Volume 38 / Number 3 JUNE / JULY 2017 • $5

2017

Bike Show & Swap Meet

WHAT’S INSIDE: Yahaha TD4 Western Nebraska Motorcycle Show The Craigslist Lottery Emblem & Badge Refurbishment official publication of the vintage japanese motorcycle club of north america, inc.

IN THIS ISSUE Features EVENTS: Western Nebraska Motorcycle Show 6 COVER STORY MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION: CB50v Flip Cap Mod 2017 Destination Eustis 9 Bike Show & Swap Meet ...... 40 PROJECT BIKE: Yamaha TD4 16 EVENTS: Macau Grand Prix 50th Anniversary 18 ODDS & ENDS: Departments Affliction Condition, Part 1 PRESIDENT’S LETTER: 21 40 Summers of Fun...... 5 PROJECT BIKE: BACK IN THE DAY: Suzuki Epilogue Richard Blue...... 10 30 FROM THE EDITOR: Commmunicating with Your Active Club...... 11 MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION: CUSTOM CONNECTION: Cleaning a Motorcycle 35 Tank with Electrolysis Take a Walk on the Mild Side...... 12 FEATURED BIKE: ODDS & ENDS: ...... The Craigslist Lottery 1975 Honda CB500T Street Tracker 15 ADVERTISER’S SPOTLIGHT: 37 Vapor Honing Technologies...... 58 PROJECT BIKE: Wes Cooley Replica EVENTS CORNER...... 59 44 CLASSIFIEDS...... 60 EVENTS: ADVERTISERS’ INDEX...... 61 Ironclad Art: The Motorcycle 46

Volume 38 / Number 3 PROJECT BIKE: JUNE / JULY 2017 • $5 Ninjago Rebuild On the Cover Celia Willliams 2017 with her award- 49 Bike Show & Swap Meet winning Fujis. MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION:

Emblem & Badge WHAT’S INSIDE: Yahaha TD 4 Background Western Nebraska Motorcycle Show Refurbishment The Craigslist Lottery cover photo: Emblem & Badge Refurbishment 57 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. Mike Fitterling

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 3

PRESIDENT’S LETTER 40 Summers of Fun Official Publication of the VJMC t’s riding time in all of North America. Our Yankee and Canadi- JUNE / JULY 2017 Ian members are now back on the road, while the rest of us have Volume 38, Number 3 switched to summer riding gear to cope with baking heat. Hope- PRESIDENT fully, you’re riding to one of the many events that make a VJMC Tom Kolenko summer so much fun. Rallies, Mid-Ohio, AIMExpo, and Barber 770-427-4820 Vintage Festival will celebrate our fortieth birthday in style. Join [email protected] in the fun times and make plans to bring friends and family along. EDITOR Making new friends and renewing old relationships is what it’s all Michael Fitterling 863-632-1981 about. [email protected] What has the VJMC learned in these four decades to help it survive and thrive? First DESIGN DIRECTOR and foremost, we must always focus on what’s important to our members. You have Nadine G. Messier told us in surveys that the priorities are the magazine, website, and events, in that [email protected] order. Some members have never attended a VJMC event but find that our amazing CLASSIFIED ADS magazine and website are great resources to support their vintage motorcycle passion. Gary Gadd Second, we need to nurture and support our selfless volunteers who share their tal- 817-284-8195 ents and resources. VJMC leadership always tries to select and develop solid team play- [email protected] ers that share in this commitment. Our current BoD members, Field Representatives, MAGAZINE DISPLAY and inspired members who give freely of their time and talents are great role models. ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bryan Bentley These are all volunteers who work nights and weekends to address club needs, often 864-923-0559 while holding down demanding day jobs. Great volunteers are hard to find and will [email protected] always be the core of this club. MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Third, we have to be good stewards of our limited resources. We haven’t raised dues Bill Granade in more than a decade, yet insurance, printing, mailing, and regalia costs continue to 813-961-3737 rise. The BoD has leveraged and developed partnerships with key players like Yamaha [email protected] Motor Corporation, AMA-Vintage Days, Barber Motorsports Museum, Hagerty In- CHANGE OF ADDRESS surance, and many local supporters of our mission. Part of this stewardship challenge Please direct these requests to Bill Granade: is saying “no” to requests to appear at expensive venues and fancy shows where hefty [email protected] ticket prices would keep our members from attending. We don’t supply hundreds of 13309 Moran Drive, Tampa, FL 33618 free goodies to pass out at events. This BoD always tries to negotiate discounts and Membership check renewals: 1 year - $30 / 2 years - $55 / 3 years - $80 seeks multiple bids on all services. We know these are still tough times for many mem- Outside North America: 1 year - $50 bers, and we respect your dues contributions. ADDITIONAL COPIES If we remember these three basics, the VJMC should be healthy and around for the In order to minimize unnecessary expens- fiftieth anniversary. Adding to our leadership bench are two new Field Representatives: es to the club, VJMC prints a limited number Canadian Andy Dixon and J.R. Luksik in Michigan. Welcome guys! We are always of each issue of Vintage Japanese Motorcy- cle Magazine. However, we would be glad to looking for members who wish to step up and create fun for members in their area. accommodate any requests for additional copies Log in to the website and read our Field Representative Guidelines and, if interested, from members. contact Sean Carrigan (859-391-8736) for greater details on becoming a Field Rep. These requests must be submitted before the The updated website is still being tuned up and improved. A key goal of the website 15th of the month preceding each issue. For ex- upgrade was to make it more self-directed for events, calendar, classifieds, etc., where ample: for the August/September issue requests must be received by July 15. folks can enter their info directly into the site. Webmaster Pete Slatcoff advises that the best way to get his help is to fill out a trouble ticket under the “Help” menu, which MISSION STATEMENT: The purpose of this organization is to promote doesn’t even require you to be logged in to use. the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of Our magazine’s editor, Mike Fitterling, is always seeking great articles of interest to vintage Japanese motorcycles (defined here as our members. We do not have paid writers and correspondents on staff. All maga- those 20 years old or older). The VJMC also will promote the sport of motorcycling and camera- zine content is member-generated. High quality photos are always needed, especially derie of motorcyclists everywhere. for cover stories. He tries to balance the mix of events, restorations, rides, product © 2016 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of reviews, etc. in each issue, but he needs your submissions. Consider becoming a pub- North America, an IRS-approved Not-for-prof- lished author by sharing your expertise and experiences. it 501(c)(7) corporation. All rights reserved. Kudos to Field Reps Brendan Durrett (CA) for the Death Valley Ride; Don Stockett No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted without permission. All articles (CA) for the Sayonara Ride; Ellis Holman (IN), Sean Carrigan (KY), and Jim Townsend copyright by their respective authors. (IN ) for Mid-Ohio Vintage Days; and the Klemm brothers in AZ for the Route 66 Tid- Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine is pub- dler Ride. Ideas and actions make the good times happen in the VJMC, and thanks to lished six times per year, in February, April, June, your efforts fun got multiplied. I hope to see and ride with many of you at the National August, October, and December. The views and Rally in Pigeon Forge and other VJMC events. opinions expressed in letters or other content are those of the author and do not necessarily Ride safe and often, represent VJMC policy. The VJMC accepts no lia- bility for any loss, damage, or claims occurring as Tom Kolenko a result of advice given in this publication or for claims made by advertisers of products or ser- VJMC President vices in this publication. [email protected] Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 5 6 JUNE / JULY 2017 events Western Nebraska Vintage Motorcycle Show by Brandon Davenport / [email protected] photos by Brenda Suhr

o tell the truth, here in western Ne- swaths of oranges, purples, and pinks Tbraska we’re spoiled when it comes to are like brushstrokes on an uninterrupt- motorcycling. It’s a little hard to believe ed canvas as the sun begins to set. And when you look outside and see the af- don’t get me started on what it’s like to termath of a winter storm that dropped watch the dark clouds of a distant thun- over a foot of snow on the prairie, and derstorm, like towering monoliths roll- you know that it could snow again even ing over plains from miles away. into May. But really, two weeks ago, in On days when I can, getting off the as- the middle of February, it was T-shirt phalt and onto the sprawling network of weather, and many of us found our way dirt roads in the early evening is my fa- back onto our bikes. vorite way to enjoy a ride. The landscape That’s a special treat for those of us and the solitude create a sort of melding, in regions that experience all four sea- not just between man and machine, but sons. To be honest, even though here in between man, machine, nature, and the Scottsbluff, Nebraska, we enjoy the snow past, as well. As lovers of motorcycles, ples and the US Government. If north is in winter, thunderstorms in spring, and I believe we’re deeply attracted to the your preferred direction, Fort Robinson the sweltering heat of the summer, the sense of adventure they offer, an aspect can be found an hour-and-a-half’s ride comfortable riding season is relatively that meshes so well with the sense of from Scottsbluff and provides a look long. And anyway, those days of inclem- adventure naturally present within the into what life as a US Cavalry solider on ent weather lend themselves well to tin- local landscape and its history. I often the frontier of the West was like. kering on our old bikes. wonder if that combination is one of the To be nestled into an area that pro- We’re spoiled in other ways, as well. forces behind the strength of the local vides such great and often low-traffic There’s a real beauty to the landscape vintage motorcycle community; that as- riding destinations is a real blessing, here that’s particularly special, because pect of adventure married with the past. and considering that a major US city, it makes you work to appreciate it. It’s a When our history books speak of the Denver, Colorado, is a mere three hours beauty that’s not as obvious as a moun- Old West, of pioneers seeking their southwest, and motorcycling mecca St- tain vista or an ocean view. Ostensibly, Manifest Destiny, of outlaws and great urgis is a little under four hours to our it’s bland, flat, monotone. But among Native American chiefs, our backyard north, Scottsbluff’s a pretty good place the long stretches of sparsely-populat- provided the setting and to this day pro- to be for a lover of motorcycles. ed road and on two wheels, where you vides fantastic ride destinations. Great But I’m gushing here, and digressing can really soak in your surroundings, pioneer landmarks like Chimney Rock from the reason I even began writing, you get the sense that on a deeper lev- and Scott’s Bluff are found, and near- which is to tell you good folks what a el it’s none of those things. The horizon by you can still see the ruts carved by wonderful time we all had this past Au- is long and meandering, and where low wagons on the Oregon, Mormon, and gust at the Western Nebraska Vintage rolling hills or rare bluffs interrupt it, California Trails leading west. Just Motorcycle Show and to convey how you appreciate the contrast. You begin southwest of town are the remains of spoiled we are to be able to put on such to notice that rebelling against the tan Rubidoux Trading Post, which served a great event not just for our local com- and browns of the dirt and prairie grass early fur-traders and missionaries trav- munity, but for those from beyond our is a surprising amount of green, and eling through the area. borders as well. This past year was the where the yellows and purples of wild- A ten-minute ride to the west of third instance of the show and again flowers peek through, they’re all the bet- Scottsbluff will lead you to the site of saw over 150 vintage motorcycles of all ter for the rarity. And the sky—looming the signing of the Horse Creek Treaty, makes and models, along with a num- and endless—the best way to enjoy it is one of the most historically significant ber of vendors at the swap meet. The to take a ride in the early evening when treaties signed between the Native Peo- weather was amazing, the people were Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 7 even better, and we were thrilled to be members to attend this year’s show on We hope that by moving the show to graced by the presence of some great Sunday, August 20th, 2017, our first time that Sunday, instead of the Saturday out-of-state exhibitors like Lyle Penner as a VJMC-sanctioned event. We are ex- before when it would normally occur, and the trio of stunning Hondas he pecting record high attendance this year attendees will be able to make a long brought. due to us being spoiled once again for weekend of it, enjoying the amazing his- While the show’s primary purpose an unlikely, and certainly rare, reason. tory and great rides our community has is to allow those of us who organize it If you bless us with your presence that to offer, a great day of vintage motor- a chance to share our love of vintage Sunday, not only will you be able to view cycles, and the ability to cap it off with motorcycles, we take advantage of it as a lot of great vintage bikes and share in the chance to witness what for most is a an opportunity to do good within our the company of a lot of good people, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. community. We’ve never charged a fee if you stick around until the following For information regarding the show to show bikes and, instead, ask that each Monday, Scottsbluff will be right smack and registration or for any questions you exhibitor donate $20 toward our chosen dab in the path of totality for the 2017 might have, please visit our website west- charity, which again was our local Hu- total solar eclipse occurring that day. ernnebraskavintagemotocycleshow. mane Society. Between our sponsors, Anyone not within the path won’t have com or reach out to westernnebraska- our exhibitors, raffles, giveaways, and the opportunity to witness totality, and [email protected] or by telephone to direct sponsor donations, over $4000 we’re definitely excited that such a stellar Jim Neuwirth at 308-225-1967, or even went directly to the Humane Society. event is occurring in such close proxim- by checking us out on Facebook. We We’re extremely spoiled that all of the ity to our scheduled show. If you’d like hope to bring in exhibitors and amazing operating costs for the show are pro- to know more about the eclipse, head on vintage bikes from all over the nation, vided for by in-kind donations of both over to http://2017nebraskaeclipse.com and if you have questions or need assis- time and services from local communi- for more information and then to www. tance with travel or accommodations, ty members and fellow lovers of vintage greatamericaneclipse.com/splendor for please don’t hesitate to contact us. As al- motorcycles, which speaks to the quali- a couple of videos and more informa- ways, entry to the show is free, but we do ty of people we’re affiliated with. tion on what you can expect to experi- ask exhibitors to please donate $20 per We hope for, and invite, all VJMC ence with us in the path of totality. exhibitor to our local charity. l

8 JUNE / JULY 2017 MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION CB50v Flip Cap Mod by Ellis Holman, Director / [email protected]

ot long after I brought my Honda CB50v home from Barber Vintage Fest in N2015, I found myself asking the question, “How do I get a flip up gas cap with- out welding on an adapter?” I spent some time on various sites and found that oth- ers had asked that same question and had produced an answer. Unfortunately for me, those solutions were in Japan, and their asking price was nearly four hundred dollars. That was a bit too pricey for me, but it at least confirmed that it was possible to do what I wanted to do. I researched Monza-style caps and found that British American Transfer (BAT) in Sarasota, Florida, sold a number of different styles and adapters to suit. A business trip to Sarasota gave me the opportunity to spend some time with the good folks at BAT. I explained what I was looking for, and they took me out into the warehouse and spent some time with me to find the cap that most closely resembled the CR110 cap. They also provided me with an adapter. The adapter threaded into the cap and had a flange that would normally be used to secure the adapter to bodywork. The parts I ended up with were: Monza Cap, 2.5” x 16 TPI Polished Aluminum, stock # MON25 Threaded Flange for 2.5” Cap, Anodized Aluminum, (2.5” x 16 TPI / 6 hole x 76mm), stock #FLAA25 After a lot of measuring, I worked up a fully-dimensioned drawing that I could use to make the fuel tank adapter from. One of the keys to making this work was the 3 mm stainless steel roll-pin. The use of that roll-pin obviated the need for some complex machine work to produce a tang that would lock the cap into the tank. Essentially, I was creating a gas cap with a hole through it. Which brought up two more questions. How big of a hole was needed to allow the gas pump nozzle to enter the adapter? Would there be enough room in the adapter for the nozzle to pass and still retain mechanical strength? More research told me that an unleaded fuel nozzle by standard can be no larger than 0.85 inch in diameter. A 22 mm/0.87 inch hole would allow the nozzle to be inserted into the adapter. That would allow enough metal to remain in the adapter, given the outer diameter limit of the adapter, so as to retain structural strength. An ideal starting point for this would have been a bar of 2 1/8 inch 6061 alumi- num. Unfortunately for me, that wasn’t a standard size at my metal supplier. I ended up with 2 1/4 inch bar stock. To get down to the adapter’s 31 mm/1.22 in. there was a lot of waste, but then this wasn’t a production line, so I wasn’t too fussed about the swarf that ended up on the floor. You may have noticed looking at the drawing that the locking tangs, or roll-pin in this case, are not sprung. In many gas caps, the locking tangs are sprung to maintain a tension to help keep the cap sealed. In this cap there was no space to place springs. I got around this by placing the “tangs” in such a way as to cause the rubber gasket to compress and serve the same function as if the tangs were sprung. This gave a solid seal and prevented the cap from moving. In use, since the roll- pin prevents the fuel nozzle from being far enough into the tank to activate the automatic shutoff, care must be taken when filling the tank. You can also remove the cap and fill the tank in the normal way, without benefit of the cap. Either way, filling the tank slowly is recommended so that fuel doesn’t spill out onto the tank’s painted surfaces. l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 9 BACK IN THE DAY

by Richard Blue / [email protected]

ack in the day, 1965. Three mem- Bbers of the exclusive Bayport Cy- cle Club , showing different styles of “How to do a Wheelie with the San Jacinto Monument” as a backdrop. Bill Wainscot’s brand new 1965 Hon- da S65, probably less than 300 miles on it, Neil Trigg’s 1964 Honda 50 SS, with my 50cc Tohatsu Runpet Sport at home with a bad rod bearing. Saw a Cycle World magazine last week with a kid named Sammy Tanner spinning a circle with his Tohatsu. If he could do it, so could I on a borrowed CA110. We rode ,em hard and, sometimes, put ,em away wet. The Runpet Sport had just blown the doors off the two aforementioned bikes on a top end run, with me laying “flat out” “Rollie Free” style, on a deserted part of long blacktop. 1963 Tohatsu Runpet Sport sported 6.8 HP at about a zillion rpm with my less than 100 lb. (at that time) frame on it. 60 mph was FAST for a kid “Back in the Day.” Cushman’s? Not a chance, even if they had moth- balls in the gas tank! l

10 JUNE / JULY 2017 FROM THE EDITOR Communicating with Your Active Club by Michael Fitterling / [email protected]

often get emails or phone calls from share them with the rest of the Club. If your query goes Imembers requesting extra copies of And for those of you who do not see the magazine or wanting to add a clas- something close to home, why not step directly to the correct sified ad or asking for an event ad to be up and become a Field Rep and make person in the first place, added to the next issue or other things them happen in your area? Sean Car- I am not involved in directly. The prob- rigan, our Field Rep Director, stands you will get your lem is I do not have the information to ready to help. Email him at scarvjmc@ answers more quickly. help with those questions so must for- gmail.com. l ward them on to another person. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t mind doing that CONTACT CHEAT SHEET and helping out fellow members, but if your query goes directly to the correct Any articles and photos, and captions that go with them, should be directed person in the first place, you will get to me. Articles are best submitted in Word (or other word-processing files) your answers more quickly and with without formatting. PDFs can be used, but they present a lot of work compared more authority than I can provide my- to using a plain Word file. Any formatting you do in either format will be lost self. So, I thought it fitting this issue to anyway when your article is published. Photos should be high resolution (a use this column to do a list of who to minimum of 3888 x 2592 pixels is best) and sent as attachments to email and contact for which questions or requests. not added within the article. Captions help a lot to make your stories more I hope this list helps get your ques- interesting, too, and can be added at the end of the article. If you don’t sup- tions answered more quickly. If you ply them, there won’t be any. My email is [email protected], and I welcome can’t find this article and need to know your calls if you have any questions: 863-632-1981 (remember, I am on Eastern who to contact, you can also look at our Standard Time or sometimes am out on my bike riding or at events). masthead on page five of every issue for most of these contacts. Extra copies of magazine issues, trouble receiving the magazine, and/or And here is where the “Active” comes change of address or other updated membership information: in. As I’ve mentioned before in this col- Bill Granade, Membership Director, [email protected] or call 813-961- umn, members sometimes think that 3737. You can also mail Bill at: 13309 Moran Drive, Tampa, FL 33618. most events are being held in only two or three parts of the country. What Classified ads: happens is often I am not sent any ar- Add on the website using the form provided or send to Gary Gadd at euler- ticles on events that have been held, [email protected] or call him at 817-284-8195. and that may give the impression that your club is not active, or at least not Commercial ads should go to: active in your region. I was just looking Bryan Bentley, Display Advertising Director, [email protected] or call him over the Field Rep list of events being at 864-923-0559. planned for 2017 and there are around forty events listed in all parts of North Field Reps or those wanting to become Field Reps should contact: America. Here’s a quick list of where Sean Carrigan, Field Representative Director: [email protected]. Also, the VJMC will be involved in events: Field Reps wanting to send out email blasts to groups of members should con- In Canada: AB, QC, and in the US: tact Bob Kelly, Communications Director: [email protected]. AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, Any requests or submissions of event ads should go to: OH, SC, SD, TX, VA, WI. I hope this Peter Slatcoff, National Event Coordinator: [email protected]. Vintage Japa- dispels the myth and encourages those nese Motorcycle Magazine only publishes ads for national and major regional attending or organizing these events to events or any event ads submitted by Peter. send in an article and photos so I may Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 11 LEFT: This extraordinary CBX, featuring some nice custom touches, was one of the crowd favorites at the Destination Eustis Show in March this year. The 6-into-1 exhaust and aftermarket seat being among the non-stock features on this beauty.

RIGHT: I spotted this super clean Yamaha RD350 at the Riding into History show a couple of years ago. A great exam- ple of a vintage motorcycle that retains its factory look while adding some tasteful performance touches.

LEFT: OPPOSITE PAGE: My own 1975 CB550F, built A gorgeous CB400F built by as a tribute to the ’60s’ TTR400 in South Africa. They Honda CL Scramblers. Alloy specialize in restorations, wheels, scrambler handle- but also build bikes to suit a bars, and the traditional customer’s particular taste, as paint scheme are among evidenced by this black Super the small changes that vary Sport. As a side note, they from stock. also machine some very nice aluminum custom parts for these bikes.

12 JUNE / JULY 2017 CUSTOM CONNECTION Take a Walk on the Mild Side by Toby Jones / [email protected]

here will always be a debate be- Ttween those that choose to mod- ify vintage motorcycles and purists who believe total originality should be maintained at all cost. Like opposing LEFT: political parties, we expound the vir- I came across this CB400F tues of our chosen side and condemn Honda at the Barber Vin- tage Festival last year in the the opposition’s point of view. This paddock ready for a few laps same argument takes place among vin- around the track. Unfortu- nately, I didn’t get a chance tage automotive hobbyists and most to talk to the owner, but from likely any other antique hobbies where the look of it, performance there is a choice between preserving was definitely on his mind. total originality and changing some- thing for personal taste. Since the in- ception of this column, it has never been my intention to take either side of this debate. I remain permanently “on the fence” in this matter. While I really enjoy looking at those wonderful old bikes restored to their showroom glory and appreciate the huge commitment that a first class restoration requires, I also get great pleasure from seeing one of those motorcycles tastefully modi- fied to suit the owner’s taste. If there is a “middle ground” in this issue, I stand firmly on it. For me, one of the best things about our hobby is being able to admire and ride different years/models of these great old bikes and getting to know their “personalities.” Each and every model has its own distinct character- istics in performance and design that set it apart from all others (something In its stock form it was a glorious sight, ignition with high performance yellow that is sadly missing in many modern with its bright red finish and race-in- plug wires. Whereas before the bike bikes). To customize certain mod- spired seat tail. At the time I thought was a glorious sight, now it was a glo- els beyond recognition is, to me, the it was the most beautiful motorcycle I rious sight with a distinctly purposeful equivalent of cutting the fins off of a ’57 had ever seen. A week later, the same look, and I thought it was even better Chevy. On the other hand, a ’57 Chevy friend stopped by my workplace on his looking than before. looks mighty sweet with chrome re- new Kawasaki, but it had a decidedly My point in all this is simple. It is pos- verse wheels. There are certain things more menacing growl to the exhaust sible to put together a vintage motorcy- that I feel can be changed without tak- and a subtly different look to its stance. cle that retains its factory designed styl- ing away from the model’s identity. Over that week my friend had installed ing and identity but, at the same time, As a young man I remember seeing a a new chrome Kerker 4-into-1 header, reflects the owner’s/builder’s taste and friend’s brand new KZ1000 Kawasaki. a set of lower handlebars, and a Dyna preferences. When the changes made Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 13 are thoughtfully chosen and carefully comers to the vintage motorcycle hob- executed, a bike that retains its stock by attempt to recreate a professional flavor but becomes subtly different can customizer’s end product without the become a real show stopper. level of skill or the budget to pull it off. Motorcycles done like this typically The end result, more often than not, don’t fit into any of the popular catego- can be found for sale as an overpriced, ries that we tend to try to fit bikes into, unfinished, or badly finished project. but they are often the ones I admire A destroyed vintage motorcycle…and the most. Call them resto-mods, call none of us want that. The intent of the them specials, or just call them mild Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club is customs; some are fine examples of to preserve, not destroy, these fine old the vintage Japanese motorcycles that bikes. The mild custom, on the other ABOVE: make up our hobby. hand, can be nicely done and finished Keith Carlson from Indianapolis, When many purests think of custom without destroying the original or its Indiana, did this fine RD400. Keith normally does incredible full cus- motorcycles, the vision that comes unique qualities. In the end, any mo- tom vintage bikes, but he took a to mind is the crazy man wielding torcycle, stock or custom, is an exten- milder approach on this sharp flat the cut-off saw, throwing sparks and sion of the owner’s/builder’s tastes and track style Yamaha. tossing perfectly good stock pieces in preferences. Some are going to like it the trash can. I suspect this has a lot and some people aren’t. The import- to do with “reality” TV shows. While ant thing is the enjoyment we derive there are builders out there with the from building, riding, preserving, and capabilities to create works of art us- collecting these great Japanese vintage ing vintage bikes as blank canvases, motorcycles and the friends we make unfortunately, it has made many new- along the way. l

14 JUNE / JULY 2017 FEATURED BIKE 1975 Honda CB500T Street Tracker

owned by Tom Hemmen / [email protected]

his bike was given to me after be- Ting pulled from a collapsed barn, post-tornado, in Oklahoma. This was a 1975- and 1976-only model, and last of the twins, pushed out by the on- slaught of the in-line fours. New were the torsion bar valves (no springs). It was not well-respected in its day or now. Contrary to almost everything sug- gested in Toby Jones’s excellent article, “Kick Starting Your First Custom,” so many parts were either crushed or missing, I felt there was no harm in “free-styling” here. Pistons were seized in their bores, but new pistons, rings, and cylinders on eBay were only $25. I’ve had nu- merous offers to buy, and this thing runs beautifully with cross-pipe and stifling air-cleaner system removed. Carburetors are stock. Again, Toby’s piece is so correct, except that I have had no problem registering/titling bikes in Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas, either via an Indemnity Insurance Policy thru the DMV or by simply using somebody like All State Title Service in Tennes- see or GetNewTitle.com. Happy Fortieth! l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 15 16 JUNE / JULY 2017 PROJECT BIKE Yamaha TD4 by Richard Snyder / [email protected]

bout a decade ago, I spent three Ayears doing a museum quality res- toration of a 1972 Yamaha TD-3 factory race bike. As much as I loved looking at it, it was a challenge to ride, and it would have broken my heart to have thrown it away on the race track. Having a cof- fee table motorcycle wasn’t really an option, so I took it to a Mid-America auction and came home with a 1949 Matchless. But whenever I came across a photo of my TD-3, I got that regret- ful feeling that comes with a lost high school sweetheart. This past winter I needed a project, had piles of Yamaha items from years of racing, and I had a head full of inspi- ration from all my copies of Café Racer Magazine. I envisioned building a ful- ly faired, street legal replica of the old TD-3 in a Kenny Roberts color scheme. The project took four months of every spare moment. I need to mention that I am blessed with a very accommodating wife! I started with a 1973 Yamaha RD250A style tach mount, instrument mounts, rolling chassis that received quite a bit front fender, rear sets, fairing mounts, of cutting and welding for the engine, tail lights, and wiring. The lithium-ion bodywork, lights, etc. My goal was to battery is inside the oil injection tank. use a rubber-dampened 1976 RD400 I run pre-mix for peace of mind. The engine, ported and tuned to nearly race Powerdynamo ignition has a charging performance, hence the “four” of TD4. system. It is currently 427 cc. But I also need- The greatest challenge was trying to ed all the legal items on it for licensing foresee how one item might impact in New York State, and a kickstand if I something else. There were countless wanted to ride it anywhere. It is titled as episodes of mockup, problems, disman- a 1973 RD250. tle, repeat. For example: I was admiring The bodywork was ordered in yellow the clever tail light license plate bracket, from Mead Speed in England. It has a which discretely came out from under swing arm! Back to zero. As they say, “If 10,000 rpm crankshaft from Lyn Gar- the seat tail section. As I marveled over it was easy everyone would do it.” land of Georgia, with Spec II expansion my handiwork, a very disconcerting This project was one of those rare ex- chambers and EGT gauges to keep an thought started to form. Sure enough, periences where the end result matched eye on things. Chrome work was done the rear wheel was not going to fit. I my initial vision. It draws a lot of at- by AC Plating of Bakersfield, Califor- don’t just mean there was no room for tention, and its most frequent ride des- nia. A great deal of fabrication from the suspension to work. The rear axle tination has been the local ice cream scratch was needed, including the TD- was inches away from going onto the parlor. l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 17 18 JUNE / JULY 2017 events Macau Grand Prix 50th Anniversary by Ian Foster / [email protected]

n November 1967, the first Macau GP city and on the famous Ghia Circuit. IMotorcycle Races were held in the The first weekend saw our bikes be- then Portugese colony on the south ing displayed under a huge tent struc- coast of China. Yamaha Works rider ture in a central downtown plaza. The Hasagawa won the top honours, beat- bikes were cordoned off in rows, and ing a field of international and local rid- the public were permitted to stroll ers. In November 2016, being a VJMC among them taking photos. The show member in Hong Kong, I was asked was well-attended with an opening cer- by the Macau authorities to bring over emony on the Saturday formally start- fifty classic motorcycles to help them ing the Macau GP festivities. celebrate this half-century landmark The brief had been to gather fifty clas- with exhibitions and parade laps. Here sic motorcycles that would demonstrate follows an account of the two weeks of the development of bikes that raced in celebrations. Macau over the years. Starting with a Hong Kong, the ex-British colony on sprinkling of British, Italian, and Ger- the south coast of China, has had a man bikes in the form of Triumph Ti- close relationship with the Macau GP ger, Norton Commando, Ducati 750 since its inception for car racing in SS, BMW R60, etc., the field soon be- 1956 and motorcycle racing in 1967. came dominated by Japanese classics. Indeed, over the years, Hong Kong’s The lineup of VJMs was impressive, in- drivers and riders had been instru- cluding a 1969 Honda CB350K0, 1975 mental in establishing the Macau races Yamaha RD350B, 1977 Kawasaki Z1R, and filling the grids. There have also 1980 Honda CBX1000, 1980 Yama- been numerous American riders make ha RD350LC, 1981 Honda CB750FII, the trip to participate in these pre- 1982 Kawasaki GPZ750, 1982 Suzuki mier races in Southeast Asia. In 1988, GS750 Katana, 1982 Honda VF750F, Schwantz took his Works Suzuki there 1983 Suzuki GS750ES, 1985 Yama- and left the competition in a haze of ha RD250YPVS, 1985 Suzuki RG250, blue smoke, and famously completed the last lap on the back wheel! In 2006, the Macau GP Organising Committee (MGPOC) asked us to bring over forty classic bikes for their fortieth anniver- sary celebrations, with the event being duely recorded in the VJMC magazine. Following the success of this and fur- ther classic car parades in 2013, the MGPOC began to prepare for the fif- tieth anniversary of motorcycle racing. They required to have our bikes in Macau for two weekends The first weekend would have an exhibition displaying the fifty classic bikes along- side the modern race bikes and some production race cars; with the second weekend being parade laps around the

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 19 1992 Honda NSR250SP, 1993 Suzuki RGV250, 1993 Yamaha TZR250, etc. We also had many bikes that had been raced in Macau, such as KK Wong’s 1975 Honda CB750-4 Dunstall and his 1982 Harris GS1000E. KK had won the second Macau GP Novice Race in 1968 on a modified CB250K. Chan To brought his original 1992 Yamaha TZR250SP1 that he had won the Nov- ice Race on. These two riders, now in their late-70s, were honoured with a presentation of an award from Macau GP. It was recognised that riders and enthusiasts like them had filled the grid during the years and made Macau GP the success that it is today. Macau are very generous hosts. The fifty owner/riders were given five star hotel accommodations for them and their wives. We were invited to the opening ceremony to meet the VIP past winners; were treated to dim-sum food after the parades; and were invited to the prestigious lakeside awards party at the end of racing. Grant and Steve Plater came over to tainers to be shipped back the fifty At the opening ceremony, we were the classic bike storage to see the bikes miles to Hong Kong. The riders retired introduced to the road racers who and meet the owners. They had some to a restaurant where MGPOC had ar- would take part in the fiftieth race on good stories to tell and facilitated ev- ranged for a dim-sum buffet (tradi- Saturday, 19 November 2016. Rutter eryone’s requests for photos and auto- tional Chinese food) to be laid out for was there to see if he could add an- graphs—true gentlemen! The Fiftieth us, as we watched the highlights of the other win to his record, having ousted Race took place in the afternoon and, race and parade on TV. Haslam as the rider with most victo- as expected, was a huge battle between Later that evening was the awards ries on the Ghia Circuit. Hicks, who Rutter and Hicks, with the latter ceremony and banquet where we were won in 2015, was also there with oth- storming to victory in the last laps. It all invited to enjoy wonderful food, er top riders like McGuinness. MG- was an amazing race to watch on the free-flowing booze, and cultural enter- POC had also invited some VIP past tight urban street circuit. Once they tainment. Again, it was an opportunity winners to attend, so it was very in- left the track the classic bikes were to mix with the current road racers and teresting chatting with famous road brought on for a two lap parade. We VIP past winners. We crawled back to racers, like Mick Grant (1970s Kawa- had police out-riders and the safety the hotel in the wee hours after copious saki), Steve Plater (2000s Yamaha), car leading us, but at a fair pace. It was amounts of good wine and great Chi- Phil McCallum (1990s Honda), etc. incredible to think how fast the mod- nese, Macanese, and Portugese Food. At the opening ceremony we had on ern race bikes were lapping this track It was another wonderful weekend display a replica of the Works Yamaha as there was no run-off, no “margin of spent in Macau with our classics. Ev- that won the race in 1967. When the error,” just metal armco-barriers and eryone is now looking forward to the riders emerged from their briefing we brick walls either side of a narrow ur- Sixtieth Anniversary in 2026! If you had them all sign this Fiftieth Anni- ban street. The parade laps were led ever get the opportunity to visit Ma- versary Bike and later got the VIPs to by our “local heroes,” KK Wong on cau, grab it; it is a very hospitable and autograph the top of the tank. his 1982 Harris-Suzuki GS1000E and interesting city perched on the south On the second weekend, we checked Chan To on the Fiftieth Anniversa- coast of China—a mix of East (Chi- into the hotel and went to get the bikes ry Bike (a modified 1970 Yamaha R5 nese) and West (Portugese) cultures ready for the weekend’s activities; they 350cc) and were enjoyed by everyone. and an amazing party town…imagine had been securely stored in a govern- We came back to the storage facility, what Las Vegas is like, then multiply ment building near the circuit. Mick and the bikes were loaded into con- that by ten! l

20 JUNE / JULY 2017 ODDS & ENDS Affliction Condition, Part 1

by Jim Turner / [email protected]

Public Service Disclaimer: What you are about to read is based on a true story. The names have been changed to protect the healthy from identifying and having contact with the two main characters; slmjim and The Lovely Z1BEBE. Both are infected with a particularly virulent case of The Dreaded Z-Bug. This will be your only warning.

Introduction from a gig at a urology practice where with slmjim at the DMV license branch. lmjim’s grandfather owned a bat- she learned all sorts of good stuff, like It’s a sunny day in August, 2016… Stery supply company and auto repair the right nerve endings. She’s generally The gruff Deputy Sheriff looks at the shop in Louisville, Kentucky. Growing in charge of girl stuff around the house. title a second time, looks at the odome- up around crusty old mechanics and What that means is that, given the ter again, then squints at the title a third electricity naturally led to slmjim being shared responsibilities of married life, time. He straightens up, looks at slmjim, a motorhead. If he’s cut he sparks, then if it bleeds, nourishes, involves scratch- and growls, “New York title, eh?” bleeds 20w50. He recently retired from ing in the dirt or making slmjim purr, slmjim thinks, ”Aww…crap! Now a gig as Network Analyst for Xerox, is it’s her responsibility. If it sparks, rattles, what?” VJMC member #378, and is generally internally combusts, stops working, or Deputy says, “This can’t be right! Ti- in charge of guy stuff around the house. just becomes generally cantankerous, tle’s twenty-seven years old; bike’s over The Lovely Z1BEBE likes to garden it’s his. forty years old and only has fourteen and is an avid reader. She’s also a rid- Part One: Affliction Condition miles on it…???” er. And she cooks. She recently retired Our story picks up in the modern day, “Yeah,” says slmjim, “It came to me as

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 21 a basket case; bare frame and over a doz- over twenty-five years prior to today. So starts a lifelong passion for the leg- en boxes of disorganized, grimy parts. The pipes are still ticking and tinking as endary Kawasaki Z-1. In truth, more And two partial motors. I just got done they cool. like an affliction. More on that later. restoring it. It was a seven year itch of a The deputy folds the title into thirds slmjim made it home OK, along with Project.” (There’s a reason for the capital and slips it into his shirt pocket. a new mental note-to-self regarding the “P.” More on that in Part Two.) But this story actually begins in 1974— need for better cold weather gear. Deputy looks at slmjim like he’s not March 14th, to be exact. Thirteen years later, the rugged Z-1s really sure if slmjim is nuts or not. For slmjim had traded a sweet/leaky/fast/ had long since cemented their reputa- some reason, the phrase the nut holding cantankerous ’71 Triumph Trident 750 tion as a bulletproof design. The pol- the handlebars flashes through slmjim’s for a brand new 1974 Kawasaki Z-1A, ished dual-overhead cam caps on the mind, and he chuckles out loud at the based on nothing more than the advice valve cover were as iconic as the sensual thought, likely removing any doubts the of a friend. And it was too cold this day sweep of the 4-4 pipes, instantly recog- deputy may have had. in March to be ridin’. nizable expressions of industrial art. The deputy and slmjim are both in the Really. The Z-1 was becoming a modern clas- parking lot, standing next to the 1973 But slmjim was indestructibly young sic. slmjim had unknowingly been bit- Z-1, named Six-of-Six. It glitters in the and was taking delivery of his new bike; ten, infected by The Dreaded Z-Bug. He sun with only a few dust bits visible here a ’74 (late ’73 mfd.) Z-1A in Candytone was a bachelor and had yet to realize the and there, the yellow/green/polished Yellow livery. We’ll call this bike One- seriousness of his Z-bike affliction or aluminum/chrome contrasting with the of-Six. Think future Borg character how virulent the Z-Bug could be. Afflic- flat black of the fresh asphalt. She’s still from Star Trek, Seven of Nine, but this tion Condition: INCUBATING* (more pristine in the first few hours and miles is something slmjim can actually rid… on that shortly…) of her new life, rolling once again, fol- um, never mind. Then he met the beautiful, innocent lowing a seven year resto effort, having slmjim had never even ridden a Z-1 be- young lady who would ultimately be- lain dormant, gutted, and in pieces for fore today. And it was starting to snow. come The Lovely Z1BEBE.

22 JUNE / JULY 2017 Long story short: huggy-poo, kis- jeez…apply thought bleach here), and ed that Z1BEBE couldn’t bear to disap- sy-poo……married-poo. The Lovely Z1BEBE had Two-of-Six, a point him by saying, “No.” It’s doubtful When they marry, a lot of guys lose lovely vintage ’75 Z-1B all her own. And that she could have even if she had want- their bike for one reason or another. she was happy! Affliction Condition: ed to, not yet having realized that the Not so with Z1BEBE. They did much GOOD* (more shortly…) word No had been effectively blocked courtin’ and sparkin’ and ridin’ on One- As time passed, the Internet and eBay from her vocabulary when it came to all of-Six. And not long after they were came into being. slmjim was happily things Z. So, Candytone Yellow One-of- married, Z1BEBE said, “We should get buying Z-1 parts anywhere he could find Six now had Candytone Orange Three- another bike, one that I can ride, so them with the thought of maintaining of-Six as a stablemate, completing the we can take trips together.” Even then, these aging bikes. A particular treasure set of ’74 Z-1As. Affliction Condition: vague symptoms were beginning to trove of NOS Z-bike parts were scav- GUARDED.* manifest. So, after Z1BEBE spent a ridin’ enged from an estate sale, swap meets, At a regional swap meet they met a fel- season on a ’76 Honda CB360T as her word of mouth, anywhere he could find low sufferer trying desperately to over- training wheels, slmjim happened to see them. “Just one more…just one more…” come his Z-Bug Affliction. He claimed a newspaper ad for a Candytone Super became his mantra as the Z-Bug afflic- to have a ’73 (late ’72 mfd.) Z-1 that had Red ’75 Z-1B. On only its second own- tion was also starting to affect slmjim’s been parked in a barn for twelve years. er, it was in VGC, stock, complete, and mind. As he squirreled away more and Although her thoughts were mysteri- remarkably unmolested, needing only more parts, he was often haunted by ously becoming increasingly clouded some love and a set of pipes to replace an dreams and fleeting visions of Z-1 restos by thoughts of Z-bikes, Z1BEBE still obnoxiously loud Kerker. In those days, that might happen, someday… retained a modicum of sense and tried a good used set of OEM 4-4 pipes were Not long after Two-of-Six found its halfheartedly to object. But, slmjim was still easy to find and reasonably cheap. hosts, slmjim happened upon a very completely eat up with Z-Bug by now. One set of 4-4 pipes and some good lo- nice, low mile ’74 Z-1A in original Can- He excitedly said to her, “It’s stock and vin’ later (lavished on the bike, y’all… dytone Orange. slmjim seemed so excit- complete!” Then inaudibly he muttered

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 23 under his breath, “Been in a flood once, too.” Due to her weakened condition, Z1BEBE somehow became convinced that this was a good idea. But the first time she saw the ’73 Z-1 barn find/flood victim she secretly thought slmjim had completely lost his mind. However, as slmjim peered out at the bike through the rosy filter imposed by the Z-Bug, he thought he could see a diamond in the rough. So the bike at- tached to its new hosts and, after an intense eighteen months of heavy breathin’, non-stop lovin’ (once again, applied to the bike…thought bleach…focus, y’all, this is about bikes), and concerted resto effort, an award-winning ’73 Z-1 emerged from their basement workshop/infirmary/aZylum, practical- ly indistinguishable from new. And so came into being Four- of-Six. Affliction Condition: FAIR.* So…One day not long after the ’73 Z-1 barn-find symbiont was completed, suddenly and without warning during one of his increasingly rare, lucid moments, slmjim had a thought! (Difficult to believe; but true! Z1BEBE even had the presence of mind to write it down for posterity.) slmjim said to himself, he said: “Self, we now have four of the six Z-1s that Mama Kaw produced from ’72 thru ’75. Why not get two more Z-1s to complete the production set?” Z1BEBE overheard his mumbling and, herself becoming increasingly distracted by the Z-thoughts, somehow understood that slmjim’s Z-bike affliction was now wholly incurable. slmjim had been in- fectious since they met, and poor Z1BEBE was now afflict- ed with the dreaded Z-Bug herself! (Sadly, there’s no known cure. Remember…) And as if those facts weren’t unfortunate enough, slmjim had diabolically corrupted this beautiful, once-a-Sunday-School-teacher (really!) into being not a bik- er-chick, not even a motorcycle-hoodlum-chick, but a rider (gasp!). Having so been infected, inflicted, and corrupted, she was immediately agreeable to acquiring even more old motorcycles. Him, speaking from the dark Z-recesses of his mind: “mumble…mumble…more Z-1s…mumble.”* Her, almost involuntarily: “Sounds good. Where we gonna put them?”* Him, suddenly lucid: “Why, in the basement, of course! Our tools, parts, and all are already down there, and we can get bikes in and out through the ground-level entry door with some physical acrobatics if we hold our tongues right, not left.”* Her, from a Z-induced dream state: “OK, I’ll help you re- arrange. We can get rid of some of that Christmas stuff too, to make room for more Z-1s.”* (Dont’cha jus’ love those cor- rupted, afflicted rider chicks?) So commences a search for more Z-1s. During slmjim’s feverish Z-Bug-driven forays into eBay he had, among other things, procured a NOS Candytone Sky Blue tankset, correct for a ’75 Z-1B, with the thought of may- be, some day, finding it an appropriate home (the Z-Bug is like that; it’s a survival mechanism). The tankset was placed on the shelf for many years, waiting for the right bike to find a home upon. Some very nice OEM 4-4 pipe sets, both Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 25 stamped and original ’73 un-stamped, came into their pos- session and likewise were placed in waiting. More and more parts followed. Finally in the late ’90s, the right unmolested ’75 Z-1B appeared on eBay. It needed only pipes, paint, and a minimum of love and was calling to them from afar, “Follow the headlight…follow the headlight…” A cross country trip to Pennsylvania, a few months, and some serious lovin’ later (c’mon y’all…thought bleach!), a very nice, almost box-stock Candytone Sky Blue Z-1B named Five-of-Six joined the col- lection. It completed the set of ’75 Z-1Bs and also trimmed the number of Z-1s needed to complete the production set to only one. Affliction Condition: SERIOUS.* Over the past thirteen or fourteen years, slmjim & Z1BEBE had been attending the Mid-Ohio vintage swap meet regu- larly. There, they were finally able to put faces on some of the personas from all over the nation and elsewhere in the world who, up ’til then, had been known only by their forum screen names and avatars. It was there, through a kawasa- ki-z-classik.com forum member who was in attendance, that they learned of what would become both their crowning ad- dition and most serious Z-Bug challenge yet; another ’73 (late ’72 mfd.) Z-1. Outfitted in the Candytone Yellow Green livery that predominantly went to Europe and Australia, it could complete their Z-1 production set and perhaps, finally, relieve them of some of their worst Z-Bug symptoms. There was just this one eensy-weensy little problem. It was a basket case. The seller recognized immediately the symptoms of Z-Bug when he saw them and pounced. He assured slmjim and Z1BEBE the basket case was complete. Mostly. He thought. He says, “Just don’t be surprised if some stuff is AWOL. I didn’t take it apart, but the guy who did said he’s pretty sure everything was maybe still there. He thinks. I bought it to re- store myself years ago, but realistically, I’ll never find the time to do anything with it. I had the frame painted, the gauges restored, and the switchgears done. I’d like to see it on the road again. Why don’t the two of you come to New York to see it. Maybe we can make a deal. It could be a very nice, correct early-production Z-1. I think y’all could do it.” (He doesn’t really talk like that last thing. It’s just Kentucky-speak slipping out, and he’s not from here. Sorry…) All they heard was “…blah blah…very nice…yadda yadda…Z-1…blah…yadda….” Later that year, slmjim and Z1BEBE, both thinking it’s a good idea due to their shared Z-Bug delirium, hop in their truck and drive a full, long day, desperate to see an old mo- torcycle in pieces. In the dimly lit New York aZylum of a fellow Z-Bug suffer- er they find a bare, nicely-painted frame, pristine clean and wrapped in bubble wrap, that had the original VIN tag still present and in excellent condition; a dozen or more card- board boxes of disorganized, grimy parts. Correctly-num- bered (for the frame #) motor cases, black paint mostly flaked off, empty except for the critical line-bored center clamp for the crank. Correct jugs, same paint condition. Correct, com- Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 27 plete head needing a valve job, paint The next day they’re heading home, complicating the restoration process ditto. And a partial Z-1B motor, pis- wallets lighter, truck very much heavi- by orders of magnitude (which one ton rings rusted-stuck in the bores but er (“What’s that dripping out of the of these two, or half-dozen widgets is with a good donor crank and tranny. bed? Oil?!? Aww, crap! Stuck motor correct for a ’72?). Most of what was Correct-for-the-year restored tach and still has oil in it…”). not there were small parts already in speedo were present, as were profes- Thus begins the deepest excursion NOS inventory, due to slmjim’s parts sionally restored left and right side yet down the rabbit hole into their pri- acquisitions from eBay, swap meets, switchgear units. vate Z-1 dream state/aZylum/work- estate sales, and just word-of-mouth Because of the Z-Bug raging in their shop. A variety of life-getting-in-the- finds over decades. slmjim learned veins they’re laid low by what they way stuff conspired to transform what how to lace wheels, a story in itself. see. Like road crud to frame they’re should have been a two to three year The Candytone Yellow Green tank- helplessly, powerfully attracted to an event of basket case lovin’ (need we set was sourced from Japan and other inert Z-bike in such obvious need of remind you?) restoration effort into a needed odds and ends from various a host. It’s that survival mechanism seven-plus year endeavor. Pick it up for vendors. The Lovely Z1BEBE has even thing again. This time it’s Z1BEBE(!) a month, put it down for three. Up for been driven by the insidious effects of that says, “I think we should get it.” five, down for a year. Etc. But, piece by her Z-Bug symptoms into becoming (remember…?). Affliction Condition: piece, screw by washer, bracket by rod, a very good mechanic’s helper in her CRITICAL.* wire by bulb the bike came together. own right. slmjim learned to step out *Recent studies have concluded that Almost all of the correctly date-cod- of her way; not to get between her and for those unfortunates suffering from ed parts needed to reassemble a late a fastener needing tightened if she has any detectable level of Z-Bug Affliction ’72 Z-1 from scratch were present in a torque wrench in her hand. Condition, the only known treatment is the boxes, as well as a generous help- And so starts the beginning of the the suitable and timely application of ing of parts from other, later-pro- end. In Part Two we’ll follow the resto additional Z-1s. All sufferers self-ad- duction Z-1s. A few unknowns were project from basket-case to the suc- minister. also scattered throughout, sometimes cessful completion of Six-of-Six. l

28 JUNE / JULY 2017 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 29 ABOVE: New items, and the final outcome.

30 JUNE / JULY 2017 PROJECT BIKE Suzuki Epilogue by Mark Booth / [email protected]

n this article I want to review some of the important lessons I learned during my Irebuild of a Suzuki T-20. It is my hope to inform and enlighten others to similar dangers and possibly how to avoid them. The first lesson to be learned…A person is blinded by what he envisions the do- nor bike to be. For those of you going to undertake a project, you have to look at the bike and stay focused on the condition of the bike in front of you and not the bike you are dreaming of building. In retrospect, the Suzuki T-20 I choose was in really bad shape, and I could have done better...a lot better. The next lesson to be learned...Is to know what you want and make that your goal. My big mistake was to change the goal during the build, costing me time and money. To start a project this big and not know what you want as an end result will make the cost of the project exceed any budget that your bank account or wife will allow. What did my final goal end up being? I wanted to build a bike with an engine that would be competitive on the track but detuned just enough to work on the street. It would retain most of the original looks but not advertise the power hidden within the bike. I was able to attain the goal. That was almost easy. The hard work and extreme costs came in what happened afterwards: the research and development needed to prep a bike for dependable use, then have it fail for other unforeseen reasons. That will be the focus of this article. I will jump ahead here to the outcome of over three years’ worth of mistakes and constant changes in direction to achieve a final goal. With the modified bike com- pleted, you need to be able to start it, and the carburetor jetting needs to be close for this to happen. On a stock bike this is easy, as the factory does this for you. On a modified bike it takes a lot of skill to do this, and you have to be in the ballpark just to get the bike running. The engine builder put me close with the initial jetting. This proved to be close enough for it to start. With my very limited knowledge of tuning, I was able to get it running well enough for the road tests to begin. My first few road tests ended with a number of flaws that I never saw coming. The new sprockets and O-ring chain that I decided on were huge mistakes. The O-ring chain, although the original size to fit the bike, wore into the engine cas- ABOVE: ings because of the added width of the O-ring design. When I installed this set-up, Melted down parts. I thought that I had enough clearance. To my untrained eye it looked just fine. But under stress the chain was able to just hit the casings. The damage to the casings was done, luckily not enough to destroy the casings. The new sprockets I had made were nowhere near the size I needed. All of this showed I did not know exactly what I was doing. Another costly mistake was the use of Locktite on the fittings for the plastic headlamp. I did this twice, not knowing what caused it to crack in the first place. What I found out later was that the Locktite makes the plastic brittle. With the few short runs the vibration of the engine was enough to allow the cracks to start. This ruined two headlamp shells with paint. The costs were high for this one! Never use Locktite or anything similar around plastic parts. Other problems arose with the way I ran the cables and how this was affecting the throttle and wearing into the new paint. I took care of the cable routing issue with ease, but there was nothing that could be done about the damage to the paint other Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 31 than repainting the parts. My biggest issue was tuning of the modified engine. I was out of my league here and needed professional help. I searched the local area for a person that was skilled in the tuning of two-strokes and had the ability of putting the bike on a dyno. I found Motorsports in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I asked them a lot of questions, and all they wanted was that the bike would start, and they would take care of the rest. They had it for three weeks. Getting different parts for vintage carburetors was proving to be difficult. They did a fantastic job with what I gave them. What was the outcome for this stage of tuning? The bike was putting out high 20s and into the 30s at the rear tire with a huge power band from 6500 rpm to and that was not a problem for them. ABOVE: 10,500 rpm. They could not do much From the information I gave them and The finished bike. with the bike at this time as second gear the info they found online as far as gear started jumping out. I would have to ratios for the bike, they decided on what break the engine down again to make gearing would work best for me. The not read accurately enough to prepare repairs. The tuner said to bring it back old 520 sprockets and drive hub was me for the powerband to hit. The new when everything was sorted out and sent to them so that the parts could be electronic tachometer worked great and they would finish the job. He also said made to fit. allowed me not only to get ready for the to get some time on the engine to break The initial first run after the chang- power to hit, it allowed me to keep the it in. So I put a total of 130 miles on it es was truly amazing. All gears stayed engine in the powerband for some very before the transmission could take no engaged. The choice of sprockets and exciting rides. more. chain made the bike so much easier With the bike complete, I was having a The transmission is a simple assembly. to ride and handle. The takeoffs were ball taking it to shows and local meets, But if you are asking the engine to do smooth and quick, and the huge power not to mention the fun I was having more than it was originally designed to surge at 6500 was better to deal with. beating the Harleys to the next light. do, you have to be sure that everything The bike went back to Motorsports Even better is when my little 250cc was is perfect or better than original. When for a final tuning. Again, it was there louder than their big 1000cc monsters. I first looked at the gears, to my eyes for some time, waiting on more parts Yes, I have to admit I like to mess with they looked great. If they were installed for the vintage carburetors. I was start- the chopper guys. But this bliss was not into a stock motor I am sure they would ing to question whether the boring and to last. have worked just fine. But when asked modifications to keep the stock carbu- This now brings us to the next major to do more, the weak spots showed in retors were a good idea. But again, they problem of a modified bike like this: no time. The cause of second jumping came through and did a fantastic job. running ten-percent ethanol fuel in a out was the gear dogs. These need to be On the dyno it topped out at 41 hp at vintage motorcycle. A book could be true and square, or in a modified motor the rear tire. I never saw the paperwork written on the subject. But to run it in a like mine they have to be undercut so on this reading; it was what the tuner modified two-stroke brings in a whole that they will stay engaged. said it hit at 10,500 rpm. I think it is a different set of issues. For the chain and sprockets I called bit high, in my opinion. The engine held I was at a distant motorcycle show and Krause Racing and told them my prob- together, and the gears stayed in place. I had to fill the bike at a different station lems. I talked with them for about half was making progress on the bike. than my usual stop. When I topped off an hour, and they said to send them the The next 600 miles proved to be fun the tank, I hit what is called the “Etha- sprockets and hub. They decided on and exciting. The bike ran strong and nol Lotto.” The “Ethanol Lotto” is when reducing the size of the chain from the powerful. I had to replace the cheap me- a lot of water gets in the underground standard 520 to a lighter 480 chain. The chanical tachometer with a better elec- fuel tank. This water is absorbed by the sprockets would need to be made to fit, tronic unit. The mechanical one would ethanol and then lies at the bottom of

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 33 waiting for the winner of the lotto. I did of this happening again is the same as feel the bike’s performance dropping winning the Lotto, thus the name giv- after I filled up but put it off as a tuning en by the engine builder. To stop this problem caused by a drastic change in from ever happening you either mix the weather during the show. In reality, your fuel 50-50 with racing fuel or find it was my inexperience with modified a station that you can trust. After the two-stroke engines. Well, the bomb cost of repairs, I now mix my fuel for went off while cruising the freeway at this bike and any other modified two- 70 mph. The engine seized, and I al- stroke I do. most went down. To this day, I have no This is about the end of my story. There idea how I was able to hold the bike up, were many other smaller, more foolish ABOVE: Machined heads but I did. problems that needed to be fixed. There The damage was done, and I had to are just too many to list here. Suffice to the storage tank, just waiting for a per- send the top end back to the engine say, the bike was repaired and is back son like me to fill up. I did, and this builder for repair. He looked at the on the road. The costs of my mistakes slurry of water, ethanol, and fuel was parts and said it was the “Ethanol Lot- are behind me, and I can rest easy that deposited in my tank. These bottom to” and not a jetting issue. He also said I will never win the “Ethanol Lotto” if I dreggs of one and a half gallons were that he has seen this more and more do not play it. It is my hope that you will lacking, to say the least. with the amount of ethanol they are learn from my mistakes. Most bikes and cars can burn this putting in the fuel. The ethanol ab- To test what I have learned, I am with no problems, especially if it is di- sorbs the water, and that drops the oc- working on my next project, another luted with another few gallons from tane rating too low for the extremely modified two-stoke: a 1974 Kawasaki the same storage tank. But in a high modified engines out there, and this is H2 Denco KC120 with Tracy Body. I performance engine like mine, these the result. It is very rare, as the condi- hope and pray that I make fewer mis- rare bottom dreggs were a time bomb tions have to be just right. The chance takes the second time around. l

34 JUNE / JULY 2017 MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION Cleaning a Motorcycle Tank with Electrolysis by Tom Price / [email protected]

hether you are new to vintage Step 1 Wmotorcycles or a veteran collec- Remove your tank and remove the pet- tor of these great machines of yester- cock (as this process will damage it). year, you learn very early on about the Using rubber plugs, corks, etc., you will fuel tanks and the exhaust systems. need to plug the hole/holes where the One or the other can make it or break petcock was attached to ensure that the it to a successful restoration, especially tank will hold a full tank of liquid and to an “original” restore. If your tank is be leak-free. totally trashed, you are left with a cost- ly and sometimes lengthy search for a Step 2 replacement. Rust is the enemy of most Use painters tape on the outside of the 1 things made of metal, especially met- tank at least on the top if the finish on al produced thirty to forty years ago. the outside is useable; if re-finishing/ Even the most preserved, stored-inside re-painting, it won’t matter. Mix one bikes are subject to rust inside their fuel cup of washing soda to a gallon of water tanks, due to left over gas, moisture (I use hot), pour in the tank, and finish build up from climate changes, etc. filling the tank with water to about a My very first restore and introduction ½” to ¾” from the top. to vintage motorcycles was a 1976 Hon- da Mini-Trail 50 with a dent-free tank, Step 3 but alas, a ton of crusty rust inside. I The metal rod you choose to use needs did a little research and tried the harsh to be suspended where it is NOT touch- chemicals and the old tried-and-true ing any part of the metal tank. THIS 2 3 “shake and rattle” method (using bolts, IS VERY IMPORTANT. I use an old nuts, and screws) and literally almost spray can top, drill a hole for my rod, tore my arms off shaking and rattling and tape it in place. Suspend the rod the mixture around! After a lot of time into the tank through the fuel cap hole and effort, I was still was not getting the and make sure that it is in the liquid, satisfactory results I was looking for. not touching the sides or bottom of After some background in manufac- tank when inserted. turing, electro-plating, and more re- search, I now use a method of electrolysis Step 4 for a rusty gas tank, using a twelve-volt Good conductivity is a must; sand battery charger, with surprisingly good and clean the rod and spot on back of results. This process uses electrolysis to tank for good contact points for your 4 pull the loose rust/metal particles off the charger leads. MAKE SURE BATTERY base metal toward the electrical charge, CHARGER is not plugged in to pow- as opposed to electro-plating in which er supply, attach the negative ground the charge applies the zinc, copper, etc. clamp to the back of the tank, and at- to the base metal. tach the positive power clamp to the Items needed: A battery charger (12 suspended rod. Turn the setting of the volt), metal rod (3/8”-1/2” rebar), and charger to the lowest setting, 2 amp or “washing soda” (Arm & Hammer so- 6 amp suggested. THEN plug charger dium bicarbonate). DO THIS OUT- into your power source. DOORS in a well-ventilated area, as If you have good conductivity, you there will be some hydrogen gas as should see the liquid start to bubble. part of the process. Do not breath the fumes or hold your Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 35 rod it would not pull out of the fuel Step 6 opening. The tank will “flash rust” fairly quickly, so fog the inside with WD-40 Step 5 or a compatible product, and it will be After the time has lapsed, disconnect fine until you put the tank in use. the charger by unplugging it from the power source first, then remove rod Tips and pour liquid out (it will be safe to Let the process do the work; don’t pour on your lawn, and it will love it!). rush it. Do it outside with adequate 5 Rinse the tank out with water sever- ventilation; dangerous hydrogen gas al times, swirling it around the tank is a part of the process. Didn’t get the to get a good rinse, and pour out. Use results you desire? Use a fresh rod ABOVE: a shop vacuum or air compressor to and repeat the process to achieve the The amazing results! blow air into the tank or set it out in desired results. Lower voltage pro- the sunlight to get a good drying of duces the best results. Be safe! You head over the fuel opening to monitor the tank. are using an electrical device and wa- the process. Leave the tank and set-up You will be amazed at the results this ter. Washing-soda produces the best to do its work for six to eight hours. will produce! This process removes results. Some may suggest a salt solu- You will see the rust start to come off the rust with no harm to the base met- tion, but hydrogen gas may increase, and foam out the opening of the tank. al or the integrity of the tank. After and we all know what salt does to After a few hours, you may want to several tanks, I am still amazed at the metal. stop the process to check the steel rod incredible results it produces, without I may not ride all the time but when and clean it. I have seen the rust be so all the backbreaking or arm work it I do I ride Vintage Japanese Motorcy- thick and concentrated on the steel usually takes. cles! Ride on VJMC members! l

36 JUNE / JULY 2017 ODDS & ENDS The Craigslist Lottery

by Bob Kelly, Director of Communications / [email protected]

hat is the Craigslist Lottery? Why, it’s finding a jewel of a vintage Jap- Wanese motorcycle on Craigslist, of course! My buddy, Dale, and I do a pretty good job of winning the Colorado Craigslist Lottery. I have to admit, Dale does a better job of finding “treasures” than I do. Dale has an unfair advantage; he’s retired, plus he gets up hours before I do. He often has a bike bought before I’m at work. The early bird gets the awesome vintage Japanese motorcycle. Dale and I have a friendly competition. Sometimes he will call me up and say he bought a new bike but I will have to come see it; he won’t give me any details, so I know it has to be something special. Even though we try to outdo each other, we also share bikes we see if we think the other may be interested. Colorado is a great place to live, especially if you’re looking for a vintage motorcycle. Colorado bikes are almost never corroded or rusty if they were maintained and garaged. During a long winter, most bikes just sit in the garage until summer comes. Carburetors don’t fare as well and usually are good and gummed up. Some owners put their cycles in the back of the garage and forget about them; a few years or decades later they end up on Craigslist.

Here are the stories behind a few of our Craigslist treasures:

Kawasaki Big Horn The Kawasaki Big Horn story is a bit boring. Dale states, “I found the bike on Craigslist, spoke with the guy, and came home with it a few hours later.” The Ka- wasaki 350 Bighorn is a rotary-valve, 350cc two-stroke single enduro built from 1970 to 1975. The Bighorn is easily one of the most under-rated and overlooked high-performance vintage machines around. The rotary-valve engine design gave it a huge horsepower advantage over other two-strokes of the day. The Bighorn is one of those bikes that people have fond memories of, and they are drawn to it like a bear is to honey. Dale’s bike is a super clean, low mileage example of this beloved motorcycle and is a treasure.

Pick a name any name— The Honda NT650, Hawk GT, 647, or RC31 Whenever you search for one of these bikes to buy, it pays to search all three names, plus some people call the bike the “GT650.” The Honda NT650 has classic written all over it. In a few years this bike will be on a lot of collectors’ radar. This was a Craigslist find, eventually bought through eBay. Dale and I saw a near perfect Honda NT650 for sale in Aspen, Colorado, on Craigslist. The bike had less than 4000 miles on the clock, and it was a beauty. Dale made a really good offer that was turned down by the owner. After a month or so on Craigslist, the bike was offered again on eBay and failed to meet reserve. A few weeks later, the bike was offered again at no reserve. Dale was the high bidder for less money than he originally offered. Dale sold me the bike a few years later. This cult classic now resides in my garage. Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 37 A Scrambler— 1971 Honda CL450 This 1971 Honda CL450 may look great now, but that was not the case when Dale brought this Craigslist find home. Sitting unused in a garage for over thirty years can take a toll on a motorcycle. This bike was no exception. The bike had a few scrapes and bruises from being pushed around the garage for decades. Dale’s secret weapon to clean up old bikes is his steam cleaner. Nothing melts away the cloudy clear coat on brake hubs or engine grease and grime like his steam cleaner. Hours of hand scrubbing with harsh chemicals wouldn’t do a better job. On average, Dale spends about forty hours working on a bike. It took a while to get the old Honda looking and running good. This Scrambler is a keeper.

Everybody’s Favorite— 1968 Honda CB450K1 A few years ago, Dale called to tell me he was on his way to Steamboat, Colorado, to look at a CB450K1. The CB450K1 is rarer than a Black Bomber and, in my opin- ion, is a better looking motorcycle. The K1 was only offered for two years, and the K1 with the chrome-panel tanks only lasted eighteen months and represented the end of Honda’s chrome-panel tank era. Dale’s CB450 was a bike most people would have walked, or even ran, away from. The bike was a roller. The engine was out of the frame and disassembled, but Dale could see the jewel underneath the layers of dust and spare parts lying around. The tank and side covers were in great shape, the mileage was low, and the bike was a perfect restoration project. Long story short—the bike is stunning today.

38 JUNE / JULY 2017 Cult Following— The Honda NX250 I like to search under “garage sales;” you never know what unloved old bike will be rolled out and sold off to a lucky guy. A garage sale ad close by my home indicated a “Honda” for sale. On the way over to the sale I was thinking the “Honda” could be a 1983 Accord, a lawn mower, generator, snow blower, or maybe even an old Super Hawk. As I drove up, much to my surprise, the lawnmower I was expecting to find turned out to be a really nice 1990 NX250 with just 1300 miles on the clock. The NX is a dual sport with a liquid-cooled, dual overhead cam, 250cc engine with a small, but loyal, following. I have two friends with NXs. One has a NX650 and rides its on trails through out Colorado; the other guy put street tires on his NX250, stiffened the suspension, and rides it work almost every day. The only problem with this NX was the color, what Honda called “Ross White.” Big Red should know re- frigerators are white, not motorcycles. The owner of the NX wanted under $1,000 because it had not been started in more than a decade. I liked the owner a lot; he probably purchased the bike when he was fifty, and now twenty some years later, he just wanted to clean out his garage. We struck a deal, and I took it home and brought the bike back to life. I rode the bike for a few years and sold it on eBay to a nice lady who bought it on her birthday. This bike will make her happy for a lot of birthdays to come.

The Stolen CB400F I had been looking for a nice CB350F for a long time. Finally, six assorted old Hon- das were offered on Craigslist. The bad news was I had to buy the seller’s CB400F, if I wanted the CB350F. The good news was I bought both bikes for what I thought the value of the CB350F should be. Two bikes for the price of one! I told Dale I didn’t have room in my garage for both bikes. He offered to buy the CB400F. Dale took the bike home and spent hours cleaning, polishing, painting, and steam cleaning; the end result is the bike looks practically new again. I offered to buy the bike back for what he paid for it, but no dice. We joke that he stole this bike from me. Truth be told, this bike would have never looked this good in my care. Dale easily spent forty hours or more on the bike and polished up a lot of value. It has to be easily worth twice what he paid for the CB400F Super Sport.

The Parts Bike— Honda XL600 Dale found an ad on Craigslist that advertised a “XL600 Parts Bike.” The seller’s advertisements lead you to believe it was a very nice parts bike. When we looked at the bike, it was not well presented, covered with years of dirt and grime, but the signs of a nice bike made its way through. It had less than 1000 miles, with no dents or broken plastic. The engine turned over and the tires look new, but after years with no air they had cracked under the weight of the machine. Dale added a lot of value by cleaning the bike, changing all the fluids, cleaning the carb, and buying a new set of tires. This bike was ridden for a few years and then sold on Craigslist. Today a new Honda XR650 lists for $6700; the buyer got this near new XL600 for $2400. The buyer drove off with a really nice bike, feeling like he won the Craigslist Lottery.

The Real Craigslist Lottery Winnings Setting aside the fact that you can find some really nice vintage Japanese motorcy- cles, the real advantage of winning the Craigslist Lottery is the people you meet and the friendships you make along the way. l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 39 1956 Showa SC at the swap meet

40 JUNE / JULY 2017 cover story

2017

Bike Show & Swap Meet

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 41 CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The outdoor swap meet Pre-1969 Hondas A beautiful pair of XS650s 2017 Trophy winners A Pristine GS1000 Setting out for a ride

42 JUNE / JULY 2017 cover story

by Michael Fitterling / [email protected]

n March 9th, the weather couldn’t have been better for this year’s Destination OEustis bike show and swap meet. Temperatures were in the upper 70s with sun- ny skies through Saturday, the day of the judging and awarding of show trophies. Well over 130 vintage bikes were on hand in the show this year. This may have been slightly fewer than the previous year, but the exceptional quality and rarity of the bikes on display more than made up for their numbers. Outside, the swap meet area showed signs of growth with vendors of parts of Jap- anese, American, and British bikes with a ratio of approximately 60/30/10 respec- tively, not to mention many complete or nearly complete bikes for sale and ready for a loving hand to bring them back to life. One standout in the swap meet area , , was a 56 Showa motorcycle. I also spied a 59 Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon among the offerings at the swap meet. Inside the exhibition center the collection included a pair of rare Fuji Rabbits, a trio of beautiful examples of Suzuki GSs, like-new Yamaha XS650s, and a long line of pre-1969 Hondas. There were several spectacularly executed Japanese-based café racers, both in the show and surrounding the Riding Into History table. One of the café bikes really had to be studied to appreciate some unique details, like a seamless conversion to mono-shock rear swing arm. After the show and subsequent awards ceremony, the VJMC hosted a gathering of two dozen members for a dinner of pizza and fellowship, followed by a special fortieth anniversary cake. Sunday dawned with a chance of showers, but it didn’t keep a half dozen members from gathering to ride. We set out into the rolling surrounding countryside for a relaxing and enjoyable ride of about fifty miles completely free of rain, capping off another great weekend together. l

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: 40th Anniversary cake The café racer section Another view of the Showa Parts galore in the swap meet AHRMA National 350 Champion Scott Turner with Peter Slatcoff

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 43 44 JUNE / JULY 2017 PROJECT BIKE Wes Cooley Replica by Bob Kelly, Director of Communications / [email protected]

mods had been done to the bike, such uzuki surprised the motorcycle market with the GS series, particularly as the Kerker four-into-one exhaust, Swith their 997cc-engined entrance into the liter bike market. It was fast, Grab On grips, Derail oil cooler, fork it had great handling and brakes, and over time it’s proven itself to be one brace, and shaved and stepped seat. of the most reliable in-line four engines in history. In 1978, Yoshimura was This bike had been loved by someone running a KZ1000 with Wes Cooley, but they weren’t winning races. They that really appreciated motorcycles. switched to the GS1000 and then started dominating—Cooley won the ’79 An interesting detail is that this bike and ’80 AMA Superbike Championships. While this was happening, Suzuki had a 140mph speedo in it, but in 1980 decided to release a Euro-only sport version of the GS1000. Once American the GS1000 had the dreaded 85 mph dealers got a peek, they started clamoring for them too. The American deal- speedos (US only). The GS experts over ers got their wish; enter the Suzuki GS1000S, of which only about 700 were on GSR Forum said that the speedo imported to the states in 1979. Another small batch was imported in 1980 of must have been switched out at some about 535, supposedly one for every US Suzuki dealership. point. This is okay, because lots of peo- ple did it back in the day. Which led Trevor to wonder about the true mile- I think this is a cool (pun intended) served. The bike was originally owned age. While cleaning under the seat he story. by Jeff’s brother-in-law, who passed found a note taped to the pan which Back in April 2013, a friend crashed away several years ago. Jeff bought it read “3/25/1981 Speedometer, Current Trevor Franklin’s beloved 1983 Suzuki from the estate with the intention of fix- mileage 2503.” The original owner ac- GS1100E. Trevor broke one of motorcy- ing it up some day. Jeff passed the torch tually documented the speedo change cling long held rules: never let a friend to Trevor who took on that responsibil- out, putting actual mileage at just over ride your motorcycle. He loved that ity. 20,000 miles. bike! The bike was painted by his father, Department of Motor Vehicle stories After an extensive amount of work so the bike had tons of sentimental val- are always the worst, and this bike’s completed by Trevor to get this bike in ue. The friend did the right thing, and a story was no different. Jeff had to put shape, he put his first sixty miles on the price was settled on for the bike. the title in his name and ran into many bike bombing around town for work. Trevor posted his sad Suzuki story on issues, but he persevered. Jeff jumped While eating breakfast downtown, he a forum, and he received a lot of con- through all the hoops the DMV had could see the bike from the window. He soling messages from his fellow mo- to offer and provided Trevor a clean could not believe the number of people torcycling brethren. Those folk really title. Jeff, a good and honest man! stopping to look at the bike. In between understood his great loss. There was Prior to receiving the bike, Trevor or- bites, he noticed three different people one reply to his post from Jeff that really dered over $1000 in parts he knew he take pictures of it with their cell phones. caught his attention: “Do you want my would need. The bike was finally deliv- He received many thumbs-up from 1980 GS1000S? I think it’s a Wes Cooley ered to a warehouse in Sumas, Wash- drivers and people on the street. Trevor replica in need of restoring. It’s in Colo- ington. Trevor arranged in advance for a has never ridden a bike that garnered rado Springs, Colorado, if you want to brokerage company to do all the paper- that much attention. Oh, and the sound come by and check it out. It’s buried in work at the Canadian border for him. of that Kerker…this bike is just perfect! my garage.” Once the bike was home in Victoria, Trevor Franklin would like to give a Jeff sent Trevor pictures, and a deal was British Columbia, Canada, with Trev- shout out to his buddies, Rob Hayward made. Trevor stated, “Jeff was very kind or, he started to clean the bike up. You and Mark Wright; without their help to me…very kind. I promised him that I know the old saying: “Bikes always he could never have completed the bike would restore it and ride the snot out of it!” look better in pics than in person.” on his own. They gave up their own Jeff could have sold this bike to anyone, Well not this time; after a good clean- time to help bring the bike back to life. even his own brother, but he sold it to ing that washed always the years of dirt Rob even went with Trevor to the USA Trevor. Jeff knew that Trevor would care and grime, Trevor realized what a gem border to collect the bike. They are tru- for the bike and show it the respect it de- of a bike he had. A lot of period correct ly good friends. l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 45 FAR LEFT: A sculpture on the grounds suited for the event BELOW: Gail’s shiny clean Honda CB350

46 JUNE / JULY 2017 events Ironclad Art: The Motorcycle by George Martin / [email protected]

icture yourself on a leisurely walk From there Gail’s 350 Honda enjoyed Pbrowsing an eclectic setting of art Barry’s concierge trailer transport the and culture that could very well be in remaining distance from Evansville, In- Napa Valley, California. There’s fam- diana. While there is parking available ilies, individual partisans, and the oc- on the grounds for bikes trailered in, casional eccentric spending the after- there’s many ridden to the event, as well. noon in a majestic outdoor art gallery I hope my photos will underscore the amongst the trees and exquisite out- quality of this event. Now to explain a door sculptures. Now open your eyes very unique Kawasaki at the 2016 event and transport yourself to a surprising and confess that I do have a sense of hu- event in the Midwestern town of Mount mor. I have extensive past experience Vernon, Illinois, and the featured col- with many Japanese motorcycles. At lection for the day is motorcycles! An- the 2014 Barber Vintage Festival I start- other twist is that the admission is free ed to meet members of the VJMC and to spectators. The bike show competi- liked the club and the awesome quality tion is completely voluntary and very of bikes members display at events. This reasonable for those that would like to led to my joining the VJMC in my pres- compete for a trophy. If you are just in- ent awkward position. I presently don’t terested in displaying your machine on own a Japanese bike, and I have a very the paved meandering walkway as you small garage, limiting my opportuni- tour the premises, again, no charge. ties to get that third bike that would be Thanks to my friend, Barry Schon- a Japanese two-stroke of some sort. So berger of the VJMC, I discovered this this year at the VJMC national I brought great event. While the Ironclad Art my rare Moto Guzzi LeMans to show a event pays homage to all motorcycles, few friends, with a twist. I masquerad- Japanese motorcycles and a few VJMC ed it as a Kawasaki GPz1000 prototype members are significant participants in with magnetic Kawasaki stickers on the this recommended showing of motorcy- gas tank for some laughs. It wasn’t that ABOVE: My Kawasaki GPz1000 “prototype” cle diversity. My friend, Rex Cusumano, long of a stretch, as I used to tease a local is the event’s catalyst, who has a great Kawasaki dealer that my Guzzi was the quality frame compliments a painting. collection of bikes of his own, but on prototype for the new GPz. Anyway. in There are entertainers playing music event day he is just a contributor adding the vintage bike arena it can be a dilem- at an appropriate volume in the back- to the many machines brought in by the ma only having one old bike. In my case ground and great food, including bar- devotees in attendance. it’s like a really nice prom dress having beque sandwiches at reasonable prices. Back to participants, Barry Schonberg- to be worn over and over to multiple There are art sculptures spread all over er has had several Japanese machines proms! My Italian bike had been to the the well-configured grounds of the Ce- recognized in the top tier of the event’s Ironclad Art event twice already, but not darhurst Center of the Arts. Ironclad bike show the last three years in a row. as a Kawasaki! Since Rex Cusumano, the Art has one thing many quality events While Barry is in attendance to pro- event organizer of the Ironclad Art, was don’t offer, a shady place to locate your mote his own Tri-State VinMoto orga- so tickled to see my fake Kawasaki at the folding chair to relax and interact with nization, he always promotes the VJMC 2016 VJMC national, he convinced me friends, new and old. If you happen to at our booth, as well. On a more grass to give it one more try at his event. My be in striking distance of this event, I’d roots level, Gail Kroeger of the VJMC apologies if there was anyone out there highly recommend you join us with a brought his ’71 Honda CB350 that had to take this fake Kawasaki too seriously. real VJMC presence for the next event in to be cleaned at the event after being rid- In closing, the atmosphere of this September 2017. http://www.cedarhurst. den to Barry’s house on wet pavement. event is what sets it apart, just as a org/IronCladArt-Motorcycle.html l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 47

PROJECT BIKE Ninjago Rebuild

by Clinton Kleen / [email protected]

enjoy riding and restoring mo- mentally, physically? Is he really in- I torcycles, and for those of us with terested? kids (in my case, grandkids), I felt I am the type of person that does a sense of urgency to pass along not like to spend much money on a my passion for motorcycles as soon project for which I am not sure about as possible. I had my grandson sit the outcome. I was lucky and found 1993 Honda Z50R Lego Ninjago on my motorcycles at an early age, a 1993 Honda Z50R that I called a help me in the garage rebuilding “Frankenstein bike,” because it was liked the fact that it did not have a them, and talked about motorcy- put together with a bunch of parts manual clutch, which would make it cles when we were together. I did from different years. Notice the two easier for him to learn on. I cleaned not drag him to shows, though; I different types of wheels. up the carburetor and got it running. thought that would be just a little It was pretty rusty, the plastics were He showed no interest in learning too much. I was not sure I was get- cracked and broken, and it used a wa- how to ride. He wanted to play with ting through. A few of the ques- ter pipe for the exhaust. Basically, it his Legos Ninjago characters instead. tions I kept asking were: How do needed to be rebuilt. But it was cheap, So, the question then was how I get him away from video games and I figured it was a good fall-down would I get him away from Ninjago? I and other distractions? Is he ready bike for my grandson to learn on. I decided to join in and just add anoth-

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 49 seat fenders “alligator skin” Naugahyde er Ninjago toy. I would turn the old the broken pieces back on and cracks Z50R into a Ninjago motorcycle. Cole fixed. I painted them gloss black on was his favorite character, so I would the outside and flat black underneath. pattern the bike after him. We painted the engine and shocks I noticed the gold dragon on his black and gold. The shocks were chest. That was going to be the color taken apart so that they would have scheme, black and gold, and I would black springs and gold shocks. The take the dragon and make decals and hubs were painted gold and the put those on the tank. The plan was wheels black. The back wheels came for my grandson to help a little—no from a 1984 (maybe) and the front pressure. were from a 1993, but they worked, I found black vinyl Naugahyde that and only the purist would know the simulated alligator skin. I told him difference, and at five feet away they that it was dragon skin and recovered looked great. We painted the handle- the seat with it. It was no big deal, just bars gold and the front tubes black. a little pull and tuck here and there, Only a few new parts purchased—the and lots of staples. I plastic welded on/off switch, grips, brake cable—all the covers and fenders and got all for less than a hundred dollars. My grandson wrenching on our project bike.

50 JUNE / JULY 2017 Joe helped put on the tank and other We tried another car show. Every parts—this turned out really well. first Saturday of the month the Ga- There is a car show on the first Sat- zeebo Burger in Plano, Texas, pres- urday of each month, and I had made ents a car show. He cleaned his bike arrangements for us to show his Nin- and talked with the kids and adults jago motorcycle there. I was hoping for five hours. I was really impressed that the kids would flock around and that he lasted that long. In the end he treat him as a rock star! It worked— won a trophy. We now have a joke: we had a bunch of kids come by, “Who takes a motorcycle to a car and he talked about how he and his show—Grandpa and I do.” grandfather built the bike. We only We took his bike to Georgetown, stayed a few hours—I didn’t want to Texas, for the Antique Motorcycle wear him out. Club of America’s Cherokee Chap- The final reveal at a local car show.

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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 51

ter’s Christmas Party. That was a three and half-hour drive. Wow, were they nice! Joe was a king. They helped him take his bike off the rack on the back of the 4Runner, had him test and pump up the tires, get it started, and helped him ride it. He had a won- derful time. Cycle Source magazine showed a picture of Joe and me with a little ar- ticle about he and I building the bike and winning a trophy. l

Georgetown, Texas car show Joe and his trophy! Joe working the VJMC show in Dallas.

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 53

MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION Emblem & Badge Refurbishment by Floyd Finch / [email protected]

1 2 3 4

here are quite a few different meth- spoke of using paint markers from a did this in the house, but if you’re work- Tods you can use to restore motorcy- welding supply house and posted a cou- ing outside you can use whatever paint cle emblems that have paint that needs ple examples that looked really good. I’d thinner you have. (PHOTO 2) refinishing. You can repaint them by like to say thank you, Toby, for sharing. Open up the marker and color in the hand using small artist’s brushes. I For this article, I’m using the front cov- areas that need paint just as if you were have even spray painted tank badges er badge of my C70 Passport as a guinea a kid playing with a coloring book. Have using a solvent soaked rag on a sanding pig to try this technique. The chrome a shop towel handy with a small amount block to remove the paint from the high on this part stilled looked good, but of thinner on it, not soaking wet, and points of the lettering after spraying on the long exposure to the elements had every minute or so stop and wipe off any the paint. Of course, masking off the resulted in the paint flaking out of the paint that has stuck to the chrome out- different colored areas was a pain. lettering and accent lines. (PHOTO 1) side of the lettering. (PHOTO 3) Be sure to Recently, I learned of a much easier Start by gathering up your supplies. wipe frequently; it will make the paint way to quickly and inexpensively re- You’ll need oil paint markers, a couple harder to remove from the wrong places fresh your tired looking motorcycle shop towels, and little bit of odorless if you let it dry. emblems and badges. To give credit paint thinner. For this job I used artist When completed, let it dry, wipe over where credit is due, I learned of this paint markers, but you can also get them the badge with a clean shop rag, rein- technique in a post to the Club’s Face- from welding supply houses. My reason stall it on your bike and enjoy the vast book page by Toby Jones, in which he for using odorless paint thinner is that I improvement in its looks. (PHOTO 4) l

Hey members! Tell us YOUR story! SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: The best way this magazine can accurately reflect what our members are up to is if TEXT: • .pdf, .rtf or .doc file formats you tell us what you’re doing! • include your byline, photocaptions, and The VJMC magazine is only possible through credit for the photographer member interaction, and we’ll pay you for it! PHOTOS: • high-resolution color pictures (300dpi) We pay $100 for feature stories (typically at least 2 full pages with 4 or more photos). • typical file size of a .jpg will be at least 500kb • 1mb - 3mb per image is preferred If your story is selected for publication, you will receive extra copies of the issue in which it appears. Send your stories and high res photos to: [email protected]

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 57 ADVERTISER’S SPOTLIGHT Vapor Honing Technologies by Bryan Bentley, Display Ad Director / [email protected]

t has been four years since I first vis- Iited Vapor Honing Technologies, and what a difference I have seen. The com- pany has grown from a small operation to one that has not only begun ship- ping all over the US but has also begun working with a European distributor. Although the hobbyists, like most of us, are an important part of the company, which has helped it grow and remains a focus, a large part of the company is also making machines for large industries. I also saw a very small machine that had been made for the jewelry market. I recently sold the machine that I had purchased in the early years of the com- pany, and while waiting for my new machine, I learned how much I had been relying on it. Work backed up in my shop until I obtained my new ma- chine, and what a difference four years of improvement have made. My new machine is constructed of HDPE plastic and is much lighter than my original. A new window, LED lighting, and pump chine was a wheel and tire combination agitation really help make this unit far from a Yamaha dirt bike. The owner superior to the original machine. I also was selling the bike, and he wanted it to ordered this machine with a window look its best. The wheel and tire fit the spray bar, a rinse hose, and a closed- large opening on the side of my machine looped filtration system. with ease (the old one was a top load- The closed-loop filtration system al- er). Cleaning time was approximately lows you to operate the system without a ten minutes for each tire and wheel, and water supply. Once the machine is filled they look brand new again. I have also from a hose or other source, the water used the new machine for cleaning sur- at the top level of the machine is emp- face rust from rear shocks, on exhaust contact info tied into a filtration system and reused pipes, carburetors, and of course, engine for the window spray bar and the rinse cases. I do recommend a short followup Vapor Honing Technologies hose. This keeps you from constantly in an ultra-sonic cleaner with just wa- 2901 Berea Church Road having to change the water, since most ter and a drop of dish detergent to make Connelly Springs, NC of your contaminates are contained on sure you have no blast material lodged 28612 the surface of the machine’s water sup- in any small passages, and your carbu- phone: ply. I was amazed at how much this retor will look brand new. Give Vapor USA 828-202-5563 system helped keep the machine clean Honing Technologies a call and let them Europe +45 4034 1325 and improve the quality of my finished tell you how they can help in your shop. [email protected] product. Also, let them know how much we ap- www.vaporhoningtechnologies.com The first project that went in the ma- preciate their support of our club. l

58 JUNE / JULY 2017 events Events Corner by Peter Slatcoff, Vice President, Events Coordinator / [email protected]

’ts all about the 2017 VJMC National Florida’s own, Norton Muzzone. He is a UPCOMING EVENTS IRally where we will celebrate the For- dynamic personality and the guru of the tieth Anniversary of the Club. So far, Yamaha 650. He wrote me a note today JUNE 9-11 the number of registrations for the Rally saying he has a talented team to support Vintage Motofest indicate this will be the biggest one yet. him—Tom Slatcoff, Charles Osterly, and Plymouth, WI But what is most remarkable is the num- Rob Schroeder (Larry, Curly, and Moe). JUNE 16-17 ber of ladies who will be joining us this All joking aside, no VJMC event would Minnesota Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Show year. Regardless of the size of the group, be complete without its social activities. St. Paul, MN the Event Team has put together a three- Now, this is my area of expertise. You all JUNE 22-24 day agenda that will be a topic of discus- know by now that eating is the focus of National Rally sion for years to come. VJMC events. Well, at least by my defi- Pigeon Forge, TN Here’s a brief glimpse of the agenda. nition of events. So, you can expect to Friday, June 23th, there will be a Tiddler eat well each evening. room reservations please call 1-800- Ride followed by a Tiddler Bike Show in Two highlights of the Rally I would 523-3919 and ask for Vintage Japanese front of the convention center. During like to share follow. On Friday night, we Motorcycle Club to receive the group the Tiddler Rde there will be a picnic will be entertained by Jim Smith. Jim rate. Individuals will be required to stop, hosted by the Florida Team. There is a member of the Smith Family who pay a deposit in the amount of the first will be numerous group rides with am- has been entertaining visitors to Pigeon night’s stay at time of booking. Rooms ple opportunity for individual riding. Forge for…well, longer than he will ad- not reserved by May 15, 2017, will be re- Pigeon Forge is home to some of the best mit. Saturday night’s special guest is leased to the hotel. ride routes in North America. One sug- Brian Slark, many of whom you know Each registered guest will receive a gestion is the Tail of the Dragon—Tail from Barber Vintage Motorcycle Muse- limited edition Fortieth Anniversary of the Dragon at Deals Gap with 318 um. Brian will share with us a little of T-shirt. Each registered member will curves in 11 miles is America’s number his background in motorcycling and the receive a Fortiethth Anniversary me- one motorcycle road. progression of his career. mento that can be proudly displayed on Unfortunately, Greg Pitt, who has year The Smokey Mountain Conference your wall. after year flawlessly executed the show, Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, will To Register for the Rally visit: https:// will be unable to join us this year. He play host to our Rally, which will take www.regonline.com/40thAnniversa- had some excuse about a day job. Sor- place June 22-24, 2017. VJMC has a ryNationalRally or call 850-624-8811 ry about that Greg—but you know the block of rooms reserved at the adjacent for assistance registering. Due to liabili- saying the show must go on. Therefore, Ramada Pigeon Forge South, 4010 Park- ty insurance requirements, you must be the Rally bike show will be hosted by way, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863. For registered for the Rally to participate. l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 59 A “Vintage Japanese” motorcycle is 20 years old or older and, of course, CLASSIFIEDS Japanese. Please be aware that ads may/will be edited to conserve space. 12 lines of print will be free to club members. PLEASE NOTE: Please be aware of publication deadlines. For an upcoming issue, ads Ads will be run for one issue only. Please are due by the 20th of the month of the preceeding issue’s release. For example, ads for the August/September issue are due June 20. If you have resubmit via the VJMC website or email if business-related ads, please consider taking out a commercial display ad. Contact Bryan Bentley ([email protected]) or me for details and rate in- you wish an ad to run longer. Also, contact our formation. Classified Ads Editor, Gary Gadd, if your post We can include color photos with your ad. Cost is a minimal $10 per pho- to per issue. Payment via Paypal is available on the VJMC website. For has been fulfilled, again via the VJMC website payment by personal check or money order, please address payment to “VJMC” and send to the address below. Photo ads will appear in the or email ([email protected]). This will help keep magazine issue following payment. our classified ads as current as possible. GARY GADD • 3721 HOLLAND ST. • FORT WORTH, TX • 76180 / 817.284.8195

268-5461, Titusville, Florida, 1978 Honda CB750F Super FOR SALE [email protected] Sport. Fully serviced, many upgrades. 34k miles. Yoshimu- KAWASAKI 1968 Honda CL77 ra knockoff header imported -Blk/Silver, from Japan. Very nice condi- Kawasaki Jacket/Anorak. Made HONDA unique bike, has kilo speedo tion. Not all stock but close. for introduction of ZX 6R for and factory blinkers, new paint, A good bike. William Blythe, press day. Jacket is unique and Honda Memorabilia. After 56 weekly rider, Detroit area pick 860-716-0542, Connecti- was never for sale from Kawa- years of collecting Honda mem- up only.$2850. Myke Jacobs, cut, [email protected] saki. It’s complete with detach- orabilia, I’m selling everything. [email protected] able liner. Size Large, brand To list it all would take many new. Asking $75 includes ship- pages in this publication. Let ping to CONUSA. Pictures avail- your imagination run wild with able upon request. Dian Slark, items you’re wanting: service [email protected] manuals, owners manuals, ad- vertising material, brochures, photos, slides, videos, post- ers and other Honda printed YAMAHA material. Clothing, tote bags, keys, service awards, special tools, test equipment. Some 1982 Honda Silver Wing. 500cc, parts mostly NOS CB92. Also 1968 Honda CB450E. 95% orig- some N600, S600 and S800 full restoration started but is inal. Runs, shifts, handles like ready to ride now. All plastic automobile manuals and N600 new. Engine is strong. Owned parts. E-mail me with what there, some touchup and paint since 1971, 2nd owner. 12444 would make it look new. Newer you would like and I’ll respond miles. Worth $10000, asking with availability and price. tires. Replaced exhaust, radia- $3800, might dicker some for tor, carb. 17400 original miles. George G Grauwels, 715-533- the right person. Full details and 1999, [email protected] $4000 obo. David Landsberger, photos on request. Bob White, 973-723-6515, Chincoteague, 1979 RD400F Yamaha 11900 864-457-2293. Virginia, dlandsberger@tmail. mi, mostly original, many new com parts including Spec II exp 1975 Honda Gold Wing chambers, ft master cyl, brake lines, tires, tubes, chain & seat. GL1000K0. Ready to restore. 1985 Honda Gold Wing 1200 $975. Fred Ellenberger, 815- $3400/ offer. Dave 923-642- Interstate with Voyager attach- 3215 SF Bay Area 494-5907, [email protected] ment. Cranberry color. Show- room condition. Extra lights 1978 Honda CB750. 32606 and chrome, backrest. Ridden miles. Last ran in 1991. With weekly. Only 60759 miles. the typical rust and corrosion $5800 obo, cash in person. Honda CB72/77 parts. $2500. from being in storage since Shipping arrangements are up then. Motor is not seized and to the buyer. Call for photos. Bill David Livingstone, phone 01642 352-430-0689 504124. easternsunrisedave@ will move by kick starter. Fuel Grosjean, , The gmail.com tank has been stored indoors Villages, Florida and is dent free and rust free inside and out. All original ex- 1986 Honda VF700C Magna. For 1965/69 Honda CB/CL/ cept exhaust, coils, and side CA160, CA95 and S65, 10324 miles. Has carb/flood- 1979 Yamaha XS650 Special. Still have covers. Title included. Pictures ing issues. Runs well other- new and used parts for Honda available on request. $500. 8200 mi, mostly original, recent wise. Excellent original bike. major elec work, many new 160s, S65 and CA95. Engine William Kroner, 252-619-8831, Clear title. Pictures available. parts such as heads, pistons, [email protected] parts including tach, fr mas- cylinders, cases and covers. Local pick up only. $1900, Wil- ter cyl, tires, tubes, brake lines liam Kroner, 252-619-8831, & seat cover. Really nice bike. Sealed gas tanks. Paul Enz, 321- [email protected]

60 JUNE / JULY 2017 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

$3300/ offer. Dave 925-642- frames with attached fenders, ADVERTISERS APPEARING IN THIS ISSUE: 3215 SF Bay Area electrics, wheels, etc. 1965 Honda Dream engine 150 cc, Acme Zoom (Mule Pack Panniers)...... 25 $100. Ask for prices. Make offer 1980 Yamaha XS650. Semi-bas- AHRMA...... 28 ket case. Barn find. Electronic on the whole lot. Ken Krauer, 845-266-3363, Salt Point, New ignition failed 18-20 years ago. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum...... 32 Engine is in the frame with York, joankrauer@ yahoo.com great oil pressure. Rest is in BD Designs...... 38 boxes. Clear Georgia title, 7500 miles on clock. $1200, will dick- WANTED Buchanan’s Spoke and Rim...... 8 er. RAW, 864-547-2293, Campo- bello, South Carolina Buzzzzz Rag...... 36 HONDA CMSNL...... 64 Charlie’s Place...... 28 1972 Honda Z50 K3. Looking for excellent original bike in candy Corazzo...... 49 gold color. Would like to find an original paint bike. Sean Mor- Cycle House Performance...... 51 phew, 562-698-7484, Whittier, California, vintage1948house@ David Silver Spares...... 63 yahoo.com Diamond Gusset Company...... 25 Discovering the Motorcycle...... 34 Yamaha hard saddle bags and SUZUKI tour pack with keys for locks. Gasolina Boots...... 50 Original Yamaha mounting brackets for said bags and tour 1967/68 Suzuki T200/X5 in Hagon Shocks...... 22 pack with keys for locks. Crash good project, running or re- bars front and back as well. The stored condition. What do you Honda Restoration...... 15 bags and tour pack were mount- have? Sam Whiteside, 775- ed to a 1981 Yamaha Virago 750 721-5958, Sam@carsonvalley- JDV Products/Vessel...... 50 cc. I believe they will fit other homes.com model Yamahas as well. Ask- Jess Bikes...... 36 ing $100 or best offer. Dennis Ventura, [email protected] MISC. WANTED Johnny’s Vintage Motorcycle...... 29 KSM-Hagerty...... 24 Dealer memorabilia. Collector misc. FOR SALE seeks 1950’s-1980’s Japanese Marbles Motors...... 21 dealership items including ban- Keys for Honda and Yamaha. ners, signs, ashtrays, lighters, Motorcycle Yamiya 750...... 4 Email me for a list of keys and hats, clocks, promos, etc. Rare, Moto-Services...... 29 other items I have. Keys are $12 weird and old is good. Tom Ko- with free shipping. Joe Lachni- lenko, 770-427-4820, Atlanta, National Motorcycle Museum...... 23 et, [email protected] Georgia Nor’Easter Blastworx...... 26 1968/81 Hondas. 50 Japanese Honda CBX 1000cc 6 cyl memo- NOS Parts Now...... 53 bikes, mostly Hondas, $75 rabilia for museum and the CBX each for most or will part out. Book I am presently writing. Precision Motorcycle Painting...... 27 Includes 1978 Gold Wing en- Any brochures, adverts, post- gine, front wheel and fender, ers, owner’s manual, workshop Revival Parts (Mixe XS, Z1 Enterprises, Rendakk’s Cycle) ...... 52 carb set and manifold, cool- manual, set-up manual, toys/ ing fans, and other GW parts. models, old photos, etc. related Rick’s Motorsport Electrics, Inc...... 14 Deal on whole lot. Also 2 Ya- to the 1979-1972 CBX. Also pe- maha Big Bear scramblers and riod aftermarket fairings/body- RJ Cycle...... 15 Yam and Honda mopeds. Lots work. Let me know what you Road Dog Publications...... 51 of seats and side covers. For have and how much you need! CB750. gas tanks. For Bridge- Thanks. Ian, 626-444-9358, Cal- Spacecoast Plating...... 38 stone 100/150 seat, very nice, ifornia, [email protected] l $100. Dream and Super Hawk Speed and Sport Yamaha...... 48 Triple Deuce Cycles...... 27 Vapor Honing Technologies...... 54-55 Vintage Suspension (Race Tech)...... 53 Workshop Hero...... 2 Yamaha Powersports Division...... 56 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 61 VJMC REGALIA ORDER FORM

$ $ SHORT SLEEVE T-SHIRTS: M, L, XL / 20 2XL, 3XL / 25 • white 100% cotton , large circle logo on front & three bikes on back • black 100% cotton, small circle logo on front & large circle logo on back with “Tokyo Chapter” bottom rocker (no 3XL)

POLO SHIRTS: $ • black, red, or white 100% cotton, embroidered with club name & logo on left chest M, L, XL, 2XL / 25

HATS: • black or gray, cotton, baseball style with embroidered club name & logo $20

CLUB MEDALLIONS: • white/black or black/gold metal with 1/4” top tab mounting hole $10

DRINK KOZEE: • red foam with white club name & logo screenprinted $2 KEYCHAIN: • white soft vinyl with club name & circle logo linked to chrome ring $1

VJMC MEMBER MOTORCYCLE LICENSE PLATE: • embossed aluminum $7

VJMC CIRCLE LOGO DECALS: • available in 4”, 8” 12” 4” / $3 8” / $7 12” / $20

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You can also order online: VJMC.ORG/STORE SHIPPING CHARGES $ ENCLOSED IS MY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER MADE OUT TO “VJMC” FOR THE TOTAL OF $

Add shipping and handling costs to your order: SHIP TO: NAME • All items sent U.S. Priority Mail with delivery ADDRESS confirmation $7 for first item and $5 each for additional items in USA only. CITY, STATE, ZIPCODE • Canadian orders multiply U.S. mail rate by 1.5 to determine S&H charges. PHONE NUMBER • Questions? Call Tom at 770-427-4820 EMAIL ADDRESS SEND YOUR ORDER TO: Tom Kolenko • 2445 Elmhurst Blvd. • Kennesaw, GA 30152 Questions?: [email protected]