At Gettysburg

Volume 37 / Number 5 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 • $5

2016

at Gettysburg

WHAT’S INSIDE: Bleeder Screw Repair VJMC at Mid-Ohio Vintage Days The Thirty Year Itch My Honda CB400F

official publication of the vintage japanese motorcycle club of north america, inc.

IN THIS ISSUE Features

EVENTS: KCVJMC’s 6th Annual COVER STORY Spring Show Exceeds Expectations! 2016 Northeastern Rally 7 at Gettysburg 38

ODDS & ENDS: Twists and Turns 13

MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION: Blender Screw Repair 20

EVENTS: VJMC at Mid-Ohio Vintage Days 28

ODDS & ENDS: The Thirty Year Itch 32 Departments PRESIDENT’S LETTER: EVENTS: Expanding Circles of Friends...... 5 2016 VJMC Midwest Rally BACK IN THE DAY: 34 Vintage Yamahas / Al Lantham...... 9

FROM THE EDITOR: PROJECT BIKE: My Honda CB400F Thanks, New Columns, Spokes Revisited, & Responses Requested...... 11

45 CUSTOM CONNECTION: Rough Enough...... 15 EVENTS: 2016 Santa Fe KICKSTANDS UP AT DAWN: Motorado Bike Show Peace, Love, & Motorcycles or Why this “Lady” Rides ...... 25 48 ADVERTISER’S SPOTLIGHT: Y amiya750.com...... 53

TECH HELP: Volume 37 / Number 5 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 • $5 On the Cover Tech Tip #16: Sellers’ Terms...... 55 2016 Jay Lindiquist’s

at Gettysburg beautiful and rare EVENTS CORNER...... 57 WHAT’S INSIDE: Bleeder Screw Repair 1983 Suzuki XN85D VJMC at Mid-Ohio Vintage Days The Thirty Year Itch turbo graced the CLASSIFIEDS...... 59 My Honda CB400F bike show in Gettysburg. ADVERTISERS’ INDEX...... 61 cover photo:

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

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER Expanding Circles of Friends Official Publication of the VJMC ne of the major perks of the job for most of us on this OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 Board of Directors is the yearlong opportunity to meet Volume 37, Number 5 O our members at a wide variety of events. This club makes it PRESIDENT Tom Kolenko so easy to start new friendships, convert email acquaintances 770-427-4820 into recognizable faces, and expand the group of riding bud- [email protected] dies. We are all volunteers, and maybe that makes it easier EDITOR Michael Fitterling too. 863-632-1981 [email protected] I was lucky enough to participate in the Northeast Rally in Gettysburg, where DESIGN DIRECTOR new faces surfaced and the riding was amazing. Battlefields encompass the Nadine G. Messier town, and our riders were reminded of the steep price paid by our forefathers [email protected] shaping this great nation. Saturday brought the storm that walloped Baltimore CLASSIFIED ADS Gary Gadd and floated cars, but the VJMC was cool and dry in the rally hotel and ballroom 817-284-8195 bike show. Perhaps it’s the great food and the chance to share the meals with [email protected] other passionate riders at the day’s end that forge new friendships. MAGAZINE DISPLAY ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Die-hard members from Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, the Canadian provinces, Bryan Bentley Missouri, Florida, and all corners of the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states 864-923-0559 [email protected] rode to these rolling hills of Pennsylvania to share three days of VJMC fun. MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR More women were also sharing the fun as riders, passengers, and supporters Bill Granade in Gettysburg. Hats off to Pete Slatcoff’s rally team of Julie, Rob, Kent, Chazz 813-961-3737 [email protected] and Bill, Tom S., John M., along with Field Reps Steve Gauding and Richard CHANGE OF ADDRESS Holman. Volunteers make it happen for all. Please direct these requests to Bill Granade: Jack Stein and Bob Leonard created a West Coast Rally experience that ex- [email protected] panded the circle of VJMC friends on the Left Coast. Friendships made at these 13309 Moran Drive, Tampa, FL 33618 Membership check renewals: events expand the pool of volunteers. It’s great to see members bringing more 1 year - $30 / 2 years - $55 / 3 years - $80 friends and family to these fun gatherings year after year. Often, these volun- Outside North America: 1 year - $50 teers choose more defined roles as Field Representatives and build an even larg- ADDITIONAL COPIES I n order to minimize unnecessary expens- er circle of friends. es to the club, VJMC prints a limited number of each issue of Vintage Japanese Motorcy- It is my privilege to announce our newest VJMC Field Representatives just cle Magazine. However, we would be glad to approved by the Board of Directors: Todd Tagatz (MN) replacing long serving accommodate any requests for additional copies from members. expert FR Chip Miller (Thanks, Chip, for your leadership and service), Noel These requests must be submitted before the Moss (St. Louis), Mike Russum (MO), Don Stockett (northern CA), and Bren- 15th of the month preceding each issue. For ex- dan Durrett (southern CA). More volunteers mean more events at the local level ample: for the Feb/Mar issue requests must be received by January 15. and more friendship opportunities. If you are interested in becoming a VJMC

MISSION STATEMENT: Field Rep, please contact our National Field Rep Coordinator, Sean Carrigan The purpose of this organization is to promote the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of (859-391-8736), who can walk you through the process, starting with the Field vintage Japanese motorcycles (defined here as Rep application forms on our website. those 20 years old or older). The VJMC also will promote the sport of motorcycling and camera- As you are reading this issue, many events are wrapping up for the year. The derie of motorcyclists everywhere. Barber Ride-In, the Barber Vintage Festival, AIM-Expo, and the Florida State © 2016 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of Rally hopefully provide opportunities to share new rides, enter bike shows, or North America, an IRS-approved Not-for-prof- it 501(c)(7) corporation. All rights reserved. just volunteer to help. Pull the trigger on these opportunities and expand your No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted without permission. All articles circle of friends who are just as passionate about these vintage rides as you are. copyright by their respective authors. I look forward to meeting and riding with more of you in the months ahead. Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine is published six times per year, in February, April, June, August, October, and December. The views and Ride safe and often, opinions expressed in letters or other content are those of the author and do not necessarily represent VJMC policy. The VJMC accepts no lia- Tom Kolenko bility for any loss, damage, or claims occurring as a result of advice given in this publication or for VJMC President claims made by advertisers of products or ser- [email protected] vices in this publication. Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 5

events KCVJMC’s 6th Annual Spring Show Exceeds Expectations! by Mark Bayer, President KCVJMC, Kansas/Missouri Representative / [email protected]

he Kansas City Chapter of the TVJMC held its All Japanese Motor- cycle Show and Swap Meet on Satur- day, June 18th. It was held in an area called the West Bottoms, an old in- hot! It seems that it is either heavy dustrial area dating back to the early rains, nonstop drizzles, excessive heat, 1900s. The old stone buildings were a or strong winds which impact activi- great backdrop for our vintage motor- ties, but this is what we often have to cycles. The area is also a place where contend with in our region. Neverthe- there are a number of small custom less, we schedule our events and hope motorcycle builders, a shop called for the best, sometimes having great Café Racer, and several other attrac- weather and other times not being so tions for motorcyclists. The location lucky. The only negative impact was has been used before for other motor- that a few left the event early because cycle shows and events. The area that of the heat. we had previously used for this event We had around a hundred bikes was no longer available to us because throughout the day, and I’m sure well of a business move. We missed the old over several hundred people in atten- location but liked the new one as well. We used a large, dedicated fenced- off lot as our event area, which was provided by the events coordinators overseeing the general area. Amber, of Full Moon Productions, was our contact person, and they were very gener- ous and helpful to our club. We truly appreciate their support. We actually had three groups which worked with us to support the show—Café Racer, Full Moon Productions, and a group called Hickory Union Moto. The latter is an organic group of motorcycle enthusiasts who build, restore, and cus- tomize old motorcycles, many being old Japanese bikes. They held an open house the day of our show, and many visited their facility. We have worked hard to create positive working rela- tionships with these sponsors. The event was a success and lots of fun. The heat kept some away, with temperatures having been around or over the 100 degree mark for several days. You would hardly need a fire to cook your hamburgers; it was that Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 7 dance. We signed up a number of new the New Century Airport. New Centu- VJMC members, sold several hundred ry is around thirty miles south of Kan- dollars’ worth of T-shirts (all money sas City—a nice riding distance. The going to MDA), and above all, had a event will be held at the Commemora- good time. We met dozens of new peo- tive Air Force Museum, as it has been ple from as far away as Colorado and since the event’s inception. This group western Kansas, renewed a few old re- always has special WWII planes at the lationships, forged some new ones, and show, which is a real treat. Nearly ev- handed out hundreds of pieces of in- ery year, rides are available in these formation about upcoming events. antique airplanes for a price—a rare We had around a dozen swap meet opportunity. I don’t know for sure if vendors, a little less than what is typi- that will be an option this year because cal, but they had some great stuff. I am planning is not yet complete, however, still thinking about the nicely restored rides have been offered at past events. 1963 Honda 250cc Scrambler (a silver (See page 34 of this issue.) and red-framed version), which was Frank Sereno and I also want to brought by one of the vendors. What thank those KCVJMC members who a nice bike. helped in parking, unloading bikes, Food was provided by MDA and directing traffic, and cleaning up af- served by Director Brian Studdard. ter the event. Plan on joining us at People seemed to enjoy the bikes, and this event or other future events. If many asked about our next event. you ever do, please make yourself Hopefully, it will not be weather chal- known, we would really like to meet lenged. It will be the VJMC Regional you! Check out our activities at: www. to be held in New Century, Kansas, at kcvjmc.org l

8 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 BACK IN THE DAY

Vintage Yamahas by Al Lantham

l Latham and Jordan Lederer at Fort Hood, ATexas in 1967—Al on a ’67 Yamaha 305 Big Bear Scrambler and Jordan on a Yamaha Trail- master 100. Bikes were a great escape from army life and a great way to travel around central Texas. Jordan would ride out in the off-limits “impact area” where the artillery targets were located—not all the artillery rounds exploded on impact so there was some risk of a young fellow riding a Yamaha setting off unexploded ordnance. For- tunately, he made it back each time! l

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FROM THE EDITOR Thanks, New Columns, Spokes Revisited, & Responses Requested by Michael Fitterling / [email protected]

n July, I rode up to Gettysburg, Penn- of a large and growing segment of not tended to 8 hours or up to 24 hours in Isylvania, for our first VJMC North- only our membership, but of motor- some cases. Note that this applies to both eastern Rally. Upon arrival at Gettys- cycling in general—women riders and chrome and zinc. burg, I got a little too cocky and lost a restorers. —Ellis battle with a creek I was trying to cross In a previous issue there was an arti- on my motorcycle and ended up al- cle on plating spokes (June/July 2016, So, the bottom line is if you plan to use most breaking my leg in the fall. That “Saving Original Spokes,” page 25). In this process be cautious and read up on put joining the group rides out of the response a member wrote to warn of what is required to do it safely. question for me, as the most I could the dangers of the process: An apology—I inadvertently includ- do is get to and from the rally venue, ed photos in last issue’s “A Summary where I hobbled around shooting pho- Unless you are familiar with advanced of Honda’s CBX1000-6 Models” by Ian tos. Luckily, Tommy Herman stepped metallurgy this is very dangerous as the Foster (August/September 2016, page up and sent in shots from those rides plating process will weaken spokes due 48) that belong in another submission along with other photos from the event to hydrogen embrittlement. Same with from Ian. I apologize for the perhaps to help out. Many thanks to Tommy for any hi-load bolt. Just send in the spokes confusing first nine photos; I should his contribution made in the true vol- to Buchanan’s and they will make nice have caught that. The correct photos unteer spirit of our club. stainless copies which if left unpolished, will appear in an upcoming issue with Appearing in this issue is a new col- will look just like zinc. the correct article. Sorry, Ian! umn, “Custom Connection,” from —David Coutu, Greenville RI Finally, I received an email from the member Toby Jones. The stories will ride leaders at the National Rally at highlight what’s going on in the world Board of Directors Member Ellis Hol- Spring Mill State Park asking for re- of customs and café racers built on the man responded: sponses: bones of old Japanese bikes. We hope this new feature will inspire and inform Agreed, plating spokes is not something Paulette and I were very pleasantly those in our club whose passion lies in I’d leave to just any shop. Embrittlement surprised when I asked for a show of that direction. does happen but, it can be reversed by hands from the riders who participat- Also appearing for the first time is baking parts following plating at 375+/- ed in the Medora Covered Bridge ride! Marsha Heck’s new column, “Kick- 25 degrees F for 3 hours minimum Thank you all once again. We spent a lot stands up at Dawn,” which will share within 4 hours of plating. For springs of time and rode a lot of miles to put that thoughts of a more philosophical bent and parts that are subject to flexure or together. We took seriously that partici- and from a different perspective, that extreme loading, often this bake is ex- pants were committing fully one third of

Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 11 their VJMC Rally time to a 100 mi. day line Drive. The ride up and back down Did any rider who participated in the ride. With that in mind, we endeavored was steep and somewhat technical. I Sat. ride have any objections to the re- to develop an entertaining route that did not take the Friday group to Skyline turn route? offered some challenges, unique scenery Drive as I thought the group was a lit- Both the Fri. and Sat. rides passed a and a relaxed pace appropriate for the tle too large to do so comfortably. Did large, old outdoor auto salvage yard. I mix of hardware. anyone who rode up to the fire tower feel had more than a few riders say to me This was our first attempt at develop- that the climb or descent was inappro- that they wished to be able to stop there ing and hosting a ride of this length and priate for their bike or their skill level? and browse the acres of old cars and complexity. It was a learning experience, I learned after the fact that the vol- trucks. If there is any interest we could and from my perspective I made a few unteer who was to have met us at the develop a “Junkyard Run” for those who mistakes along the way. That is the rea- bridge on Saturday for the tour had to might wish to visit on their own. son for writing to you today. take his wife to a chemo appointment. The leg from Delaney Park to Spring We would be happy to host the same Our prayers are with them. I apologize Mill is the longest continuous portion of Medora Covered Bridge rides again for for the disappointment. the route. There are no practical places the 2018 Spring Mill event if there is Was the round barn worth the stop? to pause on that leg without adding an enough interest. We’re looking for feed- The Saturday ride was shortened in or- hour or so to the ride. Did anyone find back from the riders who joined us on der to get everyone back in time for the that leg to be too long without a stop? any of the covered bridge rides about show. I have a change of route in mind Please send your thoughts to: slmjim@ what you did/did not like. I’ll start with that will add a few miles to the return hotmail.com a few thoughts of our own: leg, but will also encompass one of the Good Ridin’ The Thursday ride differed slightly in best, smoothest and most entertaining —Jim & Paulette, that we rode up to the fire tower on Sky- backroads in the area. aka slmjim & Z1BEBE l

12 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 odds & ends Twists and Turns by Laura Corona / [email protected]

lmost falling off the side of a moun- Atain on our trip to North Carolina was not how we had planned for our long, cramping, bumpy, Siri-necessary, eight-hour car ride from the Sunshine State to go. I suppose carrying a trailer with a 1974 Kawazaki Z1 900 didn’t exactly help the situation. My parents and I greeted the morning sky at 5:06 am. We zipped backpacks, filled coolers, and scanned bedrooms and bathrooms, and I placed my newly charged battery on my Rebel T3 Canon camera. With a filled truck and a loaded trailer, we set off for Asheville, North Carolina. It was quite a change of view going from Florida, to Georgia, to South Car- olina and finally, to North Carolina, starting off from sea level to reaching some of the highest points in the eastern United States. We got to Asheville and found a hotel in which to spend two nights. We unloaded the truck and photographers. He rode around the checked into our room and rested be- bend and smiled for the camera. How- fore the big day ahead the next day. ever, as he was feeling his cool, he lost it In the morning, we woke up around all when he suddenly realized there was seven o’clock and got dressed. I brought another sharp turn in front of him. He my camera, and my dad rode out on his turned the handlebar, slowed his gears, motorcycle. If you’ve been to the “Tail of and held on for dear life. He made it the Dragon” in North Carolina, you’ll just in time and it turned out fine. Back know how long it takes to get up to the at the store we bought T-shirts for our Deal’s Gap store. It’s basically at the tail loved ones and a stuffed dragon for me. of the Tail of the Dragon. The Tail is Our way back to our hotel room we had to stop for a few minutes before eleven miles long and it has 318 turns. It went through a sudden storm. It was continuing on to a dry haven. is very steep and sharp, and crosses the all peaceful when all of a sudden water After a trip to Chimney Rock and Tennessee border on its way up. My dad pellets fell from the sky. My mom and I Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, days lat- decided to ride it by himself, while my were worried sick about Dad behind us, er, we made our way back down to Flor- mom and I chose to get some food. who was getting all of it. So, as we were ida. With our short vacation filled with At the beginning of the track there are crossing under a bridge, we decided to rocky roads, hill after hill, and storms souvenir shops, a restaurant, and a tree stop under it. My dad changed lanes to we gained a new appreciation for flat, of shame. This tree holds pieces of mo- his right in front of a truck and trailer sea-level ground. torcycles and equipment of past riders wanting to stop too, and the car in front who have crashed at the Tail. And my of him decided to do the same…without Editor’s Note: The author is seventeen, dad almost joined them. When he came noticing my dad. Needless to say, he was a senior at Lake Mary High School, and back, he told us the crazy story. almost made into a sandwich. Because daughter of VJMC member Stewart As he was turning, he spotted some my dad couldn’t see in the pouring rain, Duncan. l Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 13 14 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 CUSTOM CONNECTION Rough Enough

by Toby Jones / [email protected]

few years ago, when I had just been chanical problem was a serious case of to keep the model alive. Cost was anoth- Abitten by the vintage motorcycle carburetor crud, and that was an easy er factor. It was costing Honda almost bug, a friend contacted me and said he fix. It only took a short ride on the little as much to produce the 400 as it was knew where there was a small Honda ten thousand RPM six-speed for me to the 750, and it just didn’t make sense four-cylinder bike that could be bought be hooked. I have since done some re- to keep the smaller bike in production. for a decent price. He also said that the search and found out a great deal more Forty years later, low and behold, with bike was a little rough and not run- of the story on these neat little bikes. the café racer and the vintage motorcy- ning, but knowing that I could do some When Honda brought these bikes to cle movements in full swing, folks just mechanical work and paint a little, he the USA, some forty years ago, the mo- can’t get enough of them. This popular- thought I might be interested. torcycling press loved them, but unfor- ity and rarity is really showing up in the Right away I assumed it was proba- tunately, the American public didn’t. price of nice used examples. bly a CB350. At the time, most of my The handlebars were too low and nar- The bike I bought back then was knowledge of older Hondas was based row, the foot pegs were too far back, and cleaned and detailed nicely, the tires and on what I had ridden or what friends of the simple, clean style was considered battery replaced, and given a nice orig- , mine rode years ago, and I didn’t even too plain for the 70s motorcycle scene, inal-looking yellow paint job to replace remember Honda making a 400 four. and the model just never sold well. You the rattle can black that the previous After talking with the owner, finding have to remember this was the disco era. owner had applied. It was left mostly out the bike was a CB400F, and a small In 1977 Honda tried to address this by stock, and I hadn’t had it long when a amount of “gentlemanly negotiation,” I changing the bars, moving the pegs for- nice young lady that was just getting her loaded up the bike and took it home. ward, and adding stripes to the tank, but motorcycle endorsement saw it and fell It was rough, but the only real me- it was too late to create the needed sales in love at first sight. I wasn’t too excited

Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 15 I prefer to build specials and explore the frame area around the kickstand the custom possibilities of our hobby. mount often rusts, causing a stress crack This creates a dilemma. Because of my in that area. My find had both of these fondness for these fine vintage Japanese issues. I had finally found a CB400F bikes, I would never dream of modify- project that was indeed “rough enough.” ing a nice clean example, so about a year A price was negotiated, and I brought and a half ago, I started the search for my new project home. one that was “rough enough” to build It didn’t take long before the bike was like I wanted. stripped to the frame and the engine One day while searching through was sitting on the bench. The frame Craigslist, I came across an ad for a very was sent out to be sand blasted, and at about letting the bike go but had other nice and original ’75 CB400F. The bike the same time, a reinforcement plate projects to fund, and her offer was more was a bit overpriced, but the ad men- was shaped and welded in to repair the than fair, so I decided to sell. I’m happy tioned it came with a “parts bike” that damaged kickstand area. I also located a to say she still has it, rides it often, and was mostly complete. A phone call to set of used cases to replace the old ones. maintains it well. She still posts pictures the owner informed me that the parts It seems, not only was the timing lock of it in the beautiful Kentucky country- bike did run, but not well, did have a bolt broken off, the previous owner had side from time to time. title, and he was willing to sell it sepa- destroyed the upper case with a drill Since letting the bike go, I have built a rately. trying to get it out. Although the engine few other models and really gotten into If you know anything about this mod- was only showing twenty-eight thou- the vintage bike scene, but the memo- el, you know a couple of things to be sand miles, I decided to freshen it up ry of that little 400 four made me want aware of when shopping for one. The with new rings and a valve grind while another one. Even though I love re- timing adjuster lock bolt is very prone to it was apart. stored stock bikes and am humbled by breaking off in the upper case, due to its The clutch cover, sprocket cover, and the craftsmanship that goes into them, location and lack of maintenance, and stator cover were also cleaned and pol-

16 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 ished. On the original models Honda chose to paint these covers, which looks great, but knowing this bike was going to be a bit different, I decided to polish them. Although I had been into the top end on several motorcycle engines, I had never split a set of cases before, and the thought of it had me a little apprehen- sive, but I went slowly and kept the parts organized so the engine went together easily. At the same time the seemingly endless task of cleaning, painting, pol- ishing or replacing the rest of the as- tounding number of parts that go into a motorcycle was tackled and completed. The front rim on the bike had been re- couple of our members helped with this out the next time a rim needs lacing. placed and was in very good shape, but decision. Billy Aldrich assured me that I Thanks a bunch for this, Michael. If you the rear was pitted beyond saving. I have could do it and that alloys were the right have never tried lacing, my advice is: always admired the alloy rims on cus- way to go. Looking at his beautiful bikes jump in and do it. Although it’s a time toms and race bikes, and even though confirmed this. Also, Michael Vachon consuming task, it’s really not that dif- I had never laced a rim before and the was nice enough to take the time to ficult. price on the alloys and stainless spokes write out some very comprehensive rim After giving the frame, swing arm, was a little salty, I went ahead and or- lacing instructions and send them to and a few other pieces a good coat of dered a set for both front and rear. A me. I still have them and will dig them urethane primer and gloss black ure-

Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 17 thane enamel, there was a little light be- bikes of the day. To wrap up the cockpit, ket gas shocks and an aftermarket front ginning to show at the end of the tunnel. a custom dash bracket with pilot lights brake cylinder and stainless line kit As I’ve said before, I enjoy building for oil, neutral, turn signal, and bright were fitted. I really enjoy building these customs and specials, but really like to light indicators was fabricated and a two old bikes and try to do as much of the keep a lot of a bike’s original look and and a half inch custom tach and speed- work as I can myself. On this build the personality, therefore the stock tank ometer were mounted. upholstery, sandblasting, and welding was painted an original (though not for The chrome on the exhaust header was were the only things that were sent out. 1975) Parakeet Yellow, the side covers too far gone to save, but structurally it Riding my CB400F is an absolute blast. were done in black, and both were given was sound, so I cleaned, sanded, and Because of the dropped front end and original Honda decals before the clear gave it a coat of high-temp black head- resulting decreased rake angle, the little coat was applied. er paint. I had ordered a seventeen inch bike turns in like a racer, but surpris- A Legendary Motorcycles café racer reverse cone muffler to go along with it, ingly, still holds a line well and is nicely seat and the rusty front fender (after but (out of respect for my neighbors) de- stable at speed. It doesn’t have the power being bobbed and sanded) were also cided to temporarily fit the stock muf- or braking of a modern motorcycle its painted to match. The seat upholstery fler while the bike was being tuned. As it size, but with the light weight, free spin- was handled by my friend, Tom, at turned out, I like the sound of the stock- ning little four, and the six speed tran- Sarah Zentz Upholstery. I did take the er so well I decided to stay with it and ny, it definitely holds its own. It seems liberty of applying a black, with red ac- tune the velocity stacks to it, instead of to me that forty years ago when Honda cents, center stripe. the short megaphone. designed these bikes they got it right. It To keep with the café racer theme the Of course, the bike got new tires, just took all of us that long to catch up. front of the bike was lowered one and a tubes, and brakes on both ends. I make I just found another of these little jew- half inches and a set of clip-on bars were it a point do this on every build and els. I haven’t got it back home to check mounted above the top triple tree. The strongly recommend that everyone do it over yet, but from the photos and the rear pegs were kept in the stock location, the same. price I think it might be “rough enough” which is a little farther back than most To wrap up the build, a set of aftermar- also. I can hardly wait! l

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20 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION Bleeder Screw Repair by James Bulecza / [email protected]

ome of us have encountered the dreaded broken bleeder screw while trying Sto resurrect our latest barn find. Even with very well-intentioned attempts to change the brake fluid in your daily driver, it can turn into a frustrating situation. This can be a very tricky, if not nearly an impossible extraction. The issue of seized and/or broken bleeder screws is a result of many bad circumstances. To start with, the bleeder screw is typically made of a mild steel and small in diameter (4-5 mm). The caliper to which the screw is installed is most likely made of a dissimilar metal, such as aluminum. Add to this the DOT3 brake fluid, which is The issue of seized and/ extremely hydroscopic (absorbs water). All of these ingredients give us the perfect or broken bleeder screws cocktail for a broken screw. All is not lost; it may be possible to correct the issue. So before you log onto eBay is a result of many bad in the hopes that someone in Saskatchewan is parting out a bike like yours, you circumstances. might want to invest a few dollars and try this repair yourself. Recently, a friend brought his bike over to my house with just such a problem. He had attempted to bleed the front brakes on his bike, and of course, the darn thing All is not lost; it may be made no attempt at turning before snapping off (figure 1). Being that his bike was possible to correct the fitted with some classic K-H calipers, a replacement was not readily available. He was very relieved when I explained that this was repairable. issue. I have used bleeder screw repair kits several times over the years with great results (figure 2). The kits are available from most automotive supply stores or online and can usually be purchased for less than five dollars. For most applications in the Japanese vintage world, the 1/8” bleeder screw kit fits well. Although I have heard of some people performing this repair with the caliper installed, I highly recommend removing the caliper and disassembling. Not only will this ensure that you don’t damage the piston while drilling, it presents the opportunity to clean the internals as well. Once the caliper is off and cleaned, start by prepping the area to be drilled. With the use of a flat file, level the surface as close to the body of the caliper as possible (figure 3). There will be no need for a center punch, as the inside orifice of the bleeder screw will be our guide. I prefer to perform the drilling on a drill press, but a steady hand could produce the same results. Once the part is centered in the drill press, start the first drilling with a 3/16” drill bit. I find that cobalt bits cut well through the steel and aluminum. Make sure that you drill the complete length of the original screw. Increase your drill bit size in small increments, until you achieve the final hole diameter of 11/32”. Make sure that the drilled hole depth is a minimum of 1/2” (figure 4). The deeper you can make the hole the better. Just be cautious not to damage the caliper cylinder walls or obstruct any other fluid passages. Keep in mind that for a proper fit you must have at least a 1/8” of material surrounding the drilled area after the 11/32” hole is cut. With compressed air and brake cleaner remove any drill filings from the hole. Using a 1/8”-27 NPT tap (figure 5), start threading the hole, making sure to keep the threads perfectly straight. Due to the tapered nature of a NPT-type tap, resistance will increase as the tap cuts deeper. I do not recommend the use of cutting oil while tapping aluminum. Make sure that your threads are a minimum of 1/2” deep (figure 6). Clean the hole thoroughly again with compressed air and brake cleaner.

Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 21

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The repair kit contains a brass bung and a steel bleeder screw (figure 7). Re- move the bleeder screw for now. Apply a liberal amount of an anaerobic sealer and locking agent to the threads of the bung (figures 8 & 9). This will not only assist in sealing the threads, but aides in future bleeding processes by keeping the brass bung from inadvertently loos- ening. Start the bung into the thread- ed hole by hand at first (figure 10). 10 The final tightening is best done with a torque wrench. Again the bung is a NPT-type fitting, so due to the taper, the resistance will increase as it nears full bottom. With the torque wrench, tighten the bung to approximately 25 ft. lbs. (figure 11). This will result in a tight seal and a secure fitting. Allow the sealer to cure for at least four hours. Then, the caliper can be reassembled and installed (figure 12). It is highly recommended that any aluminum or copper sealing washers be 11 replaced at this time. The best way to prevent future sei- zures of the bleeder screw is by performing the brake fluid service annu- ally. Do not use any products, such as anti-seize, on the threads, as this could contaminate the brake fluid. Some of 12 the early performance books from the ’40s and ’50s make reference to using your research on the acid level contents candle wax as a corrosion inhibitor. If before washing your ride. routine service is performed, I don’t After completing the bleeder repair, believe you will need to experiment my friend was able to quickly bleed his with anything like that. It is also good front brake. So, for just a few dollars in to be aware of acids that are so fre- parts and an enjoyable couple of hours quently used in commercially available of work, he was able to stop his ma- degreasers and car wash detergents. Do chine on a dime once again. l Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 23

KICKSTANDS UP AT DAWN Peace, Love, & Motorcycles or Why this “Lady” Rides

That feeling just before the ride begins or just after the bike starts up at the end of a long day in the shop is why we continue to do what we do. This column is an attempt to put into words the magic and mystery of life with a vintage Japanese motorcycle. by Marsha Heck / [email protected]

’ve found that riding motorcycles in- and help. Jim is not just a rider, wood- Jim built. Itroduces one to a lot of interesting peo- worker, and entrepreneur, he was at Jeff had been a lawyer, a hospital chap- ple along the way. I have made a lot of one time the president of the chamber lain, a clinical massage therapist, and new friends. Lately, I met some of my of commerce, founded the local chap- most recently, a modern shaman with father’s friends, and even after having a ter of the Audubon Society, created and a book about to be published on the , dealership in the 60s, continue to make led a civic arts organization, communi- topic. And, he rides. His friend, Ran- new friends in the area. ty gardens, and feeds Baltimore Orioles dy, was a lawyer in a small town with a Five years ago, I started getting in- and yellow finches on his front porch. collection of vintage bikes, and Randy terested in a new group of friends. Al- I bought my motorcycle from a former knew about Jim from the Vintage Bike though they are now not so new, they are student, Emily, as she was divorcing Group. Through all this, Brad, the hus- very different from me and from each her husband and moving to England band of one of my oldest and dearest other. We started a Bike Night in rural to earn a Ph.D. in physics (and yes, she friends, was advising me about navi- Pierceton, Indiana, where we all gather. at one time rode the motorcycle). I did gating vintage bike purchases and re- One of those friends set a speed record at not know how difficult it would be to pairs—and he co-runs a company that Bonneville (and he happens also to be a find someone to get the bike running does business in China. Norwegian immigrant). Another friend again, but after multiple phone calls A bonus of meeting Jim was his wife, runs a car museum, one is a consultant while driving home from the purchase Suzy, who also rode back in the day. for a computer company, and yet anoth- with the bike on a rental trailer, I found She gave me two books—one about a er does high-level government security someone who also repaired mowers. woman who took up riding motorcy- abroad. There is an ex-test pilot in the Unfortunately, he left my bike out in cles after she lost her husband and one group, several who have traveled around the elements all winter, but did eventu- about peace. Both allowed me to feel the world on business, and one who is ally get it running enough that I could less strange about taking up riding in a “lady” college professor—talk about get it to Jim. the spring of 2012, about a year after strange. This temporary mechanic may have divorcing my husband of twenty years You would think that for this group also saved my life because I had never who hated motorcycles and the people of individuals there would be nothing ridden a motorcycle. Before I rode out who rode them. in common, but motorcycles are the of his driveway, he correctly answered I had always wanted to ride, and as binding glue that holds us all together. I my question about how I would be soon as I took that first ride from the think that I will just let that college pro- most likely to crash. He later told the mower repair guy’s drive, as terrifying fessor tell her own story, including how Montessori educator friend who gave as it was, riding was freedom for me. happy she was when the eleven year old me a ride home, that he was a little Another bonus was that Jim and Suzy girl who is homeschooled also shows up worried that I may not return from ran an historical artifacts company, for Bike Night with her dad. that first jaunt to the next county road Jas. Townsend and Son, and my former —Jim Townsend and back. But when I left the drive the students took a tour of the facility to second time to get gas, he saw that I create lesson plans using historical ar- People are always surprised by the fact had “figured it out.” Felicia was how I tifacts. At this point, it was clear that that this sixty year old college professor ended up meeting Jim, because (true this motorcycle thing was like throw- rides a 1973 Honda CB 350 four, which story) she knew a shaman who had a ing a pebble in the pond and watching I also maintain and repair myself. Well, motorcycle and knew a lawyer who had the ripples move from one new friend not exactly by myself. Jim, the octoge- a Royal Enfield and an old Honda who to another. narian above, is always there to guide knew…you guessed it…the house that On the first trip I took on the free- Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 25 way, with all the semi-trucks and my In the meantime, the Iron & Air guys in the entire county. But that night neon green jacket flapping in the draft had tried everything they knew—the over drinks and bar food, brought to- as they passed, the bike died—rather it moment turned out to be an invaluable gether by a shared passion for vintage sputtered and lurched a hundred feet or tutorial for me. I have used some of the bikes, we discussed our differing polit- so, sputtered again, died, and repeated things they tried with success when my ical views with interest and openness, for about a mile. Unbeknownst to me, bike was reluctant to start. I also got a shaping, at least for the moment, our there were three guys who watched the great lesson in just how spiritual and acceptance of other viewpoints. whole thing unfold, thinking I was out philosophical life on a motorcycle can One division that some might argue of gas. I called Jim for advice, and these be as we discussed the synchronicity of defines motorcycles is that of Har- three guys mysteriously surrounded their arrival at the very moment I was ley-Davidson riders versus, well, versus me as I was talking to Jim. They asked calling Jim. everybody else essentially. Motorcycle if I needed help, and I asked in turn if Fittingly, months later when I was riders typically exchange hand signals they “knew about motorcycles.” Well, at a spiritual retreat facility, I saw a or waves when they pass, but in some they knew a lot about motorcycles, as beautiful Royal Enfield—Randy’s bike. cases, H-D guys will not wave unless they were the two founding partners of Again, Randy and I would have passed you are riding a Harley—in the worst Iron & Air magazine and their photog- without notice that day had I not case scenario only if you are a male rapher, headed home from a bike show bought Emily’s bike. riding a Harley (no ladies need apply). in Wisconsin. Bikes bring people together. At the But, on the few longer trips I have tak- Several hours later, Randy (the law- infamous Bike Night, just as the 2016 en alone to Ohio, these same guys will yer whom I had met once) and his presidential campaign was beginning, first double-check the license plate and son came in their pick-up to return it suddenly occurred to me that Jim then ask if I “really rode it all this way.” me and the bike safely home, and as and I were the only Democrats at the I have heard countless stories about my an added bonus, enjoyed an up-close table. The others laughed in agreement, CB 350 four being someone’s first bike, and personal moment with the café as it soon became clear that we were lit- or their dad’s first bike, and in those racer that Iron & Air was giving away. erally among the handful of democrats moments there is no division between

26 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 Honda and Harley; there is only rider-to-rider. There are also moments when no other Harley guys are around, like when Jeff, who is a custodian with a house on the same lake as a friend of mine, walked over to see my bike. In such a moment, a Harley guy might even admit, as Jeff did, that my little bike had as much power (or more) as his Harley. Even in that perceived divide among riders, connection is possible. Most recently, I was inspired to ride daily by a friend who has ridden for thirty years, ten of which were in New York City, where he rode all winter long as his only means of transportation. After that conversation, I rode everywhere I went, until the rain got the best of me. I wanted to bring Darryl to the bike night, but as you may imagine from the demographics described above, the fact that he had dreads to his waist gave me pause. Jim laughed when I asked how these “old white guys,” (if I, as a feminist, allow for the use of “lady” to describe me, I in turn can describe my club mates as the old white guys they are) would welcome Darryl. Jim simply asked, “Does he ride a motorcycle?” This easy response from Jim to my concern about a NYC black guy with long dreadlocks joining a bunch of white guys in politically conservative, rural Indiana speaks to the belonging that is possible when human beings focus on positive connections they share in common with one another. There are regional differences in the hand signal practice mentioned above, but nationwide riders acknowledge each other with some type of hand signal. Jim says it is a wave, I say it is more of a “hand nod.” Regardless, such belonging is the foundation for peace—it is the answer to the question “Why can’t we all just get along?” We can. Maybe we just need to ride motorcycles! At a time when politicians are talking about building walls, when people are dying on their international journeys to find a safe homeland, maybe the lesson to be learned from riding motorcycles is more timely than the 20+ year old bikes the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club folks ride. The diverse interests, abilities, professions, and perspectives mentioned are all welcome in vintage motorcycle circles. The group’s purpose includes “enjoyment” and “camaraderie” of motorcyclists “everywhere.” Sounds like a mission for peace. l

Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 27 ,BELOW: 73 Yamaha tx650, a bit prettier than the original color

LEFT: ,Glenn’s original 72 Honda cb750 in orange flake, runner-up for unrestored bikes

RIGHT: A Wes Cooley GS 1000 and a GT750 “water buffalo” were just two of several Suzuki superbikes

ABOVE: LEFT: John Emmons Brett Baldi accepting with the trophy award for best for Honorable restoration from Mention. Note Sean Carrigan the “then and and Chuck Murray now” photos of for his Yamaha RD350 John and the bike

RIGHT: Coordinator Sean Carrigan presents John and Jerod Walter with Best in Show trophy

28 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 events VJMC at Mid-Ohio Vintage Days by Sean Carrigan, Field Rep Coordinator / [email protected]

he 2016 Vintage Days at the Mid- TOhio race course saw near perfect weather over the three-day event on July 8 through the 10th. The AMA had all premier clubs on Champ Row, The Japanese class at so VJMC once again had a large tent the AMA bike show to display over twenty member bikes, stretched forty-five sell regalia, and sign up new members. The race track was just behind our yards, right up to the tent, which provided sweet sights and stage. It was worth sounds. We were also well represent- the hike to see all the ed in the giant swap meet area by Jim Townsend and Ellis Holman, support- vintage bikes prepped ed by numerous member volunteers. to show. Next to us on one side was the AMA superbike tent, with Chicago’s Ton-Up group on the other. Honda was well represented, as usual, Wes Cooley was the grand marshall, and we had a strong collection of Su- and the AMA did a nice job of display- zuki big bikes but were in need of Ka- ing race bikes of the past and featuring wasakis. Two Pennsylvania members, bios of several winners. Next to that David MacDermott and Lee Shannon, was a cool, custom builders’ tent, with came through with a freshly restored several young gun shops represented. ’73 H1 and an impressive, unrestored Of course, many of their products are ’79 KZ1000 Mk II, respectively. It’s al- based on classic Japanese machines. ways nice to have dirt bikes too. Thank A new music stage and craft beer gar- you, Michigan Field Rep Steve Searles, den rounded out the area leading to the for bringing your rare Suzuki RL250 bridge. The Japanese class at the AMA and Butch Pownell of Lordstown, Ohio, (photo source: AMA) bike show stretched forty-five yards, for your great-looking black and yellow AMA vintage racing right up to the stage. It was worth the ’76 Yamaha YZX 125. And I can’t forget hike to see all the vintage bikes prepped Ron Sangster’s crowd favorite ’67 Hon- MI-O D OHI 2016 WINNERS to show. da CB450 police bike, which always We were fortunate to have our own makes our display that much better. BEST ORIGINAL WINNER RUNNER UP excellent selection of original, restored, Thank you to the Mid-Ohio team of Norm FelgER glenn Rumburg and modified machines brought by Chuck Murray, Craig Schneider, Glenn Suzuki GS850g 1973 Honda CB750 members—from Craig Schneider’s hot Rumberg, Wayne Peters, Greg Golinas, Best Restoration WINNER Runner-up rod, fan favorite ’79 Glory Red CBX, a Jerry Meade, Brett Baldi, and Norm Brett Baldi Glenn Rumberg ’73 CB350g Flying Dragon, a ’67 Sport Felger. Unfortunately, my right-hand 1975 Yamaha RD350 1976 Honda CB400f 50 just restored by member John Em- man, Don Cecconi (also of northern People’s Choice Craig Schneider mons who has owned it for forty-five Kentucky) and his Hondas, could not 1979 Honda CBX years, and Greg Strain’s ’80 Suzuki make it this year as he is spending some Honorable Mention GS1000 with a stunning Vetter pack- “retirement” time in Indian country. John Emmons age. In fact, the AMA liked John’s story Special thanks to Paulette Turner of 1967 Honda C110 Sport 50 and side-by-side then-and-now pho- Louisville, who worked multiple shifts, Best in Show John and Jerod Walter tos so much they chose him as one of and Kate Burns of Delaware, who 1973 Honda CB350g their website’s featured articles over the helped cover the table and get us orga- Flying Dragon weekend. nized at the critical kick-off shift Friday Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 29 LEFT: Brett Baldi’s, stunning 75 RD350 is not a trailer queen. BELOW: He rode it to Cool Hondas dinner Saturday in the Custom night Builders tent

LEFT: outstanding VJMs seen all over the grounds

RIGHT: Note the tag on the Honda ct70, “reserved for the nicest people”

30 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 morning. These ladies have a special touch talking to prospective members and fans. We need them back, and more like ’em! And thanks to members Ray Bayless of Cleveland and Clint Whitney of Warsaw, Indiana, who came down just for Saturday and Fri- day, respectively, to represent the club. Thanks to John Winther of Cincinnati, who not only brought a much-needed red Honda CB350 twin but also a bright purple-pink ’72 Yamaha Cs3 200 twin. Kudos to Chuck Murray of Ride Ohio and Board Member Ellis Holman for helping me judge and Greg Golinas for counting all those people’s choice votes Craig Schneider’s with me. Finally, thanks to John Em- crowd favorite mons and Curt Edwards for the photos. large cc Honda customs The AMA worked to enhance the fan experience for their signature vintage best bikes our members have to offer, the flat track races. I experienced this event and reported that attendance was including a few customs, such as café large dirt track event for the first time up compared to the last few years. The and tracker builds. We will also plan to this year, and wow, was it great. It’s not VJMC will be back in 2017 but then to have a member dinner on site following too early to let me know what you can celebrate our fortieth anniversary as a the awards late Saturday afternoon and bring. Email me now with the bike de- club. To do that, we seek forty of the ride-share available up to Ashland for tails and photos. l

Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 31 LEFT: The author’s 2013 CB1100 was painted by Samurider as a tribute to the original CB1100F BELOW LEFT: This beautiful 1983 Honda CB1100F is owned by Dale Richmond BELOW RIGHT: The 2013 Honda CB1100 in its stock Candy Red color for 2013

30 year comparison

1983d Hon a CB1100F 2013 Honda CB1100F ENGINE Four stroke Four stroke transverse four cylinders transverse four cylinders DOHC DOHC 4 valves per cylinder 4 valves per cylinder TOP SPEED 144 mph 109 mph HORSE POWER 110 85 COMPRESSION RATIO 9.7:1 9.5:1 TRANSMISSION 5 speed 5 speed (the 2014 model is a 6 speed) DRY WEIGHT 535 lbs. 544 lbs. STANDING 1/4 MILE 11.1 sec@ 122.4 mph 12.1 sec@ 109.25 mph FUEL MILEGE (AVERAGE) 40.4 mpg 45 mpg

32 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 odds & ends The Thirty Year Itch by Bob Kelly / [email protected]

ostalgia is a powerful force. Mo- Ntorcycle manufacturers have been cashing in on nostalgia for the past few years. The retro Triumph Bonne- is reminiscent of the early Superhawk, ville, Moto Guzzi V7, and the Kawasa- which also sported a red tank with sil- ki W650 are recent offerings that tug at ver side covers. In short, Honda got this our hearts and wallets. The 2013 Honda bike right. CB1100 successfully tugged at both of The 1983 Honda CB1100F has been a mine. favorite of mine since I bought a nearly The new CB1100 has skillfully cap- new one back in 1985. I have probably tured the styling cues from a few vintage owned four of them over the past thirty years. Built for just one year, the Hon- BELOW: Hondas, the first generation CB750, the Ready to race. 1975 CB400F, and of course, the 1983 da CB1100F is a sleek-looking standard These bikes CB1100F. The early 2013 CB1100 mod- that evolved from the CB900F. The 1983 look fast! els had silver painted side covers with version had tremendous performance. The ’83 just the beautiful Candy Red fuel tank that In January of 1983, Cycle World said it exudes character. was the fastest stock bike they had ever tested. The CB1100F was offered in two colors: red and blue. I always thought the red ones were faster. My 2013 Honda CB1100 featured in this article was painted as a tribute to the 1983 CB1100F. The custom paint work was artfully crafted by www.samurider.com, located in Japan. When folks ask me what I paid to have the bike painted, I enjoy telling them, “125,000 Japanese Yen.” I’ll be kind to the VJMC readers; it was about $1,125.00. Thirty-three years have passed since the introduction of the 1983 Honda CB1100F, and yet, comparing the 2013 edition to its older sibling there are very few differences when you ride each bike. Acceleration between the two is about same, as is the seat height, riding po- sition, handling, and weight. The 1983 model definitely has more character and slightly more power and was a highly regarded motorcycle from that era. The 2013 model does an excellent job salut- ing the Honda CBs of the past while offering many modern features such as ABS and fuel injection. Today, you can- not go wrong with either bike—the 1983 model is a true appreciating Honda classic and the 2013 model looks the part. l Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 33 34 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 events 2016 VJMC Midwest Rally by Mark Bayer, President KCVJMC, Kansas/Missouri Representative / [email protected]

ur Kansas City Chapter of the OVJMC has worked hard at bringing quality events to the Midwest. The Kan- sas City area is actually a great place to have an event. In terms of location, the 2010 Census shows Kansas City as being around 150 miles from being the pop- ulation center of the US. Between 1980 and 2015, this center point has changed very little and will not likely change for some time. The Kansas City metro area is home to a little over 2.1 million people and is known for its BBQ, jazz, baseball (the Royals have been to the news.mysite.com). Page two covers local under $17,000 for the MDA over the last World Series two years in a row, win- events, and page three covers regional several years! ning the crown in 2015), coffee, and the events. I work hard at keeping these Back in 2013 we decided as a club to only WWI museum in the US. It’s an pages updated throughout the year. If host a VJMC regional event, rather than incredible and impressive high-tech re- you are an active VJMC member in the just have another Kansas City local gion. The city has been energized with Midwest, please communicate with me. event. The first year was primarily at- a new 110 million dollar street level rail I would love to hear from you and in- tended by local enthusiasts. Since then, system, 6 billion dollars spent on down- clude your activities in this list. every year has included people from ad- town construction in the past decade, Club Vice President Frank Sereno ditional states. This year, the show repre- the Kauffman center for the performing works tirelessly maintaining the club sented VJMC members from at least six arts, and for Sporting Kansas City, the website (www.kcvjmc.org), correspond- states. The 2016 event was held on Satur- MLS award winning soccer team, which ing with those communicating with us day, August 6th, and future events will has won several national championships through the website, and on the devel- be around that date. One visitor this year in the past decade. It is also home to opment of our shows and events. His was Jim Downs. He came from Aurora, Harley-Davidson’s largest factory, and efforts are clearly evident. Other active Colorado, and from our event he was go- they offer free tours most weekdays. members include Jim Boughan, Claude ing to another VJMC event in Arizona! Kansas City also has a very active Chafin, Randy Sams, John Bender, Bill We would love to see more people come VJMC club. Our Yahoo group lists over Bowring, Jim Koenig, Cliff Miller, Jose to this show from greater distances. We 170 members, we have over 130 card Sottle, Fred Reynolds, Drew Walter, Bob want this event to become a popular and carrying VJMC members in our area, Guisinger, and Mike Judy. Then there is well attended Midwest VJMC event. If and we have an active and growing vin- Kelli Bailey, one of our dedicated and you are able to come next year, make tage motorcycle community. Our club tireless workers. She has handled our sure to track down a KCVJMC member is also very involved in local motorcycle T-shirt sales since we have had event so we can make you feel at home and as shows and activities. Our members’ mo- shirts. She is also integrally involved though you are among friends. We want torcycles often represent 20-30% of the in their design, ordering, storage, and to build a stronger Midwest community motorcycles in the shows of other clubs, sales. She has been an important part of VJMC members, so plan on attending and the club strongly supports and pro- of our club’s success. Thanks to all who in 2017. motes the events of other clubs. helped in any way. Last year the show was nearly rained As club president, I am working on de- This VJMC regional event might be a out, but this year the weather was great. I veloping a stronger Midwest association record breaker, though final figures are don’t think it was ever much over eighty of VJMC leaders. Check out the link not in yet. All money raised went direct- degrees, and with a light breeze, it was shown below covering local and region- ly to the MDA (Muscular Dystrophy really comfortable. We were concerned al events: (www.markbayersmotorcycle- Association). Our club has raised just because two of the four entrances to Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 35 36 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 the area were closed because of con- active CAF member and has been a liai- in time. It was a great crowd, with one struction, but this didn’t seem to stifle son between the CAF and our club from of the largest groups of motorcycles we attendance. Every year has ended up a the start. We really appreciate Jim’s in- have ever had. In our five year history, success, however, year one and four so volvement and want to thank the entire there might have been one or two events far have been the most successful. This CAF group for their active support. The which equaled the numbers we posted at year was, without question, the best of CAF supplies the food, organizational this event. Without question, this was a all. This show might actually be our best support, and a wide range of other activ- great show, which is continuing to grow. show ever, with attendance of over 500 ities, such as dog tag imprinting, WWII We will have one more KCVJMC sanc- people and hosting somewhere between jeep rides, activities for children includ- tioned ride and two more sanctioned 110 and 140 motorcycles. We hope to ing face painting, space for a vintage car events this year. The next event will be someday make this a two-day event. show, and a few airplane rides. We feel the Midwest’s first all two-stroke rally. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF), a great debt to them for their help and There has actually been quite a bit of the location of our event, has eighty support. Their venue is such a great lo- interest in the two-stroke show, as there “Wings” (what we would call “chap- cation for a vintage motorcycle show. are only a few of them held across the ters”) and is the third largest “Air Force” The bikes trickled in until around 10 country these days. I am sure we will in the world, except that they don’t have am, when they began to arrive in larg- have this event next year, so check our any real bombs or bullets, being a mu- er numbers. We ended up with four calendar. Sometime later, we will host seum and historical group only. The rows of vintage motorcycles going from our annual KCVJMC picnic, to which Kansas City Wing is called the Heart of mid-hanger (indoors) to around 30 feet we invite all the other clubs in the KC America Wing. Their branch has two southward onto a stretch of airfield area. Think about attending our VJMC planes, which include a Boeing PT 13 outside. A CAF staff person told me Midwest Regional rally next year. If and a Fairchild PT 19. There is also a towards the end of the event that the you ever attend one of our events, make privately owned North America AT-6/ numbers of attendees were in the 500 yourself known and make sure to keep SNJ kept in the CAF hanger. One of our range. I personally counted over 120 up with our activities on our web site KCVJMC members, Jim Boughan, is an just in the hanger at one single point www.kcvjmc.org. l

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Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 37 Group ride passing through the historic Gettysburg battlefield

38 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 cover story

2016

at Gettysburg

by Tom Kolenko / [email protected]

A view of the battlefield from an observation tower

Bikes lined up at the Spring Mill Inn Beautiful Z1 photo by: at the rally George Martin Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 39 LEFT: Peter Slatcoff’s classic Valkyrie BELOW: The Pavlick “Three” BELOW: Two-wheeled racing iron at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing BOTTOM: Vintage Honda sporting highy polished engine covers

Yamaha XS650 in the bike show

ABOVE: A couple of nice examples of vintage Hondas in the bike show

40 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 cover story

photos by Michael Fitterling & Tommy Herman

he VJMC’s first ever Northeast Registration went smoothly with TRally drew over one hundred pre- guests picking up their rally packets registered members and their guests and T-shirts before peppering new ar- to Gettysburg for three days of riding, rivals with questions regarding their sightseeing, great meals and camara- special bikes. A parking lot bike show derie. The rally host hotel, the Aspire ensued, featuring owners sharing their hotel at the Eisenhower Center, provid- knowledge and passion for these ma- ed ample room for guests, great com- chines. Soon, the evening meal brought plementary breakfasts, an indoor bike the VJMC family indoors for more show venue, spacious trailer parking, great conversation and nourishment. and great evening buffets. A round of introductions profiled the Pete Slatcoff and his team (Julie, diversity of riders, spouses, and guests. Tom, Steve, Rob, Marty ) traveled from Show bikes were starting to assemble in Florida to replicate the successful ral- the ballroom next door providing ad- ly experience at this new location. Af- ditional conversation starters. ter years of rallies in the Midwest and Friday began with sunshine and high Southeast, this historically rich Civil rider energy as folks assembled out War battleground location provided front. Local ride captain John Marino the perfect setting for three days of fun led the group through the Pennsylva- on vintage iron. The historic battlefield nia countryside with a stop at the East- and Eisenhower National Historic Site ern Museum of Motor Racing, where were within a couple miles and easy to members had a chance to examine fa- get to without dealing with the heavy mous vintage racing vehicles including small town traffic of downtown Get- sprint cars, funny cars, and dragsters, tysburg. along with a few two-wheeled ma- Thursday marked the arrival of the chines, both American and Japanese. Los brothers posse from Wisconsin, The two-story museum documented Field Rep Rich Holman’s team from a rich local racing history displaying TOP: New Jersey, four Canadian members the sprint car in which Mario Andretti The group ride lead by Philip Goldsmith and John De- got his start. The group then rode to a on Friday Maria, Boston-based Art and Eileen local diner for a hearty lunch. Smaller CENTER: Bureau, Missouri riders Chaz Hum- groups then sampled the fantastic local Kawasakis gracing phrey and Bill Webster, Indiana stal- countryside on their return rides. the bike show warts the Pavlick “Three” along with Good food and conversation with BOTTOM: Jeff Suttles, Roland Janschek from new friends surrounded the evening A turbocharged Kawasaki. It’s not Richmond, and many new faces on buffet. After dinner, Peter Slatcoff often you see a many new rally machines. As usual, the demonstrated some of highlights and turbo bike; in the bike show there parking lot became the “meet & greet” capabilities coming to the new VJMC were two! center aided by the great weather. Short website. scouting rides were taken by many to Saturday morning saw Mother Nature check out the new neighborhood. break her promise of a great riding day Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 41 when she unloaded a rain storm that went on to float cars later in Baltimore. Rain plagued the remainder of the day, but bike show entries were wheeled into the ballroom for afternoon judg- ing. Unfortunately, half of the bike show bikes stayed in their trailers or vans as owners chose not to get soaked unloading, or reloading later. Notable entries included a Honda CZ100 Monkey bike and a CB77 dragster along with some very tasty café racers. Ballots were cast that afternoon, with the trophies awarded after the evening meal to much applause (see winners list). All ladies in attendance became VJMC trophy girls when they CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: posed for a group picture, also includ- The Honda line ed here. While rain dampened the rid- at the bike show ing, good food and new friends made Honda CZ 100, the last evening together one to savor first place in Mini/ over some adult beverages. Our thanks Scooter category to all the hard working volunteers who Suzuki “Threesome” made this inaugural rally so successful for those lucky enough to attend. l

42 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 n ortheastern rally Winners BEST OF SHOW paul padDOCK HONDa 1967 CB450D MODERN CLASSIC 1st PLACE STEVE GAUDING yaMAHA 2015 FZ09 2ND PLACE STEVE GAUDING HONDA 2014 gROM mini / scooter 1st PLACE chuck campbell HONDa 1964 cz100 2ND PLACE bruce isachsen HONDA 1980 Xl805 survivors 1st PLACE david bEHNKEN HONDa 1971 cb750k1 2ND PLACE michael monahan HONDA 1967 CB77 competition / off-road 1st PLACE STEVE GAUDING yamaha 1973 flat tracker 2ND PLACE wil alcorn HONDA 1962 cb77 fuel dragster honda 1969 & earlier 1st PLACE ted langley HONDa 1968 cl125a honda 1970 & later 1st PLACE roland janscHEK HONDa 1972 cl450 2ND PLACE david behnken HONDA 1970 CB750 yamaha 1st PLACE samuel wood jr. yamaha 1972 xs650 suzuki 1st PLACE thomas herman suzuki 1974 gt750 2ND PLACE jay lindquist suzuki 1983 XN85D kawasaki 1st PLACE richard holman Kawasaki 1973 z1 2ND PLACE evan ernest kawasaki 1983 gpz550 café racer 1st PLACE william hovis HONDa 1976 cb500t ND TOP: Winners! 2 PLACE thomas herman suzuki 1976 gt750 BOTTOM: The ladies of VMC custom /special 1st PLACE richard holman Kawasaki 1975 z1b

Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 43

PROJECT BIKE My Honda CB400F by James Alaimo / [email protected]

f you recall in my previous articles, I Iwas on a quest to buy and restore sig- nificant bikes of my youth. This Hon- da CB400F was the third bike I owned, which I bought new in 1976. Back then it was a fast and very sporty ride. I think it still is sporty today, although not all that fast. Here it is as purchased. Check out the classy cruiseresque handlebar and king/ queen seat. It was rusty, crusty, and barely ran. But as I always say to my wife, “You see it for what it is, I see it for what it will be.” The two most fun parts of a restoration is the tear down and the reassem- ABOVE: The bike’s original bly. When you peel it back, its always condition when surprising how rough it is under the purchased skin. LEFT: Once stripped down to bare bones, I The frame stripped had the frame sandblasted and painted down, sandblasted, and painted with Spraymax 2K then hung to dry. The engine was glass bead-blasted and gently polished with Scotch Brite to keep the authentic, original appearance. I did have some serious issues with the cam chain adjuster bolt. The previous BELOW Ah, the fun stuff— owner broke the bolt, and in trying to assembly begins! remove it, snapped an easy out. Mc- Gyver lived in me long enough to make the repair and a new custom designed chain adjuster. Stay tuned; more projects are on the Horizon—a 1975 Yamaha XS650 (caféd) and a 1972 AT 2 Enduro. l

LEFT: The finished product

Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 45

3 2

1. Japanese Section 2. Honda Racer 3. Café 750s 4. GS Café 5. CB550 6. CL175 Scrambler 7. Gold Wing

48 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 6 events 2016 Santa Fe Motorado Bike Show

by Vince Ciotti / [email protected]

his Fathers’ Day on June 19th, Santa 3. Café 750s—Two hot-looking CB750s TFe held its fiftth annual Motorado were entered in the café section—very bike show with over a hundred classic hard to tell the model year when they motorcycles on display from collec- are so modified. The near one seems tors throughout the Southwest. This to be a 1973 from the owner’s sign, but year’s show featured “American Iron,” the far one is just too modified for me so the wisest of the 1,000+ spectators to guess. wore ear-plugs as many Hardley-Da- vidsons showed up breaking the deci- 4. GS Café—One of the show’s sponsors bel sound barrier. Strange how such placed this Honda GS 500/650 (can’t tell expensive bikes with monster engines them apart without the badge) café in and so many chrome accessories don’t front of their exhibit. Interesting to see come with mufflers, isn’t it? Thankfully, this carburetor version to compare to many metric classics were also hauled the turbo model. long distances from neighboring states like Texas and Colorado, and a large 5. CB550—This 1977 CB550 Super Sport contingent of two-wheeled rice-burners was so clean it looked like it was on a motored up quietly from nearby Albu- showroom floor. Every nut and bolt was querque. perfect, and the Presto Red paint shone The Motorado is run by a group of so bright I had to tune down my camera 7 local volunteers who donate their time. lens to take this shot. Proceeds from the thirty sponsors go to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter. Special 6. CL175 Scrambler—Another near-per- thanks to Wes Anderson of Texas who fect classic was this 1968 CL175 Candy these turbo models by the mid-’80s due helped with info about some of these Orange Scrambler, and behind it a row to slow sales. , bikes below—he probably forgot more of ancient Hondas from the late 50s and , than I’ll ever know about vintage Japa- early 60s. I’m not sure of the years for 9. Yamaha Seca Turbo—Steve Marino nese machines. Details about the many them because I didn’t start my motorcy- from Albuquerque is the original owner , Nippon bikes are given below: cle addiction until the late 60s. of this 1983 Seca Turbo XJ650LK, which he bought as a leftover in 1988. Steve 1. Japanese Section—There were sever- 7. Gold Wing—Something about this was a friend of the owner, ending up al dozen classic Japanese bikes in their 1975 Gold Wing caught my eye, even working for him, and actually took the own section at the show, far away from though I never owned one—they’re bike out if its crate himself. Since then the noisy American Iron crowd. Given just too heavy for me to back up. After he has both commuted and toured on it, how old and fragile many of these vin- staring at it for five minutes, it finally sometimes with his very brave wife! The tage machines were, they wisely located dawned on me: the fairing came from a basics of the bike are stock, with a few us next to a True Value hardware store 1982 CBX! Wes says Honda also put that updated goodies like Progressive front on the left, which did a pretty good busi- Hondaline fairing on CB900Fs, Sabres, springs, six-piston front calipers, braid- ness that day selling tools and parts. and some other models. ed steel brake lines, a custom seat, and wastegate modified to allow boost to 2. Honda Racer—Steve Brown brought 8. Two Turbos—It’s rare enough to see run at 20PSI. Steve had it repainted Me- this hot little race bike up from Albu- one turbo bike at a show, but two is tallic British Racing Green to replace the querque. It probably runs as fast as it a rare treat. In 1982-3, Kawasaki, Ya- faded beige original paint. With “only” looks! Steve is a well-known bike racer maha, Suzuki, and Honda all offered 650 ccs, it was not quite as fast as Ka- and collector in these parts; he brings turbocharged motorcycles, probably wi’s 750 turbo, but both it and Suzuki’s one of his fine machines to almost every inspired by Porsche’s 911 Turbo of the 650 easily out-dragged Honda’s smaller , show. 70s. All four brands eventually dropped 500 cc turbo in the next photo. Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 49 8

10. Honda CX500TC—This is my baby, purchased ten years ago from a Hon- da dealer in Philly, who had garaged it 9 since new. Not quite as fast as the larger competitors, but with many tech break- throughs like TRAC front-end, Pro-link rear, computer-controlled ignition and fuel injection, and a 51mm turbine that whines up to 200K RPM (That’s not a typo: 200,000 RPM!). Honda upped the displacement to 650 ccs in 1983 to keep up with the larger competitors, but , dropped the 82’s stunning Pearlescent White paint and gold Comstar wheels. This 500 runs plenty fast for me—I got my first speeding ticket on a motorcy- 8. Two Turbos cle in over forty years on this beauty just 9. Yamaha Seca Turbo last winter. The cop asked me a lot of 10 10. Honda CX500TC questions about it before writing me up 11. Honda CB “F”s brutally.

11. Honda CB “F”s—The most visually stunning display in the Japanese section, and probably the whole show, had to be these three Honda CB “F”s, all owned by Steve Carpenter from near Amarillo, Texas. Steve and his wife, Patti, trailered this trio all the way from their home in Texas, then drove them from a camp- ground to the show, so they are drivers, not “trailer queens.” Honda made them , , from the late 70s through early 80s as successors to the CB750 that rocked the Brit-dominated bike world in 1969. Steve was kind enough to provide de- scriptions and origins of each: 11

• CB900F—“I saw this 1981 CB900F for and would not stay running, which it once and then a year later I bought it sale on Craigslist in Littleton, Colorado, made me a bit skeptical, but it was too back” about six years ago and knew that I had pretty to leave it. After a carb clean and to have it, so I talked my wife into a road setting the valves, she sprang to life. I • CB1100F—“I got this 1983 CB1100F trip to go see it. The owner fired it up, did add late model CBR coils, but all else from an ad response that I ran in this and I noticed that it was running rough is stock. Probably my favorite bike. Sold magazine last year looking for an 1100. 50 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 A very nice gentleman here in Texas called me and said that he had what I was looking for in his garage. It was not running, and he wanted to go a different direction. He wanted to come and see my small bike collection and would bring the bike when he came (a 400 mile one-way trip). He did, and I bought it on the spot. It needed a battery, cables cleaned, and the starter clutch bolts re- 12 torqued. It cleaned up very nicely and 12. Best in Show is also stock, right down to the original pipes that are still in fine condition.” custom, modified bikes, but there is just interest the CB-Fs had during the show. something about a machine that is just It was a very good time. I also really en- • CB750F—“I found this 1980 CB750F the way it left the showroom floor thirty joyed visiting and reminiscing about old on Craigslist in Pueblo, Colorado. It was years earlier.” bikes with you and Steve Marino. We a barn find that only had 2000 miles, but are looking forward to next year.” was very grimy and rough. The previous 12. Best In Show—Steve deservingly I couldn’t have summed up the show owner got it running, so all my work won the Best In Show award for these better than Steve’s quote. If you remem- was cosmetic. I wet-sanded the side cov- three “F” beauties. To quote Steve again: ber the last few years’ articles about the ers and tail section and then cleared it “Patti and I had a great time at the Motorado, we had nine Honda CBXs at with a “rattle” spray can. It turned out show. I have to admit winning Best of the show last year, and the year before decent, considering how I did it myself. Show was icing on the cake. Everyone that a line-up of every Honda four-cyl- New tires replaced the original rotted was very friendly and made us feel very inder, from a 350 to 1100. What will we ones. This one is also stock—I do like welcome. It was unbelievable how much come up with next year? Stay tuned… l

Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 51

ADVERTISER’S SPOTLIGHT Yamiya750.com by Bryan Bentley, Display Ad Director / [email protected]

ore than twenty years ago, Kat- Msuya Oe recognized that his passion for the Honda CB750 four could become a business. He began by restoring a few bikes and quickly became aware that many of the parts he needed were no longer available. Exhaust was one of the first problems, as it seems to be with most vintage Japanese motorcycles. The solution—just build them himself. These exhaust sets quickly became a hit. The next area was body parts. Gas tanks were no longer available, and if you could find a nice one, the prices were out of control due to demand. Again, the solution was to build them himself because even the side covers he found were brittle and broke easily. Of course, the demand for these parts was much more than his own restoration business, and the company soon became Yamiya750.com, which ships parts all over the world. Yamiya750.com is also a Honda dealer in Japan and has access to any part that remains in Hon- da’s inventory. As Honda’s inventory of parts continues to dwindle for not just the 750 four, but also other models, the number of parts the company reproduc- es continues to grow. The company has recently expanded to include the Honda CB400 four. Following the same path as they have with the 750 four, they have begun reproducing body kits and sup- and side covers for $1174.23, including ABO VE: Inside the plying NOS parts for these bikes. postage. Or I can buy the entire body Yamiya750 shop One thing that I have heard many times kit, which includes the fork ears and was that by the time you paid shipping, headlamp bucket for only $188 more. take me long to determine the best buy. parts from Japan were just too expen- For comparison: there was an eBay ad I will soon be ordering the painted body sive. This led me to do some research for a repainted (used) tank and side set and other parts from a longtime sup- regarding parts I need for my 1975 K5. cover set for $1255.00, including post- porter of our club—Yamiya750.com. l Although the bike has very low mile- age. You could also order the kit from age (less than 6000), the tank is badly Yamiya unpainted and have your paint- contact info faded, contains some rust, and the side er paint it your favorite color for only Y amiya750.com covers are brittle. As I was writing this, $824.81. These prices were in effect the Nogoya/ Japan I checked, and Yamiya750.com has the day of the article. All of the prices can 81-52-452-7230 [email protected] body set that I need for my K5, painted change due to currency changes. Always www.yamiya750.com the correct blue, and includes the tank check the prices on the website. It didn’t Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 53

tech help Tech Tip #16: Sellers’ Terms by Jim Townsend / [email protected] & Ellis Holman / [email protected]

hen looking for a new project one Like New Wcan often hear euphoric, euphe- Like new in the same way dinosaur mistic terms used to describe a motor- bones are—petrified. cycle up for sale. The seller often uses these terms in somewhat creative ways. Barn Find We’ve pulled together some of those A vintage bike that the owner claims he terms here and in a tongue and cheek found in a barn, rusting away. He claims manner added a fuller description so to have bought it for $200 from the old that you can better understand them. lady who owned the barn; in actuality he bought it on eBay for thousands of Ran when Parked dollars. It’s been sitting in the field for quite a while. On closer examination the chain Dropped is rusted solid, and the bike won’t roll This term has multiple meanings from until it is cut off with bolt cutters. The “forgot to put the kickstand down” to tires have good tread, but the sidewalls “highsided going into Turn Four.” are so weather-checked that the cords are visible and you wonder if just roll- Frankenbike ing it will make them blow out. A quick A bike made of a bunch of parts from check into the gas tank reveals dried different motorcycles, which may or gas in the bottom and hard rust every- may not fit together, also known as a where. It seems the paint on the outside “bitsa.” is all that is holding it together. Hardly Ridden Rolling Chassis On the street, that is. Raced so hard This is another term used for frame and that the crank bearings are gone, the wheels. It is usually missing most of rods are bent, and the valve heads are in the really vital parts and can easily be the bottom of the crankcase, or on the restored only if you have a bushel bas- street, someplace. ket full of one hundred dollar bills. You might get it restored, if you are patient Barn Fresh and can wait three years to get all the That is to say, it was found at the bottom necessary parts. The alternate defini- of the barn when it collapsed as the re- TOP: tion of this is “junk.” mains of the barn were being hauled off. Ran when parked Also, found under a pigeon roost with CENTER: Just Needs Paint six inches of bird droppings on it, mouse Rolling chassis Of course, the metal underneath is near- nests in the exhaust pipes (I have found BOTTOM: ly non-existent. that a few times.), and dust a foot thick Basket case on everything. Engine Purrs like a Cat Only thing is, that cat died…twen- Bitsa ty years ago. Not only will you need a A bike with this term appended to it is a sledgehammer to get the pistons out of dream—nightmare, that is. The owner the bore, by the time you’re done, you’ll took all the bits they found lying about need a crank and rods, too. the shop and fitted them together with Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 55 welder, hammer, and chisel. Good luck figuring out what is what with this one.

Basket Case Really means wallet vacuum. It will leave your wallet flatter than the IRS at tax time with all the things it will need.

FREE Bike If someone offers you a free bike, RUN! It will cost you more money than the national debt to set right.

Hardly Run This can mean more than one thing, depending upon the region of the country. It may mean that the bike is on its last legs, as in hardly running. Or it may mean that the owner at some time in the past used the machine lightly and then let it stand, often in the middle of a field or maybe in the breeze- way, for the past forty years.

Rare Find They sold so few that production was stopped quickly, and there are so few of them left that parts are non-existent.

Need Money, Must Sacrifice Should be thrown into a volcano, it is such a piece of junk.

Original Paint This term is used on ancient barn finds that are total rust except for a few square inches of paint under the side covers or under the duct tape holding on the tail light. Used as an excuse for not painting a really horrible example of a motor- • NOT ENOUGH VINTAGE RIDES in your area? cycle. • NOT ENOUGH VINTAGE BIKE SHOWS in your area? • NOT ENOUGH VINTAGE TECHNICAL EVENTS in your area? NOS • MISSING OUT ON International Motorcycle Show participation and other major events in your area? Nasty Old Stock. Rustier than the part you have because of • MISSING OUT ON weekly or monthly improper storage. Rubber parts deteriorated from heat and “Vintage Bike Nights” in your area? sunlight exposure. Rock hard tires with or without weather • NOT SURE OF the VJMC members in your area or how many are missing the same things? checking.

YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU! Rare Part STEP UP AND BECOME A VJMC FIELD REPRESENTATIVE TODAY! I’m charging three times what you can buy it for at the dealer, and I hope you don’t find out.

Original Miles I disconnected the speedometer years ago, and I don’t know how many miles it really has. . org Factory Air Found in original tires and will often be used to convince the Our experienced team will provide you with membership listings and MENTORING to get you started. We’ll HELP you with that first invitation all the way unwary that the machine in question is “original” in all re- though planning and holding your member events. CONTACT any of our Directors spects. and let them know that you want more from your VJMC. One of our board members will answer your questions and start the process. www.vjmc.org/officers.shtml If you have a topic you want to see covered, just email us: [email protected] or [email protected]. l

56 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 events Events Corner

by Peter Slatcoff, Vice President, Events Coordinator / [email protected]

he month of October is one of the be available through the VJMC Square Tbusiest event months for the VJMC. Market at https://squareup.com/mar- UPCOMING EVENTS In some of the warmer areas we are ket/vjmc-na. There will be no tickets looking forward for the cooler riding available onsite. We expect the tickets to O ctober 7-8 temperatures. Many of you, however, sell out quickly, so please don’t wait un- Barber Vintage Festival Leeds, AL are trying to get that last ride in before til you arrive at Barbers. Last year they your bikes go into hibernation. But in sold out within ten days of the initial O ctober 13-16 the meantime we want to remind every- email offering them for sale. AIME xpo one of the Barber Vintage Festival. This Let us remind you that following the Orlando, FL event is the most well-attended by the Vintage Festival we head to Orlando, N OVEMBER 4-6 VJMC membership, and if you’ve ever Florida, for the premiere event of the Florida State Rally made it to the Vintage Festival you truly year—AIMExpo and the Retro Affair Location TBD understand why. vintage motorcycle show. Unlike other D Ecember The last couple of years on Saturday events, Retro Affair, in addition to their 17th Annual night at the festival VJMC hosts a ca- first class trophies, also includes mer- Florida VJMC Christmas Ride tered barbecue. This year will be no dif- chandise prizes for each award winner. Brooksville, FL ferent. The barbecue will take place at Each person entering a bike(s) in the the VJMC designated site. There will be show will receive two free passes to the ger and better than the previous one. one hundred tickets available online for event. To enter the Retro Affair show, For more information visit www.AIM- purchase. This is a members’ only ac- go to the following link. https://www. ExpoUSA.com. If you have any ques- tivity, and tickets will be limited to two regonline.com/retroaffairaimexpo2016. tions or need more information contact per member—no exceptions! They will This year’s AIMExpo will be even big- us at [email protected]. l

Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 57 Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Florida October 13-16, 2016

VJMC is part of an exclusive opportunity to participate in an unprecedented event. Our partnership with AIMExpo is so successful that VJMC’s role has been expanded to include host of the Retro Aﬀair.

Online Registration is now open. Registration will require the submission of a photograph of your motorcycle as part of the show entry application. For more information please contact [email protected].

Join us for consumer days on October 15-16 at AIMExpo 2016, as we welcome Kenny Roberts Jr. He will serve as the proverbial face of the event, a special distinction that he shares with his father (2013) as well as Hall of Fame inductees Kevin Schwantz (2014) and Malcolm Smith (2015). This is your opportunity to meet one of motorcycle racing’s greatest. Register For Retro Aﬀair https://www.regonline.com/retroaﬀairaimexpo2016 A “Vintage Japanese” motorcycle is 20 years old or older and, of course, CLASSIFIEDS Japanese. Please be aware that ads may/will be edited to conserve space. 12 lines of print will be free to club members. PLEASE NOTE: Please be aware of publication deadlines. For an upcoming issue, ads A ds will be run for one issue only. Please are due by the 20th of the month of the preceeding issue’s release. For example, ads for the December 2016/January 2017 issue are due October 20. resubmit via the VJMC website or email if If you have business related ads, please consider taking out a commercial you wish an ad to run longer. Also, contact our display ad. Contact Bryan Bentley ([email protected]) or me for details and rate information. Classified Ads Editor, Gary Gadd, if your post We can include color photos with your ad. Cost is a minimal $10 per pho- has been fulfilled, again via the VJMC website to per issue. Payment via Paypal is available on the VJMC website. For payment by personal check or money order, please address payment or email ([email protected]). This will help keep to “VJMC” and send to the address below. Photo ads will appear in the our classified ads as current as possible. magazine issue following payment. GAD RY GAD • 3721 HOLlaND ST. • FORT WORTH, TX • 76180 / 817.284.8195

MA vintage racing is so much 5 speed transmission. Steve fun- join us! Allen Siekman, 831- Schuler, 513-315-5784, Cincin- FOR SALE 566-3381, Ben Lomond, Califor- nati, Ohio, sscustomdesign@ 1975 Honda CB200T. 21,000 nia, [email protected] fuse.net miles. Excellent condition. Orig- inal color, tank and side covers are excellent. New tires, tubes, HONDA For Honda CB/CL/CA160, 175, battery, tune up. Gary Hesser, and S65, NOS and used parts. 510-714-4004, Fallbrook, Cali- 1953 Honda Cub F. 49cc bicy- Engine, frame carb parts. Ser- fornia, [email protected] cle engine, tank, and sprocket. vice and owner’s manuals. Engine turns freely, has most Leave message. Paul Enz, 321- of the mounting brackets and 268-5461, Titusville, Florida, related equipment. Tank is the [email protected] later, flat bottom unit, not the first-year round tank. Sprocket is a very accurate reproduction. 1965/69 Honda CB450. Com- Looks identical to the original plete, original Black Bomber. 1972 Honda CL350 K4. Totally but is stronger. $2000. Allen Owner for 25 years. Not run- restored. New NOS tank, new Siekman, 831-566-3381, Ben ning, Ohio title. Steve Schuler, mufflers, new rims. Like new. Lomond, California, allen51x@ 513-315-5784, Cincinnati, Ohio, Asking $2600.Paul McMain, [email protected] ebold.com 765-210-6006, Kokomo, Indi- 1975 Honda CB400F. Custom ana, [email protected] café style. Big bore kit, custom For Honda CB77, Yetman frame, 1966 Honda S90. Very good headers, many custom parts. tank, and seat. Roy Seem, 518- cosmetically and runs fine. All 1974 Honda CB450. Original Like new. See December 2012 643-8971, Plattsburgh, Pennsyl- stock except muffler; paint is gold tank and side covers. Runs VJMC magazine article for de- vania, [email protected] gray but not the original shade. good, new tire on front. Chrome tails. Asking $4200. Also 1967 Many parts recently replaced, in decent shape. Usual rebuild Benelli Mohave 360. Paul Mc- plus a newer top end. $1995. Main, 765-210-6006, Kokomo, 1965 Honda CB160. items include calipers, carbs, Converted Northeast Georgia, klr650nut@ etc. Clear Virginia title. $3000. Indiana, pmcmain@comcast. to AHRMA vintage road racer. yahoo.com Jim Cernoch, Annandale, Virgin- net Could be shifted back to a stock ia, [email protected] CB160 or converted to a cool 1975 Honda Gold Wing. little street legal café racer. Bike 1967 Honda CB77. Vintage rac- Ex- was put together by Craig Hag- er bored to 350cc. Has race cam, cellent condition. All original gart and raced in Oregon, Cali- worked head, enlarged intake paint and stock parts. Carbs fornia, and US. No title. Bored valves, bored carbs, lightened and brakes rebuilt. Inquiries and balanced crank, four lead- by phone only. Mark, 412-953- 2nd over size, almost new Kei- 6063 hin PE22 carbs. 18” DID alloy ing shoe brake, and Honda rac- , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania rims with Bridgestone racing ing seat. Also lots of other parts tires. Stock CB160 brakes. Rac- and a couple of engines and a ing seat and clubman bars, GSXR parts box. Take it all. $1000. Roy rearsets. Supertrapp mufflers, Seem, 518-643-8971, Platts- electronic ignition, constant loss burgh, Pennsylvania, hawk49@ battery system (all stock parts charter.net 1974 Honda CB450 K7. This is available). Bike worked well a one owner survivor in beau- last time it was raced. Comes 1967 Honda CL77 Scrambler. tiful, all original condition. It is with a spare rebuilt CB160 Good running condition. Miss- a classic DOHC twin. The paint, engine. Needs throttle cable, ing chain guard. $2500. Russ, chrome, seat, and engine are clutch cable, chain. Needs rear [email protected] all excellent. I have babied this brake conversion from cable to bike for 42 years. Always garage 1976 Honda CB750. Original rod completed. No tachometer kept, only 10,600 miles on it. and excellent restored con- mounted. I will be racing in Utah 1968 Honda CL450. Complete, $3500. For more info and pic- dition $7500. Fraser Renaud, the first weekend of September original, very good shape. Al- tures, contact me. Norm Grove, 949 322 6745, fraser.renaud@ and could bring it that far or ways indoors. Not running, have 704-608-0890, South Carolina, icloud.com drop it off along the way. AHR- owned for 10 years. First year [email protected] Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 59 classifieds

to see it parted out. John Mur- Kerker exhaust, K&N air filters, phy, 443-831-8298, Severna S&W shocks, rejetted carbs, Park, Maryland, jmurphy206@ and custom road race seat. All comcast.net stock parts included. Only serious offers, please. Michael Condon, 301-938-6139, Ashton, Maryland, Michael.condon@ comcast.net

1977 Honda CB400F. Well 1980 Kawasaki KZ1300. In cared for bike with 9905 miles. need of total restoration. En- 1968/81 Hondas. 50 Japanese All original except for rims and gine stuck. Plenty of good parts. bikes, mostly Hondas, $100 muffler. Family owned for 30 6-into-1 exhaust, rolls. Restore each or will part out. Includes years. Runs perfect and con- of for parts. Joe Berte, 978-760- 1978 Gold Wing engine, front dition is excellent. Jon Dean, 5042, Florida, jjberte73@gmail. wheel and fender, carb set and com 248-894-8909, Novi, Michi- 1987 Honda VFR700 F2. Pris- manifold, cooling fans, and gan, [email protected] other GW parts. Deal on whole tine, original condition, no dam- lot. Also 2 Yamaha Big Bear age except for very small blem- scramblers and Yam and Honda 1978 Honda XL350. 24 miles ishes that are not noteworthy. SUZUKI mopeds. Lots of seats and side since new. Original sales re- Perfect paint, new tires, recent- covers. For CB750, gas tanks. ceipt, owners manual, and tool ly rebuilt and cleaned carbs with 1983 Suzuki Tempter GR650 For Bridgestone, 100/150 seat, kit. The nubs are still on the all O-rings replaced, K&N air Twin. Showroom condition. very nice, $100. Dream and Su- tires. See pictures at https:// filter. Starts and runs fantastic. Cherry red, 7200 original per Hawk frames with attached hondaxl350.shutterfly.com/. 10k miles. Top speed is around miles, all original parts, runs fenders, electrics, wheels, etc. Asking $6500. Mike Jamison, 145 mph. Asking $4500. See strong. Only sold in the USA 1965 Honda Dream engine, 423-836-6722, Knoxville, Ten- on Youtube at: https://www. in 1983/84 making this a rare 150 cc, $100. Ask for prices. nessee, [email protected] youtube.com/watch?v-RQ1X- collector bike. $3350. Ted Make offer on the whole lot. iX4cBMA. John Glidewell, 850- Cowling, 330-329-8354, Akron, 499-9117, Shalimar, Florida, Ken Krauer, 845-266-3363, Salt Ohio, [email protected] Point, New York, joankrauer@ [email protected] yahoo.com 1995 Honda VRX400 Roadster. YAMAHA Full documented restoration WANTED costing nearly $5000 in parts and professional services. Very 1984 & ‘86 Yamaha Venture rare bike in the UK, in as-new Royale. 1986 Venture Royale HONDA running order and better than 1300cc bike is loaded with head- set hookup, speakers, etc. 1984 new condition. Completely orig- Honda ME/SA/SB Dream. inal apart from the immaculate is a Venture Royale 1200cc, Pre- 1978 Honda CB550K. Very nice needs some minor fairing work. fer a running bike. Seller must bike, original exhaust in excel- candy apple orange paint work. Runs great as you’d expect. Both bikes need carb work. Will ship. Good price paid. David lent condition. Uncracked side sell as a set for $800 or individ- Livingstone, Redcar, UK, east- covers, undented tank, new MOT due in Spring 2017. Will [email protected] come with workshop manual, ually at $500 for the 1300 and tires. Runs great. 6983 miles, $400 for the 1200, negotiable. kept in my hangar. $2850 obo. spares, and all the contact details, photos, videos, documen- Carolyn, 814-421-6014, Florida, Mike, 904-402-2774, Atlantic [email protected] 1959/64 Honda CB92. Any con- Beach, Florida, r985mike@ tation, and paperwork. Need dition, for restoration. Good yahoo.com to sell to fund my next project. price paid. Steve Pearl, 619- Genuine enquires only, please. 843-6393, San Diego, California, Neville Pugh, 07891613826, misc. FOR SALE [email protected] Midlands, UK, near Hinkley, [email protected] Keys for Honda and Yamaha. 1972 Honda Z50 K3. Contact me via email for a list Looking for of keys and other items I have. excellent original bike in Candy KAAWAS KI Keys are $12 with free shipping. Gold color. Would like to find an Joe Lachniet, joe@lachniet. original paint bike. Sean Mor- com phew, 562-698-7484, Whittier, California, vintage1948house@ yahoo.com

1984 Honda Night Hawk S CB- For 1976 Honda GL1000 LTD, 700SC. Original owner. Have ti- looking for a solid OEM ex- tle. Bike is in great shape visually haust. Preferably with brackets, but hasn’t run in 5+ years. I left heat shields, and chrome tips. gas in it and assume the prob- No welds or holes, just solid lem is bummed up carbs. Ap- 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000. An ex- metal. Lon Blauvelt, 248-346- proximately 16k miles. Would cellent and complete example 3700, Davisburg, Michigan, like it to go to someone inter- of Kawasaki’s limited produc- [email protected] ested in restoring it. Don’t want tion “café racer” superbike.

60 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

For 1970-72 Yamaha XS650, ADVERTISERS APPEARING IN THIS ISSUE: KAAWAS KI looking for a like-new spee- do and tach. Send photos, Acme Zoom (Mule Pack Panniers)...... 27 1961/66 Kawasaki Pet B53 or if possible. Randy, 920-819- M5. Seeking this step-thru mod- 1133, Appleton, Wisconsin, AHRMA...... 19 el from the early 60s. Usually [email protected] Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum...... maroon/cranberry color with 10 grey leg shields. Complete non- Buchanan’s Spoke and Rim...... 12 runners OK. Tom, 770-427-4820, Atlanta, Georgia, tomkolenko@ MISC . WANTED Buzzzzz Rag...... 26 gmail.com Dealer Memorabilia. Collector CMSNL...... 64 For 1967 Kawasaki J1TL 85cc, seeks 1950’s-1980’s Japanese Charlie’s Place...... 19 looking for left side cover. dealership items including ban- Covers the battery. 1965-68 ners, signs, ashtrays, lighters, Cycle House Performance...... 37 J1 models use the same cov- hats, clocks, promos, etc. Rare, er. Tom Bollinger, 480-258- weird, and old is good. Tom Ko- David Silver Spares...... 63 lenko, 770-427-4820, Atlanta, 2872, Tempe, Arizona, tom@ Diamond Gusset Company...... 26 bollingeratelier.com Georgia Festivals of Speed...... 4 For Kawasaki F9 Big Horn Honda CBX 1000cc 6-cyl mem- Gasolina Boots...... 51 350cc, looking for expansion orabilia for museum and the chamber. Prefer upswept af- CBX book I am presently writ- Hagon Shocks...... 18 termarket chamber, Bassani or ing. Any brochures, adverts, similar. Down-swept chamber posters, owner’s manual, Honda Restoration...... 11 would be my second preference. workshop manual, set-up man- Wayne Parducci, 334-201-4811, ual, toys/models, old photos, JDV Products/Vessel...... 17 [email protected] etc. related to the 1979-1972 CBX. Also period aftermar- Jess Bikes...... 51 ket fairings/bodywork. Let Johnny’s Vintage Motorcycles...... 19 me know what you have and YAMAHA how much you need! Thanks. KSM-Hagerty...... 44 Ian, 626-444-9358, California, [email protected] l LeMay America’s Car Museum...... 57 Marbles Motors...... 27 Hey members! MikeXS, Inc...... 31 Tell us YOUR story! Motorcycle Yamiya 750...... 52 The best way this magazine can accurately reflect what Moto-Services...... 16 our members are up to is if you tell us what you’re doing! National Motorcycle Museum...... 9 The VJMC magazine is only possible through member interaction, and we’ll pay you for it! We pay $100 for feature stories Nor’Easter Blastworx...... 22 (typically at least two full pages with four or more photos). NOS Parts Now...... 42 If your story is selected for publication, you will receive extra Paul Miller Motorcycles...... 43 copies of the issue in which it appears. Precision Motorcycle Painting...... 42 Send your stories and high res photos to: [email protected] Rick’s Motorsport Electrics, Inc...... 8 RJ Cycle...... 11 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Schmitt Mulhern, LLC...... 6 TEXT: • .pdf, .rtf or .doc file formats • include your byline, photocaptions, and credit for the photographer Spacecoast Plating...... 37 PHOTOS: • high-resolution color pictures (300dpi) Speed and Sport Yamaha...... • typical file size of a .jpg will be at least 500kb 24 • 1mb - 3mb per image is preferred Vapor Honing Technologies...... 46-47 Vintage Suspension (Race Tech)...... 56 Western Hills Honda...... 43 Workshop Hero...... 2 Yamaha Powersports Division...... 54 Vig nta e Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 61 VJMC REGALIA ORDER FORM

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