Volume 35 / Number 6 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 • $5

WHAT’S INSIDE: Metal Polishing AIMExpo 2014 Flying Dragon Tank Sets Adventures with the Little Yamaha

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

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURES EVENTS: Vintage in the Valley 6

MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION: Metal Polishing 13 for Beginners

EVENTS: VJMC 2014 Victoria, BC, 16 Bike Show

MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION: So, You Actually 23 Want to Ride It?

EVENTS: COVER STORY AIMExpo 2014: RETRO AFFAIR 10th Annual VINTAGE MOTORCYLE 26 SHOW Barber Vintage Festival 34 HISTORY: Mr. Massucci 29 DEPARTMENTS HISTORY: PRESIDENT’S LETTER: Flying Dragon Giving Thanks for Another Great VJMC Year ...... 5 Tank Sets 38 BACK IN THE DAY: Honda CL450 / Joe Lachinet ...... 10 RIDES: FROM THE EDITOR: Adventures with the Who to Contact ...... 11 Little Yamaha 46 TECH HELP: Tech Tip #5: Rectifiers ...... 53

Volume 35 / Number 6 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 • $5 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX ...... 55 ON THE COVER The spirit of the VJMC at the Barber ADVERTISER’S SPOTLIGHT ...... 55 Vintage Festival. Our oldest member, EVENTS CORNER ...... 57 Jim Townsend (80), WHAT’S INSIDE: Metal Polishing passing the torch ...... AIMExpo 2014 CLASSIFIEDS 59 Flying Dragon Tank Sets to our youngest, Adventures with the Little Yamaha OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. Joseph Watson (12). cover photo: Michael Fitterling VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 3

PRESIDENT’S LETTER Giving Thanks for

Official Publication of the VJMC Another Great VJMC Year DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 t this time of the year, we are reminded of how far we have come Volume 35, Number 6 Ain 2014. The VJMC has grown to nearly 4,000 members through Current VJMC Enrollment: 3945 the hard work and energy of many dedicated members. Our club is PRESIDENT now being invited to participate in many new ventures that continue Tom Kolenko to bear fruit at Eustis, AIMExpo, and IMS venues, where our members 770-427-4820 get to share their Japanese iron with thousands. Our rallies continue to [email protected] grow in number and quality, where members build memories with new EDITOR friends and of great rides. The VJMC Board of Directors hopes that you Michael Fitterling 863-632-1981 have enjoyed these opportunities and look forward to 2015 with a passion to get involved. [email protected] One dedicated member is all it takes to build fun for others and watch it grow. DESIGN DIRECTOR The West Coast Rally, Barber Vintage Festival, and AIMExpo filled our late year calen- Nadine G. Messier dar. Jack Stein and Bob Leonard made the Flagstaff rally as grand as the canyon. The Tenth [email protected] Annual Barber Vintage Festival team adapted to our new location and made it our biggest CLASSIFIED ADS ever. We had over 109 bikes in the Saturday show, 150 members at the BBQ, and 61 mem- Gary Gadd bers riding the Sunday Parade laps of the track. 817-284-8195 [email protected] Why does this work? Lots of dedicated volunteers. Ten of our twelve directors came to help. The Barber army of Barry Whitley, the Granades, Steve Passwater, Buck Mitchell, DISPLAY AD DIRECTOR Guido Cardillo Greg Murray, Randy and Warren Mayes, Bryan Bentley, Chip Tucker, Julie Slatcoff, Laurie 404-587-0190 and Norton Mazzone, Rob Sherer, Susan and David Kolenko, Chazz Humphrey, and Bill [email protected] Webster rose to the challenge along with the over twenty booth volunteers who worked AD SALES REPRESENTATIVE past their two-hour shifts. Pete Slatcoff and head chef Lee Mitzel made lunch time dogs and Art Snow burgers for the workers. Special thanks goes out to Steve Liberatore and Yamaha Motors for [email protected] loaning us popups, the floppy man, flags, and raffle prizes. Net membership gains at the MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Barber Vintage Festival: 66 new members and 41 renewals. Bill Granade Long time supporters of the VJMC, such as George Barber, must be pleased with the 813-961-3737 [email protected] evolution of this weekend event into the best vintage motorcycle event in the Americas. Mr. Barber greeted our VJMC parade riders on Sunday in his usual low keyed manner, clearly CHANGE OF ADDRESS sharing their excitement for a ride on his race track. For the past ten years, it has been a Please direct these requests to Bill Granade: [email protected] pleasure working with the whole Barber team: Jeff Ray, Brian Slark, and Jennifer Moody. We can’t wait for BVF 2015! ADDITIONAL COPIES In order to minimize unnecessary expenses AIMExpo exploded in its second year in Orlando with the VJMC managing their Retro to the club, VJMC prints a limited number of Affair Bike Show. Pete Slatcoff’s team of Norm Smith, Norton Mazzone, Rob Sherer, Obis each issue of Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine. However, we would be glad to Brea, and Lee Mitzel helped execute a huge people’s choice bike show. OEM participation accommodate any requests for additional grows each year at this venue and so will the VJMC team. Thank you all for your hard work. copies from members. As the snow starts to fly, plan to check out the IMS shows located throughout this great These requests must be submitted before the land. They provide another gathering spot to check out VJMC member show bikes, glean 15th of the month preceding each issue. For example: for the Feb/Mar issue requests must new part sources, share riding memories, and peek at the new iron from the OEMs. Please be received by January 15. thank the dedicated VJMC members staffing the booth, too.

MISSION STATEMENT: What lies ahead for the VJMC? We will continue to expand our field representative pro- The purpose of this organization is to promote gram trying to reach more passionate Japanese vintage collectors, riders, and restorers. the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment Our planning window will move from one year out to three years as we grow. We will of vintage Japanese motorcycles (defined here as those 20 years old or older). The VJMC also explore new partnerships that favor our mission and membership engagement. The VJMC will promote the sport of motorcycling and will build events using online preregistration whenever possible and front-load for success. cameraderie of motorcyclists everywhere. We will grow our membership base through local and national events. Our high quality © 2014 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of North America, an IRS-approved Not-for-prof- magazine will continue to share the best vintage Japanese event news, restorations tips, and it 501(c)(7) corporation. All rights reserved. riding history. As a volunteer-based organization, we will continue to create fun times for No part of this document may be reproduced as many members as possible throughout the year. Mark your calendars now for our 2015 or transmitted without permission. All articles copyright by their respective authors. National Rally in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine is Finally, I wish to thank the members of our Board of Directors who have graciously given published six times per year, in February, their time, talents, and passion in service to the VJMC. This is a working board, where April, June, August, October, and December. The views and opinions expressed in letters everyone is engaged and holds significant responsibilities for this club’s success. It is a plea- or other content are those of the author and sure to serve with such dedicated volunteers now and in the year ahead. In this season of do not necessarily represent VJMC policy. The thanksgiving, I want to wish everyone a joyous holiday season and bountiful new year. VJMC accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or claims occuring as a result of advice given in this publication or for claims made by ad- Ride safe, vertisers of products or services in this pub- lication. Tom Kolenko VJMC President VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 5 Robert Pritchard’s 1978 KH 100 EL 6 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 in the Valley

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 7 Chris Carter’s outstanding 1975 Kawasaki 900, received the People’s Choice Award 8 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 EVENTS

CANADA VJMC table at the event by Ambrose Knobel / [email protected]

t was the third annual bike show and Iagain in the huge Heritage Park halls, which are great for shows like this. Even after the gates opened at ten in the morning and lots of people had poured Best in Show went to Brian and Betty in, it never seemed really crowded in Strauch for their amazing Gold Wing there. with trailer. Best CBX was won by Barry It’s a show & shine and contest with Pattman’s 1982 CBX 1100. Best Vintage prizes and a vintage swap meet, as well. went to Murray Yeo’s 1977 Honda Gold The show is gaining in popularity with Wing. People’s Choice was won by Chris visitors and vendors, and both numbers Carter’s amazing 1975 Kawasaki 900. were up from last year’s event. Rumors have it that next year’s fea- European, American, and Japanese ture bike will be the Suzuki GT-750, bikes were on display. This years fea- also known as the “Water Buffalo”—it’s ture bike was the Honda CBX, being bound to be another great show! It’s thirty-five years since it was introduced. once again scheduled for Sunday, 16 Au- Several fine examples of this classic bike gust 2015, at the Heritage Park in Chil- were on display. liwack, B.C. l

The Best in Show Award went to Brian and Betty Strauch for their Gold Wing VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 9 BACK IN THE DAY

Honda CL450 by Joe Lachinet / [email protected]

his is a photo from 1968 of my Tnew Honda CL450. I don’t have the bike anymore, but I have the jacket and love to ride the light- weight early Hondas. I have been a VJMC member for some time. — Joe Lachniet, Bath, Michigan l

10 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 FROM THE EDITOR Who to Contact by Michael Fitterling / [email protected]

receive a lot of emails regarding ar- content, technical questions hav- Ieas of the club outside the sphere of ing to do with the printed magazine, VJMC CONTACT CHEAT SHEET the magazine. I don’t mind answering or to submit an article, email me at those questions when I can, but on [email protected]. [email protected] those subjects about which I know lit- To join or renew your membership, CONTENT tle, I have to forward the emails to the problems with your subscription, or to TECHNICAL SPECS FOR MAGAZINE appropriate member or ask the mem- request additional copies of the mag- ARTICLE SUBMISSION ber in charge of that particular facet azine (see the guidelines in the mast- [email protected] of the club and then wait for a reply head, on page 5) email Bill Granade at JOIN OR RENEW MEMBERSHIP before sending you back the answer. [email protected]. SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS All that takes time. In the interest For any questions regarding events ADDITIONAL COPIES of getting answers back to you more contact Peter Slatcoff at event@vjmc. [email protected] quickly, I thought I’d make up a basic org. Peter is also handling website du- EVENTS list of who to contact in the club about ties until the board finds a permanent WEBSITE what. Having the name of the person person for that task. [email protected] in charge of whatever your question Field Reps should contact the Field FIELD REP CONTACT: pertains to will save you time and get Rep Coordinator, Jack Stein, at QUESTIONS ABOUT you back a more precise answer more [email protected] with any questions LOCAL EVENTS OR quickly. they have about their areas’ events or MEMBERSHIP For questions about the magazine’s membership. l

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 11

MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION Metal Polishing for Beginners by John Goulet / [email protected]

he goal of this article is to show a Tperson with no experience how to set up for and carry out quality polish- ing of aluminum alloy. I will go through the steps that got me from the carbure- tor cover on the left to the one on the right, seen in Photo 1. 1 Materials and Equipment Needed 1. One or two utility motor(s), (such as This took me about an hour to do, including pausing for photos. All came discarded washing machine motors) from a CB1100F I am working on, but the techniques apply to any aluminum

2. Utility shaft for the motors. 5/8 inch arbor suggested Getting Started shinier, but with many defects, as well Your cover or other aluminum ob- as inconsistency in color; a starting 3. Sandpaper: 220, 400, 800, 1000, ject is not mirror-like for any number point. 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 of reasons. First, the factory process that created it had no such goal, so Scratches and Damage 4. Buffing wheels and polishing the surface has inherent irregulari- I use the finest sandpaper I can get compound ties if viewed with a magnifying glass. away with that will remove the scratch- 5. Eastwood Cleaning fluid: Secondly, the object has perhaps had es and damage. Identify and work on lacquer thinner some damage—scratches and scuffs. each defect. It may even take a file in Third, the object has perhaps had some cases to get going on bad ones. 6. Wire wheel brush that fits utility some oxidation due to moisture. This Again, the finer the file the better! In shaft also results in very small irregularities the carb top here, I began with 400 in the surface as some metal has been grit, as I found some scratches, as well 7. Eye protection lost. Also, there may be the remnants as some little dents as if someone had of some factory clear coating. hit it with a dull punch. Some people Introduction The initial stage is to rid the object of like to wet sand with something like The basic goal is to take whatever you all these. I find a medium wire wheel WD40 or kerosene. This keeps the pa- have and get as close to a mirror finish as brush does a lot quickly here, except per from loading up too quickly. possible, or as desired. This is achieved for damages in the form of scratches Remember that if you go with a re- through an incremental process that gets and dings. After using this I have the ally coarse grit like 220 or less, you progressively smoother at each stage. middle piece in the picture above— are also introducing new scratches

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 13 that must be removed. In fact, a basic truth of this work is: you are striking a balance between using too coarse a paper, which removes a lot but does its own damage, and too fine a paper, which produces a shine but cannot remove deeper scratches. Hence, an incremental process is needed.

Moving On Now, clean off the object with whatever cleaner you like. A good supply of fresh paper towels is helpful—the blue ones at the auto parts stores work well. You have already accomplished 2 a lot. Each stage will improve on your foundation. Let’s say you began with 400 grit. If you look close in Photo 2, you now see swirls and other remnants of that work. Those Here is where I am after using 400 grit paper have to go. On the one hand, I have gotten rid of defects, but on the other hand, I have introduced a whole new collection of scratches— but smaller scratches! I then cleaned with lacquer thinner to remove abrasive debris and went on to 600 grit paper. I then removed the 400 scratches but introduced new, finer scratches. This is a very incremental process, and not for the impatient! I kept incrementally cleaning, polishing, cleaning, polishing, and so on. 800, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000—each got better looking and spurred me on. (A good thing as the right thumb 3 gets tired!) The appearance gets more satin-like, then shinier. 5000 grit is about like a business card. Here is where I am after using 1000 grit paper I kept going up to and including 5000 grit paper. While this sounds impressive, it does not quite get you that really nice fin- ish you’d like:, see Photo 5.

Polishing Wheel Next, I set up the tightly sewn polishing wheel, getting it going and loading it up with the first compound. Eastwood has all of these materials ready to go (http://www.eastwood. com/buff-kit-stainless-aluminum-brass-steel-6-inch.html), al- though I only use two of them. Make sure the object has been completely cleaned, because you do not want to contaminate the wheel. This is important! 4 The abrasive that is your friend at one step is your enemy at the next. Here is where I was after the 2000 grit. Pretty good, but more is possible! Lots of very small scratches are still Go over the entire object as much as you like. Some nice ap- easy to see pearance should emerge. Black residue will also happen—not a problem; just wipe it off. The swirls and remnants of the 5000 grit should go away. Now and then they don’t for me, and it turns out it is because I am low on compound on the wheel. A dry wheel won’t do it. Some abrasive action is still needed.

Final Polishing Set up the loose wheel and turn it on so as to work in some of the rouge that goes with it. Go over your object, and you should see a finish that begins to suggest a mirror or chrome, as in Photo 6. Clean off any residue with a clean soft paper towel and enjoy 5 the moment! (Photo 6: the middle piece reveals some of the pol- ishing rouge in the Japan letters). 5: Here is where I was after the 5000 grit 14 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 At some point, a coat of wax will protect the piece with- out compromising the appearance.

Conclusion At the end of this process, you end up with a nice part at little cost. If it is ever damaged in any way, it can be rejuvenated easily—try that with chrome or powder coat- ing! The method is labor intensive. There are few, if any, shortcuts. You can put it down and resume as time and determination allow, but the results are really impressive, and they make a statement about the effort you have put into your bike. l

6

After bufffing, no cleaning

Robert Pritchard’s 1978 KH 100 EL VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 15 At Action Motorcycles Sept. 6, 2014. The parking lot is full and overflowing!

VJMC 2014

BRITISH COLUMBIA BIKE SHOW

16 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 17

EVENTS

CANADA

by Ambrose Knobel / [email protected]

his year we decided to move the annual Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club show Tto Action Motorcycles in Victoria. Victoria is the capital city of British Colum- bia and is located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island; that’s well below the forty-ninth parallel and probably has the mildest climate in all of Canada and, con- sequently, a lot of bikers. Trevor Franklin was instrumental in moving the show to Victoria, and he did most of the organizing. The event was very successful and the Action crew was most helpful and provided free hot dogs and drinks! The turnout was excellent. I did not attempt to do a count, but I think there were well over sixty bikes there at the peak time, between noon and one o’clock. The exceptional sunny weather undoubtedly contributed to the show being a success. Thanks to all who brought their vintage bikes to the event! l Robert Pritchard and Ambrose Knobel at the VJMC table Cliff Halayko’s identical and immaculate CB 750s

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 19 Trevor Franklin 250ccs, 4 cylinders and his awesome and a 17,500 RPM Suzukis redline!

VJMC member Keith Simmons built this stunning Suzuki racer for Steve Drane 20 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 21 22 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 MAINTENANCE & RESTORATION So, You Actually Want to Ride It? by Guido Cardillo / [email protected]

hen I go to VJMC meets or other too many of them; it wouldn’t be in any and the braking, at a minimum. Wvintage motorcycle shows I see way unique. Maybe an H1 or H2—they For the next week, I would go out to lots of absolutely beautiful bikes. Care- are pretty expensive, and my ecologi- the shed every night and start the bike fully restored with amazing attention cally responsible side nixed that idea. up and just sit and look at it. I made to detail, these machines transport me Hey, what about those CB900s? You lists of “things to do” to the bike to back to my high school and college days know, the ones with the ten speed tran- get it where I wanted it to be. I had to and all the fun I had on them. I love go- nies and Hondaline Fairings and all. get it to start more easily and depend- ing to these shows and museums to cap- Well, I found a pretty nice, used ably—maybe it was just me figuring ture part of my past. What I can’t do this CB900C at a local consignment dealer out the process, maybe something else. way is recapture the riding experience. for a mere $1,300. This was a running I had to repaint the ugly desert brown So, I decided to change that. I decided bike (and running pretty well, I thought bike. Lighting needed to be better, and to do a “resto-mod” as the car folks call at the time) with an original Hondaline I wanted to be as visible as possible. it, so that I could recapture the riding Fairing and a radio! Brakes needed to be figured out; I’m big experience. This turned out to be a lit- I picked it up one evening after work on stopping. It looks a little naked with tle more complicated than I anticipated, and rode it home. On that ride I learned that big, albeit beautiful, fairing but no but certainly not beyond the capabil- a few things about how “rideable” these bags—gotta find some hard bags…and ities of a any backyard bike mechanic. bikes are on an everyday, in traffic, a top box. The four-into-four exhaust The first thing to do is to find a suitable around town, and on the Interstate ba- looked good, but it also looked heavy, platform. I love Italian bikes (I began sis. The riding I would be doing was and rust was creeping into the equa- my pro racing career on a 350 Ducati very different from the rides we do at tion. Off to eBay! flat tracker), so I started looking for a the National Rally where we are in a What a great resource eBay is for us Ducati or a Guzzi to whip into shape. group, with lots of help to get us going vintage bike nuts. What you can’t find They are pretty expensive these days, again after we seize an engine. (Ask Jim there, one of the VJMC’s advertisers and I wasn’t sure I wanted to invest that Townsend about that one!) can certainly supply. There are no ex- kind of money in a project that may Riding home that evening, two very cuses for not finding parts. crash and burn. Maybe a British bike; I big issues became quite apparent. First, I started with brakes, since I figured had a Bonneville once and loved it. But I couldn’t see well. State of the art light- if I could stop, I could avoid almost they had too many fasteners, oil leaks, ing technology from 1982 is abysmal any problem. I started looking for more electrical issues—just not the kind of compared to today’s systems. Second, modern rotors. Forget that; they don’t dependability I wanted. You know, the same is true of braking technolo- exist. How about pads? Much more luck the Japanese figured it out. They made gy. A spongy brake feel that hauls that there. There are pads made of a variety them smaller, faster, more dependable, bike to a stop from 60 in 160 feet could of friction materials that will do the job and they didn’t leak oil! Maybe a decent be dangerous. So, before I got home, I better for sure. EBC makes a wide va- CB750 would be a good start. Nope— knew I would be improving the lighting riety. Just be careful here—you’re not

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 23 going racing, so repeated hard stops are I found the one with the highest lu- reduced power requirements—always not required. I found a good “medium men output and installed it. I couldn’t an issue on a thirty year old charging compound” (sintered) pad that provid- see any difference. (Yes, I cleaned my system. ed a good compromise between power face shield.) I stumbled on a HID unit Priority three was better starting. and wear. I’d test this later to see. The sold by Cyclegear that promised much When cold, it was a challenge, even next thing I did was order stainless steel, brighter light. I picked one up on sale with lots of choke. I sought out all kinds braided lines. They look cool and don’t for about sixty bucks and installed it. of help here from the CB900/1000 Ya- expand, so the “mushy” feel is greatly When I turned it on, it flashed and hoo Group that I’m a member of, www. reduced. I couldn’t find a better mas- went dead. I checked the wiring and cb750.com, and TheMotorcycleProject ter cylinder, so I just got a rebuild kit to couldn’t find anything wrong. Back to website written by Mike Nixon (yup— freshen this up, along with wheel cyl- Cyclegear; they replaced it with abso- Gary Nixon’s brother). There was a inder rebuild kits. The last mod I made lutely no problems! With the second in- wealth of information about CV Carbs, was to paint the wheel calipers bright stallation, I had no issues. It only takes starting issues, tuning tips, upgrades— red. Everyone knows that red brakes about thirty minutes and WOW— what lots of stuff. I decided to remove the air- stop better than black ones! I did test the a difference. Not only do you get bet- box and install pod air cleaners (easier brakes after the bike was all done and ter nighttime lighting, but the daytime to service and cooler looking—but, boy, found that I could stop the bike from visibility from the bright white (it looks are they loud going down the road) and sixty mph in about 135-140 feet. Not the blue compared to the “yellow” lights the rejetting that goes with that. Before kind of performance we see on today’s we’re used to) light is FANTASTIC! I did any of that, a good carb cleaning bikes, but a whole lot better than what The Hondaline Fairing has lights in the and re-build were in order. MacGregor the stock set-up offers. directionals so you always have amber Carb Cleaning Service did that for me On to priority two—lights. It’s a big marker lights. I also added two small for about $250. That included disas- headlight, but if you’ve been riding LED lights under the fairing to give me sembly, cleaning, replacing all rubber modern bikes, you won’t be happy. First, some better visibility from the front parts, and replacing Phillips screws I tried to find the best replacement bulb and side. With all that lighting added, I with hex head connectors. MacGregor I could. H4 bulbs were researched, and got not only better visibility, but greatly then puts the re-assembled carb rail on

24 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 2

Lots of light makes it easier for you to see and easier for others to see you—even in the day

4

These neat little LEDs make me more visible 1 from the front and side and use very little power

The “fast model” red brakes with braided stain- less steel lines 3 a flow bench and syncs the carbs. I de- termined that the vacuum petcock was I’m guessing about a thirty pound savings by also a problem (known fondly as the changing to the four-into-two exhaust system “spawn of Satan” in the CB900/1000 group), so I replaced it with a standard lights—running lights in the saddle- on/off gravity petcock. When I got the bags (LED units), a flashing brake carbs back, I rejetted for the pod air light in the top box (an LED unit), and cleaners, reinstalled them, and hit the a swap of the bulbs in the tail light/ 5 starter button. Voila! What a differ- brake light to LEDs. By using as many ence. I did put some carb sticks on to LEDs as possible, I reduced the power The cool air cleaners also sound “cool” when fine tune the sync, but they needed very requirements, and the vintage alterna- you grab a handful of throttle little adjustment. tor was able to keep up. I did not change The rest of what I did was cosmet- the directionals to LEDs, since to do so Well, there you have it. A “road-able” ic—kind of. I found a seat at Barber requires a resistor to make them flash 1982 CB900C. I’ve ridden this bike that lowered my seating position by at the appropriate rate. That brings the back and forth to work doing market- 1 ½ inches. When you’re 5’7” and rid- power requirement back up to the stan- ing for a couple of Harley shops and a ing a 600+ pound bike, low seating is a dard bulbs, so… Honda/Yamaha dealership on a daily big safety plus. I also found an inexpen- I said “sort of” cosmetic because I did basis. I ride it all over Atlanta on er- sive top box from a nearby importer. do a top end rebuild. I re-lapped the rands and just-for-fun riding. It’s been They’re made in Taiwan and are pret- valves, installed new cam chain tension- to Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, ty good quality. A Craigslist find was ers, installed a new intake cam chain… South Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, and, a set of 1983 Hondaline saddlebags off oh!…and installed a 987 overbore kit. if you were at this year’s National Rally, a CX500 Silver Wing. I had to fabri- That last one brought it up to 987cc, a you saw me ride it in there from Atlan- cate some brackets to mount them, but little larger than the Honda CB1000! ta. With an oil change and checking a that was pretty easy. Lastly, I swapped This increased performance significant- few maintenance items (and a new back out the four-into-four exhaust for a ly. It, along with the pod air cleaners, and hips), I’d ride this bike to Califor- MAC four-into-two unit. That was a required significantly increased jetting. nia and back. In the four years I’ve had big weight savings, but I did have to That resulted in gas mileage dropping it, I’ve put almost 40,000 miles on it add some baffling to make them quiet from about fifty-two in high range on and towed it home only once—flat tire enough for my taste. the highway to about thirty-eight. There at night, no dealers open; it was a bad The only other additions were some is a price to pay for performance. valve stem. l VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 25 BELOW: Norton RIGHT: Muzzone’s An overview of brilliantly the main Retro restored Affair display Yamaha XS650

Nothing makes a motorcyclist stop in his or her tracks faster than a beautifully ABOVE: Vintage Yamahas on restored vintage display at Yamaha’s area as part of Retro Affair motorcycle.

CENTER: The Honda row at Retro Affair

Suzukis line up at the show with minis behind them 26 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 EVENTS

by Peter Slatco , Vice President, Events Coordinator / [email protected] photos by Michael Fitterling / [email protected] he Vintage Japanese Motorcycle TClub (VJMC) in partnership with the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) presented the inaugu- ral “Retro Affair” Vintage Motorcycle Show. This judged motorcycle com- petition, was held at the AIMExpo in the backdrop of our vintage show. The Orlando, Florida, October 16-19, 2014, real bonus was their ability to work the showcasing historic, restored, and cus- crowd, passing out voting ballots and tomized American, Japanese, and Euro- answering basic questions about the pean motorcycles built before 1989. show. Additionally, they did a great job Motorcycles entered into Retro Affair of knowing just what questions required were seeded into classes based on make, a handoff to Florida Field Reps Norm model, and year. Judging followed a Smith or Norton Muzzone. format of people’s choice with focus on Prior to announcing the award win- condition, originality, and functionality. ners, AIMExpo set up a media satellite Vintage classes were open to all makes stage and sound system for the event and models of motorcycles from all over emcee to announce the class winners of the world, with other classes specifically the show. The best part—I was off the for café racers, the Honda Ruckus and hook to be front and center. Grom, and motorcycles under 125cc. However, one concern I had from the From the outset, the VJMC and AIM- beginning was that the trophies were to Expo discussed how we would use this be provided by an entity that I had no show as a catalyst to engage attending experience with. On top of that was their motorcycle enthusiasts with the myriad decision to use something other than of activities of AIMExpo. My response traditional trophies. When the trophies centered on the belief that the greatest finally arrived, I was in awe of how great return of any successful event requires they had turned out. AIMExpo had a some form of gimmick. I am sure many twelve inch by twenty-four inch em- of you will find our final decision a bit bossed metal plate made for each of our amusing—our gimmick for Retro Af- show award winners. No doubt these fair was our very own “Retro Girls.” signs will be future collector items. At Yes, I said “Retro Girls,” and, NO, they that moment, I knew I had to have one were not Hooter Girls in disguise. These to hang in my motorcycle shop. young ladies where outfitted in time tra- Finally, the time had come to an- ditional clothes of the late ’50s through nounce the award winners of the inau- early ’70s. They blended very well into gural Retro Affair Vintage Motorcycle VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 27 RIGHT & BELOW: Best of Show winner, Dave Swigler, gets podium time with the “Retro Girls”

CENTER: AIMEXPO RETRO AFFAIR Peter Slatcoff TROPHY WINNERS greeting visitors to the VJMC booth

BEST OF SHOW DAVE SWIGLER 1960 HONDA CB‐92 ABOVE: The proud winners AMERICAN IRON displaying their 1ST PLACE LEE MITzEL 1947 INDIAN CHIEF unique awards 2ND PLACE LEE MITzEL 1936 HARLEY DAVIDSON Show. Motorcycles in each category were awarded trophies EUROPEAN along with more than $8,000 in merchandise, with special 1ST PLACE LEE MITzEL 1952 TRIuMPH TROPHY 500 prizes going to the Best of Show. We would like to recognize HONDA our generous prize sponsors: AVON tires, Fulmer helmets, 1ST PLACE OBIS BREA 1976 ELSINORE MT250 2ND PLACE ROB SHEARER 1970 CB‐750 REV’IT!, KRYPTONITE, Scorpion EXO, Venture Heat, and YUASA. Their support enhanced the overall value of YAMAHA 1ST PLACE NORTON MuzzONE 1972 XS‐2 our show and raised the national prominence of the VJMC 2ND PLACE MuRRAY MILNE 1978 XS‐750 and AIMExpo. KAWASAKI Based on the overall feedback combined with the large 1ST PLACE LEE MITzEL 1973 z‐1 number of voting ballots cast—Retro Affair was a huge suc- SUZUKI cess. I leave you with this one last thought. The form and 1ST PLACE LEE MITzEL 1972 GT‐750 function of motorcycle craftsmanship is one of the most in- 2ND PLACE ROB SHEARER 1970 T‐350 triguing things to come out of twentieth century industrial CAFÉ RACER manufacturing. Nothing makes a motorcyclist stop in his or 1ST PLACE DAVE SwIGLER 1972 NORTON DuNSTALL her tracks faster than a beautifully restored vintage motor- COMMANDO 2ND PLACE GREGORY POOLE 1966 DuCATI MONzA 250 cycle, either because it’s a bike that takes them back to their youth or it’s a bike ridden by their heroes of yesteryear. MINI / SCOOTER 1ST PLACE JEANNE STOMES 1972 MINI TRAIL 50 Until next year and the return of Retro Affair—vintage 2ND PLACE wILLIAM wYNN 1972 INDIAN SE‐74 Japanese motorcycles rule! The following were key contrib- COMPETITION utors to the success of Retro Affair, VJMC: Norm Smith, 1ST PLACE MIKE MCSwEEN 1972 H2 Norton Muzzone, Lee Mitzel, Gilbert Colorado, Tony Col- 2ND PLACE TERRY wHIGHAM 1970 BuLTACO PuRSANG orado, Murray Milne, Sharon Brea, Obis Brea, Rob Shearer. HON. MENTION JON CHAVES 1971 SuzuKI 500 JIM ATCHISON 1975 YAMAHA RD‐125 AIMExpo: Cinnamon Kernes, Adam Schelor, Alyson Ca- plan, and Kurt Whittington. l 28 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 Mister

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 29 30 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 HISTORY

by Tamhi Hall / [email protected]

know that Suzukis are not made in It- County Selective Service office. I’d got- Ialy. Giusseppi Massucci was an ornery ten a new motorcycle and a draft notice cuss and a turn of the century street on the same day. sweeper in Saint Paul. I was a disorderly I enlisted in the Navy’s delayed entry orderly in 1969 when we met on Ward program with my good buddy Jamie, 3 North. He was 93, I was 19. He didn’t which gave us three months of freedom trust the nurses and always called for to ride the north woods of Minnesota’s me to help with his hospital stay. and Wisconsin’s alphabet roads. We This was my first real job, and the made quite a different pair, he chug- hard earned wages of $1.25 an hour ging on his 1950 Harley dresser and me went towards the purchase of my first wing-dinging on the little smoker. real motorcycle. I was ready to move We both got stationed in San Diego for up from the 49.8cc Montgomery Ward boot camp and hospital corps school. moped. I’d heard tales of an amazing Jamie’s father knew a trucker, who motorcycle out of Japan that could “do hauled Mister Massucci to Anaheim, a wheelie in all six gears.” I wanted it. California, for me. I had left my high Having the fastest machine around was school sweetheart behind but now felt important to a young man back then. I a lot less lonely. I spent most of my free imagine it still is. Soon, I’d passed the time exploring the wonderful motorcy- Minnesota motorcycle endorsement cling landscape of southern California. written exam (no road test required), I hope to someday revisit the area on allowing me to drive home my new two wheels. Astronomy being another 1969 Suzuki TC250. It was the on/off- one of my hobbies, I made the pilgrim- road Scrambler version of the mighty age to Mount Palomar and spent many X6 Hustler, the only difference being nights riding the trails and camping the high pipes, skid plate, braced han- under the stars of the Cuyamaca Range. dlebars, and a lower geared rear sprock- Change happens quickly and often in et. I named him Mister Massucci. a young man’s life. My good friend went I wouldn’t find out about the wheelies to Oakland for further training, while until after the break-in period. Upon I stayed south for my next school. The arriving home with the two-stroke Vietnam Conflict was still calling for twin, I checked the mailbox. Being Navy Corpsmen, as the Marines were exactly nineteen and four months had still fighting. I had just finished my sur- gotten the attention of the Washington gical training and had orders to Barstow, VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 31 32 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 a Marine staging area in the desert. The X6 Scrambler was really not a very good dirt bike, and there were no operating rooms out there, two reasons to request a change of orders. (I only used one in my official request.) The Chief of Per- sonnel reluctantly sent it up the chain of command. Two weeks later, I was called in to his office. “ I still don’t like it, but your orders are changed”…to Oakland, California. The Navy shipped my seabag to the Me and Mister bay area, while I packed lightly for a five Massucci hundred mile ride up the coast. I had today recently replaced the worn rear sprock- et with a smaller gear for highway use. Fighting the coastal winds of the Big Sur was both thrilling and quite a chore for the 250. I’m not sure how many thousands of shifts it required, but I know sixth gear cruising was a rarity. I arrived at the Oak Knoll Naval Hos- pital barracks in the late evening tired and vibrating. It took several days for the buzzing to subside. Jamie had acquired an orange 1970 Honda CL350 scrambler. Now we were more evenly matched as we patrolled the ly as Tahmi gains the aerodynamic good.” That’s when he burst out laugh- Northern California coast and moun- advantage! Back & forth…a lesson in ing and replaying his view to me. “That tain ranges. We set out one morning life…on two wheels…on a mountain… was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!” for a ride in the Marin Hills, heading on a paved…oh, oh. The road suddenly Jamie was laughing hard, but cautious- for the highest peak overlooking San became gravel without our permission. ly, as he looked me over. Of course, we Francisco. Mt. Tamalpais is part of the “Let’s end this when we’ve gone ten had no tools to fix the Suzuki. Luckily, Northern California Coast Range and miles!” I was able to straighten out the handle- reaches 2,600 feet above the bay. We de- We realized that we were getting into it bars and ride home with a few bent and cided to ride the twelve miles of twist- beyond our abilities as fun took a back- broken levers. In the days after my first ed backroad down to Stinson Beach on seat to fear. Jamie was in the lead at the crash, I was cautious about everything. the Pacific coastline. To make it more mileage mark. He turned around to see Not long afterwards, I heard tales of a interesting, fun, and exciting we would me flying through the air. To negotiate road-handling superbike out of En- do it with the engines off. (Dangerous the last S curve I had gotten too close to gland. does not enter your mind when you’re the inner shoulder and hit a large rock. Mister Massucci was dismantled for twenty-two years old.) As we fired up… Mister Massucci and I went off-road- painting and refurbishing and, like er…off the bikes, a race soon developed ing into the gully. I was airborne for too many bikes, lanquished in storage spontaneously. about twenty feet, apparently skipping for years. I’m retired now and getting One rule also came about as we test- off a boulder on my gluteus maximus. around to all those projects I’d saved. I ed the effectiveness of sitting upright I discovered this later, noting the rear did a quick paint job myself just to get it or hugging the tank. “OK,” we shout- pocket of my cutoffs was missing. Yes, back on the road and check out the ba- ed. “The guy in front has to sit up!” The I was dressed appropriately, for swim- sics. It runs pretty well and cleaned up Honda and Suzuki Scramblers trad- ming—cutoff jeans and tennis shoes. nicely. I’m still planning a more thor- ed places as they careened down the The X6 was on the hillside laying up- ough restoration, but, heck, for now I’m mountain, silently using only brakes, side down. I was on my feet in a flash to enjoying riding it to vintage gatherings steering, and youthful stupidity. Or- the rescue, much like a deer sprints off here in the Twin Cities. My son just put ange in the lead…Jamie sits up and into the woods after being hit by a car. together a ’72 Titan, and the X6 puts up smiles as he passes on a short straight- Jamie came running, “Are you OK?” a pretty good showing against it. After away. Black/Grey ducks simultaneous- “Yeah, but the bike doesn’t look too all, I’m just a vintage kid. l VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 33 Early Hondas pose with the Barber Museum as the backdrop

34 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 COVER STORY

by Michael Fitterling / [email protected] y experience at the Tenth Annual Barber Vintage Festival was prefaced by a Mwonderful, two-day ride up from Central Florida through the hill country around Brooksville, along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico on the coast road US98, and north across the Alabama countryside covered in cotton, peanut, and pecan groves. We arrived mid-day at Barber Motorsports Park with clear skies overhead and temps in the lower 80s. The good weather prevailed throughout the festival, with only an inconsequential spattering of rain for a couple, very brief, periods. Upon arrival, it was instantly obvious that attendance was already huge. Post event reports revealed that the festival enjoyed its highest attendance ever, with close to 66,000 people showing up to enjoy this once-a-year vintage bike spectacle. After picking up our credentials at the Will-Call booth, we found our way over to the VJMC’s new area, just past the north gate and to the right. The new digs were, indeed, impressive, with much more space to spread out and room for many more bikes in the bike show. The addition of the large tent behind the front reception ta- bles was a useful addition, too, providing a handy place for members to gather, chat about bikes, and renew old friendships out of the hot afternoon sun.

BOTTOM RIGHT: If you needed a part for your restoration, chances are you could find it at the swapmeet

BOTTOM LEFT: Member Lee Mitzel brought not one, but two Rickman Hondas

LEFT: Japanese vintage bikes were also on display and for sale at the swapmeet

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 35 CENTER RIGHT: An XS650 motor looking for a frame

BOTTOM: Bikes await bidders at the auction

BELOW: The winners proudly display their trophies

By Friday, things were really buzzing at the VJMC’s area, beginning with the Tiny Town Mini bike show registration at nine, with the winners announced at 1:30. Next up was the Sweet Sounds of Japanese Horsepower contest where members got a chance to “sound off” utilizing their bikes’ Japanese engi- neered power plants. The remainder of the afternoon quieted down as members moved into the shady comfort of the big tent where Barry Whitley offered tips and techniques on Restoration Painting and Buck Mitchell shared his wisdom on the process of doing a Master Resto- ration. Overnight the rain came on, but, thankfully, it diminished by Saturday morning, leaving the gathering of bikes nated by Steve Liberatore, the Southeast at eleven for a good-bye lap on the track in the show area under rain-free skies Regional Manager for Yamaha. See the before returning to the VJMC area to for the rest of the day. By mid-morning sidebar for a list of the bike show win- load up and head home. the gathering of bikes in the show had ners. We were heading home Monday morn- grown enormously filling the promi- By five it was time for the BBQ. Over ing so we had a last, celebratory dinner nent hilltop inside the gate. The crowds 150 members passed through the line before getting ready for what would be had grown, too, and hoards of festival and made their way into the shade of a relaxing and exploratory ride through goers were inspecting and judging the the big tent to enjoy the excellent food the Alabama and Georgia countrysides wide range of beautifully restored Jap- and the company of their fellow vintage the next morning on our way back to anese bikes. By 4:30 the ballots were Japanese motorcycle enthusiasts. Florida, which left us one day of recov- tabulated and all gathered in front of the The Barber excitement was not over ery before heading out for a few days at tents to hear the winners’ names called for our VJMC members yet, howev- another great VJMC event—the Retro and to hopefully cash in their tickets for er, and Sunday found over sixty of our Affair Vintage Bike Show at AIMExpo some of the door prizes, generously do- members (the most yet) riding the track in Orlando. l 36 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 2014 VJMC BARBER VINTAGE FESTIVAL BIKE SHOW TROPHY WINNERS

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: 1950S-1980S YAMAHA 1ST PLACE LEROY MITzEL 1972 XS650 2ND PLACE BuCK MITCHELL 1967 YDS ‐ 3C 3ST PLACE GORDON BELLAMY 1966 YDS‐3 SPECIAL MERIT JOSHuA RAILEY 1966 YDS‐3

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: 1950S-1960S HONDA 1ST PLACE BARRY SCHONBERGER 1966 CL‐72 2ND PLACE RONNIE JENNINGS 1969 CB750 3RD PLACE PAuL HILLMAN 1968 CL77 SPECIAL MERIT TOM GIERE 1967 CB77

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: 1970S HONDA 1ST PLACE STEVE PASSwATER 1975 CB400F 2ND PLACE LLOYD KNELLER 1972 CL350K5 3RD PLACE LEROY MITzEL 1979 CBX SPECIAL MERIT ROBERT VERHELLE 1970 CB750 SPECIAL MERIT MIKE wATSON 1978 450AuTO

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: 1980S HONDA 1ST PLACE STEVE PASSwATER 1984 VF500F 2ND PLACE DON CECCONI 1982 C70 CuB

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: BEST SuzuKI 1ST PLACE ROB SHERER 1970 T350 2ND PLACE CHARLIE GERARD 1972 GT750 3RD PLACE STEVE HALL 1971 T250

PEOPLE’S CHOIC: BEST KAWASAKI 1ST PLACE LEROY MITzEL 1973 z1 900 2ND PLACE DANIEL FRENCH 1975 S3 3RD PLACE JOE BERASTEGAI 1975 Kz900

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: TIDDLER uNDER 100CC 1ST PLACE CHRIS HAYSLIP 1969 HONDA z50 2ND PLACE BRYAN BENTLEY 1964 HONDA C102 3RD PLACE GREGT PIT 1972 HONDA CL100

COMPETITION CLASS 1ST PLACE JOHN MINCEY 1976 YAMAHA TT500 OLDEST MOTORCYCLE BRIAN OLSEN 1960 HONDA CB92

SPECIAL AWARD TROPHIES LONG TIME SUPPORTER GEORGE BARBER AWARD OF SHOW MERIT DON LYCON 1974 YAMAHA RD350A wOODY MCPIKE 1975 HONDA CB400F JAMES HOOTEN 1974 SuzuKI T500 GREG GOLIAS 1972 SuzuKI GT750

OuTSTANDING VOLuNTEERS AWARD BARRY WHITLEY BuCK MITCHELL CLAUDE VAUGH LONGEST VOLUNTEERS GRANADE FAMILY VJMC SPIRIT AWARD BRYAN BENTLEY

WINNERS OF SWEET SOuNDS OF JAPANESE HORSEPOWER CONTEST SINGLE JILL NIHISEN YAMAHA LT3 TwIN DAVID SwIGLER HONDA CB92 TRIPLE NO ENTRIES 4 CYL SEAN EVISTON KAwASAKI Kz100R 6 CYL DON CECCONI HONDA CBX

TINY TOWN MINI SHOW BEST LIGHTwEIGHT CHRIS HAYSLIP 1969 HONDA z50 BEST HEAVYwEIGHT GREG MuRRAY 1970 HONDA CT70 BEST MODIFIED PHONG TRAC 1988 HONDA APE

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 37 38 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 TankTank SSetsets

Don Stockett’s award winning green/purple CL350 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 39 CL350, John Walter, owner 40 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 HISTORY

by Don Stockett / [email protected] & Bob Kelly / [email protected]

his is a follow up to an earlier article (“Wild Dragons,” VJMC Magazine, Febru- Tary, 2012) on the Honda factory produced special Flying Dragon paint sets for the 1972-73 CL350 and CL450 models. More information has become known that should be shared with the vintage Japanese motorcycle community. This new infor- mation includes a newly discovered production color and part numbers, a possible explanation of the origin of the paint sets, and photographs of the various colors that were available from Honda. We also found the Honda dealer notification form that advertised the tank sets. These tank and side cover sets were never actively advertised, and most people, even inside the local Honda dealerships, were not aware of them. When the sets were first released, Honda notified the dealers via a Custom Tank and Side Cover Order Form (no reference to “Flying Dragon”) that advertised the sets as a one- time promotional sale. The order form let the dealers know the sets were available in the pipeline and how to order them. The origins of the Flying Dragon moniker A stock 1972 Honda CL350 started out with the are, unfortunately, obscured by the passage of time and the passing of the Honda factory tank set—Don Stockett’s Magna Red employees that were directly involved. CL350 The tank sets were only available for the 1972 and 1973 Honda CL350 and CL450 Scramblers. Earlier Scrambler models had matching painted fork covers, headlight cases, and fork ears. The 1972 and 1973 models had chrome fork ear covers and a gloss black enamel headlight case. To update your bike all you had to change was the tank and side covers. The newly discovered (unknown until now, because no photos or part numbers had been found during previous research) tank set color is a very sharp blue base with dark blue swirls. The lighter blue base color is similar to Stratos Blue, a 1971 color, but it is not identical. Robin Markey, with Bob’s Indian Sales & Service, was the first to mention his knowledge of the existence of blue/dark blue sets. He in- dicated the blue set was his best seller back in the day. Robin claims the tanks sets came out in 1972. VJMC member Larry Reasoner in Washington State was working at a Honda Shop in 1972 when he received the order form containing notice of the paint sets, and he ordered the silver/purple tank set for his 1972 CL350 K4. The parts numbers require some breaking down to be understandable, so the first two numbers in the first five digit set of Honda part numbers designates the func- tion area number on the bike and the other three the component number, the sec- ond three digit set is the official Honda model code designation, and the third set is the classification number that would change to a higher number if the part was Original Honda dealer notification form superseded. Any letters following the classification number indicate a color code. So, if the classification third set began with a “000” (the most common) then the first revision might show up as 010 or 020. In the factory-produced CL350 Parts Manual, the standard fuel tank alone, and not as part of a set, is designated as 17500 (i.e. the Magma Red 1972 fuel tank part number is 17500-345-670AB), but the CL350 first parts number in the case of the Flying Dragon tank sets is a non-standard “06171” (a fuel tank and side covers set designation for all Flying Dragon tank sets made, VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 41 both CL350 or CL450), “456” which is Through contacts with former Ameri- ing team support, and others could be the Honda model code designation for a can Honda employees that were around doing practically anything within their 1973 CL350 K5, and “810” was given as in that early 1970s time period, Don has own domains. The former employees the classification number for all Flying been able to find out something more thought the origins of the Flying Dragon Dragon tank sets. about the origins of the Flying Dragon paint sets were probably the products of The co-author of this article, Don Stock- paint sets but, unfortunately, not includ- one of these small Special Projects teams ett, the owner of Vintage Motorcycle Res- ing the obscure origin of that name for in the paint department. This was con- cue in Folsom, California, read my 2012 them. What is clear is that they have nev- sidered a form of contribution and prod- original article and began to research the er been called anything else other than uct improvement by the existing Honda origins of the tank sets. Last year, he ac- Flying Dragon paint sets, so that origi- employees, who undoubtedly would quired a green/purple NOS CL350 Flying nal moniker most likely originated with have had the blessing of Soichiro Honda, Dragon paint set. He then purchased two Honda Japan. along with his personal approval of any 1972 Honda CL350 K4 motorcycles in or- These retired American Honda em- developed products. der to restore a bike on which to use the ployees had as much as forty years with It appears that the CL350 green/pur- paint set. One of the bikes was a Candy the company, but not one of them had ple tank set is the most common (Don Panther Gold, an Ohio bike that had only ever heard of the Flying Dragon paint knows of four confirmed complete 1,400 miles on it from new, and it was in sets. NOS sets, and he owns two.), followed really good shape. He and Geoff Sprague Since there isn’t any actual production by silver, gold, and blue (We know of did a nut and bolt restoration and used or sales records to be found, numbers only two.). Don estimates that there are a lot of NOS parts to come up with the are mostly speculation, but former em- possibly fewer than twenty NOS sets re- finished bike, which was on display at ployees said that during that time peri- maining. This is just an educated guess the May 2014 Quail Motorcycle Gather- od there were many “Special Projects” due to the low number of confirmed sets ing and was subsequently featured in the teams at Honda. These often involved and a total lack of supply, even on eBay. Motorcycle Classics Magazine September/ only a few employees and weren’t widely The total number had to be a very small October 2014 issue, in an article entitled known even within the various depart- number of sets, but we’ll probably never “Psychedelic Honda.” ments of Honda. Some of these were rac- know the precise numbers.

42 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 Don Stockett’s award winning blue/dark blue Flying Dragon CL350 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 43 44 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 These paint sets were only made to fit the 1972-73 CL PART NUMBERS models; there were never any made for the same year CB or any other Honda models. They obviously didn’t sell well Here are the known and confirmed official Honda Japan or we’d know more about them, and they were discon- CL350 paint set part numbers, including original prices tinued and none were ever produced for the new CL360 (stated are period retail from dealer websites): in 1974-75, which from superficial outward appearances CL350 was almost the same motorcycle as before, but with many PART # COLOR PRICE mechanical improvements. Perhaps it was the end of an 06171‐456‐810SM GOLD/PuRPLE $264.31 METAL FLAKE BASE era that doomed the success of the project, and it came

06171‐456‐810SN SILVER/PuRPLE $253.94 too late. METAL FLAKE BASE It is not uncommon to find the rare NOS side cover sin- 06171‐456‐810SP GREEN/PuRPLE $245.41 gles or in set pairs but without a tank to go with them. One 06171‐456‐810ST BLuE/DARK BLuE uNKNOwN explanation offered for this was because the Flying Dragon sets usually languished unsold on the dealers’ storeroom For CL450 sets note the three center digits model code shelves, and customers would come in looking to replace changes to “347” but the others are all the same as in the CL350 part numbers, and 347 is the official Honda model an accidentally damaged fuel tank. These sets (or just the code for a 1973 CL450 K5. These four colors are again the fuel tank alone) would be sold by the retail Honda dealer only confirmed ones known to exist. at a steep discount, and the tank would be removed and be CL450 painted the customers’ standard bike color, leaving Flying PART # COLOR PRICE Dragon side cover “orphan” sets. The tanks are not usually 06171‐347‐810SM GOLD/PuRPLE $345.52 METAL FLAKE BASE found alone because the side covers and tank were pack- aged together into a single box from the factory. Another 06171‐347‐810SN SILVER/PuRPLE $345.52 METAL FLAKE BASE interesting fact is that the CL350 sets came with the new 06171‐347‐810SP GREEN/PuRPLE $326.52 left and right Honda tank badges already installed on the 06171‐347‐810ST BLuE/DARK BLuE uNKNOwN tank, but the CL450 tanks did not. None of the sets came with included side cover badges, probably because the original ones could be removed and reused in most cases. All of the tanks came with the early-style thumb latch fuel cap release (later safety recalled and replaced with a keyed lock mechanism) and with the chrome fuel cap attached. You can tell the difference between CL350 and CL450 side covers because the CL450 covers have a large hole in the middle and are larger than the CL350 covers, which only have two small holes for the badges. If there are no tank badges, it’s probably a CL450 tank, which is also larg- er and taller than the CL350 tank. There are some badge exceptions due to the passage of time and the various methods and vagaries of long term storage. Keep in mind that each Flying Dragon paint set was hand-crafted at Honda and each set is as unique as a human fingerprint due to the variety of swirl patterns achieved in the dipping process. This process resulted in the bottom of the fuel tanks and the inside of the side covers also being similarly painted. If it’s an all-original set, the swirls paint pattern will be very similar in appearance on the exterior of each set of the matching tank and side covers. If you have knowledge of the whereabouts of a Flying Dragon paint set, or part of a set, Don is going to be start- ing a registry on the www.VintageMotorcycleRescue.com website. You can email him directly at don@vintagemo- torcyclerescue.com to be included on the list. If enough partial sets or single parts are listed, it may be possible to compose some complete NOS or used sets for purposes of preserving them for museums or for installation on cor- rectly restored 1972-73 CL models. l VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 45 Adventuresdventures with the

46 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 RIDES

by Curt Shubert / [email protected] photos by Curt Shubert and Marcy Shubert

started riding the motorcycle in the Ispring, as soon as the snow and ice were gone. It was great for the seventeen mile round trip to work. Riding made the commute much more fun, and I learned to ride. I bought this used and abused, little 180cc 1967 YCS1 Yamaha from someone at work cheap and spent the winter getting it into usable condi- tion. It was small and cosmetically chal- lenged but the right size to learn on and a blast to ride. At age thirty it was my first motorcycle experience, and I felt I had wasted part of my life up to then. Start of the trip—leaving home It is July and time for the annual va- cation shutdown at the factory in East- take my hand off the grip, but I extend ern Massachusetts. I planned a week’s my fingers in a sort of mini-wave. I am vacation camping in the mountains of stopping for gas and the attendant runs New Hampshire with family and friends. out to ask me to not put the kickstand I leave tomorrow, and we have selected down on his new pavement. How can Conway, New Hampshire, as the destina- he worry about trivia like that on such tion. The little bike is gassed and ready. a momentous occasion? I refuel and pay The planning and anticipation for this straddling the bike. Continuing north the first motorcycle trip are a thrill. The oth- ride is spectacular. People, mostly chil- ers will travel by car with camping gear. I dren, in passing cars wave and give me am so excited I almost cannot sleep. the thumbs up. Up early and dressed on Saturday At the private campsite they do not morning, it is a little cool for July. I am off want to rent me a site. “We don’t rent to to Derry, New Hampshire, then up Route motorcycles; they make too much noise.” 28 to Granite, and Route 16 to Conway. Hey, this is the adventure of my life. I This is exciting, the first time riding the am not about to let silly regulations get bike in another state. I am staying off the in the way, so I point out the bike is not Interstate with the little machine and en- much larger than the one he uses to guide joying the ride on the secondary roads. people to campsites and asked, “Did you As other motorcycle riders pass in the hear any noise when I arrived?” I get the opposite direction they wave, sometimes site, and the car with people and gear ar- On the shores of Newfound Lake, even the riders on the big Harleys. I am rives soon. We spend the rest of the day Bristol, New Hampshire too excited and apprehensive to actually setting up, cooking supper, and reviewing VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 47 the plan for the week. Every morning we will go to the beach on Lake Conway for a swim; it will be great for the children. In the afternoon I will take a little ride in the mountains on the motorcycle. It is now Wednesday afternoon. Like every other afternoon, I have ridden across the Kancamagus Highway to Lincoln, New Hampshire, and back—a seventy-five mile round trip across the southern end of the White Mountains. They are repav- ing a section of the road just east of the pass, and the workers remember me and wave. Today, I am stopped at an overlook near the pass and am talking to a couple touring on their mo- torcycles in the “Whites” with their two daughters, ages seven and nine. We are talking motorcycles—where we have been (mostly nowhere but here for me), where we want to go, and what to do if the heavy clouds turn liquid. It is heady stuff talking motorcycles with real riders. Saturday morning has us packing up to head for home. It has been a good week. My four year old daughter has learned to swim. I have doubled my total lifetime motorcycle miles, most of it in the mountains. The reality has been even better than the anticipation. I am sorry the week is over but I am looking forward to the ride home and can’t wait to take another trip. It is the best vacation ever. That was over forty years ago. I have ridden a motorcycle to work and taken at least one trip every year since then. Af- ter that first year, I bought a bigger bike and have had several over the years, but that little Yamaha remained in the back of the garage—unused since 1976. It is not possible to go back in time, but it is sometimes possible to visit some of the experi- ences of the past. That excitement of a trip on the little Yamaha still lingers, so I pulled it out of the corner of the garage, after years of neglect. A good scrub down removed most of the dirt, grime, and mouse poop. A good soak and cleaning of the carburetors got them freed up. A short run of the engine on an auxiliary gas tank showed it ran well and had no major leaks. With the engine running, I inspected and serviced the major systems— brakes, wheel bearings, forks, swing arm bearings, steering head bearings, electrical system, and shocks. The old gas tank was in bad shape. Some idiot left gas in the tank; wait, that

48 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 was me. Anxious to ride, I bolted on a It is not possible generic, aftermarket plastic tank. After new tires, new registration, and a new to go back in battery, it was good to go. A few rides time, but it is around town showed it is running well, and it passed the state inspection. sometimes It could stand some cosmetic up- possible to visit grades; actually it looks real rough. However, I am anxious to take a mem- some of the ory trip and will not wait for a rebuild. experiences of Tomorrow, I am headed to New Hamp- the past. shire on the little Yamaha and the an- The cabin in the woods ticipation is as high as if I were going across the country on a larger bike. I reserve capacity? Probably not, so it is still get great enjoyment from the baby a fill. Riding through the little towns tiger that resides in this beat up old mo- people turn to look at the Yamaha. Ap- torcycle. parently, people are used the rumble I leave home in the morning on a hot of the big twins which are so common day. Thunderstorms are predicted for here. The special sound of the little two late this afternoon but I will make the stroke’s loafing through town—sort of a one hundred and twenty miles to the mix of chain saw and snare drums—is cabin before then. The New Hampshire more unusual. Later, at a restaurant in line on NH 13 comes up about eleven Bristol, I happen on “Bike Nite.” After in the morning; this is the first time six, the bikes begin to arrive, and we eat, the Yamaha has been out of Massachu- drink, and talk about bikes, trips, and setts for at least thirty years. Just south gear. I need to leave about seven to get of Mount Vernon there are two deer to the cabin before dark; the lights on Pemigewasset Overlook on the Kancamagus Highway grazing in a field on the right side—a the Yamaha are poor at best. In the eve- reminder to stay alert. These second- ning, there is the distinct rap of a pileat- ary roads in Southern New Hampshire ed woodpecker in the distance. Later at are quiet at midday on a Wednesday in night, the coyotes are howling. July. Here is the cabin a little after two Friday dawns clear and cool. I want to pm. In that first trip many years ago, I have as much time to ride the mountains traveled with family and friends (they as possible, so it is a quick breakfast and had cars). We slept in tents at a camp- coffee at the cabin, and then onto the ground at Conway, New Hampshire. road north. Newfound Lake is calm, and This time, I am alone and will sleep in no boats are out as I ride by on the west a one room cabin in Alexandria, New side about eight am. A few people are out Hampshire. I am glad to have the cab- walking, running, and bicycling. Route in because it is raining tonight, the first 3, north from Plymouth, is delightful rain this bike has seen in forty years. as it winds through the hills and woods C. L. Graham wangan Overlook on the It is Thursday morning and the rain and by an occasional river. Nearly all the Kancamagus Highway. In spite of the parking seems to be mostly over, but the weath- traffic is on the nearby I-93. Plymouth, segregation I had a nice chat with the riders of er forecast is much better for tomorrow, New Hampshire, is the west end of the the big twins so I will postpone the trip north to the Kancamagus Highway. Locals refer to White Mountains until then. I have a it as the “Kanc.” It is the named part of leisurely breakfast at Gilly’s restaurant NH 112 that crosses the southern por- in Bristol—always good. Later I ride tion of the White Mountains and the around Newfound Lake and then Mt. 2,855 foot high pass. It is small by West- Cardigan. Approaching Canaan, on ern standards but a pleasant ride in New Route 118, it is necessary to go on re- England. All the approaches are beauti- serve for the first time in this century. ful rides as well. It is good to fill the tank Then, in Canaan, there is a gas station. here because there are no services on Is it wise to pass a station when on re- the thirty-four mile scenic drive. Otter serve with a tank that has unknown Rocks is an overlook near the hairpin VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 49 group ride each year, and this time it is northbound lane. To avoid that traffic I the White Mountains. We share stories drop south on NH 16 to NH 25 east, and about riding and possible destinations, then take NH 153 north to Conway. NH including both good and not-so-good 153 is a gem, with hills and curves as it places to visit. They are interested that I skirts Crystal Lake. Most importantly, am riding such a small machine across there is no traffic! From Conway, after a the Kanc and are surprised I rode it from gas fill up, I am going back for a west- near their homes in Massachusetts. To- bound transit of the Kanc. ward the east end there is major road re- At the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area a boy construction and bridge repair; much as expresses admiration for the bike, and Lincoln, New Hampshire, the end of my round there was forty years ago. we high five. At the Sugar Hill Overlook trip on the Kanc. Other riders are heading out for the scenic ride The east end of the Kanc joins NH 16 another boy, maybe ten and with his sis- just south of Conway. This area has been ter and parents, timidly waves, and I re- switchback, so I stop and take a few pic- a tourist mecca for over two hundred spond with an energetic wave. By three tures. Then I stop at the Pemigewasset years, with its proximity to the moun- o’clock, I have traversed the Kanc for Overlook just west of the pass. A man in tains and lakes. By about noon on this the second time today. Riding this bike a car is interested in the make and age of Friday in July the weekend traffic has the at forty miles per hour seems as fast as the bike, so we share bike stories. The C. northbound lane bumper-to-bumper, my BMW at seventy-five; at least the fun L. Graham Wangan Overlook is just east with stop-and-go for miles. This turns factor is there. By six, I have had supper of the pass, and I stop again for viewing out to be my only encounter with traffic and am back at the cabin after two hun- and pictures. Visibility is good today, but on the entire trip. I elect to head south dred miles of pure enjoyment. Tomor- a few clouds are beginning to form over to avoid the delay and find a place for row, I will ride the trusty little Yamaha the mountains. A group of seven riders lunch. As I enjoy a delightful barbeque home for the best five hundred mile mo- from southeastern Massachusetts have shrimp Caesar salad at the Almost There torcycle adventure ever. It is every bit as arrived on their very nice big twins of Restaurant in Albany, New Hampshire, much fun as I remember. The visit to the various kinds. They get together for a the traffic continues to inch by on the past has been spectacular. l

50 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 51

TECH HELP Tech Tip #5: Rectifiers by Jim Townsend / [email protected] & Ellis Holman / [email protected]

Jim: First, a short description of what a rectifier does. Recti- fiers in your old tube radio or television were a two element tube that allowed current from a power transformer to only flow one way through the power supply. Since we had only alternating current (AC) coming in, and it had to be changed to direct current (DC), there had to be a way to do it. We have the same problem with motorcycles. We need DC, but the al- ternator puts out AC, and, like a radio, we use a rectifier to do that. Some motorcycle systems are very simple and utilize a single coil in a flywheel that puts out a pulse of electricity every revolution of the flywheel, and some more sophisticat- ed systems use a stator within which a magnetic rotor spins, which puts out three pulses per revolution of the engine. Ei- ther way, the AC has to be changed, or “rectified,” into pulsat- Before: the old selenium rectifier in place ing DC. The single-phase systems, where one revolution sends one pulse out, can’t develop much current and is generally used on small dirt bikes and some early bikes of the ’60s like the old Honda 305s. With a more dedicated and sophisticated three-phase system, the pulsing is much smoother and much more current is produced. In both cases, the rectifier removes the negative portion of the pulsating current. We don’t really care if the current pulsates in the case of motorcycles, as the current just goes to the battery and is stored there then is re- leased as straight DC—that is, after it is rectified, and possibly regulated, which we will cover some other time.

Ellis: Yep, the ’60s and ’70s systems were pretty simple, and they also weren’t really charging systems like we think of in car systems. At best, they would hold a charge at whatever lev- After: the Radio Shack bridge rectifier in place of the selenium rectifier el the battery state was. Back in the day, that wasn’t much of a and bolted to the frame problem, but these days, with many locations requiring lights on all the time, these charging systems have their work cut out Jim: I remember that back in the ’60s Ducati had a small for them. Anything we can do to help them out is all to the coil in the flywheel, as did almost all small bikes, that was good. Make sure all the connections are clean and tight. Cor- to generate a bit of electricity every revolution of the engine. rosion is almost always found in the connectors coming out of In fact, Ducati riders’ manuals said to not run the lights for the engine. The selenium rectifiers commonly found on our over four hours and to recharge the battery with a trickle vintage motorcycles have a couple of shortcomings. For one, charger. That is what the Honda CA95 was like that I rode they are not very efficient, so what voltage does get to them around at the Barber event last fall. I found that riding with sometimes gets wasted as heat. If you’ve ever noticed that the the lights on used so much current the battery would run orange paint looks blistered, that is because the rectifier gets down, and the bike would quit running. After that, I had to pretty warm when in operation. The other shortcoming is ride with no lights, even in the dark. The alternator put out that the rectifier allows voltage to flow backwards out of the just enough juice to keep the ignition working, but not any battery back to ground. This explains why if you leave the bat- lights. tery connected to the bike during a winter layoff, the battery Shown is a diagram of a method to improve your regulat- will eventually discharge completely. Newer technology can ing system on an older bike with a selenium rectifier. Using a help us make things much better. bridge rectifier from Radio Shack you can take out the large VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 53 selenium rectifier and replace it with a man, 317-691-4242, buddy.holman@ much better system. Simply remove the gmail.com and Jim Townsend, 594- old selenium rectifier and bolt a bridge 551-2255, [email protected]. We rectifier to the bike so that any heat prefer email and copy both of us. l generated will go to the frame. Using the wires that come from the flywheel (red, yellow, and brown) attach the wires to the bridge rectifier the same as they did to the old rectifier. The yellow and brown wires go to the unmarked connectors, and the red wire is the pos- itive wire that goes to the battery. The fourth connector has to get a new wire made to go to ground. Use a length of green wire, like the other ground wires on the bike. This will improve the sys- tem and also help the battery to retain all its power. On the previosu page are a couple of pictures showing the installation on a Honda Dream before and after the change of rectifiers. If you have a question or problem you are having with your vintage motorcy- cle, feel free to email us and we’ll try to The wiring diagram of how the rectifiers are connected to the wiring. The symbols are the same give you an answer. Contact Ellis Hol- for either rectifier

54 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 ADVERTISER’S SPOTLIGHT ADVERTISERS APPEARING IN THIS ISSUE: by Guido Cardillo / [email protected] Atlanta Motorcycle Works...... 22 just got back from Barber and, other viders we have attracted. The advertisers AZMC ...... 48 Ithan getting caught in a downpour on that we lose by design don’t concern me; the way home, I once again had a great the ones we lose by attrition, however, B & L Machine (Fork Seal Drivers) ...... 13 time. I’m often reminded at these events represent a much different situation. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum ...... 4 that the bikes are cool, the restoration Most of our advertisers are small busi- work exceptional, the sounds and smells nesses, many of them family owned and Berkshire Cycles ...... 50 exciting, but, in the end, it’s all about the run. They run on very tight budgets. Brown’s Plating ...... 54 people. We can all say that we’ve made Although it is counter-intuitive to cut some great friends in this hobby and re- advertising costs when business slows, Buchanan’s Spoke and Rim ...... 51 main friends even though we may see it is a reality that almost all businesses CMSNL ...... 64 each other only once or twice a year. (big and small) do just that. It is my be- Among the friends that I’ve made over lief that this happens because business David Silver Spares...... 48, 63 the past year are many of our advertisers. owners don’t truly recognize the value Diamond Gusset Company...... 37 I have found that this is an exceptional of advertising. It’s challenging, but not group. Different than most other groups impossible, to measure the effectiveness Frank’s Maintenance and Engineering, Inc. .... 13 of advertisers, these folks, in addition to of advertising. Discount codes, specif- Gasolina Boots ...... 48 being business people, are motorcycle ic website landing pages, and customer people. They are extremely knowledge- surveys are methods of measuring ad- Hagon Shocks ...... 15 able, not only about their specific areas vertising, but all require the vendor to Honda Restoration ...... 23 but also what other help is available. be proactive in collecting information. They know each other and their custom- Small businesses are unlikely to have JDV Products/Vessel ...... 21 ers, and the bikes those customers own. the staff to attend to this. None of these Johnny’s Vintage Motorcycles ...... 51 Not since I was a VP in the software measurement techniques require you, business have I seen vendors who know the customer, to be proactive. Kenda Tires ...... 52 so much about their customers. This is what I am going to do mov- Metro Racing Inc...... 2 As our club and magazine have grown, ing forward. I (and I am only 1 of 4,000 we have fine-tuned our focus. The edi- members) would like to see all of our ad- MikeXS, Inc...... 21 torial staff of the magazine is constantly vertisers stay with us, continuing to do Moto-Services ...... 10 seeking out content that represents the what they’ve been doing so well for our club’s core focus—vintage Japanese mo- membership. Instead of going to eBay or Motorcycle Yamiya 750 ...... 18 torcycles. The advertising staff has also Craigslist to find the least expensive part Motorsport Publications ...... 42 been working with the same focus. We or service, I will look at all our vendor believe that in our magazine you will sites to see what their prices are. I’m go- National Motorcycle Museum ...... 11 find vendors that will serve you like ing to try to combine my purchases. For Nor’Easter Blastworx ...... 45 no others. We have famously (or infa- example, if I am restoring a bike, I am go- mously to some) denied the advertising ing to try to anticipate everything I will Orazio Cycles ...... 56 of vendors who sell products or services need. I’ll provide the list to our vendors, Ottoco ...... 24 not related to our core focus. We have asking them to give me “VJMC pricing” refused to renew advertising of vendors for the entire list. I’ll use every discount Precision Motorcycle Painting ...... 56 who have provided less than exceptional code I find. I’ll visit every advertiser’s Randy’s Cycle Service ...... 23 service or products to our members. We website using the address in their ad. I have solicited the advertising of vendors will make it a point to tell them that I Rick’s Motorsport Electrics, Inc...... 22 that you can trust with your projects. found them in our magazine. Most im- Speed and Sport Yamaha ...... 44 Going forward, you will likely see few- portantly, I’m going to buy as much as I er advertisers in our magazine. Some of can from them. Maybe, sometimes, I’ll Stop the Blues ...... 50 this reduction is by design and some by pay a little more. Vapor Honing Technologies ...... 15 attrition. I’m not really concerned about Now, I’m going to ask a favor of all of losing advertising dollars because it is you. Follow my lead. Let’s protect this Vintage Suspension (Race Tech) ...... 24 unlikely that we will generate enough precious resource. Let’s make it easy for Western Hills Honda ...... 37 revenue to pay for the production of them to see the value of advertising with the magazine and subsidize your mem- us. Let them get to know you. You will be Workshop Hero ...... 12 bership dues. I am, however, saddened friends forever, even if you only talk once Yamaha Powersports Division ...... 32 about losing any of the high-quality pro- or twice a year. l VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 55 56 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 EVENTS Events Corner by Peter Slatco , Vice President, Events Coordinator / [email protected]

f you missed the Barber Vintage Fes- com/2015destinationeustis. Next in the Itival and the AIMExpo, you missed a order of events is Bikes on the Beach in UPCOMING EVENTS couple of spectacular motorcycling op- Panama City, Florida, May 2, 2015, held portunities. So what’s next? in conjunction with the Spring Thunder As I write this article we are preparing Beach. Online registration will open DECEMBER 13 for the Florida VJMC State Rally and mid-December, www.regonline.com/ 15th Annual VJMC Florida Christmas Ride by the time you are reading this article, 2015bikesonthebeach. Coney Island Grille the rally will have passed. So, the next Other events include our 2015 VJMC Brooksville, Florida VJMC event is the Fifteenth Annual National Rally. Its registration will be Florida VJMC Christmas Ride. The rid- open by the time you read this article at ers will meet at the Coney Island Grille www.regonline.com/2015vjmcnation- 2015 in Brooksville, Florida, on Saturday, alrally. This year’s rally will take place December 13th. Florida Field Rep Norm in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, June 25- Smith will lead the group through some 27, 2015. Other noteworthy events that JANUARY 31 of the finest riding in Central Florida. VJMC is a major supporter of is the Da- Dania Beach Vintage Bike Show At the conclusion of the ride the group nia Beach Vintage Bike Show, January Dania Beach, FL will return to the Coney Island Grille 31, 2015, at Dania Beach, Florida. An- for an ol’ fashion Christmas party. other is Riding into History, a concours MARCH 6-8 Destination Eustis I would like to remind everyone that it vintage motorcycle show. It will be held Vintage Bike Show is once again time to prepare to support at the World Golf Village in St Augus- Lake County Fairgrounds the International Motorcycle Shows tine, Florida, May 17-18, 2015. Eustis, FL (IMS). By now, several of you may have These are all the events we are current- been contacted by the IMS coordinator ly aware of for January to June 2015. If MAY 2 to support their events at various loca- you have an event you are planning or Bikes on the Beach tions and, further, requesting you to expect to attend and you would like it Panama City, FL sign an event contract. We must cau- shared with the VJMC membership, tion all our members that the only in- please go to the VJMC website and fill MAY 17-18 dividuals who can sign any documents out an event request application. Once Riding Into History obligating the VJMC is an officer of the received, we will add it to event calendar World Golf Village club. So, before you sign a document for and include it in future email blasts. If St. Augustine, FL an event, you are encouraged to forward you have any questions regarding events JuNE 25-27 it to the Event Coordinator at events@ or need a little help with the event re- 2015 National Rally vjmc.org for review. Your cooperation quest form, please contact me at events@ Pigeon Forge, TN is appreciated. Additional information vjmc.org. I answer every email and re- for the IMS Shows will be addressed via turn all phone calls. Enjoy the events! l club-wide email blasts by the club presi- dent, Tom Kolenko. Hey members! 2015 will be another big year for VJMC SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: events. Registration for events that re- Tell us YOuR story! TEXT: quire pre-registration and advance The best way this magazine can accurately • .pdf, .rtf or .doc file formats reflect what our members are up to is if • include your byline, photocaptions, lodging reservations will be brought YOU TELL US what you’re doing! and credit for the photographer online and made available much earli- The VJMC magazine is only possible through member interaction, and we’ll pay you for it! er in 2015. For example, events already PHOTOS: We pay $100 for feature stories—typically • high-resolution color pictures (300dpi) in the planning: Destination Eustis— at least 2 full pages (1500 words) with 4 or more photos. • typical file size of a .jpg will be 500kb+ Vintage Bike Show to be held at the • 1mb-3mb per image is preferred If your story is selected for publication, Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis, you will receive extra copies of the issue Florida, March 6-8, the first weekend in which it appears. Send your stories and high res of Daytona Bike Week—online regis- photos to: [email protected] tration is now open at www.regonline. VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 57 58 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 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 April/May 2015 issue are due by January 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

frames with attached fenders, galore.ecrater.com/c/1903117/ ready to ride or show. 29500 km electrics, wheels, etc.; ask for honda-trail-90-1978-ct90a. or 12000 miles. Purchase price FOR SALE prices. Located near Rhine- Free shipping on orders over is $27000 US. Clayton Under- beck, NY, AMC super meet site. $30. Joshua Trenge, 760- wood, 1-604-836-9486, Cana- Ken Krauer, 845-266-3363, Salt 609-4218, Indio, California, da, [email protected] HONDA Point, New York, joankrauer@ [email protected] yahoo.com 1980 Honda CM400E. 4100 1978 Honda XL125. Very good miles. Complete and original. 1971 Honda CB450 K4 Super- condition. All original red/or- Minor scuffs, dings and scratch- sport. Less than 11000 miles. ange with wing emblems. Dual es. Original black paint with New tires, battery and wind- sport, street legal. $978 obo. pinstripes. Shines up good. shield on Vetter windjammer Serious buyers only. Cari King, Chrome is good and not pitted. II. $2500 for bike without wind- 541-285-4947, Eugene, Oregon, Seat has minor tear. Includes jammer fairing. $2800 with fair- [email protected] tool kit, owners manual and ing. Vernon, 903-883-2448, Tex- luggage rack. Everything works as, [email protected] 1978 Honda GL1000. Two bikes, as it should. Starts, runs, shifts. both complete, one disassem- Needs tune-up, adjustments, etc. to run perfect. Has new- 1963 Honda Trail 55 model 1974 Honda CB500T. This is an bled for repairs. LOTS of new and good/excellent used spare er battery and recent oil/filter C105. This motorcycle starts excellent example of a classic change. Tank is clean inside. right up and runs. I have the Honda DOHC twin. Has optional parts. Black bike (74000 miles) has broken cam belt on left Contact me for pictures. Colo- title for it. I have owned it for sissy bar, luggage rack, and en- rado title, $1300. Carl Best, 720- about 13 years and I’m sorry gine guard (“crash bars”). The side, engine condition unknown but turns over with no alarming 884-6064, Colorado, chbest@ but I wore the red shag carpet original factory bodywork is in comcast.net covering off the seat by riding excellent shape. The chrome is noises. Has excellent mufflers it too much! I am located in the beautiful. The seat is in excel- and heat shields. Blue bike (un- middle of Kansas. Asking $700. lent factory condition with no der 30000 miles) has engine 1981 Honda Passport 70. New Jeff Ecker, 678-622-1089, hoda- rips, tears or any other damage. removed for alternator replace- engine, 400 miles, new front [email protected] The tires like new. Runs great. ment; the alternator has been fender, new seat, new speed- won Junior First Prize at Rhein- replaced, and the engine reas- ometer, new tires and tubes. sembled. Its exhaust looks tired First kick start, runs great. Ti- 1967 Honda CA77. Original beck. $4500 obo. John Mickow- ski, 973-459-9417 before Octo- but is serviceable. Both bikes tled. Mike, 520-730-8881, Tuc- condition with 5000 miles. In are titled, I have ridden both. son, Arizona, mwilhelm56@ great condition. Runs and rides ber 18, 2014, email thereafter at, [email protected] Extra fenders, seat, side covers, comcast.net like new. Electric start, lights gas tank, side covers, excellent and horn work perfectly. Title instruments, wheels, drive unit, in hand. $3500. will bring to 1977 Honda Gold Wing. Single 1982 Honda CB900 Custom. master cylinder kits, heads, etc. Complete. 54k miles on the Barber in swap meet spot D11. carb (34 pict) conversion, it is It’s all over my garage at this Bring cash. Conrad Ledig, 225- a breeze to tune. Stock carbs odometer. Tires are OK, carbs point, too much for me to get drained. I received this bike 610-2233, Baton Rouge, Louisi- available. Café racer style. excited about shipping, so lo- ana, [email protected] New belts, throttle cable, fil- in trade and haven’t tried to cal pickup only. Will sell as a lot start it. Original blue paint ters, spark plugs, oil, battery, for $2500 (firm), not interested Vance and Hines pipes. Al- but it’s well weathered. will 1968/81 Hondas. Parting out in parting anything out. This need restored or spruced up 50 Japanese bikes, mostly Hon- ways garaged. Bill of sale only, is easy restoration material or title not needed in Georgia. some. No title. $1000 or- of da. $75 each or will part out. cheap spare parts. Gary, North fer. John Bergener, 575-910- Includes Yamaha and Hon- Odometer stopped working, it Richland Hills, Texas, eulerckt@ shows 16000 miles. 973-404- 2666, Roswell , New Mexico, da Mopeds, lots of seats and aol.com [email protected] side covers. 4 CB750 4 cyl gas 0151, Douglasville, Georgia, [email protected] tanks, $60 and up. Bridgestone 1979 Honda CBX. Candy Glory 100/150 seat, very nice, $100. Red. One owner with original 1978 Gold wing engine, $100. 1978 Honda CT90, Trail 90. bill of sale. 100% original. Muf- join or renew @ 1965 Honda 150 Dream engine, Parts bike. If you need any parts flers were replaced with orig- www.vjmc.org $100. Dream and Super Hawk just go to my link: http://parts- inals 8 years ago. Tuned and

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 59 Shoei fairing is a bit chipped. Seat cover has a tear in it, new Parts for Japanese bikes. I have seat cover is included. Recent MISC. FOR SALE about 7000 individual parts. maintenance and service in- Email for a PDF list. Lists are bro- cludes new battery, new fork 1968/81 Hondas. 50 Japanese ken down into Honda, Kawasaki, seals, Progressive Suspension bikes, mostly Hondas, $100 Suzuki, and Yamaha. Please re- fork springs, rebuilt rear caliper each or will part out. Also in- quest only one list per day due with new pads, new K&N air fil- cludes 1978 Gold wing engine, to my time constraints. Mark Ak- ter, new clutch throttle cables, front wheel and fender, carb samit, 928-202-8654, Arizona, superbike bars. Has factory tool set and manifold, cooling fans, [email protected] Rare 1986 Honda NSR 400 Tri- kit and owners manual. I work and other GW parts. Deal on ple. 2400 km. Showroom condi- in New York City and can deliv- whole lot. Also 2 Yamaha Big Honda Manuals. Over 100 tion. Starting price $12,000.00. er the bike between here and Bear Scramblers and Yam and Contact me for additional there. Peter Alexeev, 917-509- original Honda service manu- Honda mopeds. Lots of seats als for many various models, information. Helen wilson, 1032, Northeast Pennsylvania, and side covers. For CB750. [email protected] [email protected] CBX, MB5, CB750, etc. Email Gas tanks. For Bridgestone for specific needs. Prices on 100/150 seat, very nice, $100. request. Bob Brandner, 561- KAWASAKI YAMAHA Dream and Super Hawk frames 776-6212, North Palm Beach, with attached fenders, elec- Florida, [email protected] Kawasaki parts. I am a fran- trics,wheels, etc. 1965 Honda 1969 Yamaha YL1E. 100cc. Ti- dream engine 150cc, $100. chised Kawasaki dealer and tled, original condition with Japanese Bikes. Retiring, selling have some ole OEM Kawi and Ask for prices or deal on large under 600 original miles. or whole lot. Located near my 4000+ lines of Kawasaki, Su- Honda parts inventory I’m look- Light restoration work done zuki, and some Honda NOS vin- ing to unload. I won’t give it Rhinebeck, New York AMC su- to keep as original as possi- per meet site. Ken Krauer, 845- tage parts. Listed at my site, Vir- away but I’ll make the buyer for ble. New tires. Runs perfectly. tuallyJunk.com. Asking $10k for the entire lot a screamin’ deal. 266-3363, Salt Point, New York, Asking $2000. Paul Grappone, joankrauer@ yahoo.com it all, including rights to my site Either the Kawi or Honda parts 908-797-0631, New Jersey, and contents. Bruce Mangels, by themselves or together. Let [email protected] 520-457-3035, Tombstone, Ari- me know if you’re interested Vapor Blasting. Vapor Blast- zona, [email protected] and I’ll fax the list. David Guillory, ing is a process where slurry is 805-717-1626, Angleton, Texas, 1973 Yamaha RD350. Beautiful pumped at very high flow rates [email protected] turn key RD with 2661 miles. to a nozzle where a high flow 1959/79 Honda collection. 49- New tires and wear and tear of air is introduced. It provides 1047 cc. Selling 50 year collec- items. Chrome Denco Cham- tion. From junkyard to museum For 1966 Kawasaki J1/B8, a high quality satin finish to bers. Runs excellent. Chrome non-ferrous components with pieces. Paul Crippes, 707-894- parts. All original stock from is really nice. Email for pix and 3174, Cloverdale, California, the 1960s. Lights, fenders, no damage to the material. Let video. Interested in all kinds Nor’Easter Blastworx, located in [email protected] carbs. Email what you’re look- of trades or $2500 whichever ing for and I’ll let you know. south western New Hampshire, comes first. Tagged, insured and provide quality Vapor Blasting Oliver, Ontario, Canada, on the road. Brian, 704-728- Japanese bike parts supply. [email protected] services for all your restoration 10s of thousands of parts, new 7699, Mooresville, North Caroli- projects. Mark Propster, Vapor na, [email protected] and used. Reasonable price Blasting by Storm, 802-490- in order to make a speedy SUZUKI 8145, NorEasterBlastworx@ deal. Gene Crump, 662-369- 1977 Yamaha RD400. Beautiful gmail.com 4542, Aberdeen, Mississippi, 1967 Suzuki X6 Hustler. Awe- bare frame restoration. Frame [email protected] some, complete, well running, and all black bits powder coat- For Japanese Bikes, 1960s/ and still fast. Tom Pixley, 970- ed. New tires, battery, brakes, 1990s. Thousands of NOS 223-4053, Fort Collins, Colorado, master cylinders, seat cover, parts from old dealer inven- WANTED [email protected] mirrors, fresh engine. Caution: tories. Thousands more used Chrome is rough but salvage- parts. Call or email with re- able. $3500. Cam Norris, 613- 1971 Suzuki T125 II. Beautiful- quests. Badger Cycles, 920-682- HONDA 328-4800, Kingston, Ontario, 2127, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, ly restored Stinger. This may [email protected] be one of the finest examples [email protected] For 1961 Honda C111, looking of this rare bike you’ll ever for parts. Most 1960/62 C110 see. $3900. Mark, 443-322- 1978 Yamaha RD400. Expansion Vintage Japanese Motorcycles. parts fit. In particular I need 4324, Baltimore, Maryland, chambers, aftermarket carbs, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha. Pric- the rear tail light bracket, lh [email protected] café style. Recently serviced es vary. Sold separately. Over crankcase cover, throttle tube by Norton Muzzone at Legacy 60 antique motorcycles. CB100, for ¾” diameter handlebar, plus Cycles in Melbourne, Florida. CB125, CB160, CB175, CB200, much more. Graham, Australia, 1982 Suzuki GS1100G. The Looking to trade for a nice XS650 original sport tourer, 8-valve CB350, CB450, CB400, CB550, [email protected] Tracker. Dick Altman, 561-966- CB750, CB400F, CB77, CL200, motor, shaft drive, 5-speed. 6262, [email protected] Good condition, starts, runs, CL77, CL350, CL450, CL70, CL90, 1972 Honda z50 K3. Looking for does not smoke. 25000 miles, S90, CB350, CL360. RD60, G7, excellent original bike in candy but the speedo is a bit opti- 1986 Yamaha SRX600. Beau- 1969 CL2 200. Kz650, Kz400. gold color. would like to find an mistic so I think it has way less tiful bike, only 2750 km, safety Buy and sell old vintage motor- original paint bike. Sean Mor- miles. All the gears are there, included. Best offer over $2999. cycles. Steve Burns, 302-449- phew, 562-698-7484, whittier, all lights work. Decent tired, Fred Kolman, 613-858-9400, 2582, Middletown, Delaware, California, vintage1948house@ decent original paint, paint on [email protected] [email protected] yahoo.com

60 DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 CLASSIFIEDS

For 1983 Suzuki GS450GA, need For 1974 Honda CL360, need source for counter balancer top of triple tree assembly. bearings, will consider counter Honda part #53230-369- balancer assembly. Also need 305. william Hadley, 936- left frame side cover. Robert 441-8746, Conroe, Texas, Schroeder, 850-258-1029, Pana- [email protected] ma City, Florida, cartdoc1950@ att.nethide For 1975 Honda CB400F, need frame with title or rolling frame 1984/86 Suzuki GS1150E. Want with title. Tom Sanders, 321- roadworthy bike in good to ex- 689-7822, winter Springs, Flori- cellent condition or fully restored da, [email protected] condition. Prefer stock bike but will consider lightly modified bikes. No drag bikes. John Stew- SUZUKI art, 502-489-2247, Louisville, Kentucky, [email protected] For 1965 Suzuki B100 110cc, looking for engine parts to re- YAMAHA store. Jeffrey Haug, 816-674- 8604, [email protected] For 1980 Yamaha XJ650, looking for parts. Need speedometer, ta- For 1966 Suzuki X6, need a gas chometer, shifter shaft springs, cap. It is the one that just plugs maintenance and parts sourc- into the hole (rubber bung), not es. Michael K Pitts, 727-831- the normal type with two metal 8824, St. Petersburg, Florida, tangs. Ron Rospo, 518-663-8217, [email protected] Troy, New York, rocketron443@ gmail.com MISC. WANTED For 1968 Suzuki Cobra T500, looking for ignition key 3315 or Need tires. NOS or nearly so 3353. Fred, 905-640-2851, Cana- Yokohama tires. Y-612 knobby, da, [email protected] 4.00-18. Ribbed street 2.50-17. Rick Yamane, 650-517-8338, San For Pre-1971 Suzuki, Informa- Carlos, California, richard2242@ tion. I’m putting together an aid comcast.net to help identify older Suzukis built prior to 1971 similar to the Honda CBX 1000cc 6 cyl memo- one I have done for the MK1/ rabilia for museum and the “CBX MK2/MK3 T500’s previously. Book” I am presently writing. what I need is the stamped Any brochures, adverts, posters, number from the engine and owner’s manual, workshop man- the frame (not off the VIN plate ual, set-up manual, toys/models, as that is usually a partial num- old photos, etc. related to the ber), and the model and year 1979-1972 CBX. Also period af- you think your bike is. This is not termarket fairings/bodywork. a owner’s register; all I will be Let me know what you have and keeping are the first few and last how much you need! Thanks. few of each year. To see the list Ian, (626) 444-9358, California, as it evolves, please check this [email protected] link http://www.oldjapanese- bikes.com/mraxl_GT_Resource/ Japanese NOS mopeds and frame_engine_id/index.php Ian motorcycles from the 60s and Sandy, ian@oldjapanesebikes. com. 70s for our showroom. If you have anything to offer please contact me. Mike Buttinger, For 1978 Suzuki GS550E, need [email protected] gas tank and both side covers. Prefer black but will take any Dealer memorabilia. color. Want to have it running Collector for the Aim show. Running out seeks 1950s-1980s Japanese of time. Robert Schroeder, 850- dealership items including ban- 258-1029, Panama City, Florida, ners, signs, ashtrays, lighters, [email protected] hats, clocks, promos, etc. Rare, weird and old is good. Tom Ko- lenko, (770) 427-4820, Atlanta, Georgia l

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 61