOS•OEM•AFTERMARKET PARTS cle on the topic of painting vintage Japanese bikes. There are several VJMC members who are regular at- FOR THE HONDA CBX tendees at AMCA events. However, as time goes by, I’d like to see more and more VJMC members come to TIMS International Motorcycle Supply understand how much knowledge and opportunity is Toll Free (877) 846-7229 to be found within the AMCA organization, and par- ticipate whenever there is a National Meet in a venue close-by. Both the VJMC and the AMCA will benefit, and as a result, it will advance the mutual goal of the preservation and enjoyment of vintage Japanese mo- torcycles. www.vjmc.org 7 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 A day at Laconia by Paul Jacob grabbed the two-headed beast by the Tragedy averted (the lost camera, tail and my bike and I exited the scene not the girl), we headed down to the So, there it was, Sunday, June 15, right behind them, leaving a sucking main drag. We checked out rusted-out 2003 – finally a day off, and one when vortex in the wake. We proceeded to Kawasakis that had been found for I’m not going fishing. Yet for some tear a direct route to the rally. sale at the ends of driveways and were reason I still got up before 7 a.m. Crazeee Dave brought us up to the parked alongside giant throbbing Why? Because I finally had a motor- doorstep of the town, helmetless (don’t chrome and pearl candy bars on cycle that wasn’t a 350+ pound static try this at home, folks), and after play- wheels that must have cost as much as mantelpiece, and the weather wasn’t ing a game of Duck Duck Goose with a two-bedroom ranch house in Provi- anything close to tropical rainforest some State Troopers. I felt like a little dence. There were plenty of ladies of for a change. And of course, it was kid riding his bicycle too fast for the all shapes and sizes – some of them bike week – Laconia’s claimed 80th. first time, except at ten times the speed. pretty – and Dave tried his best to col- I met my buddy Dan at Allston’s And these were real cops, not just lect all of them for his harem (he’s got Twin Donuts, infamous lately due to neighborhood kids dressed up in left- the pics to prove it). the local Miller High Life (the “cham- over Halloween costumes. We made a At the end of the day we grabbed pagne of beers”) commercials featur- quick stop on the edge of town to fuel some grub that Dave affectionately ing the Twin Donuts sign; you can bikes ($1.74 premium a gallon) and referred to as “diarrhea food” (guar- check ‘em out during the Red Sox bellies ($7.95 food orgy at a great little anteed to look the same way going in games. Dan, the proper gentleman, diner in Laconia); me opting for some the front door as well as leaving the sipped tea while I devoured a glazed coffee to guarantee that I would avoid building) and went to the pier to stare donut and the caffeinated black oil the Johnny-on-the-spots, and Dan hit- affectionately at a ten-foot-tall in- slick that they called coffee. Fired up ting the buffet to add some solid food flated bottle of Jack Daniels. Dave from “breakfast,” we ventured out into to that tea he had at Twin Donuts hours parted ways with us at this point, but I the morning light towards our bikes. before. I smartly kept my hands away swear I heard his bike roaring away After a quick run up to the NH tolls from Dan’s plate (I was afraid he might for miles. How did I know it was his? at about 75-85 mph, we were sur- mistake my fingers for the tasty sau- I saw all the bats fly out of the caves prised to encounter one of the missing sages offered up), we discussed an and follow in that direction. kin of the Fabulous Freak Brothers (I 8-track tape collector’s fantasy of At this point, Dan and I opted to chug think Ken Shelton penned this comic bands, and Dave told the story of the down some beverages at Rita’s (for- back in the 70s) – a man with wild missing rallies (yep, it hasn’t really mally Nothin’ Fancy), and finished hair, wilder eyes, and a still wilder been 80 rallies yet). with a couple of smelly, tasty cigars. bike, known around the world as We were off again and at the rally in When we were both sunburned enough Crazeee Dave. I expected to see him no time, entering through the back door to resemble menu items at the Red breakfasting on Bud bottles – not roads and enjoying the NH landscape. Lobster, we decided to reboard our opening them with his teeth but actu- A quick ride around the beach revealed bikes and head back toward Mass. We ally devouring the neck off them with no empty parking spots, so we parked weren’t the only ones exiting, and be- a sharp bite and snorting the insides at the drive-in for a finner. We were no cause the road was clogged like a pas- out. Amazingly, though, he turned out more than five minutes off the bikes trami-eater’s arteries in a few spots, we to be more mild-mannered than Clark when people started calling and wav- opted for a siesta at a gas stop. In honor Kent. It turns out that the wild man- ing to Dave. Seems that Dave is well of the Twin Donuts beer commercial, I ners were strictly reserved for his known in this neck of the woods. bought a Miller High Life for later (it bike. He rode a big-ass Shadow in a Delirious with excitement, Dan im- was Sunday; damn those Mass blue rich carnival candy apple red and mediately bought a rally pin (we all laws). Back on the road and a couple of studded in chromium sculls, with a set agreed they get a little cheaper each minor congestions later, we were fi- of ape hangers so tall his hands needed year), then simultaneously lost his nally home free. Dan and I split up on an elevator to get to the grips. He camera and fell in love with a cute the concrete slabs that make up the pointed his bike north and in a thun- rally girl. I swear I saw her pupils turn shoots to Storrow drive. I was grateful derclap and howl that sounded like it heart-shaped when she saw Dan. For- for such a fun day. Dan is one heck of a came from Satan himself, he was off, tunately, the camera was quickly re- guy, a considerate, thoughtful, interest- with Dan clamping down hard right covered and the sacred first few rally ing bear of a man, and I couldn’t thank behind him on his immaculate vintage pictures were safe again in Dan’s Dave enough for adding so much ex- gleaming Shadow, a black and hands, but somehow the girl got mis- citement, entertainment, and education chrome roadsaw. I reached out and placed in the crowd. to our Laconia adventure.
8 www.vjmc.org VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Riding with the chain gang
by T.D. Bash lasted well into winter during hunting age, “necessity is the mother of in- season, when the deer would be herd- vention,” I came up with a rather in- I grew up in mountainous Central ing and on the run. It was a blast with genious solution to the deer hunting Pennsylvania deer country. In 1970 I these early all-steel enduro bikes with problem, considering that I was only was 17 and had progressed to my sec- their heavy design and construction, an aspiring design engineer. This was ond steed, a brand new Yamaha DT-1 as it was at that time still a challenge simple mechanical engineering—the Enduro 250, which at that time was to keep up with deer on the run. Mod- kind of thing I had loved since I was one of the most sought after ern bikes of this type could no doubt six years old and made toys out of street/trail bikes for the average easily pass up a deer and do it without boxes of junk that my parents gave Joe-wannabe-MX racer. This is the jarring your guts out of your ears, but me each year for Christmas. The plan same bike that appears in the opening most of the bikes of the 70s were like was simple: my friends and I would scene of Woodstock (the movie), if tractors compared to today’s ma- outfit the front tires and rims of our that is any indication of its popular- chines. bikes with those 12-in. aluminum ity. In the months of deep winter snow, mini-skis that were popular in the 60s One of our gang’s favorite things to it was difficult, if not impossible, to for kids to use on their steep drive- do on these steel horses was to spot ride through two to three feet of it, way slopes. So I passed the word and chase deer through the woods and that’s not including the drifts that around the neighborhood, and finally and across the fields. This usually often piled up to six feet or more in took place at the beginning of fall and some places. So following the old ad- See Gang, page 10
Membership Application
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Phone: ______Bill Granade E-mail address: ______13309 Moran Dr. Tampa FL 33618-3011
www.vjmc.org 9 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Gang: A new method of tracking deer
Continued from page 9 load of Christmas trees! The deer challenge mode, and growlin’ like he were huffin’ and puffin’ and snortin’ was in heat! It was at that point that I after a few days of searching, was and growlin’ at us as they ran flat out heard the loud metal fwack—a noise able to come up with four pairs of across the open plain, their bodies unlike any I’d ever heard before. I kiddie skies of the type we needed. heaving to and fro, flying through the was still barely holding my bike un- After a week spent designing the tri- air as their bounding through the der control in the dang snow now, angular A-frame supports that at- snow seemed limitless. What a fan- mind you, and I couldn’t tell if the tached to the skis and the front axles tastic array of sights and sounds to noise had come from my bike or (each one was different and unique to behold, I thought to myself, as I tired where as it echoed across the field. I each bike), my friend’s dad custom from the workout of maneuvering the looked over at Delbert again just in fabricated eight supports in the ma- bike, nearly spilling it, pushing it and time to see that the snow chains from chine shop where he worked. I then myself to the limit just to stay with his rear tire had come loose and hit installed the A-frames to the skis, the last of the herd of whitetails. that damn buck right square between then the ski assemblies to the bikes, the eyes and had become entangled in and finally proceeded to lock down his rack. At that point the deer resem- the front wheels with rope so they “The deer resembled bled a drunken Rudolph with silver wouldn’t spin. tinsel strung around his antlers! The This was going to be great! But the a drunken Rudolph poor thing went down with his eyes cogs in my young design-a-brain did spinning in different directions, not stop there. Delbert’s dad worked with silver tinsel passed out colder than a drunk on in a chain factory, so I asked him if strung around his Mad Dog! he would make us special cus- We hung around long enough to tom-sized tire chains for our rear antlers! The poor find out if the deer was going to re- knobbies. Now we were getting vive, all the while laughing our rear somewhere! What good are skis with thing went down with ends off, thinking that if he didn’t no traction, right? And sure enough, his eyes spinning in make it, he would probably be the they worked awesomely through the biggest 12-point buck taken by the snow and ice! There seemed to be lit- different directions, youngest “hunter" in the county erally no place that was out of reach during that season, either with or for our new “Ski-Cycles,” and be- passed out colder without a rifle. But the old boy man- fore we knew it, we were not only than a drunk on Mad aged to stammer to his feet, albeit a chasing herds of deer but also racing bit confused and disoriented. Sling- snowmobiles, which to this point, Dog!” ing a ton of ice and snow in the air we had no chance in hell of ever as we left, we decided to high-tail it keeping up with, let alone passing We had managed to chase those out of there before he got wise to us their snow-tails and throwing a deer all the way across a field almost again. shower of snow at their riders’ to the entrance to the woods when the I think that was the last winter that frosted-over goggles! huge 12-point buck leading the herd we chased deer on the dirt scoots. But The unforgettable Ski-Cycle adven- finally got fed up and proceeded to every year when my buddy Delbert ture occurred one day when a few of make a U-turn…and started chasing goes into the local sporting goods us had decided to chase a herd of deer us! Damn! Now this was getting store for his hunting license, the in foot-deep snow across a cow pas- better than sitting at home watching owner tries to sell him a new ture. We were like cowboys rounding the latest episode of Then Came thirty-aught-six caliber chain! In the up a herd of doggies—the deer were Bronson! So we all make a “U-ee” words of Charley Daniels, “I think running like hell, kicking up a wake too, and started haulin’ rear end in the I’m gonna re-route my trip. I wonder of powder that we ate as we struggled other direction, each one of us won- if anybody’d think I’d flipped if I to keep up, slipping and sliding in the dering who the hell was gonna get went to PA…by way of Florida!” snow and ice, steam rising from the ripped open first! Momentarily snow-clogged motors, the whiny roar glancing over in my buddy’s direc- Editor’s note: Mr. Bash now lives in of multiple two-stroke dirt bikes tion, I was startled to see the buck sunny St. Petersburg, Florida. You sounding like a band of lumber- about two feet behind Delbert’s rear can visit his web site at jack-sized chainsaws cuttin’ down a tire, his teeth bared, head down in www.coolretrobikes.com.
10 www.vjmc.org VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Product review: Silver's CDs are golden different fork crowns, etc. for the CB-series bikes. This is why you must always check your engine and frame numbers before ordering parts!” All three model-specific CDs con- tain an extensive collection of his- torical information and advice on riding, maintaining, and restoring 250-305cc Scramblers, Dreams, and Super Hawks. There are also sections devoted to troubleshoot- ing, model identification, and parts and product codes. Parts and Owner's manuals are also included. The engine repair guide covers dis- A 1963 Honda Super Hawk. assembly, repair, and reassembly, and includes exploded engine views by Karen McElhaney 1960-67 Honda CA 72-77 with part numbers. 250-305cc Dream Maintenance, Collectively, these four CDs proba- bly represent just about everything After several months of watching Restoration & Repair Guide that’s known about the 1960s Honda eBay auctions for vintage Super Honda C/CA, CB/CL 72-77 classics. I can’t imagine a more com- Hawks, one in particular caught my (250-305cc) Engine Repair Guide prehensive resource. They’re not in- eye. It looked nearly perfect, with the (1960-1967) expensive, but the time savings alone exception of what were described as a Because I was interested in acquir- from avoiding mistakes in purchas- couple of minor flaws, but knowing ing, rather than repairing one of these ing incorrect parts or in not following next to nothing about this Honda vintage machines, I went directly to proper disassembly/reassembly pro- classic, I decided to ask an expert for the section on Finding a Bike to Ride cedures makes them worth the cost. I advice. Bill “MrHonda” Silver’s rec- or Restore in the 1961-67 Honda still don’t have a Super Hawk, but the ommendation was to “ALWAYS CB72-77 Super Hawk version. This next time I think I’ve found just the find the best and most complete bike section provides a detailed list of right one, I certainly know where to you can to minimize the financial things to check (and to avoid) when go for advice. trauma of parts searching. Of course, looking for that vintage bike and You can visit Mr. Silver’s web all CB77s were not the same through gives instructions on what to do once site at www.vintagehonda.comor the years, so not all parts inter- you have found it, depending on the call 808-325-1655 for more informa- change.” He suggested that I consult bike’s overall condition. The CD also his restoration book series, now contains a section on Identifying CBs tion. available on CDROM. Another lucky by Year, which is particularly useful bidder (with a higher VISA credit for the novice. Here, one discovers limit, no doubt) got the bike, but I that: ended up with a treasure trove of in- “Generally, the frame and engine formation. numbers are within 150 numbers of Quick Tip of Bill has a series of CDs on Honda’s each other or less, if they are the fac- the Month 1960s 250-305cc motorcycles, in- tory-matched set.” cluding: “The risk of failure of an in- And: stalled tire that is more than 1962-67 Honda CL72-77 “There are three different crank- 250-305cc Scrambler Mainte- five years old increases signifi- shafts, three transmissions, two series cantly each time the bike is rid- nance, Restoration & Repair of pistons, three series of camshafts, den.” Guide five different mph speedometers 1961-67 Honda CB72-77 Super (running in two different directions), Hawk Maintenance, Restoration & two types of Type 1 (steel) and one Repair Guide Type 2 (alloy) fork assemblies, three
www.vjmc.org 11 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Field of dreams: the White Rose meet by Robin Markey and boasts beautiful grounds com- size of the meet kept growing, so it plete with a babbling brook, a clean was decided that it would be moved indoor bathroom facility with show- to the White Rose club grounds It’s again time to get ready for the ers, and a kitchen that puts some res- where it had plenty of room for annual Vintage Japanese Motorcy- taurants to shame, serving breakfast, growth. cle Show at the White Rose Motor- lunch, dinner and anything in be- The area surrounding the White cycle Club, to be held this year tween! Rose club is rural and allows many August 20-22. It will be the 16th The meet started in 1989 as a opportunities to take your vintage meet, and if the weather holds out, one-day meet in Harrisburg, Penn- motorcycles and go for a nice lei- should be the biggest ever. The Vin- sylvania, in the parking lot of a mo- surely ride through the country. I tage Japanese show is exactly that: torcycle dealer. My wife and I know of one group of guys that all-Japanese and each brand repre- drove up there with a couple of leaves the grounds every evening, sented, with parts and bikes from the bikes in the back of the pick-up looking like a vintage Japanese 50s, 60s, 70s, and even the 80s. This truck for the afternoon. As it grew, motorcycle ad, to take a ride on the meet has continued to grow over the the location changed to a different back roads to the ice cream shop! years from a handful of members dealer in Mechanicsburg that in- The little town of Jefferson meeting in a parking lot to a field full cluded a field for vending. The new (Codorus) is nearby, and on the of vendors, show bikes on Sunday, a location allowed us and many other square they have a gas station, a bike corral at the main gate for sell- people to take a trailer full of mo- restaurant, a pizza shop, and a ing your bike, road runs, and games. torcycles to the meet; I remember small grocerette. The Codorus Another plus is that it’s being held at very distinctly that my wife de- State Park is a couple of miles the White Rose Motorcycle Club, a cided to take out part of the down the road, and sports beautiful fabulous host that allows camping, dealer’s sign with the trailer! The scenery, a boat rental, a swimming
Interested in Old Motorcycles? Join the Antique Motorcycle Club of America! The largest organization in the country devoted to antique motorcycles. Membership includes an 88 page full-color quarterly magazine loaded with feature articles, and a free Want Ad section. Sign me up! Name ______Address ______City ______State ____ Zip______Dues: U.S. Residents ...... $20.00 Canada ...... $30.00 Mail to: Or join on-line at: Antique Motorcycle Club of America Inc. www.antiquemotorcycle.org P.O. Box 310V,Sweetser, IN 46987 Special Introductory Offer 1 800 782-AMCA (2622) For New Members Join the Club!
To participate in club events and place want ads bikes must be 35 years old.
12 www.vjmc.org VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004
pool, camping, and a Frisbee course. Hanover and York aren’t too far, either, and here you will find outlet shopping and plenty of malls. If you’re a history buff, Get- tysburg is only 20 miles away. I mention these last few places be- cause a lot of people bring the whole family and some of the fam- ily members aren’t really into three full days of motorcycles, parts, and more motorcycles and parts, so they can spend part of the day do- ing things that they enjoy. The meet normally has about 120–150 vendors and on Sunday there are usually 75–100 bikes on the show field for judging, depend- ing on the weather. There are peo- ple vending, buying, and showing bikes from all over the country and also from other countries – Japan, Germany, and Canada to name a few. We’ve also had the honor of having representatives from the Japanese motorcycle companies. I’ve seen just about anything you would want in the vending field, in- cluding parts in new and used con- dition as well as complete bikes (either restored or basket cases). In fact, I once saw a bike that changed hands three times while it was at the meet, each time bringing a higher price! If you’ve been to the meet before, we hope to see you again this year. If you’ve never been able to get there, make sure you try to make it this year! Editor’s note: For additional infor- mation, you can email Mr. Markey at [email protected] or call 717-938-4753 or 717-938-2556. If the meet is in progress, try his cell phone at 717-571-5667.
Check out the classifieds section of this issue for dozens of bikes, parts, Top: A replica DOHC Dream racer and a rare CB92 are out front at the Sunday show at and miscellaneous items the 2003 White Rose Meet. Photo by Rick Darke. Bottom: Members of the judging team check out some of the competitiors at the White wanted and for sale. Rose meet. Photo by Kim Markey.
www.vjmc.org 13 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 A Honda adventure in time by Pete Boody
On January 19, 2004 at exactly 6:06:55 PM eastern daylight savings time, two bids were made on an eBay auction that would forever change my perspective on purchases of the type that I am about to describe. On the evening of the 9th of January, I called my brother Jerry, in Michi- gan, and asked, “Are you really going to go for the LTD?” His prompt reply was, “Yeah, I am seriously thinking about it.” The motorcycle in question was a 1976 Honda GL1000 Goldwing Limited Edition that was new and still in the original crate and up for auction on eBay. “Why? Do you want it?” he asked. “No,” I said. “But I never would have guessed that you would, either.” Our conversation continued with further questions such as, “How much do you think it’s worth? What do you think is wrong with it? Do you think that there is rust in the fuel tank or on the rest of the bike? Do you think that all of the rubber parts are still good? Do you think that after 28 years, will there be many dings and scrapes?” All were very valid ques- tions and most likely the same ones that all of the final bidders had to con- sider for themselves. The 1976 Limited Edition GL was an offering by Honda to the United States motorcycle buyers to com- memorate the year that the U.S. reached its 200th anniversary. You re- member—the Tall Ships in New York Harbor, the fabulous fireworks at our nation’s capital, and all of the great local events that honored the Top: In late January, Jerry picked up the bike from the shipper and rather unceremoni- anniversary of our birthday, July 4, ously transported it home on his bike trailer. And then the fun began! Bottom: Like a but- 1776 – July 4, 1976. Honda had de- terfly emerging from its cocoon, the LTD slowly was transformed. cided to make only 2000 of these unique machines and to manufacture rare glimpse of one of the premier num wheels, golden spokes, chrome them right along with the remaining efforts by Honda to capture the plated nuts and bolts, higher handle- production 1975 GL1000s as well as American market potential in the sev- bars, special Custom Candy Brown the production 1976 models. If you enties. paint, and special pin striping. Even have never seen one of these unique The Limited Edition’s uniqueness the standard tool kit was changed and machines, you have truly missed a is evident by its gold anodized alumi- included chrome plated tools of high
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the way by the front forks. The front wheel was tucked in a space on the opposite side of the bike. All were carefully protected by padding, po- sition, and bracing with the idea that it would safely arrive in the United States completely undamaged by the trip. Little did the Honda engi- neers know that it would also safely complete a journey through time that would span 28 years. Every item that we unwrapped and re- moved was as perfect as the day darkness had fallen upon them at the closing of the crate in April 1976. By following the supplied instruc- tions, we carefully reassembled the LTD. Each part that we fastened to The assembled 1976 Goldwing LTD. another lead us to what finally was a complete and whole NOS beauty. quality enclosed in a leather sec- wonderful task early on a Friday af- We found each bolt perfect, each tioned pouch. The blades of the igni- ternoon. Jerry had already removed part preserved, and oh yes—even tion keys are chrome plated and also the crate and then the carton that the fuel tank had no signs of corro- could be stored in a leather key covered the metal framework that sion inside or out. pouch. housed the LTD. The carton was a All of the questions that Jerry and I The auction ended on January 19, true collector item by itself. Along had asked each other at the onset of 2004 at 6:07:04, and precisely 9 sec- with the usual markings required by this adventure were answered with no onds previous to that time, two very Honda to identify the contents, there surprises and no doubts. Jerry’s deci- nervous bidders pressed the “con- was a rectangular outline created by sion to “put it together” was the cor- firm” button for their bids. Unknown the overspray when someone had rect one. It has produced a thing of to each others’ actions, both were in- painted an unknown object on its true mystery and absolute beauty. tent on owning this mysterious mas- top. Penciled and penned markings My opinion on purchasing a motor- terpiece and both bid an amount that graced the covering as if they were cycle this old and still in the crate has was equal to their individual desire to intentionally scribbled to create its forever changed. If I happen to find have it. To my delight, Jerry’s final antiquity. As far as I was concerned, one of these or perhaps another bid was $100.00 higher, and he won. they were. marque, I will not hesitate for a frac- This win prompted his subsequent tion of a second to decide to go for it. call to me, which went something like The process continued with the re- moval of the metal frame that had Maybe you, too, will think differently this: “Well, I don’t know if I’m happy as well. or an idiot, but the LTD is mine. Now protected this wonderful bike for all I have to do is pay for it and get it the past 28 years. What lay below here from Texas.” the translucent plastic overwrap was truly an art form in packaging. This 1976 Honda Goldwing Lim- “Have you decided whether you We all marveled at the thought be- ited Edition will be on display in the will leave it in the crate or put it to- hind the folks at Honda whose job it lobby of the Double Tree Hotel dur- gether?” was my reply. “Put it to- was to reduce the LTD to its small- ing the 2004 VJMC National Rally gether,” was the quick retort. “Do est transportable size. The tail light in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Join us you want me to help?” I offered. “Ab- was inverted, the front fender was there September 7 – 11 to catch a solutely,” was the answer and the one placed over the rear wheel, and the glimpse of this wonderful master- that I was hoping to hear. rear fender was lowered to cover piece. Jerry will be there to answer Because of other commitments, we both. The battery was specially any questions that you might have. decided that it would be best if we mounted such that it could not be Please bring your camera and cap- started working on the bike the first damaged, the seat was positioned at ture the perfection of this rare, weekend in March. Jerry, a mutual the side of the bike, and the handle- never-ridden, and completely origi- friend Bill Heinrich, and I began this bar assembly was fastened out of nal machine. www.vjmc.org 15 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Passbook is pass back to 1970 by M. W. Vachon pegs and hanging on until the bike was at a full stop. The one thing I remember most about that ride was looking It was spring cleaning time again and I’d decided to go down at the pavement as we buzzed down the main street. through my filing cabinet. It’s amazing—the things that Although the bike was moving at probably no more than manage to end up in there and lay hidden for so long. I 40 mph, the surface of the street seemed to zip by at an in- reached into one of the hanging file folders marked credible rate. From that moment, I was hooked! “Non-current” and drew out a dark colored item that I I became omnivorous over any and all motorcycle-related spied sandwiched in there. It was an unassuming little items. I read every article I could find, scanned magazines pocket-sized booklet. The cover’s maroon colored pebble for cycle advertisements, and visited the local bike shops at finish was a bit faded. There was a large white sticker on every opportunity. In the late 60s, mini-bikes had become the face, marked “CANCELED.” The fancy, gold colored all the rage, so I began my own subtle campaign to coerce Strafford Savings Bank seal on the cover was still quite my parents into getting one for me. Right away, my dad legible, though. As I held it, rubbed its worn surface, made it clear that he wasn’t buying anyone a mini-bike. It’s thumbed the cover open, and slowly flipped past the not that he was being mean; he was being realistic. After pages with typed entries - the memories began to seep out all, there were three other kids in my family to consider. of it. To anyone else, this would be just a simple pass- Even though I didn’t understand it then, he was a firm be- book— a bankbook— or one of any other names that de- liever in self-reliance and fairness. His logic was that if I scribe a document that has become obsolete in the were to invest my own hard-earned money into what was electronic age. It’s a relic of times past; a curiosity; some- considered a “toy” (an expensive one at that!), I would treat thing one might find in an old safe deposit box or among it with the respect it deserved. In addition, he wouldn’t an elderly person’s effects. But to me, and me only, it have to buy four of them – even though my two younger meant so much more. sisters couldn’t have cared less about such things. The first entry was a deposit for $25, and was dated Aug. Thus, the paper route began – and the pass book. I took 24, 1970. At that time, my own immediate world had be- over the route sometime near the end of summer in 1970. I gun to revolve around this little book. I slowly examined each page. The first couple of pages showed a series of al- most regular deposits. In that summer of 1970, at the piv- otal age of 13, I had taken my first job. I had become a carrier for the local paper, a paperboy. The driving force behind my wish to be gainfully employed at that time was a motorcycle. I had no idea then that this was only the be- ginning of a life-long passion. I remember the late 60s and early 70s as being nothing, if not turbulent. Vietnam dominated the headlines. The Mid- dle East was a pressure-cooker, just waiting to blow. In the U.S., desegregation racked the South, and war protests were a constant presence. Closer to my own immediate world (of a typical teenager of the time), rumors of an im- pending Beatles breakup persisted and rock music was splintering into things like “heavy metal” and “Glam rock.” Those were the days of the Pentagon Papers, the Apollo Space Program, Kent State, Easy Rider, and quadraphonic sound. All-in-all, they were very interesting times. I had my first exposure to motorcycles a few years ear- lier, when I was about nine or ten years old. A neighbor was giving some of the local gang (of kids) rides on his Honda Dream (it could have been a Hawk; I have to con- fess that I’m not really sure). I eagerly joined the line, un- sure of what to expect, but only aware that everyone else thought this was cool. I could just hear my parents reciting the “…and if THEY all jumped off a bridge…” mantra. When my turn came, I was put on the back of the saddle and given stern warnings about keeping my feet on the
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could now probably afford a real motorcycle?” I prowled the local Honda shop in earnest that winter. By 1970, Honda had begun to really expand their model lineup. I knew I wanted something that would be suitable for off-road riding, but because of my small build, the bike would have to be in the under-100cc range. I’m not really sure why I gravitated to Honda at that time. I do know that I was put off by the noisy and smoky two-stroke offerings from other manufacturers—and the Honda shop was just a short stroll down the street from my house. I had made almost weekly trips to that Honda shop, ceaselessly badgering the owner with questions. By the end of January, I had decided on the new Honda CT-70H model. The price tag was $340. Scientific calculations re- vealed that by mid-May, I would have enough saved to buy it. There was an aqua colored model on the display floor, and I wanted that specific one (didn’t really care for the lime-green model). Of course it had to be the CT-70H. The “H” designation meant a real clutch with 4 speeds. The other CT-70 model was a 3-speed “auto shift” – a sissy’s bike! I tried desperately to get the shop owner to mark the aqua one as sold for me. It was tough to get peo- Mike and his new Honda CT-70 in 1971 ple to take me seriously then. My biggest nightmare was to have finally saved up the required cash and then go into delivered papers on weekdays, in the late afternoon, and the showroom to find ALL the CT-70s gone! early Saturday mornings. I have forgotten the total num- I looked at the entries for March and April and could al- ber of customers that I had, but I do remember having to most feel the same anticipation all over again. I remember split my load to be able to carry the stacks of newspapers. how the weeks seemed to drag by. It didn’t help that a Fortunately, our house was almost at the geographical friend down the street [who also was a paper carrier] center of my route. Fall slipped into winter and the days bought his own CT-70H a few weeks before I was ready grew colder and darker. Living in New England does have to buy. Talk about pressure! The first withdrawal for $325 its advantages, but perhaps not if you’re delivering news- (I have to guess here that I had the other $15 in my papers, especially on foot. I trudged through some unfor- pocket), was marked as occurring on May 14, 1971, a Fri- gettable weather that year. day as I recall. I also remember that Honda had just intro- That winter was classic New England. On Christmas Eve duced the SL-70 a few weeks prior to this. I agonized for a we had a heck of a storm. It was a weekday delivery, so I split-second on whether to switch my choice. Although would’ve been going out just as it got dark. My load of pa- the SL-70 looked more like a regular dirt bike, it cost an- pers didn’t show up until well until after dinner that night. other $30 or so, which would have meant waiting at least My parents were adamant about my not going out that night another 2 weeks. I just couldn’t do it! So I stuck with my to deliver. The snow and wind was still cranking away out- original choice, the CT-70H. side, but all I could think about was the possible loss of tips In an act that spoke of my naiveté, I took my money and from customers seeking to spread a little Christmas cheer went to the Honda shop ready to buy. The salesperson po- my way. The papers got delivered the next day. litely informed me that as much as he’d like to make the I looked at the little booklet and felt the strong influence sale, I had to be “of age” to purchase a motor vehicle. I was of my mom. It was she who had suggested it instead of the nearly stunned. Whoever heard of such a thing? After all, it little coffee can that I was using. A bank deposit was defi- was my money, right? Oh well, back to the ranch and look nitely a better place for the short stack of dollar bills and the up dear ol’ dad. But another surprise awaited me there. My rolls of change that represented a week’s worth of my la- father at first refused to believe that I had actually earned bors. Each week, I dutifully made the trip to the bank (ok, that much money from a paper route. Out came this trusty almost every week). Thanks again, Mom. Looking at each bankbook! People’s exhibit “A” - I rest my case, Your of these deposits now, I realized that the dates and numbers Honor. He was still skeptical, though. He asked my mom if failed to convey the sense of purpose that I had felt then. she had been slipping me extra money for this. I was flab- Once my mom got me to make regular deposits (no bergasted. He was the one who suggested that I do this – small task), and I could actually see my investment grow- and now he doubted that I had actually pulled it off! At any ing, I began to think on a larger scale. “Who wants a noisy and flimsy mini-bike with a lawnmower engine, when I See Passbook, page 18
www.vjmc.org 17 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Passbook: CT-70 memories
Continued from page 17 Of course I didn’t go straight ple of Kawasaki two-stroke triples, home—I had to make a few stops and replaced that CT-70. Yeah, by the rate, he was eventually convinced and show this baby off. So I didn’t get mid-70s I had changed my view of after some grumbling about having back to the house until sometime af- the two-stroke machines. The street other things to do, Dad agreed to go ter 9 p.m. that night. The bike came bikes weren’t quite as raucous as the back down to the cycle shop with me. equipped with a headlight, so I was- dirt bikes—and they were wicked I’m sure by this time he knew how n’t worried about being out after fast! The Kawasaki 750 triple put me anxious I was getting and decided to dark. However, my parents obviously off two-strokes for good, though. draw this out for his own amuse- felt differently and they were sitting I’ve never owned a scarier motorcy- ment—another form of parental tor- on the front steps waiting for me. cle! Sure, it was fast, but you couldn’t ture to get even with me for some of They didn’t look happy. After the steer or stop it! I switched back to my own past annoyances. usual parental litany, given at various Hondas. A much better-mannered volume levels, I managed to avoid CB 750 and then an ’81 Goldwing Back at the shop, I was oblivious to handing over the key for a week’s became the subsequent replacements. the paperwork end of the business. worth of grounding by promising to Although I’ve had many motorcycles “Here’s my money, now lets roll this be more forthcoming about my travel since that CT-70, it wasn’t until 30 rig outta here!” I was thinking. I went itineraries. years later that I purchased my next straight to the CT-70 while Dad took I rode the heck out of that bike that brand-new one. After buying the care of the required documentation. summer. There were four of us kids CT-70, it made more sense, financially, One last hiccup occurred, though. who bought CT-70s that spring. We to buy used bikes. Most of those other There was a small matter of a state ti- must have looked like quite the wild bikes were bought with ready cash or tle fee. I don’t recall the extra cost but bunch out there on the trails with our installment plans. I stuck with that my dad took advantage, one last time, screaming 70cc bikes! We did over- thinking until recently, when I couldn’t of my emotional state. He looked at night camping trips on them, climbed contain the little kid in me any longer. me, blankly, for what seemed an eter- sandpit walls, and my dad even took I’m not getting any younger, and I nity after asking, “Do you have the ti- me up north to ride the logging roads in thought, “Man, it would be so great to tle fee?” He knew full well that I had some of the more remote parts of our have a brand new bike again.” That just put every last dime I owned onto state. I also learned a lot about cycle bike turned out to be a 1999 Valkyrie that counter. After watching me maintenance that summer. My high Interstate. OK, so it was a leftover, but squirm for a bit, he winked at the school algebra teacher had a boyfriend it was still in the crate when I bought it. salesman and added what was re- who was a mechanic at the Honda I had that same thrill that I remembered quired to the stack of money. I shop. I began to pester him about how from way back in 1971 when I signed thought, “Whew! That was close!” to keep my new ride in shape. I learned for the Valkyrie. I even bored the Once all those silly business for- what a cam chain was and the impor- dealer with my “30 years ago…” tale. I malities were out of the way, out to tance of clean oil and air filters. Before must’ve been gushing like a little kid. I the parking lot we went. The sales- long, I could set valve and point clear- don’t think a paper route and my little man dutifully went through all the ances like a pro (well, almost). red passbook would have been big features and safety items on the mo- By the next year I was ready for enough to support this purchase, torcycle. I may have heard all of two something larger. At 14, I was still though. words he said; I knew this bike inside growing, so the little Honda felt like I looked the booklet over one last and out by this time. He and my dad it was shrinking under me. The time before slipping it back into the spoke briefly and then Dad turned to CT-70 was sold in the spring of ’72 folder marked “Non-current.” I was me and suggested that we get it for $250 (dutifully deposited in the looking to do some spring-cleaning, loaded into the van. bank, of course). By then the paper but what I got instead was a dusting “No way! I’m riding this sucker route was someone else’s job and I off of some nice old memories. I home,” I declared. He asked how I in- had moved on to other types of won’t be tossing out that book in my tended to do so, since I didn’t possess part-time employment, like washing lifetime. Someone else may come a license, but I explained about the dishes, cleaning floors, etc.; anything across this item some years hence and network of trails that ran through to keep bread in my pocket. The use muse over its entries for a few mo- parts of our neighborhood that would of the passbook slowly dwindled un- ments, not knowing the “real” story allow me to get from the bike shop til I closed the account for good. behind the numbers, and then decide back to our home. Begrudgingly, he An S-90, a CB350 after that, and a to toss it in the trash. But what a let me blast off on my new bike. host of other bikes, including a cou- shame…
18 www.vjmc.org VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004
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www.vjmc.org 19 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Kettle to Water Buffalo conversion
by Stephen Smalley Then a quick trip to the local gas station for some petrol and two-stroke oil (mainly used in dirt bikes and power weed I must be one of the craziest Brits in town. Here I am liv- eater/trimmers here in Houston), and I was ready to fire it ing and working in Houston, Texas, and I’m riding a up. I primed the carbs (let the fuel run through freely, by- UK-imported 1974 Suzuki GT750L. “What?” you ask. A passing the vacuum tap), kicked it over a few times, turned 1970s Kettle (the British nickname for a GT750) shipped on the ignition and choke, and pressed the starter button. from the UK to the USA? Surely they are all supposed to After a few turns it started. Hey – presto! There was beauti- go the other way, as there are loads of used USA imports, ful blue/ white oil smoke everywhere, as I had squirted oil especially of modern or exotic Japanese bikes, in the UK. in the cylinders before putting it into storage. The neigh- Well, not this one; I shipped it the other way across the At- bors couldn’t believe the huge clouds drifting out of my ga- lantic, following the pilgrims, so to speak! rage. It was great. I wanted to get another old Japanese bike. It’s all because The shipping fees were about 1100 UK pounds, including of my memories from the 1970s and late teenage years spent collection in the UK, wooden crate construction, shipping, riding Japanese “Superbikes” in Southeast London. I spent customs clearance, and delivery. That’s quite a lot I guess, es- some time looking for a Honda CB450 Black Bomber, pecially at today’s exchange rates, but less than I was looking which was the first big bike I ever owned. I even traveled to to pay for a nice old Japanese classic over here. The cost also New Jersey to see one, but couldn’t bring myself to buy, included shipment of a new Sealey model MC400 hydraulic considering the amount of work it needed. I was also on the motorcycle workbench/lift purchased from Sealey Power lookout for another nice GT750, like the one I had in storage Products (one of the nicest lifts on the market, which is used in the UK, that I had purchased way back in 1975. Having by many motorcycle dealers in the UK. Contact returned to Houston disappointed at the condition of the [email protected] you are interested.) Honda and how much the owner was asking for it, my other After getting it started, it was off for a first ride to the lo- half came up with the answer. “Well, why don’t you ship cal Suzuki shop (Stubb’s Cycles SW) for the state inspec- your old bike out from the UK?” “Great idea! Why didn’t I tion (this is known as a Ministry of Transport [MOT] test think of it before?” But it’s a bit strange to ship a bike from to the Brits). The dealer’s employees were amazed. the UK to the USA, and how on earth do you go about doing “Where’s the VIN sticker?” they asked. “It does not have it? one,” I replied. “It’s a UK import.” “It’s a what?” was the In December 2000, I set to work. I contacted a UK ship- reply. For most of the dealer’s staff it was also their first ping company and made some enquiries. It was all much look at a GT750. There were lots of “So what is it then?” easier than I thought. The key was the bike’s age. As most type questions asked. “It says Suzuki on the tank.” “It’s a of you know, Suzuki (and the other Japanese bike manu- Water Buffalo. A three-cylinder water-cooled facturers) pretty much stopped making road-going two- two-stroke,” answered the workshop manager, who had stroke bikes in the late 70s. One of the key reasons was the already started reminiscing. introduction of the EPA regulations. The result was the All U.S. vehicles have a unique Vehicle Identification disappearance of new large capacity road-going Number (VIN). For most bikes, it’s the model name and two-stroke motorcycles almost overnight, as they tended frame number combined. After a little debate, checking of to emit just a little bit too much pollution. As a result, any the UK registration document, and reading of rules (and street legal car or motorcycle imported to the USA that some cajoling/UK English translation into “Texan” from was originally manufactured in 1978 or later must comply me), I was issued a Texas State Inspection sticker. No with the EPA regulations. My 1974 Suzuki was old emissions test was needed. “It’s exempt by age,” I had enough for that not to matter. All I needed to do was show boldly stated. All it needed was just a quick test of the the original registration to prove its age and it would be al- lights, brakes, and horn, and the test was done. The next lowed in. step was a trip to the local Courthouse to the stolen vehicle In late January 2001, the bike arrived in Galveston. A and registration department of the Texas Department of quick trip to the U.S. customs got the bike released in Feb- Public Safety (DPS). They made a quick search of their ruary and the crate was delivered to my house in suburban computers to check if the bike had been reported as stolen. Houston. Unpacked in about half an hour, the only damage This was followed by some paperwork, and I was finally found was a cracked indicator lens. I spent a couple of granted a Texas title document and registration. Two weekends cleaning all the silicon/oil, grease, and other lay- weeks later I received my “Classic Bike” plate (or tag I ers of rust-proofing off from the UK storage period. I also think it is called here). The new number is C0031M. The changed the gearbox oil and coolant and fitted a new set of old UK registration number was WGT 180M (an April sprockets and chain. I took the new (but empty) Yuasa bat- 1974 number in the UK), so it was not that different really. tery I had left in the bike to a dealer to get it filled with acid. I got insurance easily enough after discussing this with a
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early morning before the sun gets too high because I like to wear my helmet and a leather jacket. Houston (especially near the city) is boring for bikes as it is too flat and endless. I often wish I lived in Austin, a much nicer city about 150 miles northwest. This is the entrance to Texas Hill Country, which is a biker’s dream. The climate is a bit kinder (not so humid but still hot) but the real attraction is the roads. It is paradise for two-wheel transport of all kinds, with long winding roads weaving through limestone hills and wooded valleys and not much traffic to contend with. I go to the Hill Country camping quite regularly but more often than not by four-wheel transport with family along as well. You see loads of bikes in this part of Texas and to prove a point I recently noticed that a huge new Ducati dealership just opened on Interstate 10 immediately north of San Antonio, about 70 miles south of Austin. It’s a real Texan sized shop with about half a mile of frontage on the side of the freeway. I think they plan on having races in the car park! Compared with the UK, a motorcycle dealer this size is just awesome! Stephen Smalley and his 1974 Suzuki GT750 Water Buffalo, So what’s next? Well who knows; maybe it will be a Wa- somewhere in Texas. ter Buffalo back to Kettle conversion next if I get moved back to the UK. Alternatively, the bike might just end up in neighbor who has a very nice Electric Start model Norton storage here in Houston for a while if I get moved to a more Commando 850. I went to Progressive. exotic location. I work in the oil industry and these days So what’s it like riding a 70s two-stroke Suzuki around in you move where they want you to go. It’s nice to see the one of the largest cities in the USA? Well, it’s a lot, lot dif- world, but recent events – wars, 9/11, and the like have ferent here than anywhere in the UK. The biggest hills are changed the appeal of many locations. the freeway interchanges. Houston is flat and nearly 80 I have been a member of VJMC North America for a cou- miles across. Not surprising, I guess, considering that ple of years but there does not seem to be a whole lotta inter- Texas is one of the biggest U.S. states. I believe that Texas est here in Houston. I also now have a couple of small is further across than the UK is long. It’s over 853 miles children (both Texans by birth!) which take up a lot of time. I along Interstate 10 from El Paso in the west to Beaumont in recently met Doug Gregory, who lives nearby, and we hope the east. Eight lanes each way is not unheard of on some of to get things moving a little more. I would really like to get a the freeways, including the access roads, which seem like few more folks together for rides/meets in the Houston area. 70 mph plus moving death traps (when they are moving). I don’t have a trailer or pickup truck, so transporting the bike The trucks are enormous compared with their European long (U.S.-style) distances is a bit hard for me. I also have to equivalents. I tend to spend most of my riding time on the plan family holidays, so it’s hard to justify a trip to the Na- state, county, and farm roads rather than the freeways. tional Rally, much as I would like to go. A pleasant, rela- What else is different? Well, unfortunately (in my opinion), tively short ride that I take quite often is out west along good quality full face crash helmets are rarely worn in Hous- FM529 to Belleville, a small ranch town nearby that has a ton so many accidents tend to be fatal (or exceedingly bad for great, almost UK-style café called Newman’s Bakery. There your health). It’s sad but true. I listen to public radio (KUHF) are often a lot of bikes out there on Saturday and Sunday in the morning going to work and hate it when I hear of an ac- mornings. Newman’s reminds me a bit of the old English cident with a motorcycle involved on a freeway in the rush “transport” cafes, the most famous of which (known as the hour. Part of the reason for lack of helmets is the heat, and this Ace Café) has become popular again with motorcyclists in is understandable. To say hot does not do Houston justice in the UK. It’s a great place to get a nice unhealthy (heartwise) mid summer. Humidity and sun can combine to make the heat cooked breakfast, but great all the same. factor easily 115° or more. The concrete roads heat up and act I would be interested in hearing from anyone, especially like radiators. If you stop, you drop, and heat exhaustion is not members in west Houston who are interested in old Japa- uncommon. On the move it’s not too bad; again a good reason nese bikes, particularly 70s-era machines, which are my to get out on the quieter county roads. What makes it even main interest. worse for me is that bike filtering through traffic at stoplights Safe ridin, y’all. From a Kettle converted to a Water and junctions is illegal here in the USA but very common in Buffalo rider in Houston, Texas. Europe. As a result of the heat, I prefer to ride mainly in winter Editor’s note: Mr. Smalley can be reached at (very often like an English summer’s day). It’s either that or [email protected].
www.vjmc.org 21 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Secrets of speedometer repair by Paul W. Franchina
This is one of those lessons that was born out of necessity. Hopefully, someone else can profit by it. The story has a happy ending, so put the tissue box away now and just enjoy the ride. First, here’s a bit of history. The folks that know me are well aware of my severe case of gearheaditis.My philosophy is that I never met a two-wheeler I didn’t like, and any- thing mechanical is worth exploring. I’ve got more old bikes than my toler- ant spouse cares for, and I continue to “stumble” upon worthy causes and push the boundaries of her love. I in- variably have multiple projects going, all the while working as a mechanical engineer for a thermal vision company and selling screw kits for VJMs in my “spare” time. This brings me to my latest endeavor – a 1965 Honda CB450 K0 Black Bomber. Belinda, as she’s come to be known, came to me as the result of an irresist- ible eBay auction. She arrived a few weeks ago from California. She was running within an hour after unloading. Not running very well, mind you, but she started and ran, nonetheless. This bike had sat in inside storage since 1975, and though she wasn’t a perfect specimen, she wouldn’t need a ground-up resto job to be attractive once again. I did notice that in the short time I had her running, there was no Top: Before/After…Looks nice, yes? Bottom: Prying open the chrome bezel. RPM reading on the speedometer/ta- chometer gauge. I never tried to run the one of the first replacement parts to ter. Oh yeah, more work! After re- bike down the driveway, so speedome- arrive, and I went happily about in- moving the gauge from the headlight ter operation was never checked. A vi- stalling it. As a matter of practice, I bezel – without any improvement – sual inspection of the tachometer cable always attach the gauge end first the quandary became obvious: revealed an outside jacket that with the cable retracted (when possi- grovel before the gods of eBay, wal- screamed “broken cable,” so I dis- ble) a few inches. After tightening let in hand, looking for a replace- missed the problem for the moment. the nut, I feed the inner cable back ment, or attempt something that I In the weeks that followed, I did a into the gauge with a turning motion had never done – the dissection of a lot of cleaning, polishing, and refur- to engage the gauge drive properly. perfectly beautiful, but nonetheless bishing on Belinda. The carburetor It was a bit disturbing this time, how- dysfunctional piece of forty year old slides were stuck, which explained ever, as the cable engaged and re- Japanese (Fuji Electric) instrumen- the poor running, and sure enough, fused to turn any further. Seems the tation. Well, if I was going to have to both the speedometer and tachome- gauge was frozen solid. A quick in- buy another one anyway, I rational- ter cables were broken at their input vestigation proved that the same ized, I might as well get a look at the ends. The speedometer cable was condition held true for the tachome- innards of the beast.
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when they go back together. It took a bit more prying to separate the halves, but shortly they yielded to my efforts. After things are apart, a pair of pliers without any teeth can be used to flatten and bend the metal just a bit more to ease the reassembly process. It’s im- portant here not to make the side com- pletely vertical again as this will result in trouble when bending things back over. Following this step, the innards can now be removed from the housing. On the back side of the housing are eight small screws—two pairs of four screws. One set of four can be seen jutting through holes in the housing; these should be left alone for now. The set to be removed is the other four (two for each clock). (The CB450 gauge has slotted screws, but my CB77 unit had Phillips head fas- teners.) These should be removed set aside. One of the screws will have an electrical lead attached to it. This is the case ground for the lighting. Since the unit is rubber-mounted, this must be replaced or the gauge lights will not work. The instruments can now be extracted from the housing. In this case, observing the bases of the drives revealed a lot of solid white grease, just as I had suspected. Gently probing with dental picks removed most of this, but the units were still frozen. The needles were free and op- erated easily, however. The drive on Top: Mechanism removed from the case. Bottom: Everything disassembled on the bench. these gauges is quite simple. There are two short tubes, one inside the My assessment of the situation was usually call this torque, but in this in- other. The outer tube is connected by that the grease or other lubricant had stance, oomph was what I was giving an axial shaft that goes to the cable in- hardened in the narrow clearance area it. The meaning of this early failure put. When the cable turns, this tube between the outer threaded nozzle that was that I must disassemble the unit to spins with it. The inner tube is also attaches the cable jacketing and the in- the point that some soaking and clean- connected by an axial shaft. This ner drive mechanism that contains the ing would be possible. shaft has the indicator needle at- square recess that the inner cable en- So—let the disassembly begin! tached to it. There is a very fine, cali- gages. If I could perhaps engage the The first problem was how to split the brated gap between the two tubes. square drive with something stronger beast open to gain access to the me- When the cable turns from in- than the inner cable, I thought, I might chanical workings. This meant prying put—whether tachometer or speed- be able to break it free and be done up the underside of the chrome bezel ometer drive—the outer tube spins with it. I found that one of my smaller that surrounds the gauge. This was directly with it. The air in the gap be- threading taps had the same square di- done slowly and carefully, using an or- tween the two tubes causes a drag and mensions, so I double nutted it and dinary slot screwdriver. I went around pulls the inner tube along with it. The stuck it into the drive. Try as I might, the perimeter about four times before I faster the outer tube spins, the more though, neither gauge would budge attempted to actually separate the drag there is and the further around with the largest oomph that I was will- halves. This is tedious, but important, ing to apply to the wrench. Engineers as it determines the condition of things See Speedometers, page 24
www.vjmc.org 23 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Speedometers: Repair secrets
Continued from page 23 its rotation the needle is pulled. That’s the end of today’s physics les- son, but it should be obvious that if it’s just the air molecules making a gauge work, there’s a mighty precise little package there, and it won’t take much ham-fisted shenanigans to make toast of the little bugger. The next step was to try to loosen the grease between the lower drive parts. I found an old aluminum can/cup that fit just right. I plunked the unit into the cap and filled it with lacquer thinner to a level just above the lower drive parts. The solvent could then work from the bottom up or the top down. The unit sat this way overnight. The next morning I was able to just barely turn either drive by carefully grabbing the outer tube of each with my fingers. After an hour or so of turn and soak, turn and soak, one popped completely free and turned with ease. The second came along shortly thereafter. I was almost home! At the suggestion of one of the folks on our VJMC mail list (thanks Damon), I then substituted some spray carburetor cleaner for the lacquer thinner. There was a bunch of crud in the lacquer thin- ner, but the carb cleaner was the coup de gras, and the crud flowed out like, well, crud! While the unit was soaking, I had fashioned a drive tool out of one of the old cable innards by cutting off the square cable end with about an inch of the round cable attached. This I chucked into my variable speed revers- ible drill. Most gauges turn clockwise, which means the input on the backside Top: The mechanism soaking in a small can. Bottom: Repositioning the case. must be counter clockwise, so a revers- ible drill is a must. This tool can then be lems with its function that will also help the process along. After an hour used to work the gauge through its op- have to be addressed. of soaking, I removed the unit and erating range by gradually increasing The last step before reassembly was wiped the excess oil from the external the drill speed through its range. (Not to use the soak container one last surfaces. I was now ready to attempt just jammed it full on.) This also pro- time. Instead of having a solvent fill, to put the unit back together. vides an indication of the condition of this time I used a light oil (Marvel I cleaned all the pieces and polished the other parts of the mechanism. The Mystery Oil) to make sure there was the chrome ring. It is especially con- needle should remain constant as the plenty of lubricant where all had been venient to do this while the unit is drill is held at a constant speed. If the washed away. I even elevated the apart; areas that are difficult to access needle tends to bounce wildly about temperature of this “bath” with a 50 when all the pieces are together are any point, there are additional prob- watt reflector bulb shining on it, to still available. I also checked the in-
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strument light bulbs and replaced any that either weren’t operating or looked marginal. The caveat here is to keep a light hand because undue squeezing and hammering on the unit can result in disaster! I used a piece of plastic as a base, but a good piece of wood will do the job, too. I placed the assembled gauge face down on this base and attached clamps to hold ev- erything in position. An assistant would be useful here, but the job can be done by one. At this point I was just trying to get the chrome ring back in position on the base. Even with opening the ring a little more while it was removed, it did not drop into place. So with just light clamping pressure applied, a little more prying was necessary to get things together. Once the housing flange has passed the edges of the ring, the ring is now ready to be folded back over the flange, Peening over the bezel. thus holding everything together again. I tightened the clamps until the base was in its previous position inside the flange. I then used a long drift punch and a 4 oz. ball peen hammer to gently fold the ring material back over the base flange. As with the procedure to remove the flange, slow and easy is the motto. I made at least three trips around the perimeter, moving just part way each time, feeling for the effect of a particular force of hammer blow. It’s much better to make five trips around than to shatter the glass cover with a heavy blow! I added one last step of dubious value, but I’m particular. I used a small C-clamp and worked my way around the perimeter one last time. The effect of this was to add one last level of flatness to the ring, and to make sure the halves were clamped to- gether as well as possible. Finished! It’s now time to put the gauge back in the bike, connect the electrics and cable, and go off for a well-deserved ride. Remember, watch- ing the road and traffic takes precedence over eyeballing the wonders of repaired gauges in action. As a follow-up, I plan to get an old defunct gauge and tear it down those last few steps so that all the innards are bared. That article may ap- pear here, at a date in the future. www.vjmc.org 25 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Honda history: At home in Japan
by Rick Darke
Editor's note: In the April newsletter, Part 1 of this arti- cle began a visit to the Honda Collection Hall in Tochigi, Japan, focusing on Honda’s earliest models. This conclu- sion looks at production models and racers. I’ve chased a few Dreams on Ebay, all without suc- cess. Most were reminders of the well-worn but still de- pendable CA160 and 305cc CA77 that were my main transportation for a time in high school and college years. Undoubtedly convenient, these full-bodied ma- chines were hardly flashy, and I can recall looking with longing at other riders on sportier CB models. So, while visiting in the Honda Collection Hall nearly 30 years later, it was a small revelation to find that the CB lin- eage dates to the 125cc CB92 of 1959, which looks a lot like….a Dream. The Collection Hall displays a like-new example of this first Honda Super Sport to carry the CB appellation. While the bobbed rear fender, slender front fender, and angular tank make a speedy impression, the frame and forks are the same ample pressed steel types typical of docile CAs. Still, the sporty attitude of this taut little machine is immensely appealing. More curious than beautiful is the CS92 Benly Sport, with fat Dream-type fenders but dramatic upswept pipes, one on each side. For Vintage Honda fans looking to find familiar fa- vorites from the Sixties, Seventies, and Eighties, there are plenty in evidence. I couldn’t resist asking my friend Norio Ueda to pose by a mint condition candy-red CB750 Four, since he’d been involved with Honda R&D when this model was in development. One minor disappointment for me was the absence of one of my favorites: the CB450K1 of 1968. The Honda collec- tion rotates to some extent, and although it includes the K1 it wasn’t on display during my visit. The CB450K1 is the first 5-speed 450 Super Sport and the last of Honda’s USA export 450 models with the classic chrome-sided “toaster tank.” The K1’s production run included the “10-millionth Honda,” and a commemora- tive photo in the company’s dealer newsletter, The Honda Herald, shows Soichiro Honda astride the his- toric machine. In lieu of the CB450K1, I found myself intrigued by a 1968 Dream CB250. This 250cc Top: Aggressively sporty despite its pressed-steel frame, the 125ccBenly CB92 of 1959 was the first of Honda’s long line of CB toaster-tanked Japanese domestic model has the verti- Super Sports models. Middle: The Honda Collection Hall is a won- cal SOHC engine design that was introduced to USA derful place to trace the evolution of Dreams to Super Sports to buyers in 325cc-version with the candy-colored Scramblers. In foreground is a CS92 of 1959 oddly combines full painted-tank CB/CL350 models of 1968. touring fenders and upswept exhausts. Bottom: USA Honda fans familiar with the candy colors of the CB/CL350s introduced in 1968 I’ve had a long interest in industrial design, and have might be surprised to know that this “toaster-tank” CB250 was the always been willing to argue that the machinery of equivalent offering for Japanese domestic buyers in 1968.
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transportation, especially including motorcycles, of- ten deserves the status of fine art. When The Art of the Motorcycle opened in 1998 at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, many of the City’s more conservative art critics were outraged that motorcycles had invaded their domain.
To their dismay, the show to this day remains among the Guggenheim’s best-ever-attended. I was fortunate to catch the show in New York, and was particularly drawn to the dramatically open design of the earliest motorcycles. I’ve never warmed to bikes covered in sheets of plastic, which I suppose is one reason why I’ve stayed with vintage machines. Judging from a March 31, 2004 article in USA Today’s Money section, the trend is turning back to exposed mechanics. Titled “Sales Pop a Wheelie as Motorcycles Get Naked,” the piece reveals that sales of “naked bikes” stripped of plastic fairings increased more than 100% between 1998 and 2002. Although fairings on modern produc- tion sports bikes evolved directly from racers, the earli- est racers in the Honda Collection Hall reminded me of how exquisitely artful purely purposeful, unadorned machinery can be.
Racers occupy the entire third floor of the South Wing Top: The CR110 Cub Racing model of 1962 was a 50cc DOHC at Tochigi, and they are breathtakingly beautiful. The production road racer. The street-legal version shown here was first that caught my eye was the RC71 of 1958. In simple built in limited numbers in response to new regulations for silver and black, it sports a true tubular frame but the clubman racing. Middle: Featuring Grand Prix technology, the CR72 production C71-based engine still serves as a structural member, as racer of 1962 was developed for clubman racing, and made an im- in Honda’s full production models of the day. In addition pressive showing in the 1963 Isle of Man TT. to individually handcrafted machines such as the RC71, Bottom: This hand-built RC71 racer competed in the 1858 Mt. the Collection Hall displays most of the CR-type, limited Asama Clubman Race. The engine was little changed from the regular production C71 SOHC engine. production racers in displacements from 50cc to 125cc. Top right: The RC160 of 1959 was Honda’s first dual overhead-cam Of all the racers, I found the RC160 of 1959 most dis- 4-cylinder 250cc road racer. Raced successfully in Japan in 1959, tinctly unforgettable. The first of Honda’s 4-cylinder this precursor to the better-known RC161 is the beginning of a line of 250cc road racers, it is as sleek and sophisticated as any dominant 4-cylinder DOHC 250cc racers. In 1962, Honda’s DOHC 250cc RC163 won all nine races in the World Championship series. motorcycle being made today, and is a wonderful testi- Honda was still winning in 1966, with the DOHC 250cc RC166 win- mony to the dream of Soichiro Honda, the Endless ning 10 out of 10 World Championship races. Racer. www.vjmc.org 27 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Escape from Cubeville by Maria Montello
It was not that I hated my job. I just figured that someone who could no longer laugh at Dilbert cartoons be- cause she was living them probably needed a break. That was what prompted me, an otherwise reason- able person, to ride 7,000 miles across the country on a motorcycle that rolled off the production line the same year I was learning to walk. Starting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I planned to follow the mighty Mis- sissippi down to St. Louis where I would catch old Route 66. The Mother Road would take me to Los Angeles and the start of a beautiful coastal ride up to Oregon. Then, with the journals as my guide, I would fol- low Lewis and Clark’s journey home over the Bitterroots and across the Dakotas. I had two months, some cash, health insurance, and a travel itch-become-rash to see just how far my ‘75 Honda 400/4 Super Sport could go. If there is such a thing as purgatory, my bitter struggle to put new tires on the bike certainly earned me at least a two-hour indulgence. Replacing the shocks and springs the day before take off in the parking lot of the bike shop was less than pleasant as well. Had I two extra arms jutting out at my knees and a body weight that more than just barely hit the triple digits, I might have been able to breeze through the exercise. However, the combination of my puny stature, lim- ited limbs, and the fact that the shocks did not fit (which ultimately required me to ride without a chain guard), lead to a very impressive Top: Try as I might, I could not get the bike to run on sunflower seed oil. Bottom: The string of profanities – so remarkable, Snow Cap in Seligman, AZ entices the passer-by with "Cheeseburger with cheese" and in fact, that the onlooking shop repair my personal favorite, "Dead chicken." folks were...well...shocked. Other than the tire tangle and shock strug- when I got it, and other than an elec- goodbye and uttered silent prayers. gle, I had to do only minor things trical problem that reared its ugly The burden of knowledge rested (check timing, brakes, change oil, re- head every now and again, the little squarely on their shoulders as my place chain, battery, etc.) to get the bike was flawless. family presumed the “Honda” I was 400/4 ready to go. Fortunately, the I rolled out in the early morning of taking was my Honda Civic, not an bike had only 5,700 miles clocked July 7 as my dear friends waved old motorcycle about which they
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knew nothing. As it turned out, their ignorance was bliss and my father tacitly acknowledged the wisdom of that verbal slight of hand when I fessed up upon my return. As I flowed with the river and got used to feeling my sleep roll “passen- ger” pressing against my back, I would think periodically, “It’s 9:35. Right now, I’d be sitting in my cube... It’s 12:47. Right now, I’d be sitting in my cube... It’s 3:10. Right now...” However, with each mile that sepa- rated me from the Twin Cities, my thoughts moved from structured query language to the free flight of a bird over the Mississippi, from end- less and pointless meetings to the limitless and incredible landscape that stretched before me, from work undone to adventure anticipated. Set- tling into my sleeping bag in Buffalo, Iowa, I had to think, “What day of the week is it?” That was when I knew my journey had begun. The electrical oddity that had plagued me for several months stopped me short on day one in Dav- enport, Iowa. Even though I had the fuse block rewired, I still blew fuses like birthday candles. For some un- known reason, the block got ex- tremely hot around the fuse slots as evidenced by melted areas around the clips. After scratching my head for some time, I slipped in a 20A fuse into the main 15A slot (“better than tin foil, “ I figured), and was on my way. It would not be till Albuquer- que, New Mexico that I would learn that Honda had recalled the fuse blocks for the very reason I had en- countered. It was in Albuquerque that I had the block replaced, which took a few days since the part had to be or- dered from Davenport, Iowa – go fig- ure. The ride down the Mississippi was all that I had hoped – winding roads high on bluffs or else low roads hug- ging the river’s edge, small river towns whose symbiotic relationship with the river and its commerce Top: Despite hosting only twelve miles of Route 66, Kansas is home to Murphy’s Restau- rant, a Mother Road favorite in Baxter Springs. Bottom: Word of advice: figure out your hangs in the balance, and wonderful route before you get on the bike. Stand-still Route 66 navigation is hard enough even with decent maps. See Cubeville, page 30
www.vjmc.org 29 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Cubeville: Traveling the Mother Road greasy spoon restaurants where five bucks still goes a long way. I stopped to take a look at the fence Tom Saw- yer suckered his friends into white- washing in Hannibal, Missouri, the birthplace of Samuel Clemens and, perhaps, reverse psychology. A brief stay in Alton, Illinois with my cous- ins was a treat for their charms, ador- able children, and mosquito-free slumber. With a sendoff to remember from the folks at Ted’s Motorcycle World – “Oh, I don’t doubt that you’ll make it. You’ll make it. It might be on a Greyhound, but you’ll make it.” – I started the next leg: Route 66. Com- missioned in 1926, Route 66 was the first road to connect Chicago to Los Angeles, and for many, the hopeless- ness of a dust bowl depression to eco- nomic prospects in California. Throughout the decades the character of the Mother Road has changed from simply being the way west to a desti- nation in and of itself. This symbol of America – her spirit of endurance, hopefulness, courage – has become the destination of many seekers of roadside kitsch, “slow food” con- noisseurs, and lovers of America’s “blue highways.” It had been my dream to follow old U.S. 66 in a way that respected this spirit – alone and on an old motorcycle. Having made my way through I had to leave cousin Will back in Illinois since we couldn’t find a jacket that fit him. scorching Oklahoma, I started across the Texas panhandle. All I wrote in their beer bellies. After asking about high rpms. If I was cruising in sixth my journal of this stretch was: “There whether I, a solo, scrawny, “biker gear at 6,000 rpm and opened up the isn’t much to be said about the pan- chick” on an old, underpowered “rice throttle a bit more, the bike did not re- handle of Texas, that is, unless you’re burner” was scared, I remembered spond. Opening it all the way made into sensory deprivation.” However, thinking, “Not until just now.” As it the thing actually slow down as if the being able to see for miles and miles turned out, they were harmless and, engine was flooding or some such is helpful, especially when I saw in fact, very kind. After prompting thing. Pouring in a fuel additive and brewing up what looked like a tor- me to start my bike – even though it pampering it with premium gas did nado to the northwest and a thunder- was already running (Harley humor, I not help matters. I concluded that the storm of large proportions to the west suppose) – we pulled out together to- little-400-that-could was of Mid- and southwest. With no other option, ward our destinations – for them the western stock and did not much take I pulled under an I-40 underpass to an Holiday Inn and for me Palo Duro to the altitudes of these Western interesting scene. Six or seven Canyon. states. Leaving the bike in Albuquer- Harleys were parked with riders As I headed toward New Mexico, I que for a new fuse block, fuel filter, looking in the sky and scratching noticed a disturbing phenomenon at and oil change, I hiked around for
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Killians Irish Red, N’Orleans-style tunes, and interesting folk at Joe’s Place just across 66 from the hostel. The apex of Arizona’s Route 66 treats is the Snow Cap – the crown jewel of roadside kitsch where the slogan reads, “Eat here and get gas. Slightly used napkins and straws.” Greeted at the door with a “Sorry, we’re open” sign, I gingerly turned the doorknob with no success. As it turned out, there were two and the one I tried was mounted on the hinge-side – cute. This was just the beginning of the antics of the Delgadillos, the Snow Cap’s owners who seem to have found a perfect way to enjoy life in the tiny town of Seligman, Arizona. Just outside of town I saw a swarm of vultures up ahead feasting on fresh road kill. As I approached, they all flew away but one brownish turkey vulture. Fortunately, the massive 3’ wingspaned creature finally took flight and crossed my path of travel. Unfortunately, it cut back. The bird’s wing knocked the side mirror loose and brushed across my tucked hel- met. It felt like a warning. It was as if the thing meant to say, “Don’t forget: you are a visitor here.” I took heed. At 11 a.m. it was already ninety-five degrees when I made a pit stop at the old general store and Route 66 visitor center in Hackberry. The owner’s dog, who did not seem to be getting his kicks, lay lazily next to the ‘60s Corvette moving only to stay in the car’s shadow. As I rode on, the heat coming up off the road licked at my ankles like tongues of fire. I prayed Arizona was the closest I’d ever get to Hell... if I wasn’t already there. I had no problem shelling out the nineteen bucks for a room at the Riverside Casino in Laughlin, Ne- Top: The Texas panhandle’s saving grace, Palo Duro Canyon. This was indeed a sight vada, if only just to lie in air-condi- for sore, vertical-differentiation-starved eyes. Bottom: The official end of U.S. 66 in tioned bliss and marvel at the Santa Monica, CA. septuagenarians who dropped their Social Security checks into quarter several days in northern New Mexico After bleeding out what I thought to slot machines. I ate. I rested. Ahead with a dear college friend. The rusty be a hefty sum to the folks at M&M lie the over one-hundred-mile-gas- cliffs and ochre trails were candy to Honda, I made my way to Arizona stationless stretch across the scorch- the eye and car travel a welcome rest where I would enjoy a splendid ride for the wrist and bum. on 89A to Flagstaff, the company of a See Cubeville, page 32 www.vjmc.org 31 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Cubeville: Reaching the end of the road
ing Mojave and Los Angeles’ maddening superhighways. Unlike what you would think, when you are on the road riding across the country all by yourself, you don’t have deep philosophical thoughts. Your thoughts basically center around: “My wrist hurts,” “I think my skin is being pulled off the bones of my hand,” “My butt feels like a plank,” and “Hello, pinky finger? Are you awake?” Those were the priceless mental gems of my ride on the loneliest, most remote stretch of U.S. 66. The towns that had sprung up with the building of the Transcon- tinental Railroad were long gone with only boarded-up hovels and stray dogs to mark their existence. I put- tered my way through this barren land, desolation defined. I left at 4 a.m. to avoid the midday scorch. Al- though I took a small gas can as I was not certain I could make it across that desert stretch, I could not help but endlessly recalculate the product of my tank capacity and average mi/gal. As I watched the odometer slowly turn, I pictured that brown turkey vul- ture having his second course. I did not run out of gas. I always harbored the naVve as- sumption that a four-lane highway al- lowed for four lanes of traffic. Not so in the city of motorized mania, Los Angeles. A four-laner meant that there were three narrow arteries be- tween the cars along the dotted lines just wide enough for the brave (or foolhardy) sport bike riders to rocket through. I exercised my prudence and clutch hand in the pokey lane as I be- came slowly intoxicated by LA’s sig- nature elixir – exhaust. At long last, I rolled into the heart of the city and found the apartment of my old grade school friend, MaryAnn. It turned out that she had an old vehicle of her own, a 1971 Ford pickup. She took me on a tour of the environs LA-style, i.e., sur- Top: The official end of U.S. 66 in Santa Monica, CA. Bottom: Tent life on the road: the rounded by a few tons of metal. I face smiles; the lower back groans.
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posed for the requisite photos next to the “Will Rogers Cajun tunes in the ears, and a Route 66 turn for turn map Highway” marker at the end of America’s Main Street on in hand. Lola Waquiu, a Native American from the Ocean Boulevard and dipped my toes in the Pacific’s wel- Jemez Pueblo, showed me a photo album of her hand- come waters. maid pots. When I paused at the end, surprised to see in- From the frozen custard of Ted Drewes in St. Louis to cluded a photo of a proud, broad-shouldered young man, the biscuits and gravy at Murphy’s Restaurant in Baxter a shy smile spread across her face as she pointed to the Springs, Kansas, or the cheap eats at Joseph’s Bar and book and her son’s photo saying, “These are all the Grill in Santa Rosa, New Mexico to the “Cheeseburger things I made.” As I posed on the beach next to with cheese” and “Dead Chicken” served up with sass at MaryAnn, a friend I had known for over two decades, I the Snow Cap in Seligman, Arizona, the Mother Road realized that travel is not about the motorcycle or the was a gastronomic (yet probably not cardiovascular) de- road or the destination. It is about singing karaoke with light. There are also a plethora of roadside amusements an old friend with whom you can pick up where you left like Catoosa, Oklahoma’s Blue Whale mini water park, off or consoling a group of Brits who learned that their the Route 66 museum in Clinton, OK, Cadillac Ranch (a Rent-A-Wreck was just that. The beauty of travel is in row of half-buried Caddies) in Amarillo, Texas, and rides the timid smile of a stranger. in the Delgadillos’ lurching “Snow Cab” death trap at the Editor’s note: Maria Montello lives in Minneapolis, Snow Cap. Minnesota where she dreams of her next road trip from However, it was the people I met along the way whose the confines of her cubicle. She would like to offer special eccentricities in some cases and kindness in most that I thanks to Rick Schunk who found the gem of a bike, helped will remember. In Tucumcari, there was the proprietor of get it ready, and provided remote roadside assistance. the Blue Swallow, himself the owner of a ‘78 Honda Maria acknowledges that without the mechanical and 750, who helped me check for arcing in a garage of that moral support of the Schunk family, this trip would not 1939 motel. The musicians (also Route 66 junkies) at have been possible. Part 2 of Maria’s story will appear in Joe’s Place in Flagstaff sent me off with pats on the back, the August issue.
As always, thank you for reading the VJMC magazine! We wish everyone a fun and safe summer of riding. Don't forget to make your plans now for the National Rally in September!
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VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Classifieds Remember that a “Vintage Japanese For 1960s Honda: NOS Honda 1966 Honda CL77. Selling my motorcycle” is 15 years or older owner’s manuals. C100, C102, C110, 305 Scrambler collection. Beauti- (cut-off for this year is 1989) and, of C114, C115, CT200, CA160, ful, restored CL77 with Calif per- course, Japanese. Please be aware CB160, CB175, CL175. These are sonal plate ’66 CL77, a rough donor that ads may be edited to conserve originals bought from an old dealer & bike, and numerous NOS and other space. Don’t feel reluctant to use in mint cond. $15 ea. includes post- parts collected for the project. The punctuation and proper case on age. Satisfaction guaranteed! B. NOS tank I got from England in the emailed ads. Samms (208) 664-4462, original Honda box, an original Be mindful of publication dead- [email protected] NOS cylinder, not installed, a set of lines. Ads are due by the 20th of the original tank badges along with a month in which a newsletter is issued For 1960s Honda: Factory Honda set of the repro plastic badges, for the NEXT newsletter. For exam- parts manuals for sale: Most which are installed on the tank, etc. ple, ads for the August Newsletter The bike is not perfect, but real th 50-450cc models available $15 ea. will be due to the editor by June 20 . includes postage. Contact with needs. close. Ready to ride or show. For Send all ads to: These are originals bought from an $6500 or best offer, I will give you Gary Gadd old dealer & satisfaction is guaran- all my Scrambler parts along with 3721 Holland St. teed. B. Samms (208) 664-4462, the bike. Will help with shipping. Ft. Worth, TX 76180 [email protected] Of course, shipping will be your re- (817) 284-8195 sponsibility. Email me for pics and or email: [email protected] Old Honda Parts. From 1962 to to ask questions or call. Terry (310) 1981. Complete warehouse full of 487-0297, Lomita, California, parts and bikes. Will sell in bulk or to [email protected] individuals. Go to web site For Sale www.DADDYGCYCLES.com Rich (718) 448-7322, New York, or For 1966 Honda CB77 Super email [email protected] Hawk: tank, tank covers, knee pads, Honda fuel cock, raised bars, rear shocks, front & rear fenders, taillight/tag as- 1975 Honda Goldwing. Andres red Honda 250-305 Restoration Guides sembly, 3ea. headlight nacelles (slightly faded). $3800 invested 2 on CDROM format. Each version w/switch & neutral lens, upper & years ago in bike. Low 20k miles, (CA, CB, CL) includes parts manu- lowerforkcovers,&2uppegs.All new Dunlops, case guards, sissy/lug- als, owner’s manuals and TONS of parts are used! Contact for prices & gage rack, Silouette windshield, fork valuable information that is not found condition. Will trade above parts brace, add on heal/toe shifter, Zirk in any factory manuals. $45 each. for Type 1 305 engine parts? fitting for universal spline on 250-305cc Engine repair manual on George Dencer (904) 824-4042, St. driveshaft, shop manual, current reg- CDROM $30 or just $15 if you order Augustine, Florida, nimrod80@ex- istration, new brake pads, gas tank a Restoration Guide at the same time. cite.com re-lined, new batter. Only 100 miles www.vintagehonda.com since restoration. $1950 obo. Bill Silver (808)-325-1655, Kailua Clyde, (707) 275-9411 home/(707) Kona, Hawaii, sterling.silver@tur- For 1967 Honda CB160: I have lo- 468-3759 work or Paul, (707) quoise.net cated a large cache of what appear to 894-3174 home be NOS Honda CB160 mufflers; For early Honda CL77/72, optional only one pair has the diffusers in- 1971/72/78 Honda CB750. Parting solo type seat for early frame. Very stalled. All have some cosmetic is- out 4 bikes. Also 1979 Yamaha rare. $300. Byron Blend (303) sues as they have been lying in a pile Daytona and 1979 Yamaha 650. Jim 240-0968, 5217 S. Kenton Way, of other mufflers at a breaker’s yard Hayes, (201) 863-2372 Englewood, Colorado, 80111 for some time, but they’re in the desert and the chrome is still very 1978 Honda CB750F SuperSport. 1966 Honda CL160. Decent shape, nice. If anyone is interested in these, Bike is 90% complete. Not stock low miles, newly repainted silver. please contact me. paint, not running. $300. Bruce $1000 or best offer. Francis Dierickx Reade Whitwell (206) 935-9183, Franzen (602) 316-5610, PO Box 52, (507) 865-4559, Lynd, Minnesota, Seattle, Washington, Peoria, Arizona, 85380 [email protected] [email protected] www.vjmc.org 35 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Classifieds 1969/72 Honda Mini Trails, Z50s, Buglass (717) 762-9049, $500. 1974 TS250L, excellent en- CT70s, QA50s. Most original and in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, gine, frame, shocks and triple clamps, collectible condition. Email me for [email protected] no corrosion. $300. Bruce Franzen specifics, prices, and pictures. Also (602) 316-5610, PO Box 52, Peoria, have some NOS and used parts for 1982 Kawasaki GPZ 750. Original Arizona, 85380 same bikes. Mark, Raleigh, North red with original stripes. Bikini fair- Carolina, [email protected] ing. 16,220 miles. Runs pretty good but could probably use some carbure- Yamaha For 1976 Honda CB750 Automatic: tor adjustments. With some TLC this gas tanks. I have two - both new con- could be a nice example. Everything For 1960s/70s Yamaha, large se- dition but one has small dent. Also is there except the original exhaust. lection of Yamaha service manu- have many tanks for all old Honda Kerker 4 into 1 header. Needs new als. See the list at: bikes from 1962 to 1981. Ask, I may chain and sprockets. Very small dent http://home.comcast.net/~hondam have it. Old inventory of closed out in gas tank. Reasonably priced for ac/wsb/index.html. Contact me shop. All must go. Rich (718) only $1,400. Pictures available upon with questions, for photos or to or- 448-7322, New York, request. Steve Searles (269) der. Reasonable shipping. [email protected] 781-7788, Marshall, Michigan, Stephen MacMinn, (815) [email protected] 577-1379, Chicago, Illinois, 1977 Honda CB750A Automatic. [email protected] Runs good. Vetter fairing. Monty Suzuki Purviance (610) 691-1826, Bethle- 1976 Yamaha XS650. Bike #5 of hem, Pennsylvania, For 1974/75 Suzuki RL-250L/M: only nine complete bikes that we [email protected] Genuine Suzuki NOS lighting kit for were factory built in 1998 by AR the Exacta (trials model). Brand new Streetrackers. These bikes were com- 1978 Honda GL1000. Blue bike in Suzuki boxes is the complete light- pletely rebuilt and restored from the with 30k miles. Engine has new alter- ing kit with all instructions and parts. frame up. The engine, transmission, nator installed but still out of bike. This kit contains all nuts, bolts, coils, frame, brakes, suspension and every $1800 obo. Also 1974 Honda Trail wiring, headlight + tail-light, mount- other part on the bike was recondi- 90 with 4k miles. Complete, includes ing hardware, etc. This is super nice. tioned and upgraded. AR also re- aux tank. $1200 obo. Gary (817) These have sold for over $300 before painted, re-chromed, powder coated, 284-8195, Ft. Worth, Texas, and seem to be rarer than hen’s teeth. and polished the entire bike. This [email protected] This kit is absolutely new and ready bike is incredibly well done and a real to light up your RL-250. This kit will jewel. It is a great riding, low time Kawasaki make some RLs legal for street use in bike that turns heads wherever I take some states. $275 plus shipping and it. More detailed info, digital pic- For 1973/75 Kawasaki Z1 900cc: handling. Grant (202) 260-9936, tures, and the ’98 Cycle World maga- used parts. Contact me for list. Steve Frederick, Maryland, rd_daze@mili- zine article on the bike are available. (260) 244-5011, Indiana, tary.com $4500. Walter Nash (520) 444-1510, [email protected] Tucson, Arizona, 1974 Suzuki GT750. Great shape, [email protected] For 1975 Kawasaki: Nickel plated 24k miles, recent paint. Seat cover frame with title. Wide spoke wheels – has small tear, needs tires. Some new 1971/72/78 Honda CB750. Parting triple tree, Cal-Fab aluminum swing parts, extra rear wheel. Pics available out 4 bikes. Also 1979 Yamaha arm, $1500, will ship. Also have on request. $1800. Travis Hunter, Daytona and 1979 Yamaha 650. Jim 1979 Yamaha Daytona Special. 5000 Beloit, Wisconsin, Hayes (201) 863-2372 miles, expansion chambers. $2800. [email protected] Jim Hayes (201) 863-2372 1973 Yamaha SC500. Restored, 1964 Suzuki T10. All original, hy- $1650. Another 1973, not restored 1983 Kawasaki LTD750/KZ750F1. draulic drum rear brake, good condi- but complete. $750. 1973 360MX, Very nice bike, with less than 8000 tion, very rare, $1200. Two 1966 nice and complete, $725. 1966 YD-1 miles. Not a trace of rust on it. $750 TC250s, will make one nice bike, 180cc twin, $200. Bruce Franzen obo. Comes with a Kawasaki service $600. 1972 RS400, good compres- (602) 316-5610, PO Box 52, Peoria, manual. Dealer maintained. Phil sion, no corrosion, 70% complete. Arizona, 85380
36 www.vjmc.org VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Classifieds Miscellaneous PARTS & MORE! Discounts for $10 US postage paid to your door for VJMC Members too! the first key and $5 per key all addi- http://www.coolretrobikes.com tional that you want, whether they are Let us HELP YOU restore your T D Bash (727) 321-5085, St. Pe- the same number or not. Let me know seat! We are the ONLY shop that tersburg, Florida, if I can help! gives you the OPTION of [email protected] Barb, Canada, noskeys@ya- REPAIRING & SEMI RESTORING hoo.com your original vintage seat OR Vintage Shop, Parts & Owners RECOVERING w/ FRAME-UP Manuals: Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha & RESTORATION SERVICES or Kawasaki from the early ‘60’s up. Large stock of keys. We just may D-I-Y COVER KITS! We offer seat Contact me for the manual you need. have what you’re looking for. H0 parts and services you won’t find Bob, (352) 341-5790, Hernando, through H9, NA0, NA2, NA3, NA4, anywhere else! And we offer Florida, [email protected] NA6, NA8, NA9, and T4, T5, T6, T7, MUSEUM QUALITY to BASIC res- T8, and T9. Call us toll free and let us toration levels. Check out our NOS Honda or Yamaha factory help you find that hard to find key. website for MANY PHOTO & INFO keys. I have a very large inventory. I These are not duplicates, but original EXAMPLES. It’s a learning process probably have the one you are look- factory keys. Just give us a key num- in itself! Shop Around=Com- ing for. Email me with the key or ber, or the number off of the key pare=SEE US LAST! Read the WHY switch number and I’ll let you know switch. All keys are $8 postage paid US & Testimonials page before you if I have it. There are many different in the US, overseas is a bit more. buy! Our Motto: “If We Can’t Save types and shapes of keys as well. I We’ll deal on multiple purchases Your Seat, No One Can!” Also offer- can email you pictures of Yamaha or over 4 keys. Queen City Motorcycle, ing Logo & Decal kits, Repro Manu- Honda key types to make the correct (877) 648-4355, Clarksville, Tennes- als, NOS & USED Stock & Custom identification if you like. The cost is see, [email protected]
www.vjmc.org 37 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Classifieds Genuine Workshop Manuals: half, with transmission, crank etc. For 1970 Honda CB350/450: need Honda VF400, VF1000, CB750K, Have some 305cc CA77 parts for header pipes or racing exhaust sys- Yam XS500, XS850G, XV535, trade, if I have what you need. Shad tem, front sprocket cover, headlight Suzuki DR125, GS400, DR750S, Clarke, [email protected] bucket and NOS sprocket bolts and Kawi Z200, Z550 shaft, lock washers, and shifter shaft for Z400/500/550. Parts Books: Suzuki For 1965/69 Honda CB160: NOS cafe’ project. Cory Burkhead (253) TS125, GT250, GT380, Yam mufflers. Eldon Gallaher (217) 848-9468, Puyallup, Washington, XS500. Haynes: Honda 450 Black 645-3698, 704 E. 1900th Street, Lib- [email protected] Bomber, Kawi Z200. Clymer: Yam erty, Illinois, 62347, egallaher@ad- XS650. [email protected] ams.net For 1971 Honda CB350 race rep- For 1966 Honda CB77: I am look- lica: in search of shouldered alumi- Wanted ing for any and all racing parts to turn num rims (Akront, Morrad, Valante, a CB77 into a race replica. Handle- Tagasako Etc.). Both 18" and either bars, fairing, rear-sets, tank, seat, etc. WM2 or WM3. One for a 36 hole Honda Doug Mills (770) 262-9888, Geor- CB350 rear hub, the other for a 40 gia, [email protected] hole CB450 front drum brake hub. Used or undrilled rims welcome. For 1959 Honda C92/C95, For 1968 Honda S90: I am looking Aaron Heinrich (503) 888-0409, 125/150: I am looking for the early for carb, petcock, and a tank. It is [email protected] spur gear primary drive components. white in color. I am looking for all This is the clutch outer and crank other parts but these are the most im- drive gear. Ellis Holman (317) portant. Thank you so much. Jeff 1972/76 Honda CL175/350/ 691-4242, [email protected] Tkac (661) 589-8800, Bakersfield, 360/450: Looking for a clean, titled California, [email protected] Honda Scrambler. Prefer a stock unit For 1960’s Honda CA77 Dream: ready to ride needing light and/or mi- looking for authentic mounting hard- nor work. Have 1971 SL100 for pos- ware for Buco Twin Master fiber- For 1968 Honda CB450 K0: need gas tank for Black Bomber. Richard sible trade. Carl Best (303) 796-7358, glass saddlebags for Honda Dreams Colorado, [email protected] and Super Hawks. The bags are circa E LaBadie (972) 431-5589, 1965. Also looking for a period [email protected] flyscreen(s) for the square headlamp Dreams and Super Hawks if there 1968/69 Honda CB450 : Looking For 1972 Honda CB350 Four: look- ever was such a thing. Will pay or for the K1 model, 5 speed, with ing for: clutch cable, throttle cable, consider trades for other things for chrome tank panels - prefer one that’s front brake cable, chain, seat cover 1960s Hondas. Jim Hawkins, Van- pretty complete and mechanically and foam, clutch side switch and couver, BC, Canada, sound. Cosmetics not that important, perch, ignition switch, pipes. Can [email protected] as will be a restoration project. Will you help? Thanks. Keith, Phoenix, consider paying up for one that’s real Arizona, For 1962/65 Honda C110: I need good mechanically and cosmetically. [email protected] two aluminum valve covers and the Steven C.; [email protected] upper half of the rear chain guard. I can restore the chain guard but the For 1968/75 Honda CB/CL450: 1975 Honda XL250 Motorsport: aluminum tappet covers need to be in various parts for 5-speed models: rear I’m looking for my old XL250 reasonable shape. I have CA110 and Fender, Exhaust systems, and other Motorsport reg: MGC 243P. I know CB160 parts to offer in trade or will items. All parts must be exc. cond. or that it last changed ownership in June pay cash for the parts I need. Chal De NOS only! T D Bash (727) 321-5085, 2003, and would love to try & buy it Cecco (530) 268-9490, Grass Valley, St. Petersburg, Florida, back. Does anyone know who owns California, [email protected] [email protected] this bike now? Please contact me if you can help. For Honda CB72: I am looking for a For Honda CR93, looking for parts. Phil Reynolds, 01689 874274, 250cc complete engine, working or- Ron Estergard (253) 538-7914/(253) Orpinton, Kent, UK, der or not. Will also consider bottom 538-7915 fax. Tacoma, Washington [email protected]
38 www.vjmc.org VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB MAGAZINE JUNE 2004 Classifieds For 1975 Honda 750 CR: looking Honda C100 1961 leg shields , 1968 to 1976 or so. A good rider not for stock 750 Honda exhaust for 1970 muffler, seat, cylinder head guard ( needing much but some care and engine. Looking for NOS example or plastic fits on under side of cylinder) maintenance summer rider. Prefera- remake of original factory sys- and other small pieces. David Living- bly Ontario but will ship it from an- tem...Any suggestions? James stone, 01642-504124, England, other province if it’s the one. Dennis Hutchison (617) 497-7474, Cam- [email protected] (519) 570-0367, Canada, bridge, Massachusetts, [email protected] [email protected] For 1964 Suzuki T10 250cc twin: I’m looking for a front fender, drive Suzuki GT750: Any buffalo run- For 1975 Honda CB750F Super chain case end, carburetor covers, ning or not in Arizona please. Denny Sport: need fuel tank and exhaust sys- and other misc. parts. If you have any Mullins (928) 636-7122, Chino Val- tem for the motorcycle to be restored. parts or a parts bike, please contact: ley, Arizona, Will buy whole parts bike for extra Ambrose Knobel (250)-753-4985, [email protected] parts. If anyone knows of an online 2217 Dockside Way, Nanaimo, B.C., link for older Honda parts? Dan Can- V9R 6T8, Canada, For 1970/71 Suzuki: original sales ada (815) 694-3492, Chicago, Illi- [email protected] brochures for all models. Bruce nois, [email protected] Franzen (602) 316-5610, PO Box 52, For 1968 Suzuki TC200 Stingray: Peoria, Arizona, 85380 For 1980/82 Honda CM200T: need need throttle cable (complete), 2 car- various parts for my wrecked bike. buretor slides (brass for Mikuni), and Yamaha Tank, fork assy., headlight assy, needles, rear brake return spring, speedo, etc. Will consider whole front fender, head light shell and For 1972 Yamaha LS2: looking for bike. Lawrence Backus (443) chrome front ring, and 2 S tank good set of mufflers and front fender. 421-1339, Baltimore, Maryland, badges. Dylan Marcus (310) David Howell (816) 941-2925, [email protected] 869-3960, [email protected] [email protected] 1982/85 Honda 500cc Ascot: Look- Yamaha RD250/350/400: Looking ing for a stock Ascot to commute to For Suzuki B105p/KT120/ for stock, low mileage, clean RD. work and for around town. Need B100p/B120: various items for my Rick, San Francisco, California Bay spare parts also considered, espe- restoration, fender, exhaust, etc. Let Area, [email protected] cially a starter for 82-83. Mark Fuji me know what you’ve got to spare! (913) 642-9510, Mike Nilson (613) 290-9303, Indiana, For 1982 Yamaha: SR185 Exciter, [email protected] [email protected] need headlamp, headlamp cowling (nacelle), side covers, air box lid & Kawasaki 1970/75 Suzuki T500: Any vintage misc. Thanks! Japanese bike: Honda 500 twin, B. Samms (208) 664-4462, 1973/75 Kawasaki Z1 900cc. Will Suzuki T500, Yamaha 650 from [email protected] buy complete bikes or basket cases. Steve (260) 244-5011, Indiana, [email protected]
1983/86 Kawasaki GPz750/1000. Looking for clean, stock bike. Larry Daquioag (919) 624-0479, Raleigh Attention all members: If you move, change area, North Carolina, [email protected] addresses or change e-mail addresses, please Suzuki notify the membership chair as soon as possible. This is important. For1963 Suzuki K11 Sport 80cc: Can you help? I need lots of parts for this bike. If you have any just drop me a email. Also wanted parts for www.vjmc.org 39