What's Inside

Volume 35 / Number 4 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 • $5

VJMC

2014

VJMC Leadership Award Winner: TOM KOLENKO

WHAT’S INSIDE: Resurrection: From Scrap to the Street CB1100F Riding Into History Lubricating Your Motorcycle

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

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURES EVENTS: The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show COVER STORY 6 VJMC PROJECT BIKE: National Rally Ressurrection from scrap 2014 40 to the street 12 cb110f EVENTS: 10 Years of Fun barber vintage festival 21 invitation MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION: Building a 27 Bike Shop

HISTORY: Indian vs. Suzuki the winner is... whichever bike you 31 remember most fondly

EVENTS: Riding Into History 34

PROJECT BIKE: DEPARTMENTS Me and My CB PRESIDENT’S LETTER: 39 Just Like Family ...... 5 EVENTS: BACK IN THE DAY: The Kansas City Members Only ...... 20 VJMC Spring Show & Swap Meet 45 huge success! FROM THE EDITOR: The Magazine Staff ...... 25 EVENTS: Rally at TECH HELP: Battle Alley Tech Tip #3: Lubricating Your Motorcycle ...... 51 49

Volume 35 / Number 4 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 • $5 EVENTS CORNER ...... 55 VJMC ADVERTISER’S INDEX ...... 57 ON THE COVER 2014 Vintage Japanese bikes filled the ADVERTISER’S SPOTLIGHT VJMC Leadership Award Winner: TOM KOLENKO circle in front of WHAT’S INSIDE: RRR Tool Solutions ...... 57 Resurrection: From Scrap the Spring Mill to the Street CB1100F Riding Into History Inn during the Lubricating Your Motorcycle OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. National Rally CLASSIFIEDS ...... 58 cover photo: Michael Fitterling VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 3

PRESIDENT’S LETTER Just Like Family

Official Publication of the VJMC always return from our events and rallies energized. Perhaps its AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 Iseeing old friends that have been riding buddies for years or re- Volume 35, Number 4 turning to past stomping grounds or sharing a cool beverage long Current VJMC Enrollment: 3767 after dark. It’s great to feel welcome and better yet to welcome oth- PRESIDENT ers to the fun. These events are our VJMC family reunions. It’s a Tom Kolenko chance to ride, tell stories, share meals, and create memories. 770-427-4820 [email protected] The Spring Mill Rally brought many new faces together in a perfect setting. We celebrated achievements with the Kansas City EDITOR Michael Fitterling chapter becoming the 2014 Chapter of the Year, new Florida Field 863-632-1981 Rep Norton Muzzone inducted by veteran Norm Smith, our largest rally bike show run by [email protected] Greg Pitt, and daily fun rides captained by John Keel, Ellis Hollman, Don Lady, and Jim DESIGN DIRECTOR Townsend. Nadine G. Messier [email protected] Milestones were also added. We recognized the first three generation VJMC family membership with father, son, and grandson all present to ride. Lee Mitzel honored the passing CLASSIFIED ADS Gary Gadd of long time VJMC member and friend Bart Iden in a heartfelt eulogy. Bart passed away of 817-284-8195 a heart attack on June 20 at the age of 72. He was a dedicated member of the VJMC Arizona [email protected] Chapter, a well known motorcycle collector, a top level restorer, and a rider of legendary DISPLAY AD DIRECTOR skill. Bart will be missed. Guido Cardillo Our first Tiddler Ride & Bike show was judged by all the ladies present (check it out on 404-587-0190 [email protected] YouTube video). New evening beverage socials kept fifty to sixty members engaged well AD SALES REPRESENTATIVE after dark making new friends. The family has gotten bigger. Art Snow Work was also on the rally agenda. The Board of Directors held its annual meeting at the [email protected] Indiana rally with eleven of the twelve members present. We shared reports on Events, the MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Field Rep Program, Club Publications and Advertising, Recruiting, and Social Media op- Bill Granade portunities. As hard working volunteers, this group has only the highest standards to move 813-961-3737 [email protected] this club forward in the years ahead. New directors Bryan Bentley, Sean Carrigan, Jack Stein, and Guido Cardillo got to put faces to the voices on the monthly Board conference CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please direct these requests to Bill Granade: calls. New blood adds new life to the VJMC family. [email protected] Treasurer Bob Leonard raised some intriguing questions regarding the role of our website ADDITIONAL COPIES in the era of social media. The old proprietary website model may be limited with Face- In order to minimize unnecessary expenses book, Yahoo groups, and Youtube providing open sourced information and expertise on to the club, VJMC prints a limited number of each issue of Vintage Japanese Motorcycle vintage motorcycles to everyone, anytime, and anywhere. Making our website smartphone Magazine. However, we would be glad to and tablet compatible is our next focus. accommodate any requests for additional Membership continues to grow with the greatest increases coming through recruiting at copies from members. These requests must be submitted before the events. The BOD has set a goal of 4000 members in 2014, and we have the event opportu- 15th of the month preceding each issue. For nities to make it happen. example: for the Feb/Mar issue requests must Remember that our club niche continues to expand as bikes from the 1980s and 1990s be received by January 15. rekindle great memories in their owners. Recently, outside a Best Buy store, a young man MISSION STATEMENT: The purpose of this organization is to promote approached me after seeing my CB400F. He talked passionately about his 1987 Honda the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment CBR600F, which he was going to ride forever. I gave him my card and invited him to join of vintage Japanese motorcycles (defined here and bring his bike to our events. Take time to chat with this club’s future members using as those 20 years old or older). The VJMC also will promote the sport of motorcycling and the universal language of motorcycles. cameraderie of motorcyclists everywhere. We also unveiled some new regalia items. The basic white T-shirts now sport a Honda © 2014 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of CB750, Yamaha XS650, and Kawasaki H1 on the back. After selling out of club decals at North America, an IRS-approved Not-for-prof- it 501(c)(7) corporation. All rights reserved. Mid-Ohio, we are restocked with 4″, 8″, and, by special request, 12″ sizes. Decorate those No part of this document may be reproduced vans, trailers, and toolboxes with club colors. or transmitted without permission. All articles copyright by their respective authors. Since we are in the sweet spot of a riding summer, I hope everyone takes the opportunity Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine is to attend one of our events. Plan to ride to the West Coast Rally, attend the Tenth Barber published six times per year, in February, Vintage Festival, ride to the Meet at the LeMay Museum, checkout and participate in AIM- April, June, August, October, and December. The views and opinions expressed in letters Expo or any other VJMC family of events. or other content are those of the author and do not necessarily represent VJMC policy. The VJMC accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or claims occuring as a result of advice given Ride safe and often this summer! in this publication or for claims made by advertisers of products or services in this publication. Tom Kolenko VJMC President VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 5 6 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 EVENTS

the

Motorcycle Show

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 7 8 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 by Angela Studley

e all have that “something” that makes our heart race; you feel giddy and Wcannot get enough. For me it is motorcycles—more precisely, it’s vintage motorcycles. Since moving from Seattle, I have been searching for that special event or gathering that is the vintage motorcycle culture. Think Ace Café or Mods versus Rockers and you’ll know what I had been seeking. Well, I found it. The weekend of April 11th through the 13th marked the return of Moto GP to the Circuit of Amer- icas in Austin, Texas. It was also the place to see the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show. While I was excited about Moto GP, I was really intrigued by the Handbuilt Show. The setting for the show was in an up and coming neighborhood in Austin, where new hip restaurants and the planned light rail converge. Driving up to the location, my excitement increased as vintage motorcycles lined the street in front of the event center. I was immediately drawn to the Japanese bikes, spotting Yamahas, Hondas, Suzukis, and Kawasakis. The street was a show in itself, with classic daily commut- ers, barn finds left as original but running, and modern machinery all mixed in. The show setting was perfect—the building looked like an old quonset hut times three from the outside, with large open air windows, and featuring an inviting outdoor area. A DJ spun vintage rockabilly to really set the mood. Vintage leather jack- ets were hung over hand-crafted two wheel rolling iron. Motorcycles fanned out from every support beam in the building, creating an ever interesting vision as your eyes scanned the room. The Vintage Motorbike Oil & Ink print exposition lined the TOP: Vintage bikes east wall, and Moto TinType was on hand to create wet plate photographs. Many were also outside other artisans displayed their motorcycle art throughout the show as well. the venue Yamaha XS650s were well represented. Hondas came in many varieties, from , CENTER: classic racers to 70s CBs. A very unique 2003 Kawasaki W650 from Revival drew Handcrafted tail attention to its unusual tank and classic look. You could lose yourself in its soothing section on a Honda café racer blue and white lacquered paint and voluptuous shape. I became enamored with the eclectic seats fabricated from wood, suede coverings, woven leather, hand formed BOTTOM: “Minimal” seating from aluminum and re-imagined. A new Bonneville was transformed to its clas- atop this custom sic origins with a leather covered tank and hand-stitched logo. At first glance, you bike thought it was a resurrected classic, instead of a new model. LEFT: Ideas for my own motorcycle collection started forming as I took in all the artistic Café racer beneath the imaginations of the show participants. I wanted to hear the hand-crafted pipes on the show’s title Hondas and Yamahas, and try out the custom seats and various handle bars. It was banner difficult to take it all in, so I wildly snapped photos of everything that caught my eye. VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 9

Famous and unknown builders were equally represented throughout, cov- ering both US coasts. Deus brought gorgeous pieces of rolling art, as did Rolland Sands. My favorite was a 1976 Honda CB750 fabricated from brushed aluminum, riveted and featuring a leather tank strap—raw and very in- dustrial. Surprises were a 1940 Indi- an, 1938 Vincent Rapide TTR named “Satan,” and a 1933 Brough Superior 1150. The Vincent was masterfully restored, and you just wanted to hear her purr. It is one of three in existence and took seven years to restore. The build- er, when asked what was the hardest thing, replied, “every single thing.” The Brough Superior was in original condition with beautiful patina. Did you know you can buy a new one? Google it—you will drool! No show is complete without fabu- lous food, libations, an art show, and the Wall of Death—a motorcycle thrill show in the motordrome. The Hand- built Show was free and ran Friday and Saturday. I talked to builders, artists, AMA mechanics and racers, and met many new people. I must say, it was the best free event I have ever attended, and I cannot wait for next year! l

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 11 12 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 PROJECT BIKE

From Scrap to the Street

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 13 14 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 by Ken Sperry

am fortunate to live five houses from JR Luksik (“6th One,” VJMM, Decem- Iber 2011). JR completed his custom CBX project last year, and I was able to give him some minor machining support. In the process we became friends. JR repairs custom bikes and cars, restores several types of bikes, but specializes in CBX and CB1100F models, and buys and parts-out “garages,” so I’m always looking for proj- ects to keep me busy. In early September, 2011, JR bought a wrecked CB 1100F, which was in such bad shape that he decided to part it out. Before he got very far, he called me and asked me to take a look at it. It had been dropped several times. The handlebars were bent, all the turn signals were hanging from their wires, the seat was ripped, and every piece of bodywork was cracked, broken, scuffed, dented, or missing. The wheels were so corroded that they would not hold air, the gas tank was half full of thirty year old fuel that had turned to tar and rust flakes two inches deep. We had to take the pan off to remove the engine oil, which had turned into grease. All of the aluminum parts (cam cover, foot peg brackets, etc.) were so oxidized that they were white in color. Other than that, it was a great bike. “Why would I want it?” was my first question. JR answered, “Look at the miles.” It had less than 8,000 miles on the clock. The battery was the original equipment unit, indicating it hadn’t been used for more than six or so years, at the very most, before being taken out of service. The power train should be in pretty good shape, and the steering head to swing arm pivot was square when measured. I bought the bike on September 15, 2011. Luckily, I’m retired and have a lot of time on my hands…right?

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 15 16 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 TIMELINE: 2011 September 15: All the body parts were stripped from the bike. A list was made of broken/ missing parts to start shopping.

September 17: Visited JR’s parts friend, Dave Parker, and bought repairable side panels, battery, and gauge cluster.

September 20: The title was transferred into my name.

October 1: The engine was removed from the lands. A good dose of carburetor clean- frame. All other parts were removed er and mild heat freed them up. They from the frame and sent to QC Coat- measured within service specifications Luckily, I’m retired ings, in Shelby township, Michigan, for in the bore and were reinstalled. and have a lot of powder coating. I sent the carburetors to JR for re- building and found a repairable set of time on my hands, The colors used for the project were: wheels on the 750-1100F web site. All of the discs were sent out for resurfacing. right? Gloss black: I then ordered master and caliper seal frame, all brackets, battery box, side and kits, new brake pads, and new brake center stand, lift brackets, etc. lines through JR. and a new (used) tachometer, cluster body, and cover. Silver ceramic: November 1: cam cover, alternator cover, ignition The engine parts were returned from November 20: cover, foot peg mounts, muffler powder coating. The head was disassem- The wheel repairs were completed and bled. The ports and combustion cham- new tires ordered. We then shut down to Ceramic flat black: ber were de-carbonized, and the valves clean house and get ready for Thanks- 4 to 1 exhaust header lapped. The production valve stem seals giving. were replaced with Viton seals. The Semi flat black: pistons were then reinstalled, with the November 27: clutch cover, other engine outside parts, cylinder, cylinder head, cams, etc. The We received the frame, brackets, and handle bars valve lash was then set to .004″- .005″. swing arm from powder coating. The All remaining covers required new seals new tires were then mounted and bal- Gloss silver: and/or gaskets. anced. The resurfaced discs and rebuilt swing arm and brackets, brake rotor brake components were next to be in- centers November 15: stalled, along with new brake pads. The I received the used wheels and started frame was then assembled into a rolling October 15: polishing and painting them. The hard- chassis, making it much easier to move I began engine tear down. I removed est part of this job was taping off the around the shop. the cylinder head and was surprised to areas that weren’t painted—eight hours see no ring rust on the bores! Removing of taping for ten minutes of painting. December 1: the cylinder was a problem. I removed The fork tubes were removed and were My son helped me install the rebuilt all but four of the front studs (they polished to remove rust from the slid- engine and the rebuilt carburetors. We wouldn’t budge, even with heat), but ers, and new seals were installed in an used a crudely modified motorcycle the cylinder remained firmly attached attempt to salvage them. They were later floor jack to guide the engine into place. to the case. replaced by new tubes purchased from It worked so well that I made a proper I used a sharp Buck knife to carefully Forks by Frank because the old surfac- mount for future engine removals and wedge the cylinder from the case at the es were too rough for the fork oil seals installations. I traded the labor of re- base gasket line. The pistons were OK, to do their job. I then rebuilt the gauge pairing two 1100F heads for a repairable but the rings were frozen into the ring cluster using the original speedometer, fairing, tank, side covers, and seat/tail. VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 17

couldn’t find a production exhaust system in reasonable shape for a reasonable A lot of riders price. Something about supply and de- mand comes to mind.) Several jet and commented that needle changes were required to get the this is the bike engine to run cleanly through the speed range, but when it did, it was exciting, they wanted surprising me with a one to third gear The donor bike wheelie on my first hard acceleration. “back in the day.” Also, I’ve never ridden a large four-cylinder bike that was so devoid of vibra- tion. It is a pleasure to ride.

December 15: March 23-25 Bike Show: We shut down to clean up and decorate We entered JR’s CBX and my CB1100F for Christmas. in the Gibraltar Motorcycle Show in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. JR won Best Cus- December 26-30: tom Asian Bike, and I won Best Restored We repainted the body work. I met with Asian Bike (not everyone got a trophy). JR to strip and repair the tank and all The paint work really set the 1100F the body work (every piece needed re- apart from the competition, as people The finished pair). JR then primed, shot a white pearl are used to seeing clean 1100Fs with result base coat, installed a stripe kit, taped off nice thirty year old paint. This bike’s from the stripes leaving the red panel paint job looks like brand new 1983 areas exposed (20 man-hours of taping paint, flawless finish and no fading. A ty to bring this one back to life, and it’s a between us), and shot the candy red lot of riders commented that this is the joy to share it with people who appreci- panels. The result was beautiful, even bike they wanted “back in the day.” ate the model. before any rubbing. I have to thank JR for the guidance, Cost: advice, assistance, and the beautiful 2012 (Without counting JR’s and my man- paint job (I didn’t always follow his ad- January 3: hours) I have receipts for a little over vice, and in every case he was proved to The bike is complete. Total time for me, $2,800 in parts and outside work. I be correct, causing me to “do it right the about three man-months. worked off some of the parts, but the second time.”) and for helping me pull guys on the 750-1100F web site list spare together the bike and this article. I also Riding Impressions: parts on a regular basis. The key is to have to thank the guys on the CB750- The carburetors were set up for pod- be patient and get a good shop manu- 1100F web site for helping me find the type air cleaners and a four-into-one al. Deals come along, some bad, some wheels and for their advice, QC Coat- pipe. I replaced the pods with the OEM good. Wait for the good. These bikes are ings who did all the powder coat work, air cleaner box and filter and went being parted out more than I thought and Randdak’s cycle shack for making again with a four-into-one pipe. (I just they were. I’m glad I had the opportuni- high quality carburetor kits and grips. l

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 19 BACK IN THE DAY

Members Only

by Pep Barrameda

his is a picture of me, Pep Bar- Trameda, at Kelly Hill, Fort Benning, Georgia, on April 1988. I was a US soldier stationed there, taking my newly purchased 1988 Kawasaki Ninja 600r out for a ride. Note the required reflective vest for riding on post. Still on Fort Benning, sometime in 1988-89, this time the Kawa- saki has a Targa full fairing bra. I am wearing a matching Members Only leather jacket. I still have the Kawasaki and full fairing bra! l

20 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 EVENTS 10 Years of Fun: Barber Vintage Festival Invitation October 10-12, 2014 by Tom Kolenko

o celebrate the tenth anniversary of the greatest vintage motorcycle event in Tthe world, we need your help. Our goal is to gather more than 150 high quality original members’ bikes for all to admire. The VJMC has been part of this event since its inception ten years ago. In 2014, we will have a new location due to our space needs. We have been given a new larger location in Lot A to better accommo- Make your hotel date our needs and those of 70,000 visitors at this growing event. What brings the world to Leeds, Alabama, in October?—800+ entries in reservations AHRMA racing, huge 500+ vendor swap meet, evening fireworks, tech seminars, and campground rides, thrill shows, Ace Corner featuring café racers, auctions, and access to the world’s largest motorcycle museum just yards away. This is a family friendly fun reservations early event where spouses and children feel welcome, too. since most places The VJMC needs your best stock, original, or restored vintage Japanese motorcycles for its premier Saturday bike show. Good, clean, original early machines sell out for this from Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and even Bridgestone, Tohatsu, Fuji, and international Marusho are sought. High quality street bikes, motoX, and road racers are invited. High quality and variety are the Barber Festival traditions…with over forty event. awards given at the Saturday bike show. To maximize member participation, we will be limiting single member entries to three bikes this year. So get out the polish and set the GPS for Leeds, Alabama. The generous Barber folks provide two free weekend passes (a $90 value) to each of the pre-registered VJMC members who bring show display bikes. Saturday show bikes need to be pre-registered through Tom Kolenko ([email protected], 770-427-4820) by September 15, 2014, to qualify for the free admission package. Send your complete contact info, mailing address, phone number, bikes you want entered, bike photos, membership number, etc. to get pre-registered. You must send an email photo of the bikes you will enter unless you have displayed these approved bikes in years past; all new entries must have photos. Box stock and factory original bikes are the target for members to qualify for the free weekend pass offer. High quality “drive-in” bike show entries are not eligible for the free ticket deal, but are very welcome all weekend at the VJMC booth. Make your hotel reservations and camp ground reservations early, since most places sell out for this international event. VJMC on-site camping is very limited and reserved for those VJMC members who have worked the event since 2005. Detailed event and lodg- ing information can be found at www.barbermuseum.org. There’s lots for VJMC members to do, even if you don’t bring a display bike for the show. Friday’s activities include a huge “show & shine” area, a Sounds of Japanese Horsepower contest, technical seminars, and member meet & greet opportunities. Based on the success of last year’s VJMC Tiny Town Bike Show on Friday morning, the best in minis returns. Over twenty minis competed last year, and we expect double that number in 2014. The event is designed to showcase those fun machines from our Wonder Bread years: Z50s, CT70s, QA50s, MR50s, TY80s, KV75s, JR50s, MT50s, PW50s, TM75s, and other kid-focused vehicles sold prior to 1985. We are looking for quality, completely stock examples, while high quality, VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 21 customized minis will also compete in their own class. Please contact me for more details, eligible models, and preregistra- tion info. It’s people’s choice judging as always with everyone invited to participate. Saturday is filled with morning registration, our afternoon people’s choice bike show, and ends with a members’ barbecue picnic. Expect over 150 premier examples of vintage Japanese iron on display. Sunday caps the event off with our members’ parade laps around the famous Barber race track at noon. Many volunteers are needed to help setup, score the bike show, work the membership booth, sell regalia, and create these fun times. Please contact me if you wish to help. See you all there! l

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 23

FROM THE EDITOR The Magazine Staff by Michael Fitterling / [email protected]

ack in 2012, club leadership asked bers, send in determines the type and our group, you are a candidate. Have Bmembers to take a survey. This sur- number of articles available for each is- you taken a long or interesting ride on vey was intended to help improve the sue. The balance will never be perfect. a vintage motorcycle? If so, then you are magazine by allowing us to match its Some issues will be published just after an author candidate. content more closely to members’ pref- numerous VJMC events and those may I’ve continued to receive suggestions erences. I was not editor then, but since predominate, as they must go in as soon for the magazine and one that pops up I’ve taken the reins those survey results as possible after each event before they from time to time is the desire for arti- have driven my selections as each issue become “old news,” but, for the most cles on marques other than Honda. Hon- has been put together. About tied for part, the balance you see is the balance da, of course, was by far the sales leader first place were the categories of how-tos you’ve sent in. in the hey days of Japanese motorcycle and historical articles on Japanese mo- So, this is my call for you to send in ar- dominance in the American market, so torcycles; these two combined to repre- ticles on those subjects and motorcycles it is natural that more articles will come sent almost half of the most requested near and dear to you. You don’t have to in about this brand, but I invite those of content. Following these two categories be the next great American author to you with experience with the other three and in order were articles on collections, contribute. If you’ve solved a problem brands of the “big four” or other Japa- events, rides, and “other.” A quarter of you’ve encountered on your bike, you nese bikes to submit articles so we can the members also wanted to see more are an author candidate. If you’ve vis- all learn from your experience. photos and for more captions with them. ited an interesting motorcycle museum With help from you—the magazine Now, this is where you come in. Yes, or collection, you are a candidate. If staff—we can continue to produce a you are the staff of your magazine. There you’ve volunteered or even just attend- magazine that informs, entertains, and is no permanent staff writing articles ed an event, either VJMC sponsored or instructs and a magazine we can take for each issue and what you, the mem- simply one that may be of interest to pride in having created together. l

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 25 26 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION

Building a

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 27 28 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 by Jim (More Wrenchin’ than Ridin’) Alaimo / [email protected] 1 good home is not just for pets— A bikes need shelter too! I’ve been riding on two wheels for fifty-one years—buying, selling, repairing, and modifying them since I was sixteen. I’ve owned thirty-seven different bikes in that time period. I got serious about buying classic bikes 5 about four years ago, restoring a 1987 BMW 75S in a 5′x10′ storage unit. 2 You don’t need a picture to imagine that scene and all its challenges. I decided last month to get serious about feeding my passion and renovated a 15′x25′ storage unit. Now that I’ve finished, I thought I’d share the con- struction process for those of you that do your own wrenching and need a place to do it. 6 I’m currently restoring a 1966 Hon- da CL160, a bike I had when I was still 3 in high school, and a 1968 Honda S90, the true classic that started my love of two-wheeled adventure, but which I never bought until now. Here are the photos of the process of renovation. Believe it or not, cost was around $1,000 for materials. La- bor?—well, it was a labor of love, and you can’t put a price on that. If I did, I 7 couldn’t afford it. I’m a bit afraid to turn a wrench for fear of messing up that purdy shiny 4 floor. In addition to my two classic restoration project bikes, I have my 1. In the beginning, quite dismal daily rider Suzuki SV650 (Who has 2. Building the mezzanine: time to ride when you can play in this A place to store all those things you don’t play pen.) and an 1982 Honda Night- need, but can’t live without 3. Epoxying the floor for those nasty spills hawk 650 being readied for the road. 4. Building the workbenches and Now that it’s done, it’s time to enjoy installing cabinets my man cave complete with A/C, hot 5. Setting up tools and parts bins 8 spot internet connection, and a small 6. Nearing completion; refrigerator to house my favorite cold computer station on left beverages. I hope my project will bring 7. Rolling in the bikes. What’s a bike shop without bikes? inspiration to those of us that work on 8. Here’s one with my CL160 their favorite rides, and with a clean Can you spot it? tidy shop the work quality not only 9. Got the lift in place improves, but the word work takes on OPENING IMAGE: a new meaning: FUN! l Decorating with pictures and banners—finito! 9 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 29

HISTORY INDIANSvs. UZUKI The Winner is... Whichever Bike You Remember Most Fondly by Peter Hunn / [email protected]

If Eileen Cooper or some other good looking girl around Simsbury ever “saw us on this huge bike,” my high school buddy, Wes, predicted, “we’d get laughed out of the sophomore class!” At the time of this declaration, the two of us were gazing at a 1948 Indian Chief stowed in the back hinterlands of a shed behind my family’s garage. A few days earlier, during that September of 1969, the brush-painted, yellow monstrosity was unceremoniously wheeled into shelter after its owner, a thirty-something fellow who attended the suburban Hartford, Connecticut, church my father pastored, found himself in our vicinity and with the Indian sputtering on one cylinder. Glad for an OK to leave it there until he could either cure the 74-cubic inch V-twin’s ills himself or secure a truck suitable for hauling the bike to some repair shop, the fellow quickly phoned for a ride home. I never saw him again. All subsequent communication about the old Chief’s fate was conveyed through my dad. The Indian’s owner called the church office several times; once with an unpromising update some two weeks after the old cycle had conked out; again around Halloween to announce that he’d moved 1969 Suzuki T-125 out of state; and finally, shortly before Thanksgiving, to offer me the bulbous, catalog sheet and circa 1948 Indian “74” fringy saddlebag-laden bike for what he had into it—four hundred bucks. repair manual: In retrospect, this last prospectus was more than the seller’s desperate shot in Decisions, decisions! the dark. He knew that I was a fledgling motorcyclist looking to upgrade my inaugural Honda S65 with something more suitable for the road work I’d soon require of it after securing my license. More than a couple of times after church, we’d chatted about cycles. During one such session, I walked him next door to see the little black Honda. The enthusiast reciprocated by describing a classic In- dian—albeit a basket case project with lots of extra parts—that he was seriously considering. One Sunday, the guy proudly announced he’d purchased the vintage Chief. I routinely followed his reassembly progress—an ecumenically mechanical topic far more interesting to me than was typical small talk with elderly ladies in the congregation, who always seemed amazed that I was either taller or thinner than they’d remembered me being the month before. The fellow got the Indian back together and repainted in time for summer, but admitted in another of our post-Presbyterian pow-wows that there were still “a few bugs” in its V-twin to work out. Apparently, one of the most rattly of these insects was responsible for bringing the Indian to my house. My pal, Wes, and I inspected the laid-up Chief regularly. Though we were far too sophisticated to accompany this activity with improvised engine sounds, both of us took turns astride the monstrosity’s saddle while imagining the complex ne- gotiation of simultaneously operating the foot clutch, handlebars, throttle, spark, and “suicide” stick shift. “The owner wants $400 for it,” I’d say, with Wes sug- gesting that the guy would probably take $350 or maybe a bit less. But something about the Truman-era cycle just didn’t seem normal. We’d never noticed such a machine on any contemporary cover of Cycle World, nor did the bike make our VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 31 pretentious thesaurus of words defining late 1960s teen- age-cool. As a matter of retrospective realization—while within earshot of its proud plastic Indian head running light and decorative fender skirts—we no doubt broke the ailing Chief’s heart by, instead, musing longingly about the lean, trim, Suzuki lineup both of us had recently seen in Cycle magazine. The double spread ad quickly ignited ver- bal fantasies about which model and candy apple color option we’d choose…if ever given the chance. By early March of 1970, Wes and I borrowed his mother’s Pontiac Wide- track station wagon and made an anticipated Saturday pil- grimage to a Hartford area Suzuki showroom. There, a sav- vy salesman showed me a sparkling red T-125 Stinger that looked just right. “As a ,69 leftover,” the agent explained, “it’s a great value on a new bike for a kid like you who needs transportation to school and a part time job. Just $449 and we’ll throw in a full tank of gas and a quart of quality Suzu- ki Posi-Force oil.” In the light of those day’s fuel prices and the Stinger’s 1.9 gallon gas tank, that represented little more than two bucks of valuable freebies. But I was irreversibly smitten with the T-125’s svelte frame, so vowed to seriously discuss the opportunity with my folks. “Better let me know by Monday afternoon at the latest,” the salesman pointed out, “because these great deals are first come, first served; then you’re out of luck, son.” That admonition got accented with the warning that he already had some other potential customers, including a guy “just back from ,Nam who had plenty of Uncle Sam’s cash burn- ing a hole in his easy rider pockets,” who were “very inter- ested in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Neither Wes nor I could quite picture some ex-Green Beret chopping the T-125 and then taking it on some coast-to-coast, “gettin’ my head back together” road trip. Even so, I sure didn’t want to risk having that Suzuki drummer prove me foolish. With the papers signed and the Stinger wedged between the seats in our ,69 Volkswagen Bus, the next weekend my father and I transported the new bike home. Dad said he was glad I’d chosen the smaller of the two motorcycles and transitioned into a parental lecture about safety and re- sponsibility. As we pulled into the driveway, he mentioned a newly retired gentleman from our church who had wanted

32 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 to know if I was going to buy the Indi- it up, and that a year later I’d rather “Yes,” I admitted pensively. “I should an. “Give him a call tonight,” my father impetuously sold the T-125 after some never have sold the Suzuki. And, I sure requested, “He’s next in line after your future drop-outs relentlessly teased me wish I had worked up the nerve to ask right of first refusal.” with the name “Popcorn Rider” because Eileen Cooper to go for a Sunday after- When I phoned, the man heartily con- of the Suzuki’s 2-stroke tune. “Get a noon ride on it.” l gratulated me on my “little Jap bike,” man’s bike!” they’d taunt every time then said my choice had made “both of I’d pass them in the school hallways. us” incredibly pleased. “You see,” he ex- I actualized this directive by using the plained, “I was thinking of getting one Suzuki’s proceeds for an abused, but of those new Honda 750 four-cylinder incredibly loud, Honda CL77 that, with bikes, but an Indian Chief, now that’s a baffles removed, apparently sounded real motorcycle! Back in high school,” more dangerous than did the 125cc he fondly mused, “my buddies and I Stinger. But my antagonists weren’t dreamed about going up to Springfield around to hear the difference. By the and buying a brand new ,48 right off of time I managed to navigate that 305 the Indian factory floor. Yup, you and cubic centimeter Honda’s dubious bill your new cute little bike have made me of sale into a valid Connecticut regis- very, very happy indeed!” tration and license plate, the ring lead- Not long ago, my wife and I had a er of the bike bullies had quit school, neighborhood couple over for dinner. leaving his old gang to the draconian During the get together, I showed the devices of our vice-principal. husband my small stable of vintage cy- On the way upstairs from the walk-in cles. This sparked some reminiscing basement, my neighbor visitor estimat- , about bikes in our past. As soon as he ed that, today, a decent 48 Indian Chief gave me the chance to interject, I re- would probably fetch thirty-grand. counted the Indian tale; how I’d passed Then he wondered if I had any regrets…

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 33 CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Beautifully restored KZs at the show A Honda with racing in mind The sweeping pipes of a 400F A row of Hondas beside the lake

34 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 EVENTS

by Peter Slatco Vice President Events Coordinator / [email protected] Into

VJMC WINNERS

JAPAnese CLAssIC, 1969-1980 1ST PLACE GORDON KING 1977 YAMAHA RD400 AwARd oF MeRiT NoRToN MuzzoNe 1970 YAMAhA XS-1 AWARD OF MERIT MIKE ENNIS 1973 YAMAHA RT3 AWARD OF MERIT OBIS BREA 1976 HONDA ELSINORE MT250 AWARD OF MERIT STEVE TYRE 1971 HONDA CB500 AWARD OF MERIT RANDY MCALPIN 1972 YAMAHA ENDURO 360 AWARD OF MERIT MARK SAWICKI 1971 HONDA CB100 AWARD OF MERIT JIM ATCHINSON 1976 HONDA CB550F AWARD OF MERIT MIKE ENNIS 1972 KAWASAKI H2 AWARD OF MERIT STEVE GAUDING 1978 KAWASAKI n May 17th, the World Golf Village in KZ1000 POLICE St. Augustine, Florida, was host to the O AWARD OF MERIT MILES ALBERTSON 1972 HONDA CT70 Fifteeth Annual Riding Into History Con- cours d’Elegance. Although this year’s event JAPAnese VInTAge, 1946-1968 featured American Iron motorcycles, vintage 1ST PLACE PAUL ENZ 1966 HONDA CA160 AWARD OF MERIT CHET L. GLISSON 1966 SUZUKI Japanese motorcycles were still the dominat- T20 X-6 huSTleR ing group of participants. AWARD OF MERIT BILL DRIEBE 1963 HONDA CB77 Nearly 5,000 spectators were on hand to AwARd oF MeRiT RodNeY TRedo 1966 hoNdA S-90 AWARD OF MERIT BILL ALDRICH 1963 HONDA CA77 view nearly four hundred motorcycles that ringed the lake at the World Golf Village. The JAPANESE MODERN, 1981+ majority of the display was the 140 entries of 1ST PLACE JORGE RUIZ 1984 KAWASAKI GPZ750 Japanese motorcycles, and it stretched almost COMPETITION VINTAGE halfway around the lake. AWARD OF MERIT BOB REAM 1965 HONDA CB160 It was exciting to meet Dave Despain, this AWARD OF MERIT STEVEN METZ 1962 JAWA/BUL TACO year’s Riding Into History Grand Marshal. CUSTOM RACE COMPETITION CLASSIC Dave is the most well-known television per- 1ST PLACE GORDON KING 1970 HONDA CR750 sonality in the motorcycling world. He is AWARD OF MERIT DAN SALVADOR 1980 HONDA CX500 considered the voice of motorcycle racing. AWARD OF MERIT JIM HALES 1975 BOMBARDIER CAN-AM 175 TNT Dave has done almost everything in motorcycling, from being AMA Public Relations COMPETITION MODERN 1985+ Director, racer, motorcycle shop worker, 1ST PLACE BOB REAM 2004 HONDA DREAM 50R journalist, promoter, AMA Pro Racing board COMPETITION OFF ROAD member, and founder of the Dirt Track Hall 1ST PLACE GENO PLOECKELMANN 1971 KAWASAKI G31M of Fame. Dave was very funny, and anyone (BABY GReeT ST) who wanted to meet and speak with him had VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 35 that opportunity. He even made the time and effort to visit us at our VJMC booth during the bike show. We had a one-on-one opportunity to discuss the VJMC and its impact in the community of vintage Japanese motorcycling. Of the twenty-four award recipients in the various classes of Japanese motorcycles, seventeen were received by VJMC members. Please join me in con- gratulating all the award winners. (See the previous page for their individual awards and motorcycle entries.) A big thank you and event credit goes to: Obis and Sharon Brie, Norton and Laura Muzzone, Steve Gauding and Julie Slatcoff. l CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: There were many other marques in the show, including this vintage faired BMW A rare rotary powered Suzuki RE5 A pair of splendidly restored Yamaha XS650s

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 37

PROJECT BIKE

Me and My by James Webb / [email protected] CB photos by Scott Strance / [email protected] bought my ,62 Honda CB77 “Super When indeed? ISport” (the “Super Hawk” designation A few weeks later he came back, we came later) in the late summer of 1963 recruited another helper, and wrestled with about 3,500 miles on it. I was nine- the bike out of the shed and up onto the teen years old at the time. By mid-Sep- back porch to check it out. After power tember the odometer was up to over washing off the worst of the accumulat- 5,000 miles. It was a big step up from ed grime, it didn’t look too bad, at least the Allstate Moped I’d been riding to to my nostalgic eyes. commute to classes at the University of I’d actually been researching the proj- Texas. ect for a while and had been in contact After nearly 20,000 miles, a couple of the year before with legendary 305 me- pretty good wrecks from letting friends chanic Ed Moore of Kerrville, Texas. drive it, and being stolen in late 1966 He’d agreed to rebuild the engine and and recovered and put back together in transmission for me, advise me on other the same year after somebody’s mama aspects of the restoration, and, hopeful- in San Antonio couldn’t get a satisfac- ly, provide me with some missing bits tory answer as to who owned “that rat- and pieces. I called him, and he said he ted-out motorcycle in her garage,” the could get to me sometime in late fall. bike developed a transmission problem To make a long story a little longer, Ed and was consigned to the shed some- rebuilt the engine, valves, clutch, trans- time in 1975. At that point, it was just a mission, and carburetors, and provided twelve year old, ragged-out motorbike— lots of other parts that had gone miss- not worth fixing. ing or unserviceable over the years. He I did take the battery out of it, thank even let me use his sandblasting equip- goodness, but that was about it. I wish ment to prepare the rusty metalwork for I’d taken the time to empty the gas tank painting, which was deeply appreciat- and squirt some oil down the cylinders, ed. The project would have been pretty but, apparently, I didn’t—“Rode hard much impossible without Ed. and put up wet,” as the saying goes. I got my end of the job done (paint- I went through a couple more mo- ing, etc.) and assembled the pieces in torbikes in the next few years—a 1976 the spring on the back porch. I took CB360 I bought new (Honda’s worst my first ride on my “new” 305 on April bike ever?) and a 1972 Moto Guzzi Eldo- 13, 2009. My goal was to build a decent rado I bought from a friend of a friend. looking “rider” on a budget, so some The Guzzi was a “death bike” that the of the parts that should be chrome are deceased previous owner’s friends had painted flat silver, and dents in the muf- repaired to sell and give the money to flers and tank panels bear witness to its his mother. It was a great road bike but a former rough-and-tumble existence, little clunky for around town, so I sold it. but I like the look. I’ve put a little less TOP: Neither of these bikes measured up to than 3,000 miles on the bike since its My grandmother took the Super Hawk for sheer riding fun, so “resurrection.” this photo in August, 1963, in her driveway on the idea of bringing it back to life was I still live just outside Austin, so in the 1400th block of West always appealing. Thirty-four years lat- July of 2011, as an exercise in nostalgia 12th Street in Austin, er, in July of 2008, an old friend came or whatever, I recruited a photographer Texas by to visit, and the subject of the old 305 friend, and we showed up in the drive- CENTER: came up. Tim used to ride it sometimes. way of my granny’s old house to try and Just a twelve year old, ragged-out motorbike— He’s just about my only friend from back recreate that 1963 photo. The lady who not worth fixing then who didn’t wreck it at some point. now lives in the house came out to see BOTTOM: “When you gonna get off yer ass and what was going on and invited us in to The 1963 photo do something about that bike? You’re tour the house I’d lived in fifty years recreated in 2011 not getting any younger, ya know.” earlier—more nostalgia. l VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 39 by Michael Fitterling / [email protected] photos by Michael Fitterling and Rosemary Bentley

had been looking forward to the Na- we fill the inn, but VJMC members oc- Itional Rally being held this year in cupied the campground, too. southern Indiana at Spring Mill State Thursday, the 26th, found us early ar- Park, near Mitchell, Indiana. This loca- rivals at the inn’s breakfast buffet. Soon tion had special appeal to me because, after, the bikes rolled in and filled up the not only had I heard fantastic things driveway circle and the covered garage about the last National Rally held there parking spots. Before I knew it, a ride in 2012, but also because in my youth I was on and I scrambled to join in the had spent time camping with my fam- fun. The circle filled with vintage bikes, ily there during summer breaks from rumbling as we lined up for the “long school. ride” of the day. Around twenty bikes This park was set to explode with ac- rolled out of the park and into the ver- tivity on June 26 and continue until dant Indiana countryside. We roamed June 28, before members would pack up the area north of Mitchell and east of and head out on the following day with Bloomington, stopping for lunch at Hob a wealth of warm and often funny mem- Nob Corner restaurant in Nashville, in ories from their stay. Brown County, renowned for its rolling The event team of Peter and Julie Slat- hills, rural charm, and beautiful fall col- coff, Tom Slatcoff, Norton Muzzone, ors that draw thousands to the area in and Lee Roy Mitzel had arrived well autumn. Six hours after we had left, we ahead of me and things were already set rolled to a stop back at the inn. up and ready for the coming weekend Throughout the rally, bikes gathered by the time I got there. I spent the rest of at the circle, lined up, and left on rides the day having dinner with the team and both north and south, east and west, checking out the fantastic facilities the long and short, on back roads through inn offered. The lobby, downstairs rec- the cornfields and hills. There was reation area, and patio offered nice spots something for everyone, including a to lounge and talk while the restaurant ride to French Lick and West Baden, was only steps away. At the front door with lunch at the famous restored and of the inn, the circular driveway become opulent West Baden Springs Hotel, with our bike parking lot and show space, its six story dome. and the hopping off point for the many Spring Mill offered something for ev- rides throughout the weekend. All sev- eryone. The park made a nice place to enty-three rooms in the inn for the not only participate in club events but weekend were occupied by club mem- was also a great spot to bring the fam- bers, giving us free rein of the facilities ily and enjoy hiking and exploring the for parking, bike shows, vendor space, park’s reconstructed “Pioneer Village,” and generally hanging out. Not only did which contains a collection of restored 40 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 COVER STORY

VJMC at Spring Mill State Park

2014 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 41 One of the many rides The Pioneer Village Old millstones inside the mill building departing the park

CENTER: Entrance to the Donaldson Cave LEFT: Your VJMC Board of Directors

CENTER: Relaxing with fellow VJMC members on the patio LEFT: Best of Show winner Lee Mitzel (right) Yamahas and Kawasakis with President in the bike show Tom Kolneko

Peter slatcoff addresses the Kawasakis in Bike show members in the Lakeview Room the bike show organizer greg Pitt

pioneer log cabins and structures going morning meant business, and we gath- back to 1816, along with the large grist- ered for the annual face-to-face meeting mill building which still grinds corn where policy was hammered out and today. Hiking is popular and one trail plans made for growing and improving Members at the Williams covered bridge, built in 1884 leads back to the mouth of Donaldson’s our club and its benefits to the members Cave, one of three caves in the park. in the upcoming year. Outside the board Hamer Cave, which feeds the gristmill room, rides continued unabated and Hondas in water-wheel, is a short hike from Pi- members prepped their bikes for show- the bike show oneer Village and Twin Caves offers ing. After lunch, the Tiddler Parade visitors a chance to spelunk by boat on around the state park’s grounds on bikes a guided tour. After hiking and explor- under 200cc preceded the Tiddler Bike ing the Village there are two swimming Show. The winners were determined by pools available for cooling off, one at the “Ladies’ Choice” from this collection of campground and an indoor/outdoor more than a dozen fine examples from one at the inn. 50cc up. On the evening of the 26th, mem- Friday evening, once again, the members enjoyed an Ice Breaker Dinner in bers gathered for food and fellowship. the Lakeview Room in the hotel with Joe Galetti, of the Kansas City Chapter, a plentiful buffet of mouth-watering gave a talk after dinner about how to items, from a salad start to desert finish, promote the club, based on his years of and everything in between. Afterward, experience promoting events and races members relaxed and chatted into the at his drag strip. The talk was followed night, eventually wandering off to our by an introduction of the Field Reps and rooms or campsites. a call for Field Rep volunteers by Board For the Board of Directors, the next Member Jack Stein. Afterward, there 42 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 was a Board of Directors sponsored informal gathering for 2014 VJMC NATIONAL RALLY BIKE SHOW WINNERS drinks and conversation on the patio, where many members stayed until late. BEST OF SHOW After breakfast on Saturday, the 28th, the circle came alive LEE MITZEL 1972 YAMAHA XS650 again with yet more rides. I got in on a short one this time to SUZUKI a lunch stop near a covered bridge, where the group of riders 1ST PLACE TERRY SELL 1971 T125R 2ND PLACE LEE MITZEL 1968 305 stopped to explore and take a group photo. A brief shower cooled us down on this ride but didn’t last long, and we es- HONDA 1970+ 1ST PLACE RAY LEZOTTE 1971 C175 caped a drenching. 2ND PLACE RAY LEZOTTE 1975 CB750 Back at the inn, the circle was a hive of activity. The rain did HONDA PRE 1960 not spare the them there, and it was still sprinkling when we 1ST PLACE BARRY SCHONBERGER 1965 CL72 2ND PLACE BARRY SCHONBERGER 1967 CA78 returned, but soon the sun reappeared and bike owners got busy wiping down their motorcycles and prepping them for YAMAHA the main bike show of the rally. The show was organized by 1ST PLACE LEE MITZEL 1972 XS 650 2ND PLACE NORTON MUZZONE 1970 XS 650 Greg Pitt and bikes were smartly lined up by category in the KAWASAKI large circle. Ballots were handed out and everyone started the 1ST PLACE JIM TURNER 1973 Z1 voting process. 2ND PLACE JOHN PEDERSON 1974 Z1A

As evening approached, the members headed to the Lakev- COMPETITION iew Room and an outstanding dinner buffet. Old and new 1ST PLACE SAM WRIGHT 1972 RD250 friends gathered over the good food and conversation. Din- CAFÉ RACER ner over, the Bike Show awards were announced for both 1ST PLACE R J RUSE 1971 HONDA CB750 2ND PLACE JOHN SCHOONOVER 1975 HONDA 360 the Tiddler and the Main Bike Show. Several members were honored for their contributions to the club’s success, includ- SPECIAL CUSTOM 1ST PLACE RON DISON 1972 HONDA CB750K2 ing Peter Slatcoff, for his tireless efforts to promote and pro- 2ND PLACE BILL FIRESTONE 1991 HONDA duce better and better events for the VJMC. Then the 2014 NIGHTHAWK MODERN CLASSIC Best VJMC Chapter Award was given to Kansas City VJMC 1ST PLACE BARRY SCHONBERGER 1990 HONDA GB500 Chapter, one of the most active in the country. Finally, Pres- 2ND PLACE RAY LEZOTTE 04 HONDA RUNE ident Tom Kolenko was awarded the first VJMC Leadership MINI SCOOTER Award (see sidebar) which was followed by a standing ova- 1ST PLACE DON CECCONI 1982 HONDA C70 tion by all the attendees. Following dinner, members gath- 2ND PLACE TIM PARSONS 1968 HONDA Z50M ered for another evening on the patio for conversation and HON. MENTION LEE MITZEL 1966 YAMAHA CATALINA 305 fellowship on this final night of the rally. DAVID ROTTGER 1974 HONDA CL450 By all counts the rally was an overwhelming success and TODD OLMSTEAD 1976 HONDA GL1000 this was largely due to the hard work and dedication of the LEE MITZEL 1968 BRIDGESTONE 350 Event Team. Over 150 guests attended, making it the largest group yet for Spring Mill State Park, and there was over- TIDDLER BIKE SHOW WINNERS whelming approval of using Spring Mill again as the venue 1ST PLACE TERRY SELL SUZUKI T125 STINGER l for a future National Rally. 2Nd PlACe deNiSe SCholTeMN Suzuki k-11P 80CC

VJMC Leadership Award Winner: Tom Kolenko e all know club treasury became a balance ship considering other nation- This growth would not have WTom is an sheet with true positive profits al motorcycle clubs had been occurred without the outstanding avid Japanese for each of his years as Club Trea- losing their members for the past leadership of our president, Tom motorcycle en- surer. We can all thank him for several years when the VJMC is Kolenko! thusiast and cur- using his no non-sense approach expanding our total member- Tom’s shared vision coupled rent President of to the club’s finances and bringing ship. One of the main reasons for with his forward thinking are the our Club. our club from near insolvency to our club’s growth over the past baseline for the future of this club Tom’s journey to being our Club where we are today, debt free and four years is Tom’s leadership in through the next millennium. His President began when he joined financially secure. supporting regional and local integrity, honesty, humility and the VJMC in early 1980s. First as The growth of our club mem- VJMC gatherings. respect for others is empowering. a member; then moving up in the bership over the past 10 years We all know how we became On behalf of the Board of Direc- leadership ranks to Field Repre- has been outstanding. In 2004 members of our club. We signed tors and all the club’s member- sentative. Next Tom joined the we had 1400 members, today up to check it out…well for the ship, it was a great honor and a Board of Directors and took on the our membership has just passed past four years the club has grown privilege to present to Tom Kolen- vital position of Treasurer in 2004. 3800 members. This is truly a from 3000 members to 3800; a ko the Vintage Japanese Motorcy- Under Tom’s new leadership, the remarkable growth of member- very impressive 26% increase. cle Club—Leadership Award.

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 43 44 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 EVENTS The Kansas City VJMC Spring Show & Swap Meet —Huge Success! by Mark Bayer, Missouri/Kansas VJMC Representative / [email protected]

he Kansas City chapter of the VJMC Theld their fourth annual Show and Swap Meet on Saturday, May 10th. In the Midwest, weather in May can be a risky venture. Rain, strong winds, storms, or even snow can be a problem. Last year, we were within a week of having a little snow on the day of the event. Further- more, in our area “rain dates” are typi- cally not a workable option, so this year there was a little apprehension about the weather as the show got closer. A few days before the event, there was, again, questionable weather in the forecast. On the day of the event, the weather turned out to be absolutely perfect, staying in the high 70s and low 80s. About four hours after the conclusion of the show, we finally got the rain, high winds, and hail that the forecasters had been pro- jecting for over a week. One of my cars being one of the first and continuously was even damaged by hail. operating Japanese motorcycle dealers. This year, we were at a new location: Bart, Donnell’s son, currently runs the Donnell’s Suzuki/Honda generously of- business. They were great hosts. vintage event. All of the vintage motor- fered their dealership location for this A great deal of preparation went into cycle clubs in our area know who we are, event. Donnell Shiflett, a racer of signifi- this event because we were having a respect our activities, and many of their cance in the late 1950s and 1960s, opened show which has been growing every year members attend our shows, as well. We his Suzuki dealership in 1965. Along but was being held in a smaller space saw many of them at this year’s event. A with Suzuki, he added BSA, and then, than what we had last year. Our great- special thanks goes to Frank Sereno, our later, Honda motorcycles. On a raised est concern was having plenty of space VP; Joe Galetti; and the many members platform in their service area they have a for the swap meet vendors and people of KCVJMC who helped before, during, collection of vintage bikes. Displayed is a bringing vintage motorcycles to sell. We and at the event itself. This size of event really clean Honda GB500, a “new” 1972 were also partnering with The Muscular just can’t be done without many people BSA MX500, a very nice Honda CB350, Dystrophy Association and wanted to helping in a number of important ca- a new and never serviced 1974 Suzuki create an event which would generous- pacities. RL250 factory competition bike, and an ly help them as a fundraiser. As a club, On show day, motorcycles started almost new 1971 Suzuki F50. Donnell’s we were also wanting to see the event coming in a little later than what is typ- has a history in the Kansas City area as continue to grow as a significant local ical. By 9 am, we had at least 45 bikes VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 45 being shown. By 10 am, the number had grown to above 90. By 11 am, the number had grown to around 130. During the event, there were a few bikes leaving while new bikes came in. There were also many show worthy vintage Japanese motorcycles parked with the visitors’ bikes. We posted ribbons on approximately 170 motorcycles on show day. We had the regular cache of Honda CBs of nearly every size and at least four early Honda Dreams. A rare 1979 Suzuki GS1000R was shown, as was a beautiful rare factory blue 1967 Honda Su- per Hawk. Two Suzuki RE5s were shown, as well as quite a number of early ,70s era two-stroke dirt bikes. There were also quite a number of Yamaha Enduros. These included Ya- maha 125s, 250s, 360s, 400s, and a 500 thumper. Many other bikes were shown, such as several early Yamaha XS650 twins, two restored Honda Elsinores, a 125 and a 250, and a 24 year old Honda GT650, which looked as though it had never been ridden. There were also several early Honda GL1000 Gold Wings shown; a group of restored Honda mini bikes, monkey bikes, and several ST90s were also shown. A first year Honda SL350, first year Kawasaki Z1, a rare Bridgestone GTR 350, a rare Honda VF1000R, and a newly restored orange metal flake Honda CB750 also graced the show. The list could go on. Many nicely restored motorcycles were displayed along- side original un-restored bikes, all of which were great fun to look at. We also had around a dozen parts and bike vendors participating in the swap meet. Every lot was full! With a healthy crowd, great weather, many people coming and going, and plenty of great bikes to look at, the show was a huge success. I had several people tell me personally that they were “wowed” by the show. The pictures tell the story. I spent most of the day greeting guests. I was able to introduce a number of new people to the VJMC, none of whom knew that such an organization existed. We had a local television celebrity speak, a city councilman speak, and the Indepen- dence Fire Department Color Guard make a presentation. It was a great day! We were better organized than last year, had many new first time visitors, we signed up a few new VJMC members, and had loads of fun. Successful ventures create an atmosphere that makes it so you can’t wait until your next event. This was certainly one of those experiences. With a strong club attendance being evident, many dedicated participants helping, well over 130 vintage Japanese motorcycles displayed, and a substantial amount of money raised for MDA, we are ready for our next challenge. The final figures record $4,100 being collected for MDA. In about two months we will host the “All Japanese” motorcycle show. It is scheduled to be held on July 13th. After that we will have our regional event. The VJMC Midwest Region- al Show & Rally is scheduled to be held on August 9th. If you are a VJMC member in the Midwest, please make plans to attend this event, as we want to see our community of central region members grow. Make sure and invite any friends who enjoy old Japanese bikes as well; everyone is welcome. We are really wanting to see this Midwest rally become a major event for the VJMC. Follow our progress at: www.kcvjmc.org l 46 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 47

EVENTS Rally at Battle Alley fficially named “Rally at Battle Al- story by John Yuhn / [email protected] Oley,”organized by Hogs In Ministry, photos by Tony Schutz the locals refer to this annual event simply as the Holly Vintage Days. After the most brutal winter in even the eldest of Michiganders’ memories, with sub-zero temperatures for weeks on end, coupled with an official record-breaking snowfall in the amount of 93.6 inches (Detroit)—the most since the winter of 1880-81—in contrast, the 57 degree temperature and the partly sunny skies were a warm welcome for all in attendance at this vintage gathering. Five hundred motorcycles rolled in and out of town throughout the day, anticipating the joy and excitement of being around an assortment of old bikes and old friends. Several southeastern Michigan Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club members attended this event on May Fourth, in downtown Holly. Some were even able to win trophies by show- ing their fine machines. Holly is situated about fifty-six miles north of the city of Detroit. It is one of the few remaining small rural towns in Oakland County, with many farm fields and woodlots still in view. Beyond Oakland County, to the north and west, lie Genessee and Livingston Counties, which contain many small towns. Be- CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Jack and Jenna tween these little burgs there are miles Ishi, John, and Tony ready to ride! and miles of great local riding. A Suzuki GT750 with a Honda CB200 The town of Holly was incorporated Vinnie with his 1st place trophy in 1865, directly after the civil war, and contains a rich history in lumber, farm- produced here, just outside of town. An ones, we decided to grab a bratwurst ing (dairy, in particular), and railroads. original son of Holly, Karl Ricter, at the from the Bittersweet Café. Three of us For such a small town, it boasts sever- age of 23, was the youngest pilot during met at a local park as a starting point for al claims to fame. In 1908, the national the Vietnam War to shoot down a MIG a twenty-five mile ride around the gen- temperance leader, Carry Nation, spoke in air-to-air combat. The local middle tly rolling and scenic area to the south of here on the prohibition of alcohol. For school is named after him to this day. Holly and Fenton. We enjoyed the ride many years there was a festival here In 1992, George W. Bush and his wife and made it back in time for the awards. in her honor, complete with beer tent! stopped in town for about twenty-five As I rode home that afternoon, feel- Grinnell pianos were produced here minutes during his whistle stop cam- ing the thump of the ole 650 beneath on a large scale, and the company was paign. me, I realized just how blessed I am to billed as the world’s largest distributor After a morning of walking around have spent an afternoon surrounded by of pianos by the mid-1950s. Bars Leak gazing at all the beautiful motorcycles, vintage motorcycles and the people that radiator sealant was created and is still talking with friends, and meeting new ride them. l VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 49

TECH HELP Tech Tip #3: Lubricating Your Motorcycle by Jim Townsend / jimvjmc@ gmail.com & Ellis Holman / [email protected]

Jim: Ellis, one of the things I noticed had to be removed, dunked in solvent, need oiled about as much as chains and with the majority of motorcycles I get and then bathed in a bath of warmed are right there in your face, but I see in my shop is that the owner was very grease to get the lube where it needed to rusty cables that sometimes won’t move lax in lubricating various parts of the be. Today, we have aerosol chain lubes at all after sitting a long period of time. motorcycle. Chains, cables, levers, and that have heavy grease suspended in a many other parts look like they have solvent. You spray it on, and the solvent ellis: You are right, Jim. The increased never been lubricated. evaporates, leaving behind the grease in friction from lack of lube can cause a all the right places. cable to break at the most inopportune ellis: I know, Jim. I’ve seen a lot of bikes time and place. I’ve seen guys with a that have been neglected in the lubri- Jim: I have bought bikes where the broken throttle cable who’ve tied their cation department. There is a lot of chains were not lubricated, and the inner cable around their leg, moving technology we can apply to help make chain had to be cut off so the bike would their leg in and out to work the throttle things a little simpler. Take chains, for roll. The chains were rusted solid and in a real pinch. example. There are all sorts of spe- would not even bend. Of course, they A cable lubing tool makes things cial O-ringed chains on the market were ruined, but, if they had been lu- much easier than the old remove the today made for the high horsepower bricated, they would still at least let the cable, hang it up, and drip oil through it repli-racers, but most of our bikes don’t bike roll when pushed. Another item I routine. I use white lithium grease in an need them. It used to be that a chain see neglected are control cables. They aerosol can. Chain lube works well, too.

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 51 You just pull out one end of the cable, and pray everything isn’t rust-welded care not to use too much pressure and attach the lubing tool, and spray in the together. Clean everything off and re- blow out the seal or grease up the brake lube. When the lube runs out the other place the worn out bushings. That dirt linings. A few drops of oil in the cable end, the job is done. and rust make it all wear out sooner, casing helps, too. and the clean parts are much easier to Those are some overlooked things I Jim: You know I have restored a num- grease, as well. see, Jim. ber of ,70s Hondas, and on almost every one of them the swing arm pivots ellis: Another item I’ve noticed that Jim: We’ve covered a lot of territory, but have not been lubed by the owner, even doesn’t get much attention is the clutch what about engine oil? I just looked in when there was a grease fitting to pump lifting mechanism. This can be so rust- the pile of rider’s manuals I’ve collected, grease into the pivot. In fact, on every ed it can cause the cables to break and all the way from early ,60s CA95 Hon- one of the over a dozen CB350F bikes prevent proper clutch actuation. Like das to late ,80s bikes, which covers most I have restored the swing arms had not swing arms, there may be a grease fit- of what we all have. The earliest ones been greased, and on some the bush- ting to grease the mechanism. It may be cover bikes with centrifugal oil cleaners ings were worn out. Those bikes even damaged and not allow grease to reach on Honda Dreams and others up to the have a grease fitting on the end of the the lifting mechanism. Like others, it is canister screw-on oil filters. Oil recom- spindle that is very easy to get to. Un- probably a press fit and can be removed mendations go from SAE 30 non-de- fortunately, they are straight fittings with a pair of pliers. For Hondas it is a tergent oil to 20w-50 high detergent and will not hold the grease gun. They 4.5 mm fitting, and the part number oil. Oil has changed a lot over the past can be replaced easily with an Alemite is 96201-30001. It pays to get a few and fifty years and so have filters. Most of grease zerk by just popping them off just keep them around. On many Hon- the motorcycles today use multi-grade and then pressing in a new zerk. Then das it is easy to remove the case and high detergent oil, normally 10W-40. you can really apply the pressure with make sure there is grease in the proper The most important thing to remember your grease gun. Some of the passages places on the inside, too, like the end is to keep clean oil in your bike. It is not for the grease are quite small. of the clutch rod, that gets a lot of hard so important what you use as long as it One thing you need to do is make use. Don’t lose the ball bearing in there. is clean and there is enough of it. sure the grease fitting and the end of I’ve also noticed neglected speedome- Usually, the change intervals are the grease gun are clean, so you don’t ter drives. I’ve had people complaining around 3,000 miles. For my bikes that push dirt into the bearing. I use molyb- about the speedometer needle jump- turns out to be once a year. Filter denum-based chassis grease. Just watch ing all around, even though they have changes usually are recommended ev- to see when it comes out at the point be- an NOS speedo and cable. Many bikes ery 6,000 miles, but, since I only change tween the swing arm and frame. When have the drive integrated with the front oil once a year, I change the filters too. it starts oozing out, you are done. And, brake hub. Often, this gets overlooked I’ve been asked, “What about synthetic another thing, make sure the grease because it requires the front wheel to oil?” It is slippery and good for cars, but is going into the fitting and not just be removed to be greased. On some they don’t have clutches bathed in oil. I oozing out around it. Those straight small Honda speedo drives there is a won’t use it in any of my bikes because I fittings from the factory are bad about 6 mm Phillips [JIS pattern] screw that don’t want a slipping clutch, so beware! that. Replace them. If you are unlucky can be removed, and a zerk fitted. Ace It may cause problems, and you may and only have the straight fittings, you Hardware carries them in 6 mm x 1 have to switch back to 10w-40 and also may have to pull out the swing arm bolt mm pitch thread that fits. However, use buy a new clutch.

52 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 ellis: Petroleum based oils do seem to starts to form within minutes after you insides of oil tanks, gas tanks, and un- work best in our older machines. Don’t clean a tank, unless you oil it or get the dersides of fenders, and other hard to forget that two-strokes are a little dif- tank full of gas quickly. reach places. WD-40 sheds water and ferent than four-stroke bikes. They When I store bikes, I spray them works well over the winter months at need an oil, usually 10w-30 or 10w-40, down with a spray bottle filled with a keeping rust away. for their gear boxes and a different two 50/50 mix of used motor oil and paint stroke oil for the injection or pre-mix. thinner, under fenders and back in Jim: Yeah, Ellis, I buy WD-40 in gallon There are special two-stroke oils spe- hidden places you might not even nor- cans and refill a spray bottle and use cially formulated for use in motorcy- mally see. Under tail light brackets, that. It is cheaper than buying those cles. If you just want to use synthetic, under seat pans, around the battery spray cans, although I do use the spray one of the new two-stroke oils might compartment, rims and spokes, and cans once in a while for fogging inside work for you. One other thing that is on bolts and nuts are some places. An gas tanks and the like. very important—keep the oil level on old paint brush works well for this. You small bikes right up to the full mark. can even do this on painted surfaces, Next issue we will be looking at wir- Some only carry a quart or so, and, if as sometimes paint is porous and lit- ing, lighting, charging systems, and the level drops down a bit, your upper tle spots of rust pop out, especially on similar topics. Let us know what prob- end might suffer oil starvation and chrome. Even old motor oil will work lems you have had or currently have. damage. for this purpose. WD-40 also works Do you have a question pertain- well. About the only places you don’t ing to vintage motorcycles or run into Jim: One thing we haven’t touched on want oil is on rubber tires, footrests, a problem that has stumped you? If is using oil as a rust preventative. Oil is and on upholstered seats. In fact, if you so, send us an email, and we’ll get one of the best rust preventatives you do spray a rubber part, wipe it off as an answer for you if we can’t answer can use. I have a quart can of oil that I soon as possible. it ourselves. Contact Ellis Holman, use to put in gas tanks after using Rus- 317-691-4242, buddy.holman@gmail. teco or Milkstone Remover to get the ellis: I’m a little more lazy. I use WD- com, or Jim Townsend, 574-551-2255, rust out of a fuel tank. A film of rust 40 in a spray can and spray it into the jimvjmc@ gmail. com. We prefer email. l

54 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 EVENTS Events Corner by Peter Slatco , Vice President. Events Coordinator / [email protected] UPCOMING EVENTS

y now everyone knows that the 2014 sis until they are gone. Last year we sold AUGUST 9 BNational Rally has taken place and sixty-five tickets—we could have sold a Mid-West Rally was a huge success. Now that it is behind over a hundred. Please take advantage Commemorative Air Force Museum us we quickly turn our focus to October of the online ticket purchase; we would New Century, Kansas and the next major events—Barber Vin- hate to see anyone disappointed this tage Festival (October 10-12) in Leeds, year. sePTeMBeR 5-7 Alabama, and the AIMExpo (October VJMC West Coast Rally Flagstaff, Arizona 16-19) at the Orange County Conven- AIMexpo tion Center in Orlando, Florida. It was quickly recognized that AIMEx- OCTOBeR 10-12 po was about to revolutionize the mo- 10th Annual Barber Vintage Festival torcycle trade show industry. To quote Barber Vintage Festival The rumors are true—in order to keep a recent AIMExpo News Release: “AI- Barber Motorsports Park pace with the growth of this event it be- MExpo creates an all new paradigm for Leeds, Alabama came necessary for the Barber Team to motorcycling. A way to come together OCTOBeR 16-19 reconfigure the venue. Yes, the VJMC is at one place…at one time…at the right AIMexpo impacted. Beginning this year, we will time…in a celebration of the lifestyle” Orange County Convention Center be located just inside the pit entrance for motorcycling enthusiasts of yester- Orlando, Florida gate, to the right, formerly one of the day, today, and tomorrow. The VJMC camping areas. We view this move as was part of the exclusive opportunity to nOVeMBeR 1-2 positive because we have outgrown the participate in the inaugural event. Our 3rd Annual current site. This new location provides partnership was so successful that this VJMC Florida state Rally a perfect venue for our club. It is much year the VJMC’s role has been expanded Silver Springs State Park Ocala, Florida larger, it is flat with excellent drainage, to include hosting of the AIMExpo mo- provides more visibility to spectators, torcycle show, “Retro Affair.” This show DECEMBER 13 and will support our much anticipat- will be innovative and outside the box of 15th Annual ed future growth. More details will be traditional vintage or classic motorcycle VJMC Florida Christmas Ride forthcoming as they are available and as shows. Watch for the myriad of media Coney Island Grill we get closer to the event. blasts to follow announcing the partner- Brooksville, Florida If you plan on entering one of several ship of the VJMC and AIMExpo. bike shows and display activities please This event will take place October 16- AugusT 9-11 see the “Barber Vintage Festival Invita- 19, 2014, at the Orange County Conven- 2015 national Rally New Location Scouting tion” in the front of the magazine. In his tion Center in Orlando, Florida. Online Pigeon Forge, TN article, Tom Kolenko outlines the de- pre-registration for “Retro Affair” will tails for qualifying motorcycle entries open August 15th. Registration will and your opportunity for a free week- require a photo to be submitted at the states at 709,000 (7.1%). It has the sev- end pass. time of registration. Complete details enth highest number of motorcycle re- On another note, last year a new tra- will be forthcoming. tailers in the US and is the third highest dition was started—Barber’s VJMC In response to a question during our in new unit sales at retail (38,910 units). BBQ dinner. On Saturday night, Octo- National Rally: “Why are we doing Florida has the third highest econom- ber 11th, Jim & Nick’s, a local favorite, so many events in Florida?” Reading ic value, at retail, of the US motorcycle will cater a real southern BBQ dinner. A through a number of articles and news market at approximately $1.6 billion. limited number of tickets will be avail- releases for the AIMExpo I came across So, clearly, Florida is an ideal location able for our members. So, in an effort the some information I would like to for motorcycling activities that support to accommodate as many members as share with everyone. motorcycle enthusiasts and the hobby possible, plans are to offer a pre-sale of The South has the highest percent- they enjoy. tickets online prior to the event. Once age of motorcycles in use in the United Let’s not forget we still have two of the on site, tickets will be extremely limited States at 34%. Florida has the second largest regional rallies yet to happen. and sold on a first come, first served ba- highest motorcycle population of all First is the Mid-West Rally, which will VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 55 take place August 9, 2014, at the Commemorative Air Force Museum, New Century, Kansas. For more details your rally contact is Mark Bayer ([email protected]). The second event has board members Jack Stein and Bob Leonard actively plan- ning the West Coast Rally. This year’s rally will take place Sep- tember 5-7, 2014, in Flagstaff, Arizona. In our latest conversation Jack was quick to point out two very interesting facts of the chosen rally area. It’s near Grand Canyon and a desti- nation stop along Route 66. So don’t miss this rally—planned rides include a jaunt along Route 66 and a trip to the Grand Canyon. I am jealous…oh, well, time to make that trip to the West Coast Rally. l

56 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 ADVERTISER’S SPOTLIGHT ADVERTISERS APPEARING IN THIS ISSUE: Arizona Motorcycle Parts Inc...... 56 RRR Tool Solutions B & L Machine ...... 19 by Guido Cardillo / [email protected] Barber Vintage Museum ...... 22 Berkshire Cycles ...... 28 any of you recognize the name CONTACT INFO Bob Chantland ...... 50 MGordon East, owner of RRR Tool Gordon East Brown’s Plating ...... 25 Solutions—long time VJMC member, Board Member, and former Advertising RRR Tool Solutions Buchanan’s Spoke and Rim ...... 28 Director. His contributions to the VJMC East Developments & Marketing, Inc. Classic Cycle Events ...... 36 (864) 710-7964 and to this magazine are significant. [email protected] CMSNL ...... 64 When Gordon took over the advertising www.rrrtoolsolutions.com Colorado Motorcycle Expo ...... 53 duties two and a half years ago, the mag- David Silver Spares...... 63 azine advertising was in some disarray. all but impossible. As recently as two Diamond Gusset Company...... 37 Gordon found new advertisers, and his years ago, he scoured the Internet for a Dime City Cycles ...... 18 diligent efforts to find quality products complete set that would meet demands for our members has resulted in a bigger for both quality and compactness, but Frank’s Maintenance and Engineering, Inc. .... 32 and better magazine. His efforts serving failed to find one. Gasolina Boots ...... 46 on the Board of Directors and as Vice In March of 2014, RRR Tools launched Hagon Shocks ...... 23 President have led the club in new di- its own brand of quality tools which fea- HVC Cycle ...... 44 rections and to new growth. Although ture several innovations and designs not Japanese Classic Car/Vintage Motorcycle Show .. 4 Gordon has left the Board to focus on available anywhere else. These are tools JDV Products/Vessel ...... 20 running his new business, his impact made for motorcycles where motorcy- will be felt for some time to come. Jess Bikes ...... 23 cles get ridden and enjoyed—On the If you ride a vintage or modern street Road or In the Woods. Johnny’s Vintage Motorcycles ...... 47 bike or dirt bike, and you’ve done it for RRR Tool Solutions has developed Kenda Tires ...... 24 any length of time, you’ve been faced not only a nice set of tools to carry on- Marbles Motors ...... 37 with situations that require you to have board your bike, but RRR has designed Metro Racing Inc...... 2 knowledge and tools to get you home. and patented new tools—compact tools MikeXS, Inc...... 44 Gordon has been repairing and restor- that make the job easier and can easily Moto-Services ...... 33 ing motorcycles for over forty years. be carried on your bike. Gordon will be With half a dozen tool boxes and hun- quick to tell you that his tools are made Motorcycle Yamiya 750 ...... 14 dreds of specialty shop tools in hand, for ‘Where and Whatever You Ride!’ Motorsport Publications ...... 26 he says he never thought that putting Look for Gordon at VJMC events and National Motorcycle Museum ...... 51 together a quality “Touring/Travel” kit say hi. He’s always happy to share stories Orazio Cycles ...... 15 for cross-country adventures would be with owners of vintage bikes. l Ottoco ...... 44 Paul Miller Motorcycles ...... 23 Sprocket Socket Disc Wrench Set Precision Motorcycle Painting ...... 54 (PATENT PENDING) Randy’s Cycle Service ...... 52 RR Tool Solutions has introduced a new wrench that really has to be seen to be Retro Bikes, Inc...... 19 Runderstood. This Sprocket Socket Disc Wrench Set will work on all of your motorcycle axles and may also be applicable to other limited clearance situations. Made of Rick’s Motorsport Electrics, Inc...... 47 super strong T6 tempered aluminum this tool is perfect for the adventure tourer or Roadracers Exposed ...... 28 anyone who works on their own bike. RRR Tool Solutions ...... 26 The 7-piece set includes: Speed and Sport Yamaha ...... 48 9” handle 6 socket discs: 32mm, 27mm, Stop the Blues ...... 46 24mm, 22mm, 19mm, and 17mm Vapor Honing Technologies ...... 32 The handle weighs less than 6 oz. while each Vintage Smoke ...... 33 socket disc weighs less than 2 oz! The sockets simply flip over to reverse direction, and the Vintage Suspension (Race Tech) ...... 32 handle can be engaged top or bottom, and Western Hills Honda ...... 56 be used to push or pull. The engagement also It’s great for carrying on your bike! ratchets for easy, continuous motion around Wheels Through Time Museum ...... 38 A full set rolls up into a 4” x 9” tool the fastener. To see a video of this unique tool Workshop Hero ...... 30 pouch, which is included. in action, visit www.rrrtoolsolutions.com. Yamaha Powersports Division ...... 10

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 57 A vintage Japanese motorcycle for the VJMC is 20 years old or older and, of CLASSIFIEDS course, Japanese. Please be aware that ads may/will be edited to conserve space. 12 lines will be free. PLEASE NOTE: Please be aware of publication deadlines. For an upcoming issue, ads are due by the 20th of the month of the preceeding issue’s release. For ex- Ads will be run for ONE ISSUE ONLY. Please ample, ads for the December/January issue are due by October 20. resubmit via www.vjmc.org or contact our If you have business related ads, please consider taking out a commercial display ad. Contact Display Ad Director Guido Cardillo at 404-587-0190 or Classifieds Editor Gary Gadd by email: [email protected] for details and rate information. [email protected] if you wish an ad to run we can now offer color photos to accompany your ads. Cost is a min- longer. Also please contact Gary if your post imal $10 per photo per issue. Payment via Paypal is available on the VJMC website. For payment by personal check, please address payment has been fulfilled. This will help keep our to “VJMC” and send to the address below. Photo ads will appear in the classified ads as current as possible. magazine issue following payment. GARY GADD • 3721 HOLLAND ST. • FORT WORTH, TX • 76180 / 817.284.8195

Asking $6450 obo. David Chum- 1966 Honda CL77. Original stock 1975 Honda gold Wing. Can- ley, Englewood, Colorado, 303- 305cc Scrambler. Unrestored dy apple blue, 1100 miles FOR SALE 517-7560, Please leave phone original condition bike. email since new. Museum piece number, [email protected] for pics or questions. $3250 stored in the living room. obo. Russ Mayeux, 727-580- $6500. AJ Addeo, 516-978- 6251, St. Petersburg, Florida, 0072, [email protected] HONDA [email protected] For Honda, sales literature and more. Patches, pins, cycle 1968/81 Hondas. Parting out magazines and more. There 50 Japanese bikes, mostly Hon- are original tank decals, own- da. $75 each or will part out. ers manuals and other vintage Includes Yamaha and Hon- items. About 100 pieces in all. da Mopeds, lots of seats and Some of the first honda ads side covers. 4 CB750 4 cyl gas ever made; CE71, CB92, etc. tanks, $60 and up. Bridgestone $75 plus postage for all. David 1964 Honda CA77. domestic 100/150 seat, very nice, $100. Polson, 916-253-3849, Lincoln, version. I bought and restored 1978 Gold Wing engine, $100. California, [email protected] this bike in the early 1980s. It 1965 Honda 150 Dream en- 1977 Honda CB750 Hon- has been registered with the gine, $100. Dream and Super damatic. Nice chrome, 25k VJMC since that time and it is hawk frames with attached miles, non-original paint, carbs 1960 Honda C76 305cc. One of in need of a new restoration. fenders, electrics, wheels, etc.; cleaned. Starts, runs, drives, the few totally complete orig- This bike differs from the uS ask for prices. Located near and shifts well (neutral, low, inal 1960 C76 Hondas in exis- model as follows: two seats Rhinebeck, NY, AMC super high). Daily commuter bike last tence. Matching numbers, all (the passenger pillion is easily meet site. Ken Krauer, 845- summer. Minor oil seepage correct. 100% complete, needs removed to reveal a luggage 266-3363, Salt Point, New York, from upper end engine seams. absolutely nothing. The bike rack underneath), turn signals, [email protected] Clear wisc title. $1450 obo. was in storage for 40 years. non-folding rear foot pegs and Potential restoration project. With it is probably one of the rotary shifter. The bike runs Bruce Zedler, 920-675-6044, most comprehensive collection but smoke is coming out of the Classic Honda and other Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, of C76 NOS spares anywhere, exhaust. It is complete with all Japanese motorcycles. Re- [email protected] all factory Honda. It’s a huge parts original or NOS. Extras in- stored, prices vary. Sold sepa- list acquired over 15 years. cluded: original Nitto tires (the rately. CB100, CB125, CB175, Selling only as a complete set, Goodyears on it have less than CB200, CB77, CB350, VB450, not parting out. Please email 200 miles), parts book, sec- CB550, CB750, CL100, CL125, for details. Jim Hawkins, Van- ondary luggage rack, one pair CL175, CL77, CA78, CA77, couver, British Columbia, Can- extra NOS brakes and other CA95, CL450, SL125 twin and ada, [email protected] small items. The bike is avail- more. Over 70 vintage mostly able for pick up in Tucson, AZ. Honda motorcycles, will buy, To make an offer or for further sell and trade old motorcy- 1962 Honda CA72 Dream. All information and pictures please cles. Steve Burns, 302-449- original except for rear tire. contact me. Richard Alexander, 2582, Middletown, Delaware, This is the bug eye tank mod- [email protected] [email protected] el, very limited, has tire pump, 1981 Honda CB900. Look- rear luggage rack, small rear tail ing for a good home. Super- light. Totally complete tool kit, sport in good condition. Re- including; tire patch, scissors, painted and decaled in 2007, etc. Black with black seat. Bike carbs in 2008. Original parts, is in unbelievable original con- ridden until 2011. Runs a- lit dition. Chrome is showroom tle rough. Looks great. 59000 condition, paint is very nice original km. Best offer. Steve, and original, has a few minor Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, scratches. Runs great, 4257 [email protected] original miles. Very rare find. 58 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 CLASSIFIEDS

1982 Honda CM450A auto- scuffed. Runs good, 42000 1976 Kawasaki KX750B Twin. 1964 suzuki T10 Crusader. First matic. My riding bike but get- miles. Best reasonable offer. 2751 original miles, age re- of the 250 Suzukis imported to ting too old to ride. Garaged Stan Mitchell, South Carolina, quired restoration. New cables, the US and forerunner of the X6 always. I am 2nd owner. 8700 864-980-5557 hoses, seat, tires, chain, carbs hustler. Professional restoration orig. miles and orig. candy root leaned. Electric and kick start, with correct period Suzuki blue. beer paint and mufflers in good center stand. Runs great with Very showy bike with lots of shape. New front and back tires. good torque. Style the vintage chrome. Extremely rare. Ask- Runs perfect. Never abused. look or invest to store with the ing $4995, appraised at $5300. $995 firm. located 10 miles engine just broken in. Tank paint Buyer arranges shipping. Con- from Rhinebeck NY super meet could be redone, it shows dam- tact me for details and photos. site. Ken Krauer, 845-266-3363, age from brake fluid. Very clean, Lee Stewart, Gilmer, Texas, 903- [email protected] inspected and titled in Pennsyl- 797-3465, [email protected] vania. Includes a genuine Ka- wasaki shop manual and the For 1981/83 Honda CB650/ March 1976 copy of Cycle Guide 1970 suzuki T500. Re- 750/ 1000/1100 and CBX, Pet- that featured bike with a fine stored. Charles Davison, cock Rebuild Kits. Kit consists of 1987 Honda VF700C super article with performance infor- East Texas, Charles.Davison Viton o-ring for filter screen, Bu- Magna. 33509 miles, only mation. Asking $3200.d an kutt, @acceleratedproduction.com- na-N o-ring for on-off-res lever, 16000 models produced. In [email protected] hide 4-hole rubber seal, Viton O-ring running condition and has for petcock bowl. kits fit: pet- been garaged when not in use. cock number 16950-461-751 Includes onboard tool kit and For 1981 Kawasaki gPz550, 1982 CB650 Standard, CB650C Honda Service Manual. More brand new oil cooler. Never in- Custom and Nighthawks, info at: http://goo.g1/s1Mk61. stalled or used. it may fit later CB750C Custom, 1982-83 CB- $2000 obo. Marc Schweikert, models also, but I think they 750SC Nighthawk, 1982 CB900C 703-939-7206, Reston, Virginia, may have used a larger unit. Custom, 1983 CB1000 C Custom [email protected] Please contact me for additional and 1983 CB1100F Super Sport. info or pictures. Jeff Swan, 816- Pictures at http://www.cb1100f. 746-1259, Parkville, Missouri, net/modules.php?name=Fo- [email protected] rums&file=viewtopic&t=73943. KAWASAKI $20 and free first class shipping 1972 suzuki Ts125. Barn find, within the continental united 1969 Kawasaki H1. Beautifully in my own barn. 2263 miles, States up to 13 ounces. $8 for restored 500 triple. My similar in storage last 15+ years. first class international post- H1 placed 3rd in Mid-Ameri- Runs, all original, owned since age with tracking number for ca auction past January out of 1978. see video at http://you- a total of $28 for international 640 bikes. Rebuilt bottom to tu.be/MGAfe0fyjK8. asking customers. Payment via Pay- top. Ross McArthur, 760-274- $925. T. Gray, 734-672-8772. Pal to flatheads@bellsouth. 4325, San Diego, California, [email protected] net. Conrad Ledig, 225-610- [email protected] 2233, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, [email protected] 1978 suzuki gs1000. 16000 1982 Kawasaki Kz750R1 gPz. miles. Project bike. All original. Original GPz750. All stock ex- $500 OBO. Chuck Miller, 413- cept for 4-into-1 header and 527-6453, Westhampton, Mas- jetting. under 13k miles. Not sachusetts perfect but very nice. Too many NOS parts to list, including brand new petrol tank. Photos upon request. Ride her away with your tag. No trades, serious buyers only. John Revilla, 703- 1976 Kawasaki KZ400 Triple. 509-1796, South Riding, Virgin- Restored to new condition. ia (just outside of Washington 1983 Honda XR200R. Great Original pipes, all original parts DC), [email protected] bike. Always garaged. Perfect as new, 1200 miles, stored mechanically and cosmetically in the living room. $6,500. very good. Probably one of the AJ Addeo, 516-978-0072, nicest original 1983 dirt bikes [email protected] SUZUKI 1982 suzuki gs1000s Wes out there. it is titled with a valid Cooley replica. A great running Colorado plate. Asking $1300. and riding example of a very Firm on the price. You ar- rare and special Suzuki race range transport. Paul Bay, 303- tribute model (one per dealer), 444-2369, Boulder, Colorado, built after wes Cooley won the [email protected] Superbike Championship on a GS1000. Not a show bike, a little rough around the edges, 1984 Honda VF1100C/V65 but appears to have original Magna. original condition, paint in fair to good condition. paint not faded, pipes not No tach, one shock looks incor-

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 59 rect, and the clutch slips at full cycles. Steve Burns, 302-449- 1972 Honda Z50 K3. Look- throttle. Grab this race replica 2582, Middletown, Delaware, ing for excellent original bike before they are discovered and 1983 Yamaha Xs650 Heritage [email protected] in candy gold color. Would skyrocket like the Eddie Lawson special. Original and excellent like to find an original paint Replica kawasaki of the time. condition. 14000 miles. $3400. bike. Sean Morphew, 562- Just $3200. Randy Pobst, 321- Jeff, 575-776-8676, Taos, New Parts for Japanese bikes. I 698-7484, whittier, California, 432-2665, Atlanta, Georgia, Mexico have about 7000 individual vintage1948house@yahoo. [email protected] parts. Email for a PDF list of the com parts. Lists are broken down into Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, MISC. FOR SALE and Yamaha. Please request For 1985 Honda XL80. Looking YAMAHA only one list per day due to for a left side battery side cover. 1973 Holsclaw 3 rail motorcy- my time constraints. Mark - Ak Also, if available in good condi- 1975 Yamaha RD200. Every- cle trailer. It is a MA-12 with samit, 928-202-8654, Arizona, tion would consider both right thing works and is 99% com- the 530 x 12 tires gives it a [email protected] and left sides and a front fender plete. Starts easily with the push 1300 lb capacity. I bought this in good condition as well. Pos- of a button and is a joy to drive. new in 1973 and only used it sibly 1985 Xl100 parts may fit. Stored inside since 1996. Carbs for a few years. It has been sit- Honda manuals. Over 100 orig- If you have anything please con- rebuilt, new clutch friction ting ever since and now needs inal Honda service manuals tact me. ken hutto, 803-331- plates. New Yamaha rings, one a good home. It was never in for many various models, CBX, 7529 new piston. New battery. Miss- an accident and other than a MB5, CB750, etc. Email for spe- ing rubber boots from air box to coat of paint and some new cific needs. Prices on request. carbs so pod filters are installed. tires will look and work like Bob Brandner, 561-776-6212, For 1986/87 Honda TLR200 Has a dent in the gas tank and new. I even have the original North Palm Beach, Florida, Reflex, looking for paint code the face of the tachometer title. @$750 obo. lock Crippen, [email protected] for frame, and tank for touch isn’t original. Tires, fork seals, 703-517-9400, Sterling Virginia, up work. Robert, Maryland, dust boots are on order. Title in [email protected] [email protected] hand, make offer. Call or text. 1968/81 Hondas. Parting out Ryan Kazmerzak, 6056513672, 50 Japanese bikes, mostly Hon- [email protected] Vintage parts business For sale: da. $75 each or will part out. KAWASAKI Six figure retail sales. The sale Includes Yamaha and Hon- includes: > $2M in NOS Hodaka da Mopeds, lots of seats and 1977 Yamaha Xs750D Triple. parts, over $120,000 in retail side covers. 4 CB750 4 cyl gas 1969 Kawasaki H1. Looking Factory 3-1 exhaust and short product, 1,700’ of shelving, 7’ x tanks, $60 and up. Bridgestone for a 500 triple. I do not care café tail section. excellent orig- 16’ trailer. Non-disclosure form 100/150 seat, very nice, $100. about its current condition, i inal condition and is very, very required before information is 1978 Gold Wing engine, $100. will fix it. Ross McArthur, 760- clean with just over 20000 miles exchanged. This business needs 1965 Honda 150 Dream en- 274-4325, San Diego, California, on it from the original owner. 900 sq. feet of floor space as- gine, $100. Dream and Super [email protected] Both front and rear tires are suming a 10’ Ceiling. This is a hawk frames with attached new Bridgestones, rebuilt brake reasonably priced business that fenders, electrics, wheels, etc.; system. Gas tank refurbished can be easily transferred and ask for prices. Located near SUZUKI by Gas Tank Renu, petcocks re- it would be immediately prof- Rhinebeck, NY, AMC super built. New Yuasa battery, carbs itable. We are located near St meet site. Ken Krauer, 845- rebuilt and synched. New fil- louis. Motivation for the sale is 266-3363, Salt Point, New York, 1974 suzuki gT750L. Look- ters, fresh lube. Compression retirement. Bill Cook, 636-281- [email protected] ing for complete, running on all three cylinders is in the 1975, www.Hodaka-Parts.com bike for restoration. Nicer the 120 psi range (spec is 142 psi better. Chuck, 517-896-7022, plus or minus 14). All three cyl- 1959/79 Honda collection. 49- [email protected] inders are within 10% of each For Japanese bikes, 1960s/ 1047 cc. Selling 50 year collec- other. Starts easily, has a nice 1990s. Thousands of NOS parts tion. From junkyard to museum even idle. Would make an ex- from old dealer inventories. pieces. Paul Crippes, 707-894- 1986 suzuki gsXR750. Seek cellent all around bike as is or Thousands more used parts. 3174, Cloverdale, California, original box stock bike. Original could be a great starting point Call or email with requests. [email protected] unrestored preferred. Condition for an all out custom café proj- Badger Cycles, 920-682-2127, more important than mileage. ect. Current tabs and a clean Manitowoc, Wisconsin, parts@ Tom Kolenko, 770-427-4820, title. Contact me with questions badgercycle.com Japanese bike parts supply. Atlanta, Georgia, tkolenko@ or photos. Earl Johnson, 651- 10s of thousands of parts, new kennesaw.edu 552-7151, St Paul, Minnesota, and used. Reasonable price [email protected] Vintage Japanese motorcycles. in order to make a speedy Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha. Pric- deal. Gene Crump, 662-369- YAMAHA es vary. Sold separately. Over 4542, Aberdeen, Mississippi, 1982 Yamaha XJ650LJ. In pret- 60 antique motorcycles. CB100, [email protected] ty good shape, driven regularly CB125, CB160, CB175, CB200, For 1960 Yamaha MF-1 50cc, until placed in storage. Tank ep- CB350, CB450, CB400, CB550, need parts to complete a run- oxied, has regular maintenance. CB750, CB400F, CB77, CL200, WANTED ning bike. Seek leg shields, up- extra parts, turbo works fine. CL77, CL350, CL450, CL70, CL90, per chain case, controls and Contact me any time. $2995. S90, CB350, CL360. RD60, G7, some small parts. All help ap- George Schroeder, 416-876- 1969 CL2 200. Kz650, Kz400. preciated. Tom Kolenko, 770- 9500, Woodbridge, Ontario, Buy and sell old vintage motor- HONDA 427-4820, Atlanta, Georgia, Canada, [email protected] [email protected]

60 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 CLASSIFIEDS

Honda CBX 1000cc 6 cyl memo- Motorcycle trailer. Looking for contact me. Mike Buttinger, rabilia for museum and the CBX 2 or 3 rail trailer capable of car- [email protected] 1988/89 Yamaha FZR 400. book i am presently writing. rying 1200 lbs. Wheels and sus- Seek bike to ride. Box stock, Any brochures, adverts, post- pension should be good enough original paint format. All help ers, owner’s manual, workshop to get us from Georgia to Califor- Dealer memorabilia. Collector appreciated. Tom Kolenko, 770- manual, set-up manual, toys/ nia and back. Electric brakes are seeks 1950s-1980s Japanese 427-4820, Atlanta, Georgia, models, old photos, etc. related a plus. Guido Cardillo, 404-587- dealership items including ban- [email protected] to the 1979-1972 CBX. Also pe- 0190, [email protected] ners, signs, ashtrays, lighters, riod aftermarket fairings/body- hats, clocks, promos, etc. Rare, work. Let me know what you weird, and old is good. Tom Ko- have and how much you need! Japanese NOS mopeds and mo- lenko, 770-427-4820, Atlanta, MISC. WANTED Thanks. Ian, (626) 444-9358, torcycles from the 60ties and Georgia l California, [email protected] 70ties for our showroom. if you have anything to offer please

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 61