Volume 39 / Number 5 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 • $5

at Spring Mill

WHAT’S INSIDE: 1973 Kawasaki H1D 500 Triple Breaking an Old Tire Bead The Michigan Hagerty Ride Tiny Honda Project

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

IN THIS ISSUE Features EVENTS: All Japanese Rally 6 WORKING DIRECTOR: Local Events 10 Support Coordinator EVENTS: VJMC and the 2018 Wakulla Springs COVER STORY 13 Car & Bike Show PROJECT BIKE: 2018 National Rally at Spring Mill 1973 Kawasaki ...... 38 14 H1D 500 Triple IN MEMORIUM: Remembering 17 Hurley Wilvert Departments MAINTENANCE PRESIDENT’S LETTER: & RESTORATION: New Rides = New Friends...... 5 Breaking an 19 Old Tire Bead BACK IN THE DAY: EVENTS: Yamaha YL1 / Tom Batchelor...... 8 Dreyer Bike Show FROM THE EDITOR: 20 Camping Interest? Editor’s Camping Weekend...... 9 PROJECT BIKE: Patience is a Virtue CUSTOM CONNECTION: 22 Kickstarting Your First Custom (Part Deux)...... 11 EVENTS: 11th Annual Pierceton EVENTS CORNER...... 59 Vintage Motorcycle 29 Show & Swap CLASSIFIEDS...... 60 MAINTENANCE ADVERTISERS’ INDEX...... 61 & RESTORATION: Ultrasonic Cleaning, 33 Part Three EVENTS: The Michigan Hagerty Ride 36 and VJMC Rally PROJECT BIKE: Tiny Honda Project 44 EVENTS: VJMC Midwest Rally

Volume 39 / Number 5 50 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 • $5 On the Cover EVENTS: Bike show KCVJMC’s 3rd Annual beauties at Two-Stroke Rally the National Rally 54 at Spring Mill MAINTENANCE

WHAT’S INSIDE: & RESTORATION: 1973 Kawasaki H1D 500 Triple Breaking an Old Tire Bead Rotor & Clutch Basket The Michigan Hagerty Ride Tiny Honda Project cover photo: 58 Removal Trick official publicatioN of the ViNtage japaNese motorcycle club of North america, iNc. Michael Fitterling Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 3

PRESIDENT’S LETTER New Rides = New Friends Official Publication of the VJMC OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 ife is richest when filled with new rides and new friends. Volume 39, Number 5 LMy circle of friends grows at each VJMC event when we PRESIDENT ride together. The 2018 National Rally at Spring Mill and Tom Kolenko (770) 427-4820 the Hagerty Ride to Traverse City created great memories [email protected] for those lucky enough to attend. Pete Slatcoff’s (FL) great kennesaw, GA advance planning made both events outstanding successes. EDITOR Michael Fitterling Every rider had his/her highlights, but here are a few of mine. (863) 632-1981 The attitude riders bring with them is contagious. Where [email protected] lake wales, fl else would forty-four riders leave for lunch in a summer thunderstorm in rural DESIGN DIRECTOR Indiana knowing that within a hundred yards they would be as wet as any hu- Nadine G. Messier man beings can be. Led by John Keel’s Superhawk, we wound our way to a Ger- (401) 363-9637 [email protected] man restaurant in French Lick amid lightning, downpours, and blind turns. At narragansett, ri the small restaurant I got a chance to sit with Koyo Takitani (MI) and his broth- CLASSIFIED ADS Gary Gadd er Makoto visiting from Tokyo, who got a visitor’s baptism in the Indiana rain. (817) 284-8195 They were going to do a track day the next week in Michigan on Koyo’s crazy [email protected] north richland hills, tx fast two-strokes. What a brother! After a delicious two-hour meal, the sunny MAGAZINE DISPLAY ride back let everyone dry out. No bitching, just big rally ride smiles all around. ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Andy Dixon’s “Ride of a Lifetime” Canadian posse rode to the rally on their Matt Celender (941) 405-7308 way back to New Brunswick and shared great stories on the stone patio nightly. [email protected] The evening socials built new friendships for years to come. Evening “patio BRADENTON, FL time” at Spring Mill lets folks chill out with new friends, swapping tales from MEMBERSHIP & CHANGE OF ADDRESS To renew by mail: the past and present. A VJMC rally wouldn’t be complete without the three VJMC c/o Cornerstone Registration, Ltd. generations of Pavlicks riding together with their big smiles. Often, new friends PO Box 1715 Maple Grove, MN 55311-6715 become old friends, as when David and Marie Asselin (MA) helped me load To renew by telephone: (763) 420-7829 and unload my bike. Later conversations around the Caberfae Peaks fire pit To renew online: www.vjmc.org revealed both shared big riding passions in their marriage. Funny how a fire, Membership check renewals: USA: 1 year - $30 / 2 years - $55 / 3 years - $80 beverage, and riding tales go together in the Michigan outdoors with friends. CAN: 1 year - $40 / 2 years - $75 / 3 years - $100 Field Rep Norm Smith (FL) and Hagerty Rep Kyle Bowen (MI) showed off the All other countries: Lake Michigan coastal roads to the lucky fifty-five riders making the pilgrim- 1 year - US $55 (includes airmail postage) ADDITIONAL COPIES age to the Hagerty Headquarters and Garage. Entertainment was also provided In order to minimize unnecessary expens- by the Blue Angels flight team overhead in Traverse City. Great Hagerty BBQ, es to the club, VJMC prints a limited num- ber of each issue. However, we will gladly sunshine, and more riding cemented a great day in Michigan. Sadly, weeks later, accommodate any requests for additional copies Field Rep Steve Searles (MI) informed me that Hagerty ride participants, Larry from members. and Joy Hein, were killed by a drunk driver while out for a ride. VJMC prayers These requests must be submitted before the 15th of the month preceding each issue. For ex- and condolences go out to their families as they cope with this tragic loss. ample: for the December/January issue requests must be received by November 15. Jack Stein (FR-AZ) and Bob Leonard (CA) created more rides and good times for members attending the VJMC West Coast Rally in Prescott, Arizona. The MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of this organization is to promote location works in a low-keyed approach with its own comfortable Arizona tra- the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of vintage Japanese motorcycles (defined here as ditions. Thanks to both of you and your team for building great rides, shows, those 20 years old or older). The VJMC also will and memories. promote the sport of motorcycling and camera- derie of motorcyclists everywhere. The last big VJMC supported event of the season, the Barber Vintage Festival, © 2018 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of will be taking place as you read this. The VJMC enjoys bringing members and North America, an IRS-approved Not-for-prof- visitors to this world-class Mecca of motorcycles. Once exposed to this week- it 501(c)(7) corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced end of motorcycle fun, most visitors become addicted for life and return every or transmitted without permission. All articles copyright by their respective authors. October. This works for the VJMC, because we have a dedicated band of volun- Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine is pub- teers that create rides, workshops, shows, BBQ, and Southern hospitality for all lished six times per year, in February, April, June, Barber visitors. I hope to meet many of you at this year’s gathering. l August, October, and December. The views and opinions expressed in letters or other content are those of the author and do not necessarily Ride safe and often, represent VJMC policy. The VJMC accepts no lia- bility for any loss, damage, or claims occurring as Tom Kolenko a result of advice given in this publication or for claims made by advertisers of products or ser- VJMC President vices in this publication. [email protected] Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 5 6 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 events All Japanese Rally by Mark Bayer, President KCVJM, Missouri Field Rep / [email protected]

iberty Cycle Center (LCC) had its Lfiftieth anniversary earlier this year. LCC started as a Norton, Ducati, and Moto Guzzi dealer but picked up Suzu- ki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki motorcycles sometime after the tail end of the 1960s. Our club loves to honor the history of Japanese motorcycles by scheduling events at the older Japanese motorcy- cle dealers in our area. Liberty is a few miles north of Kansas City and is the oldest continually operating Japanese motorcycle dealer in the area—quite an achievement when you consider the de- cades that have passed. Jeff Heishman, the son of the founder and the current general manager, was very generous in providing the space, free food, table and chairs, and a great promotional flier for the event. This was the seventh year for the All Japanese Rally. The idea behind this event was to have a rally that honored the Japanese motorcycle, old and new. 1967 Honda CB450D Scrambler. (To All our other events feature vintage Jap- read more about Jerry’s “D” bike and anese motorcycles, and this is the only about the super rare “D” bikes, look up one that reaches out to any and all Japa- my article in the February/March 2018 nese motorcycles of all years. It was held issue of this magazine.) We had quite late on 7 July, and we will continue this an array of vintage Japanese bikes: an , rally in early July going forward. early 70s Honda CB350 four, a 1970 I arrived at LCC around 9am. We Yamaha XS650, a nice original Suzuki normally have a VJMC tent, but the GS1100, an unrestored Yamaha RD350, building has a covered area in front of a beautiful Kawasaki 400 triple, an RZ their showroom windows, which was a 350 Yamaha, and many more great old great place to put a table. We were able Japanese motorcycles. In all we had to place the VJMC banner behind us around a hundred motorcycles show up showed up. I’m sure that he enjoyed the where it was clearly visible. The set up during the event, approximately sixty of old bikes This was the first time that was so simple that we were ready for which were associated with our club. We we had this event at this location, and I visitors well before most began arriv- signed up several new members to the would imagine that we will vote to have ing. Cliff Miller brought his fully re- national club, ate a bunch of hot dogs, it there again. stored award-winning 1961 305 Hon- and embellished details about past bikes If you ever attend one of our events, da Dream. Claude Chafin brought his we have owned! please track me down. I want to meet completely restored early CB160. Jerry This was a great day and a really fun you and make you feel welcomed. In the Juenemann brought his impeccable event, thanks to LCC. The founder end, we just love the old motorcycles, Honda CB450 Black Bomber and his of the dealership, Bill Heishman, also the camaraderie, and the fun. l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 7 BACK IN THE DAY

Yamaha YL1 oth my older brother and I owe our younger or by Tom Batchelor / [email protected] Bearly years of motorcycling to our dad, who lob- bied heavily for us with the “Speaker of the House” (Mom), who was dead-set against her boys being on a motorcycle. Dad ultimately prevailed. This was our (collectively) first bike, a 1967 YL1 Twin Jet two- stroke street bike, but we slammed knobbies on it and rode in the dirt. We acquired it around 1975. I think both brother and I chipped in some cash, and dad took care of the rest. Maybe we paid fifty dol- lars for it, hard to recall. It wasn’t in running con- dition—not even close. The Yamaha wasn’t that old back then, and parts were available from the dealer. One piston was holed, the shifter drum trashed, it had seized fasteners, fried electrical, you name it. Dad taught us tricks, which I still use today, to co- erce frozen screws into yielding. It fouled plugs reg- ularly but ran solid. Fun bike, fun times. I rode it to high school at times when the Northeastern winters weren’t in play. My brother and I still talk about the old YL1, gone now for many years.. l

8 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 FROM THE EDITOR Camping Interest? Editor’s Camping Weekend

by Mike Fitterling / [email protected]

y the time you get this issue the rid- Bing season will be winding down for many of you in the North, so it is not too early to start thinking and planning ahead for the reemergence of riding weather next year. I’m in the deep South and still look forward to riding through the winter, but that hasn’t stopped me from thinking about 2019, partly be- cause of the need to get planned ac- tivities to the Board before January so insurance and other details can be worked out. As many of you who’ve met me al- ready know, I often have a tent strapped to the back of my bike and love to camp. I suppose many other of our members do as well, so the wheels in my brain started turning. I’d like to use this issue’s column to see US, and one with a radius of half that what kind of interest there would be in covers Kentucky and all the South, mi- a ride-to-camp event in 2019. If enough nus central Florida, so there should be are interested and willing to pre-reg- plenty of members within even a one- As many of you who’ve ister at some time before the event, I day ride circle. The logistics would have might take this on as my “signature to be worked out, and that is where met me already know, event.” I am considering campgrounds pre-registration would come in, allow- I often have a tent in the north Georgia area, where some ing to arrange group camping in the of the best riding in the US can be had. area with a known number of campers. strapped to the back This would be a rally where all partic- If this is something you would be in- of my bike and love to ipants pack up and ride their vintage terested in, please email me at the ad- bikes to the event. Tent camping would dress above. To make things easier for camp. I suppose many be the target, with lively discussions me would you please put in the subject other of our members do around campfires by night, with the line: “camping”? That will allow me to option for attendees to ride where they automatically shunt those replies into a as well, so the wheels in wish during the days in small groups or folder just about the event and will bet- my brain started turning. solo. We might work in a group cookout ter help me organize. If there is enough as well. interest, I’ll start planning and be back The area around Blairsville and Such- in touch with details. es would be ideal. Blairsville is one hard I can’t be the only “adventure rider” in day’s ride for me from central Florida, the club, so come on out and join me 570 miles away, or two easy days. A cir- for a great weekend of camping, riding, cle drawn centered at Blairsville at 570 and camaraderie. I look forward to get- miles encompasses most of the eastern ting your emails and suggestions. l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 9 working director Local Events Support Coordinator by Jackie Berry for Tony Berry, Local Events Support Coordinator / [email protected]

ony Berry serves on the Board of tor, but oftentimes he is building re- Carolina Hurricanes hockey games TDirectors as the Local Events Sup- lationships by promoting awareness and appreciates the explosion of lo- port Coordinator. A member of the of the VJMC within the community. cal eateries in the Triangle area. He VJMC for over nine years, he active- This passion has allowed Tony to trav- also enjoys traveling to visit with his ly networks to bring awareness in his el all over the east coast, with exciting youngest daughter and her husband in other role as the VJMC Central North trips planned to the Midwest for vari- New York City, and to Boston, where Carolina Field Representative. Born ous rides, shows, and charity events. A his son follows in his footsteps, work- in Miami, FL, he currently resides in few of his favorite experiences include ing at a global biotech firm. Durham, NC, with his partner, De- riding the infamous Tail of the Dragon Highlights from this year include nise, and their ten-year-old rescue in western North Carolina and cruis- attending the Annual VJMC Nation- dog, Cinnamon. Tony’s passion for ing around the Virginia International al Rally in Mitchell, Indiana, and the motorcycles started at a very young Raceway (VIR) in Southern Virginia. Fourteenth Annual Barber Vintage age. His first bike was a ’68 Hon- Knowing most of these experiences Festival in Birmingham, Alabama. da CB175, one he dreams of owning support a cause and benefit charities He continues to grow the VJMC once again. Currently his collection that are close to his heart make his ef- presence, not only at shows but also of vintage bikes includes a ’74 Honda forts more purposeful. through social media. The growth Elsinore MT 250, a ’77 Honda XL75, Not one to sit still, Tony also serves and exposure of the VJMC of the a Yamaha XS11, and a ’82 Yamaha as Treasurer of the Triangle Relics & Carolinas Facebook page he created YZ250J. His bikes have placed in com- Recovery Metal Detecting Club, based currently has over 150 members/fol- petitions; notably, his YZ won “First in Raleigh. His love of history and lowers who actively post about their Place Competition Class” at the 2016 the boyhood excitement of a treasure bikes, upcoming events, and even Carolina Classic Bike show, held an- hunt allow him to connect with times great safety tips. He strives to make a nually in Spencer, North Carolina. past and explore areas most have only difference alongside other profession- Tony shares his love of bikes with his read about in history books. Addition- als that share similar interests while three grown children and his teenage ally, he is a member of the AHMRA serving a wonderful community, and grandson. When he isn’t working his and the AMA. Tony’s non-organized it is a true labor of love. His position “day job” at a Massachusetts-based hobbies include gardening in his yard, as Local Events Support Coordinator pharmaceutical company, he can be listening to his favorite band of all will help the Field Reps and mem- found rebuilding motorcycles in his time, AC/DC, playing airsoft with his bers get the supplies and support they garage or attending the many area grandson, Jacob, and kayaking with need when hosting their shows and bike shows. Sometimes he is a specta- his oldest daughter, Jackie. He attends events. l

10 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 custom connection Kickstarting Your First Custom (Part Deux) by Toby Jones / [email protected]

ne of the first columns I wrote for trics sorted before you pull the wiring Othis magazine was titled “Kick- out. Even if you aren’t able to get every- starting Your First Custom,” in which thing working, you will at least have I tried to pass along a bit of advice and identified some of the problem areas. experience to newer members consid- You may be surprised at the number of ering their first custom project. A few parts that don’t need replaced. This is weeks ago, I rolled a rusty ’72 CB450 also a good time to look the bike over Honda onto my lift and sat down to and begin a list of other obvious parts look it over. This particular bike was that will need to be replaced—chain, a 5400-mile motorcycle that, unfortu- sprockets, shocks, etc. nately, had spent some time in a Flor- ida carport, and oxidation had taken Make it Run its toll. I had already rebuilt the carbs, If you have chosen a non-runner for cams, and carbs, etc. It’s much easier to set the valve lash, tuned it up, changed your project, see if you can get it start- start out a project with a good running the oil, and even (on really terrible ed. Dale Walksler, owner of the Wheels stock engine. Once your project is com- tires) rode it around the block. Sitting Through Time museum, said it best: plete, you’ve worked out all the bugs and looking at the project made me re- “These old bikes don’t know how long (and there will be bugs), and ridden alize just how many times I had done they’ve been sitting.” Fuel mixture, your creation for a while you can always the same thing, and it also brought to spark, and compression are all that’s re- pull the engine back out for a high-per- mind my first few projects on which I quired for an engine to (at least) make formance rebuild. So, if you like what had no clue where to start. I began to some noise. If you don’t have a great you hear and are considering not going think it might be time to follow up with deal of experience, now would be the into the engine for your project, you a second article and pick up where the time to call on another member or a might consider going ahead with a carb first left off. Hopefully, this article will friend that knows engine basics and rebuild (almost all these old bikes that help those members that have acquired electrics to give you a hand. On a side have sat for any length of time need a a project bike to start a custom but don’t note, when attempting to start an en- carb rebuild) and a complete tune up. At have a clue where to begin, like I had gine that’s been sitting, always have a this point you’re probably thinking that been. Keep in mind that just about ev- fire extinguisher handy (don’t ask me this is a whole lot of work to do before erything I will advise you not to do I how I know this). It’s also a good idea you’ve even started tear down, much have already made the mistake of doing to set the valves and run a compression less added your custom touch. This and have the horror stories to prove it. test. Hearing your new acquisition run may be true, but if there is any bad news My mind works in a random order, so will not only be hugely satisfying, it is about the mechanical condition of your naturally, these suggestions will also be also a great time to listen for strange project bike, now is the time to find out in random order. noises, observe for smoke, check the about it. Much better to address it now clutch/tranny operation, and look out than when you’re delicately assembling Slow Down for other unexpected issues. At this a freshly painted and polished machine. Experienced or not, we are all very point you have the information you anxious to start gettin’ that baby torn need to make a decision. My advice Step Away from the Wire Cutters down. The typical mindset at this point on the engine, especially on your first I’m always amused when I hear some- is “I’ll fix all the little things that are custom build, is, “If it ain’t broke, don’t one say, “I’m going to clean up the wir- wrong when the bike is apart.” It may fix it.” In other words, if the engine is ing harness and do away with the wires surprise you, but the first thing I do is sound, has good compression, doesn’t I really don’t need.” Trust me on this, to attempt to fix many of these before smoke or make strange noises, leave it if your building a ’60s or ’70s Japanese the project even comes apart. With- alone (aside from cleaning and detail- bike, you’re gonna need, pretty much, in reason, see if you can get the lights, ing). At least for the time being, forget all of those wires. While you’re dis- horn, charging system, and all the elec- about big bore kits, high performance assembling, unplug the wires; do not Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 11 cut them! Unless you intend to build a an issue and fitting will require some fits building a motorcycle very well. As custom wiring harness (which I don’t thought and consideration. If your your neatly organized pile of complet- recommend on a first build), leave all plan involves extensive modifications, ed parts begins to get larger than your the harness and connections intact. At it is always best to “prebuild” the bike neatly organized pile of parts that need some point during assembly you may without paint and other finishing de- attention you will, indeed, see light at have to shorten or lengthen certain tails. Basically, a prebuild consists of as- the end of the tunnel. wires, but during disassembly is not the sembling your project to check fit and time to address that. function. Once you’re confident that Take a Lot of Pictures everything is mounted and there are During each stage of your tear-down Be Realistic no unforeseen problems, the bike then stop and take pictures. Take good close- We would all like to have the skills, gets disassembled for paint, polish, etc. ups of the wiring harness routing, en- equipment, and funds to build a radical Assembling a bike twice may seem time gine mounting plates, brake linkage, show-stopping custom. Unfortunate- consuming but can save a lot of heart- etc. These will be invaluable when it ly, most of us are limited in the above ache in the end. comes time to reassemble things. mentioned, so there comes a time in our projects when we have to come to grips A Systems Approach Patience Please with this and plan our project accord- When the factory assembles a motor- Always a tough one for me but just ingly. I look at customs from different cycle they do so in systems or groups. as important in disassembly as it is in builders every day and often get ideas I recommend you take the same ap- assembly. It’s easy to become frustrat- that I would love to incorporate in one of proach when you disassemble one. I also ed when you’re taking something apart my builds, but many times I don’t have recommend that you keep each group and it doesn’t want to cooperate. We all either the skills to do a certain mod- organized and stored together during have a tendency to use the “bigger ham- ification myself or the budget to have your build. Typically, I’ll break it down mer” approach. This is the time to slow an outside shop do it for me. In other into electrics, brake systems, sheet met- down, read your manual, and figure out words, always keep your plans within al or plastics, main frame and mounts, what you’re up against. It may also be your means. It means you may have to front forks and triple trees, engine, and time to call in some more knowledge- forgo that mono-shock alloy swing arm exhaust. This makes it easier when it able help. Although I have fought a few set up and add a nice set of performance comes time to inspect, clean, replace, or fights with swing arm through-bolts shocks and new bushings to your orig- repair what is needed for each system. It and other things, I have also found inal one. Far too many projects are put also makes it much easier when it comes that, on these well-engineered Japa- on the scrap heap because the builder time to assemble your project. nese bikes, a bigger hammer is seldom simply got in over his/her head trying the answer. Just remember, what you to pull off a complicated modification One Piece at a Time destroy now will have to be replaced or without the required skills. Looking at everything that needs to fixed later. be done on a project can, at times, be Custom Parts very discouraging. There are aspects of In the End Be aware that many of the custom building a motorcycle that are very en- Not many first timers realize the im- parts you purchase for your project are joyable, but unfortunately, there is also portance of the tear down. Reality TV going to require a certain amount of a great deal of cleaning, wire brushing, consistently shows builders wielding a fitting and fabrication. Café racer seats and what I call the “not fun stuff.” If torch, cutting off parts, and throwing will require mounting; handlebars al- you stand back and look at the scope them in the trash. In the real world there most always require cable and wiring of this “not fun stuff” it will make you is a great deal to be learned by carefully rerouting. Aftermarket gauges will re- wonder why you ever started this crazy disassembling a project bike and study- quire mounting and wiring. Exhaust, project. I often feel the same way, and ing the mechanics of it as you go. Re- while it should fit the engine, will usu- it is understandable. The only way to member, you are building a motorcycle ally require hanger fabrication. Unless avoid this is to try to break the huge job that you intend to ride, and the more I’m completely familiar with a custom down into many small jobs and look you learn about it in stock form the bet- part, I will normally pre-fit the part at the completion of each small job as ter (and safer) your custom will be. before the project comes apart. Try to a minor victory. A good friend of mine Good luck on your first custom proj- keep in mind that each part must work once said, “There is no secret to being ect. Trust me when I say it will be a in unison with the rest. Even though successful. Simply make a list of what learning experience, and all the hard the early Japanese motorcycles we work needs to be done and then do it.” He work you put into correctly disassem- with are not terribly complicated, there also smiled and added, “And don’t do bling it will be rewarded tenfold when are still areas where space becomes the easy stuff first.” I think his advice it comes time to put it back together. l 12 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 events VJMC and the 2018 Wakulla Springs Car & Bike Show

by Thomas Slatcoff / [email protected]

he Vintage Japanese Motorcycle TClub, for the first time, participat- ed in the Wakulla Springs Car & Bike Show held 24 March 2018. This event was held in the Big Bend area of Flor- ida, at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, one of the many beautiful Florida state parks. The bike show for all manufacturers was judged by people’s choice. Third Place went to VJMC member Tom Shipp’s 1977 Honda CB550 café racer. VJMC mem- bers showed their vintage rides and spoke with motorcycle enthusiasts and onlookers about the club and mo- torcycles. Member volunteers staffed the event. Member Steve Gauding spearheaded the efforts for VJMC to be a part of the event. l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 13 14 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 project bike 1973 Kawasaki H1D 500 Triple by Larry Hunter / [email protected]

t all started back in the summer of ’79 Iwhen my dad brought home a green ’73 H1. He was a contractor, and someone paid the balance of their bill with the bike. It had a few dings and dents, but after replacing a few parts, it ran great and became a daily rider for a few years. I already owned a ’72 Yamaha DT 100 and a ’74 Yamaha DT 175, so the Kawa- saki was a natural addition. Going from a smallish single-cylinder two-stroke to a three-cylinder two-stroke was noth- nally sold the bike to Mark. Bob thought ous for having cylinders stick to the ing short of scary. My biggest concern it was a funny story, but because the title mounting studs. You can read stories was making sure I had it pointed in the he signed was void, Bob agreed to apply of owners taking six months or more to direction I wanted it to go before getting for a lost title, and the three of us agreed unstick a cylinder. I finally got the mo- on the throttle. that Bob would send the title directly to tor out of the frame and split the cases. In 2015, my friend, Doug Kadrovick, me, effectively bypassing Mark. Three Then I replaced some worn gears, sent who owns over ten bikes and rides weeks later I had the title and the bike, the crank to Charlie Smith, one of the them all on a regular basis, gave me and Mark had the cash. “great” triple-crank rebuilders, and he a copy of the April/May 2015 Vintage The bike looked as advertised, having installed new bearings and seals. The Japanese Motorcycle Magazine. That great bones, no dings or dents, and the existing crank seals were dried out was all she wrote; in that edition was a pipes were perfect, except for peeling and crumbling; what do you expect picture of a purple ’72 Yamaha 100 and chrome. But it didn’t run worth crap. for forty-four-year-old rubber? I in- an article on the rebuilding of a ’73 Ka- I rebuilt the carbs and got it running, stalled Wosner pistons, rebuilt the oil wasaki 350 triple. but only after it kicked back so hard pipes, and generally replaced all rubber The quest to find a 500 triple began, that it tore a leg muscle and I ended up components. Most painted parts were and I quickly found one for sale by Mark in physical therapy for six weeks. Then powder coated by Thermodyne Pow- on eBay in Connecticut. We agreed on I decided to take it to the VJMC Bikes der Coating, and all chrome parts were a price, and he sent me a picture of the on the Beach show in Panama City in rechromed by Space Coast Plating and title (I wanted to verify his ownership), Florida. Ron’s Kawasaki was a great host Dan’s Polishing Shop. Wanting to keep which showed where Bob, the person with numerous show-quality bikes in the bike stock, it took a month to find who sold it to him, signed on both the the show. Needless to say, mine was not a shop to rechrome two-stroke exhaust seller and buyer lines, effectively voiding show-quality, but you could not have pipes, and Dan took care of it with no the title, at least if you’re in Florida and paid for better camaraderie. One of the issues and at a reasonable price of un- want to get a clean title. Mark checked guys I met was Jack Pranzarone, with der $650 for all three pipes. The tin was with his DMV, as did I, and both said his show-winning Yamaha RT360. Over painted by Precision Motorcycle Paint- we were dead in the water. Mark never the course of the day, I shared my desire ing, with the graphics supplied by Dia- tried to register the bike, because he was to rebuild my bike, and Jack offered use blo Cycle. Most of the parts replaced more of a collector, so he had no title or of his powder coating and vapor-blast- were OEM and at a fair price, but some registration in his name. At that point ing equipment. of the parts are rare and cost a small the deal was dead. In June 2017, my rebuild began in fortune. As everyone is aware, eBay is Over the next six weeks, I kept think- earnest. I took everything off the mo- an incredible resource. ing of the bike and called Mark to see if tor before removing it from the frame, Re-enter Jack Pranzarone. He was kind he was still interested in selling the bike, and all was going well until I tried to enough to allow me the use of his vapor which he was. So, I did some research remove the right cylinder. It took two blasting equipment. If it was aluminum, and found the person (Bob) who origi- weeks to get it off. Triples are notori- I blasted it, and after three days of work Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 15 the parts looked amazing. A word of would get me around town without caution: the media material gets into breaking down. You spend a little here If you’re considering every nook and cranny and takes a se- and more there, and before you know rious amount of effort to remove, even it, you’re knee deep into an expensive purchasing or working when using an ultrasonic machine. The rebuild. Triples are iconic two-strokes last thing you want is media material in and recognized the world over, and on a triple, you have to a carb or gear box. while you will never get your money become a member (no If you’re considering purchasing or out of a rebuild, you do end up with a working on a triple, you have to become classic machine that sounds incredible. cost) of the Kawasaki a member (no cost) of the Kawasaki So, it is January, and the bike is back Triple Owners Group. Triple Owners Group. Their web page together and started on the third kick. is www.tapatalk.com. Those folks have I’m in the process of doing some “center Those folks have a a library of knowledge found nowhere stand” testing before getting it back on library of knowledge else on the planet. Keep them in your the road. Unfortunately, with so much “Favorites.” invested, it won’t be a daily rider—ding found nowhere else Reasonable is a relative term when re- and dent potential. However, there are on the planet. building a triple. The bike ran okay be- still plenty of local and regional rides fore I tore into it, but with over 16000 and gatherings where it can get some miles on the speedo and forty-four exercise. Did I mention the incredible years of age, I wasn’t confident that it exhaust sounds?! l

16 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 IN MEMORIUM Remembering Hurley Wilvert by Vince Ciotti / [email protected]

he name Hurley Wilvert may sound familiar if you’re familiar with , Tmotorcycle GP racing back in the 70s. Hurley finished in the top three at Daytona, Laguna Seca, Poconos, etc. and even ran at the Isle of Man, which honored him a few years ago (see racing pics). I got to know him in New Mexico, where he was a regular attendee at our weekly “church” meetings on Sunday mornings at various coffee shops near Albuquerque. At first, I just knew him as a nice guy who really appreciated my classic bikes—in the next-to-the-last pic below he’s the guy on the left chatting behind my Benelli Sei. Then after a few years, my friend, Wes Anderson, sent me some articles that identified him as a world-famous racer who still ran at the Sandia racetrack in New Mexico at the age of seventy! It was stunning to learn that such a humble guy was hiding his fame behind his constant smile and pleasant conversations. We became good friends over the years and lunched frequently, often with his sweet wife, Brenda, a teacher who rode a Suzuki to school every day. They are pictured in the photo at right-top of our Christmas lunch last December. As fast as he could ride on the track, Hurley always used good sense when riding on public roads, wary of distracted drivers, etc. Just this summer, he took a 2000-mile trip to California to visit friends and family—my hero! We’re on a vacation up in Canada as I write this, so I missed a lunch with him last Friday with a bunch of us old bikers. On his way back from lunch on Route 14 in Edgewood, an oncoming driver suddenly pulled a U-turn in front of him, causing a bad crash. He was hospitalized over the weekend, went through a number of surgeries, but died on August 13. He was such a great guy and fabulous biker; he will be sorely missed. Requiesqat in Pace! l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 17

Maintenance & Restoration Breaking an Old Tire Bead by Clay Baker / [email protected]

’m not a mechanic, and I don’t play Ione on TV, so when I repair some- thing on my motorcycle it is either accomplished with a multitude of YouTube videos or a credit card. But this mechanical problem was differ- ent; I had to do it myself. I’m working on a 1991 Honda Shad- ow 750 Nighthawk that may, in fact, be sporting its original set of tires. How else could a set of tires be so welded to the rim that at one point I seriously questioned if the previ- ous owner had used super glue on the bead? Yes, I watched a YouTube video to learn what the tire bead is. After twenty minutes of searching, I found a video that made sense to me and tried to follow the instructions: 1) Remove the front wheel from the Generally, I convinced bike; 2) Let the air out of the tire and ty good industrial design work over remove the valve stem; 3) Break the the years. Generally, I convinced my- myself that I’m a smart bead and slip on rim protectors… self that I’m a smart guy. Heck, I’m guy. Heck, I’m a smart So, I find out what rim protectors a smart guy with great hair! I was are and get a set from Cycle Gear. determined that, given enough time guy with great hair! I I also decided to upgrade my tools and YouTube hours, I could probably was determined that, from the screwdrivers I was contem- figure this out. plating to a set of tire irons from Mo- After studying the professional ma- given enough time and tionPro (thank you, Chris Carter). chines and the specialty tools for a YouTube hours, I could I’m now back to 3) Break the bead… while it dawned on me that all those Several more YouTube videos reveal tools were just levers that focus force probably figure this out. that I don’t have a big machine that on one part of the tire. Laying nearby breaks tire beads, and I’m not going were some two-by-fours, a long one phetic philosophical words rang in to give MotionPro any more money and a short one; and out of the corner my head: “If Clay changes a motorcy- for yet another specialty tool. I text- of my eye was a heavy cabinet with cle tire in a shed and no one is there ed a couple of friends who had done just enough room underneath for me to see it, did it really happen?” this, oh a thousand times or more, to slip a two-by-four—presto! a big I’m thinking a lot of us, even those and got advice to try spraying soapy lever. who know how to change a motor- water around the rim or walk on the With a firm press on my not-so-el- cycle tire, could benefit from a sim- tire until it pops loose. I even got one egant bead breaker, the tire bead ple homemade bead breaker. In my recommendation to cut the tire off popped loose of the rim so easi- mind, it’s a simple hinged lever with the rim. ly I thought I had done something a base and a post to replicate the ful- After getting over my frustration, wrong. “Genius, absolute genius!” I crum, mounted on a bench or a set I reminded myself that, while I’m thought. Certainly, this ingenious of legs so we can all stop crawling not a mechanic, I have built a lot of act must make me a de-facto motor- around on the floor of our shops, furniture, and I’ve done some pret- cycle mechanic! But alas, those pro- ummmm sheds. l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 19 LEFT: Greg Pitt’s, Best of Show Super 90

ABOVE: 1970s Suzuki GT185 LEFT: 1970s Suzuki GT380 BELOW: Greg Pitt’s, award winning Yamaha DT125

ABOVE: A Yamaha 350LC in the custom class

20 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 events Dreyer Bike Show by Ellis Holman, Central Indiana Field Rep and Board Member / [email protected]

he Third Annual Dreyer Show is Tnow in the books. On Saturday, 26 May 2018, with the sky threating rain, owners and spectators began to gather at the oldest Honda dealer in the United States—Dreyer Honda. BELOW: As start time for the show rolled The 1970 and 1960 classes are starting to around, the clouds began to part and fill up as people rolled the blue sky started to break through. in to put their bikes on The day turned sultry and bright. In display. very short order the various classes be- gan to fill in. Many nice bikes arrived to fill the Custom, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s classes. The total of all the machines was forty motorcycles in all the classes. It was a good thing that the show was people’s choice. The 1970s and 1980s classes had many nice bikes and would have given any judge a very tough set of choices. Many of the people handing in their ballots expressed the same prob- lem of having hard choices. Lots of peo- ple showed up to talk bikes, look over all the bikes on display, and just enjoy a Saturday in the sun. Our own Greg Pitt brought a nice original domestic market Super 90 that claimed lots of attention. One of the many remarks that I heard about the Super 90 was, “My dad had one engine red showed up at the last minute His Honda Super 90 received the most like that!” That was a common theme and garnered much attention as well. votes and was also awarded the Best of throughout the day as people voted for To feed the crowd that showed up, Show. Gregg went home loaded down their favorite bikes. Dreyer graciously brought in a food with trophies for his efforts. Young and old walked through the truck featuring some very good pulled This was a great way to have spent a displays. finding lots of bikes that pork, chips, and cold drinks. The cold Saturday. The weather was warm, and caught their eyes. drinks were especially welcome on the with Dreyer’s showroom right at hand, Not surprisingly, the 1970s class had warm day. people could browse the new bikes many fine examples, and some unusu- In the custom class, a Yamaha 350LC while cooling down. We have already al bikes showed up as well. Suzuki was was of special note. This bike was not begun the planning for the Fourth An- well represented. imported into the US, so it is not often nual Dreyer Show. The event will take Other bikes from the 1970s on display seen. This one was appreciated both for place the Saturday before that little included a nice Yamaha DT175, Kawa- its relative rarity and the well-done cus- event held down the street called the saki H2 750, and a Honda CB400F. The tom work. “Indianapolis 500.” If you are in town show had a nice mix across all the class- As the awards were being handed out. for the race, stop by, say “Hi,” and check es. Both dirt and street bikes were on Our own Gregg Pitt took awards for his out the bikes. It should be a good time display. A 1979 Honda CR250R in fire Yamaha DT125.. once again. l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 21 LEFT: BELOW: What a GS550e The engine should look like— looked clean Matt’s GS. inside.

RIGHT: Primed frame

FAR RIGHT: Motor in

BELOW: Looking a bit more complete

ABOVE CENTER: New Ikon shocks installed

ABOVE RIGHT: New 7-inch headlight lens

LEFT: Almost ready for primer FAR LEFT: Old and new 22 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 project bike Patience is a Virtue, Part One by Mike Fitterling / [email protected]

t was September of 2016. I was perus- ning-on-empty” kind of story, full of Iing FaceBook when this jumped out at mishaps and our possible demise, but me: that’s another story… “1978 Suzuki GS550E. Free with clean Arriving in the owner’s driveway, we title. Has been disassembled for over 10 were faced not by the meticulously or- years, stored, 90% complete. Hoped to ganized parts of an old bike, but by an restore it but no time.…Orange Park, empty frame on two loosely connected FL…” wheels, the core of a motor, two rusty I watched the ad and was surprised and dented tanks, the wiring harness when I saw no one take up the offer. I looking like a spine ripped from some knew “free” is often not really free when kind of beast, another set of forks, and it comes to old bikes; many times the seven or so boxes of parts, filled hastily cost of resurrecting them is more than in no particular order. Not only were the the cost of buying a running one. But 550 parts randomly distributed among I had been riding my Triumph to most the boxes, but the boxes contained a of the VJMC events I was covering and multitude of parts from other mod- often felt out of place. I did have a 1968 el GSes, Yamahas, Hondas, and even Honda CB350 and even had ridden it on a Volkswagen Rabbit I was told. The long distance rides to events, but those task would be daunting, but there was a rides could in no way be considered complete set of never-used pipes. “comfortable.” I was handed the Florida title, already A Japanese 550cc machine would al- signed over by the previous owner to the low me to ride to events farther away one I was picking it up from. We loaded much more easily and would help me the frame and parts into the back of the TOP: ABOVE: fit in better with all the other vintage little S-10 and drove away. There’s a bike Closeups like this bikes at those rallies. I read up on the Back at home, I slid all the boxes and in there… helped immensely somewhere. when assembling GS model and found it to be considered parts into the garage and looked over a rock-solid bike and comfortable as what I had. I took the valve cover off going to be my rider, not a show bike, so well. With my Bonnie ready for extend- and looked inside the top end; every- after thinking about the cost of powder ed adventures and my Honda available thing looked like new and the motor coating the frame and other bits, I easily for closer events, I would not have to be would turn over; I was a bit more enthu- convinced myself that rattle-can paint in a hurry to get the bike assembled and siastic. As luck would have it, I was soon would do. I sandblasted the worst off the running, and I could take my time and at Hap’s Open House in Sarasota, where frame and primed and painted it black. do what I could when time and money the VJMC was participating in the bike Next came getting the motor back in allowed. And Orange Park was not far, show. There, to my surprise, was a same- and all its carbs, which luckily were all just 150 miles away. year GS550e, owned by Matt Celender, there and in good shape, requiring only I kept watching the ad, and still no now our VJMC Display Ad Director. a thorough cleaning and gaskets. one was snatching it up. I decided and Matt was very accommodating and took Not everything was there; I was miss- picked up the phone. stuff off so I could photograph the bike ing a regulator, a good front fender (al- “Yes, the bike is still available, yes, it and all its parts actually together prop- though I had one to…something), bat- has a clear title.” erly. Those photos would be a big help tery, left sidecover, kickstand (there but “I’ll be there next Saturday to pick it identifying what went with the bike and broken), emblems, correct mirrors, and up.” what belonged to something else. surprisingly not much more. Luckily, Saturday, my brother and I set out in Slowly, I sorted out all the stuff I was much of the OEM stuff is still available my dad’s pickup truck, bound for Jack- sure did not belong to the GS and depos- from Suzuki and just as cheap as eBay sonville, which was the start of a “run- ited it all in another box. This bike was (or less). Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 23

Little by little the bike started coming shocks, the bike’s handling was springy removed all the paint, knocked out the together and began to look like a mo- and handling was disconcerting and dents as best I could, puttied the rest, torcycle. The engine went in and fired squirrelly on curves. I installed mod- and sprayed on primer then paint, fol- right up in August of 2017. Fellow mem- ern Ikon shocks, and the difference lowed by a clear coat. It was all Rusto- ber Toby Jones came over with carb was night and day. The ride was firmer leum rattle-can, so I knew it would not balancing gauges and got everything but still comfortable, and while taking hold up to gas spilled on it, but I’d just running perfectly. I did all the stuff one curves the bike felt planted and inspired have to be careful. The tank work was normally does: rebuilt brake cylinders confidence. (The bike proved later to be much more difficult due to my recent and calipers, installed new tires, new a great mountain riding bike.) At the eye injury, leaving me blind, at least chain, front sprocket, recovered seat, time, I could not afford anything more temporarily, in one eye. As each coat and installed new cables. It was a pain than the economy model, but they de- went on the tank, so did the same for finding the correct fasteners in, literal- livered, and I can only imagine what the the other painted parts. ly, a pile of mixed fasteners, but eventu- step up to the premium shocks would By October I was far enough along to ally it all got done. have done. The upgrade convinced me warrant moving the title to my name Along the way I made some upgrades. to replace the fork springs with progres- and registering the bike for the road, I ordered a set of stainless brake lines sives, also from Ikon, in the future. One and by December the GS was ready to from Moto-Services. Knowing how other future “upgrade” I want to make ride. pitiful old Japanese headlight beams is replacing the fixed footpegs that is I started out with little rides near were and how little output was to be standard on the e model with a set of home of a hundred miles or less, and had from vintage alternators, I also folding pegs from the n model. when those went well, I rode it to Eustis ordered a seven-inch headlight lens, Finally, I began the tank work. There for its first VJMC event in March 2018. but instead of a halogen bulb, installed were two tanks, but luckily, the one Next I rode a little farther to the Ride to a LED H-4 replacement bulb for less with the rusted interior was wrong, and the Rising Sun event in Crystal River in draw and a much brighter beam. But I turned to the other. It fit and inside April. By then, I had confidence in my the best improvement I made by far was it looked good, but I used Evapo Rust GS and was ready to tackle something the rear suspension. With the original to make sure all the rust was gone, then bigger. (see Part Two)

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 25 ABOVE LEFT: Suzuki in front of my old high school— Brandywine in Niles, MI. ABOVE RIGHT: Photo op before crossing the Mackinac Bridge BELOW: Canadian side of Niagara Falls just before returning to the States

26 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 Patience is a Virtue, Part Two: GS to National Rally, Hagerty Ride, and Beyond

n June, I climbed onboard my GS550e downtown at the Hagerty headquarters. ting and eventually the electric starter Iand headed north from Florida, bound From there I headed a little further failing. I was glad to have a kickstarter. for Indiana and the VJMC National north to Boyne Falls, where my high The next day my trouble really began. Rally at Spring Mill State Park. school Spanish teacher lives, having While the bike ran fine, the same was The first day the bike performed finished the working part of my ride. happening again, until finally, I could flawlessly, providing much more com- I spent a wonderful day with Joan and hardly start the bike with the kickstart- fort than my little CB350 would have. her beautiful family, riding a boat out er. I cursed myself for not checking the I stopped for the night at my friend’s on Thumb Lake and enjoying wine and water in the battery and probably having house, west of Valdosta, some 260 conversation through the evening. ruined it by running it dry. By Gaines- miles from home. The fuel mileage By then I was so far north and so close ville, GA, things were getting critical, proved about the same as my modern to Canada, I decided I would keep go- and of course, it was Sunday. I spied an Bonneville, at around 45 MPG. Fre- ing. I headed toward Petoskey and the open Advanced Auto Parts and checked quent checks proved nothing to worry “Tunnel of Trees,” as MI 119 was called, out my options. The only battery avail- about, and my confidence grew with which wrapped along the shore of Lake able that would fit and that was already every mile. Michigan all the way to the Mackinac charged was a Lithium Ion. I didn’t want I next made my way to Lafayette, Bridge. After a quick photo op on the to spend that kind of money but had Georgia, where a fellow ADVRider of- south side of the bridge, I rode to Sault no choice. The counter guy loaned me fered me a place to stay above his shop. Saint Marie and the Canadian border. some tools, and I slipped the old out and From there was a long wet slog north- I followed the north shore of Georgian the new in. I thumbed the starter, and west to the rally. The rain had stopped at Bay, between Lakes Superior and Hu- the GS fired up and ran like new. the Ohio River, and once at Spring Mill, ron, until turning inland on the Trans I continued south, stopping for the I set up my tent then joined the fun at Canada Highway toward North Bay, night at my friend’s place again, having the inn for the rest of the day. where another ADVRider was waiting ridden I-75 from Macon to save time. The rain arrived again the next day, with a hot meal and a bed for the night. The bike handled the Interstate speeds and I was offered a cancelled room at The following day it was time to head in stride, and I arrived early in the af- the inn. I left my tent where it was and south, so I turned toward Niagara Falls, ternoon, in time to share some steak moved my stuff to a dry room. I got busy where another quick stop for photos was and conversation with my friend and working and joined the activities and followed by an unusually painless bor- her brothers. some of the group rides. The warm ca- der crossing back into the States. The next morning, I pointed the bike maraderie of my fellow members didn’t I rode south through New York, toward home, again opting for the In- seem at all dampened by the weather. stopping at a motel in Salamanca. I terstate most of the way. I pulled into Sunday morning, I returned to my tent, had been following US 219 all the way the Good Spot, the local watering hole packed, and headed out. The Hagerty from Buffalo and continued through two miles from home for a celebratory Ride was on the 28th, so I had a few days Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West beer and called Andrea to come meet before heading there to do some pho- Virginia, stopping at another motel at me. When I went back out and hit the tography, so I headed to the South Bend Marlinton, WV, where I spotted other starter—nothing. We ran home, picked area, finally in clear weather, to meet up riders relaxing in front of their room. up a charger, hooked it up, and came with old high school friends and spend I wandered over, and the evening was back later. The bike fired, and I rode it a couple relaxed days. Again, the GS ran spent talking about bikes and the phe- the final short ride home. flawlessly through the green corn fields nomenal riding on 219. I rode over 4440 miles, and the only of Indiana. US 219 continued south to Bluefield, time the GS had completely failed me On the 27th I headed north into Mich- WV, where I started looking for alterna- was two miles from home. I was lucky. igan and toward Caberfae Peaks, where tive routes to avoid traffic near Pigeon Later I discovered a bad rectifier (may- the VJMC gang would be. It was such a Forge. I decided on a route east of Gat- be shaken to death by the frost heaves pleasure to be riding in Michigan again linburg, crossed the Smokies on US 441, on the New York roads?). It was a sim- after so many years. The Hagerty Ride and rode on to Cleveland, GA, where ple job to fix and inexpensive, and now was great fun and we had the bonus of I camped. On the way the bike started the GS is back up and running like it an air show by the Blue Angels while acting strangely, the turn signals quit- should again. l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 27

events 11th Annual Pierceton Vintage Motorcycle Show & Swap by Terry Sell / [email protected] photos by Johnny Szoldrak / [email protected]

small group of motorcycle enthusiasts from the A northern Indiana area gather in Pierceton, Indi- ana, every first and third Wednesday of the month to have dinner, tell tall tales, and solve world problems. Our meetings are most often held in the Old Train Depot, which has a restaurant and bar and makes a great setting for us to gather together. This group includes many members of the VJMC, and for the last eleven years, the group has decided to put to- gether a vintage motorcycle show in the park next to the depot. Our purpose is not only to showcase our collections but to also attract others to our hobby. The local Chamber of Commerce has in recent years come on board to sponsor us. At our eleventh annual bike show on 19 May we offered multiple bike classes, mainly by age group ABOVE: (sixties, seventies, etc.) plus a Custom/Modified class John Schoonover’s and then crowned with a Best of Show award. Judg- 1975 Honda TWA (Tweety With ing is done by ballots given to both participants and Attitude) always spectators, with awards given to the top three in each draws attention. class. RIGHT: Much planning and advertising went into promot- Johnny Szoldrak’s ing this event, but Mother Nature plotted against this rare 1977 Honda MT125 R year’s success, and the weather forecast was telling of 100% chance of torrential downpours throughout BELOW: Ian Pitt displayed the day. Some talk of cancellation swirled about the this 1974 Yamaha group, but it was decided that the show would go on. DT 125. Tents were raised and marking of the rows for classes commenced. The skies looked dark and threatened to open all day, and most conversations centered around the latest weather radar updates. Registration opened, and a few brave souls started showing up to share the day with us. We were originally expecting a large group from Ft. Wayne to join us. But after the drenching they got last year on the way home from our show, we knew they would be hesitant to venture our way. I didn’t blame them a bit, given the current forecast. Anyway, the final tally at the end of registration came to only twenty-nine bikes. But the quality and variety of the gathering was still impressive. Span- ning the years of 1948 to 1996, it was nice to see the

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 29 evolution of design and technology japanese award winners in our hobby. Surprisingly, in only 1961-1969 twenty-nine bikes, twelve different 3rd place Jim Townsend manufacturers were represented. 1967 Honda CL77 Participants also came from as far as 1970-1979 two hours away. The small gathering 1st place Ian Pitt allowed a relaxed atmosphere and 1974 Yamaha DT 125 plenty of time to converse with all the participants, as well as inspect and 2nd place Jeff Suttle 1971 Honda SL 350 admire all the bikes on display. The surrounding area has many restau- 3rd place Terry Sell rants and antique shops to interest 1979 Honda CBX those who looked for other activities 1980-1989 during the day. A neighboring town 1st place Greg Pitt was hosting bicycle racing events 1981 Yamaha IT 175 throughout the weekend, and a road 2nd place Terry Sell race had a checkpoint at our event, 1984 Honda VF700F bringing more spectators to our show. 3rd place Ben Bradway At the end of the day, awards were 1983 HD XR1000 given to some very deserving own- ABOVE: ers, and all left without the first drop Gary Rhodes Custom/Mod of rain falling on us. Hopefully, the showed his clean 2nd place Johnny Szoldrak 1985 Honda Twelfth Annual Show will be held Nighthawk S. 1977 Honda MT125 R under a better weather forecast, so BELOW: 3rd place John Schoonover an even larger variety of motorcycles Terry Sell’s 1979 1975 Honda TWA l Honda CBX can be displayed for all to see.

30 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 31

Maintenance & Restoration Ultrasonic Cleaning, Part Three by Jim Turner / [email protected]

Testing cleaning solution. Turn on the unit. The that parts should be cleaned in a single ow to know if an ultrasonic unit is “X” will begin to be removed almost im- layer, with flat parts oriented vertically, Hreally functioning? mediately and be removed completely as in a dishwasher. First, the unit should be filled with within less than thirty seconds. fresh, degassed cleaning fluid that is Cleaning Sensitive Materials heated to normal operating temperature. Lab Test 2 Some items, such as soft metals and Using two flat glass microscope slides, highly-polished aluminum, can be Foil Test wipe a line of lipstick on the surface of damaged quickly by cavitational ero- Cut three rectangles of aluminum foil one and place the other slide on top of sion. When this occurs, the polished to about 4” by 8”. Fold each piece of foil the lipstick. Wrap the slides with a rub- surface appears mottled and covered over a support, such as a coat hanger or ber band to hold them together. When with a pattern of small marks not unlike wood dowel, and suspend the foil pieces the assembled slides are placed into an an exclamation mark (!). These marks in the cleaning fluid, making sure they operating ultrasonic unit containing a are created when the cavitation essen- do not touch the bottom of the tank: one heated weak detergent solution, in only tially drills microscopic holes in the piece in the center of the tank, and the a few minutes the cavitation process will polished surface. The “dot” of the mark remaining two at each end of the tank an remove the lipstick from between the is the pinhole location of most intense inch or so away from the tank wall. Be slides. cavitation, while the tail of the exclama- sure the tank is filled to the correct level. tion mark represents the direction that Start the cleaning cycle. The foil must be Best Practices the fluid was blasted away during cav- kept completely stationary during this NEVER USE FLAMMABLE CLEANING itation. Distance between neighboring test, just as parts being cleaned would SOLUTIONS IN AN ULTRASONIC DE- marks and the severity of damage are be perfectly stationary. In no more than VICE. dependent upon the frequency used. three minutes (and probably much soon- Tank size is determined by part size. When cavitation impinges the surface er) remove the foil. Each piece of foil Generally, the tank should be one third of a part, nearby liquid is blasted away in should be perforated at standing wave larger than the largest expected work- a direction defined by the angle between locations, where there is higher energy, piece. When a part is immersed in a 40 the cavitation and the part’s surface. and dented and wrinkled in areas of low- kHz tank, there should be clearance of When cavitation is exactly perpendic- er ultrasonic power. This presents users approximately 20mm on each side and ular to the surface, the nearby liquid is with the ability to determine the clean- 25mm of unobscured distance between displaced uniformly around the central ing properties of any ultrasonic cleaning the part and the bottom of the tank. pinhole activity location, producing a unit. In a perfect system the patterns cre- Nothing should touch the bottom or circular erosion mark. This is seldom the ated on the foils would be evenly distrib- sides of the tank. This may damage the case. More often cavitation is not exactly uted everywhere across their surfaces. tank by accelerated erosion, may dam- perpendicular to the surface of the part. However, due to the presence of stand- age the transducer(s), and will dampen Neighboring fluid tends to be displaced ing waves, even distribution is never the the amplitude of the vibration being in- in a certain direction, which results in case. At 40 kHz patterns will appear duced into the solution. the exclamation mark appearance. This across the surface of the foils roughly ev- can happen after only a short time of ex- ery 12mm, with areas affected less (the Layers and Shadowing posure to cavitation. Limiting cleaning dents and wrinkles) that indicate less ac- If stacked parts are cleaned in a hori- time of the part in any one position by tivity found in between these holes. zontal position, the lower-most part will frequently changing its orientation in receive the bulk of the cleaning activity the tank will minimize or eliminate this Lab Test 1 since it is closest to the ultrasonic radi- artifact by not allowing hot spots to lin- Wet a frosted glass slide with tap wa- ating surface. The bottom-most part ger in one place for long. Think of the ter and draw an “X” with a No. 2 pen- will reduce the intensity of the cleaning rotating platter of a microwave oven. cil from corner to corner. Immerse the action on parts directly above, an effect Painted items may also be damaged by frosted slide into a full tank of fresh known as shadowing. It is for this reason ultrasonic cleaning. Paint that is poorly Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 33 bonded to the surface or in corners or Two to ten minutes is a good starting The speed of degassing is determined crevices will likely be removed during point. More powerful units will clean a by the volume of liquid in the tank, the ultrasonic cleaning, as cavitation tends given part faster. Very dirty parts should watt/gallon power density of the system, to concentrate in these areas. be pre-cleaned to extend the life of the and the temperature of the fluid. As liq- The ultrasonic cleaning process tends solution and hasten final cleaning. uid temperature increases, the relative to aggressively attack pre-existing areas Cleaning efficiency, temperature, and amount of dissolved gas in the liquid of defects or cracks in the material. Be- solution chemistry are closely related. is reduced due to the change in vapor cause of this, ultrasonic cleaning is not Ultrasonic cleaning in many solutions pressure. Also, at higher temperatures recommended for some precious stones, is most efficient when the solution tem- the diffusion rate of dissolved gases in a as these have natural defects that are perature is heated to around 145°F. Very liquid increases. This means that a warm prone to vibrational separation. Any- cold parts should be warmed prior to liquid degasses easier than cold liquid, thing that has existing cracks must be immersion in a warm solution. because warm liquid gives up dissolved evaluated. Ultrasonic activity has even gases more easily than cold liquid. The been known to find leaks in a tank which Degassing warmer the fluid, the faster and more does not leak when the ultrasonic system Degassing is the removal of dissolved thoroughly it will degass. is not running. gases present in liquid. Cleaning liquid Degassing is only necessary when fresh Incorrect cleaning fluids can damage must contain as little dissolved gas as cleaning fluid is used the first time. It some materials. Non-ferrous metals re- is possible for efficient cavitation. Dis- is done by running the system with the quire the use of cleaning fluids specifi- solved gasses are partially released into tank filled with fresh cleaning solution cally formulated for them to prevent dis- the vacuum of the cavities during the but containing no other objects. Once a coloration or oxidation of the metal. growth phase of cavitation, and the gas fluid is degassed by ultrasonic activity, it After cleaning ferrous parts, some type reduces implosion energy by acting as does not need to be degassed again. of rust preventive must be applied im- a compressible cushion. Cavitation will mediately to prevent flash rusting. be present, but at reduced power. Fluids Loading Cleaning times may vary considerably. that have been degassed are up to twice WEAR CHEMICAL-SAFE GLOVES AND How dirty is it and how clean must it be? as effective as fluids that have not been. EYE PROTECTION WHEN WORKING

34 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 WITH CLEANING FLUIDS. cause cleaning performance to rapidly best when the fluid is at the fill line. Ad- Consideration must be given to the diminish. just liquid level as needed to compen- shape and mass of parts to be cleaned. Parts shape must be analyzed to de- sate for variations in fill level as parts If items are large, more power may be termine how to best orient them in are immersed. needed to overcome the extra mass. The the cleaning tank. Orientation should Operating the transducer or heater weight of the load should be less than be chosen to ensure complete flood- with an empty tank may damage them. the weight of half the water volume. ing of blind holes and internal spaces. If there is a minimum fill line, pay at- One gallon of water weighs approxi- An air pocket will prevent cleaning in tention to it. If there is no minimum fill mately eight pounds, so in a one-gallon that particular area. Some parts must line, the upper fill indicator is also the tank the maximum work load should be reoriented and subjected to multiple minimum fill line. be less than four pounds. Often it is bet- cleaning cycles to make sure blind holes ter to clean two light loads, rather than and internal passages are flooded to re- Maintenance one heavy load. ceive sufficient cleaning. Ultrasonic units require no specific Plastic absorbs ultrasonic energy, so It is best if small parts can be separat- maintenance other than keeping the longer cleaning times or more pow- ed so as not to be touching each other tank clean, as the buildup of debris on er may be needed for good cavitation when placed in a basket. Sometimes it the tank bottom will dampen the trans- when cleaning plastic parts. is not necessary to physically separate fer of ultrasonic energy to the cleaning If items heavily contaminated with parts, such as when many small screws, fluid. insoluble particles of dirt, grime, etc. springs, and such need to be cleaned The electronic boards of most units are not pre-cleaned, the large particles at one time. Cavitation will be able to are energized when the unit is connect- sink to the bottom of the tank. In a occur between these parts and allow ed to a wall outlet, even though the unit system with the transducer(s) mount- the solution’s solvent power to remove is “off.” This exposes the electronics to ed to the bottom of the tank the debris contaminants. Very small parts may all the spikes and surges that naturally will settle on top of the transducer(s)/ be placed in fine-mesh tea strainers for occur on the power grid. Disconnecting diaphragm(s) and dampen the ampli- cleaning. the AC power is recommended when tude of the ultrasound waves. This will Ultrasonic units are tuned to work not in use. l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 35 CLOCKWISE FROM CENTER ROW RIGHT: Hanging out at the fire ring at Caberfae Peaks On stage in the Hagerty Garage A big group of riders Kyle Bowen from Hagerty Insurance addresses the riders “Thank You” plaque given to Hagerty ny the VJMC BBQ provided by Hagerty A stop at Point Betsie Lighthouse on the ride back. Photoshop “enhanced” but a realistic view of what was going on above! 36 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 events The Michigan Hagerty Ride and VJMC Rally by Norm Smith, Florida Field Rep / [email protected]

ust one week after the VJMC nation- Jal rally at Spring Mill, Indiana, many of our members made the journey to northern lower Michigan to enjoy a great time riding and touring the Ha- gerty Insurance Headquarters and Ga- rage. Many riders arrived on Wednesday, 27 June, and gathered at the Caberfae Peaks Ski Resort, which was the host facility. The morning started out with rain, but it cleared in the afternoon. A group of about twenty riders set off for an afternoon ride to the Lake Mich- igan coastline. We began with a short stop at Burger King in Cadillac and then proceeded along Route M55 to the village of Frankfort. After a short gas stop, we went to the Lake Michigan beach in Frankfort. From there you can see Sleeping Bear Dunes and the crystal waters of the big lake. The group then rode south along the lakeshore to Man- istee. We made several stops along the Traverse City to a real surprise. As we ABOVE: Bikes ready to coast to enjoy some interesting views of rode the last few miles, the air was filled leave lined up in the coastline. After a direct trip back to with the roar of US Navy jets! The Na- from of Caberfae Caberfae, we enjoyed a nice dinner at vy’s Blue Angels were flying their prac- Peaks Lodge the lodge and a pleasant evening of fun tice runs for the annual Cherry Festival. of Grand Traverse Bay and then con- and fellowship. The flyover continued for our arrival tinues south, down the Lake Michigan Thursday morning greeted us with at the Hagerty headquarters. The rid- coast. We then were able to enjoy one of clear blue skies and comfortable tem- ers were warmly welcomed by their the most scenic highways in the coun- peratures. We enjoyed a good breakfast hosts, and we filled the entire campus try. All along the way there are thick buffet at the Caberfae lodge to start our with our vintage motorcycles. We spent forests, small farms, and many inland day. The plan for that day was to make some time there to enjoy refreshments lakes. The lakes are crystal clear, with the journey to the Hagerty Insurance and have conversations with the Hag- deep blue water that is as beautiful as facility in Traverse City. erty staff. any. We made several stops along the We were greeted by Kyle Bowen, who From there it was a short ride to see way and topped it off with a stop at the was our contact with Hagerty. He held the private collection and restoration Point Betsie Lighthouse on Lake Michi- a short riders’ meeting to explain the facility of McKeel Hagerty. Seeing the gan. From there we made our way back scenic route that we would ride to Tra- collection and the place was a rare treat. to Caberfae and enjoyed another fine verse City. After the riders’ briefing, We enjoyed a tasty BBQ lunch upon evening. the group of about seventy-nine riders our arrival at the garage. After our tour Those who were fortunate enough lined up and we began the ride. of the garage, a group of about twenty to participate had a fun and enjoyable This ride went to an interesting part riders continued on for an extended event. Many thanks to the staff at Cab- of the Lake Michigan coastline, going ride north on M22, which carries you erfae Peaks and at Hagerty Insurance, north to Traverse City. We arrived in up the peninsula and along the coast who made this a very successful rally. l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 37 38 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 COVER STORY

at Spring Mill

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 39 ABOVE CENTER: Our guide and group for the distillery tour at Huber’s Orchard BELOW: In the wine cellar

RIGHT: John Keele BELOW: Honda Motocompo

RIGHT: Greg Pitt

40 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 by Mike Fitterling / [email protected] photos by Mike Fitterling & George Martin overhead drone photo by Gale Kroeger

he rain on my ride north from Geor- ride up catching up with me I headed Tgia on 21 June on my ’78 Suzuki was back for a rain-free night in the tent. a harbinger of more to come. I arrived Come morning after breakfast, the mid-afternoon on the first day, while rain was back. That didn’t seem to ham- group rides had already been buzzing per the enthusiasm of those lining up for through the rolling southern Indiana a group rides. countryside. Thankfully, the rain thad John Keel led a ride southwest to relented at the Ohio River and I was able French Lick and the German Café, while to set up camp dry and head over to the I joined another group, led by Jim and inn to join the rest of the members as all Paulette Turner, southeast to Huber’s of the winery and distillery, and lunch gathered for the first communal meal in Orchard and Winery. To mention that in the café. It was a much-needed break the inn’s glass-walled meeting room that it rained might be an understatement. after riding the curves and hills of the looked out onto the summer-green tree- I looked back on the rain amounts for surrounding countryside. tops of the surrounding park. The first that day and saw 1.27 inches, which co- The rain abated enough for us to get meal set the standard for the rest of the incidentally, was the record for that day. back to the inn relatively unscathed, weekend, which was exceeded each sub- By the time we reached Huber’s Orchard and when we arrived so had many more sequent evening. No one goes hungry at we were all soaking wet, but all still members and their vintage bikes, there one of our national rallies! After dinner, had smiles across our faces. Huber’s is for the riding and the bike show on the weather continued to cooperate let- more than just a winery; it is a 600-acre Saturday. Tiddler Rides were buzzing ting us enjoy the rest of the evening on family-owned farm, with a huge farm the scenic loop of the state park, while the patio enjoying beverages and each market, a bakery, ice cream and cheese our club members filled all seventy-two other’s company, always a highlight of shop, winery, and café, with in-season rooms at the inn. Some also opted for these weekend rallies for me. With eve- U-picking possibilities. A stop at the the campground. As afternoon pro- ning falling and the exhaustion of the farm provided us a chance to get dried off, if even only temporarily, have a tour

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 41 LEFT: A happy group BELOW: Ian Pitt wins a trophy

BOTTOM: Gale Kroeger demonstrating his drone ABOVE: Jim Townsend LEFT: Barry Schonberger

LEFT: Award presentation at the dinner BELOW: Bike show winners posed after dinner.

42 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 cover story bike show winners

Honda Pre-1970 1st place Ted Langley LEFT: 1967 CL125A The name says it all 2nd place Mick North BELOW LEFT: 1969 305 Dream Patio time 3rd place Ron Covell 1967 CB450 BELOW RIGHT: The Canadian Honda 1970+ ROALers 1st place Tom Boyer 1971 CB750 2nd place Terry Sell 1979 CBX 3rd place Jerry Friederick 1970 CB350 Kawasaki 1st place Pete Bartholomew 1967 A1 2nd place Andrew Boulter 1971 H1 gressed I was informed there had been one room cancellation and was offered the 3rd place Richard Holman spot. In light of the raining weather, my camp mate, Steve Hill, and I decided mov- 1973 Z1 ing indoors might be the best option. Suzuki The evening meal was soon upon us and we all gathered again to share a meal and 1st place David Pierce listen to Mike Dreyer, grandson of Pop Dreyer, who was founder of the first Honda 1972 T500 J dealership east of the Mississippi and ninth to sign with Honda. As our dinners 2nd place Terry Sell settled, we listened to tales of back-in-the-day and highlights and family anecdotes 1971 Stinger from a book he’d written in honor of his grandfather. After dinner, of course, it was 3rd place Thomas Clark 1967 80cc back to the patio for more fun, conversation, and laughs with other members before Yamaha calling it a day. 1st place Marie Asselin Saturday was overcast but dry, offering the perfect day for the bike show on the 1981 Seca 550 inn’s circular drive entrance. Many great examples of vintage Japanese iron were 2nd place Jan Pitt on-hand for a spectacular viewer’s choice show—everything from a miniscule 1974 DT125A Honda Motocompo “suitcase bike” to a plastic-enveloped Pacific Coast and a Gold 3rd place David Pierce Wing trike, and everything in between, including a unique turbo Honda CB750. 1968 DT1 Many thanks to Greg Pitt and his team for orchestrating such a great show. (See Competition sidebar for trophy winners.) 1st place Johnny Szoldrak 1967 Honda MT 125R The “ROALers” were in attendance all weekend, making the rally a stop on their North American tour on their way home to New Brunswick on vintage Japanese Custom/Special 1st place Barry Schonberger bikes. (See an upcoming issue for the final chapter in their “Ride of a Lifetime.”) I Honda CB750 “Bitsa” like the way these guys think and had the opportunity to get a photo of them during 2nd place Richard Holman the bike show. 1975 Kawasaki Z1 Another day wound to a close and we all headed in for our last meal, and one Modern Classic which surpassed all the ones before them. The Spring Mill staff really made this 1st place Charles Osterly event special and put a lot of effort into making our members welcome, even going 2010 Honda RS750 as far as adorning each dining table with a vintage (Japanese, of course) bike photo, Mini/Scooter which were raffled off after dinner. Bike show awards followed, along with notes 1st place Barry Schonberger 1962 Tohatsu of appreciation for all who worked so hard to put this event together. After dinner, Trailmaster what else? The patio, of course! And this evening, the Spring Mill Inn staff out did 2nd place Tom Boyer themselves and had snacks and candies on a table and all the fixings for s’mores 1966 Mitsubishi handy for members to make as they sat around the fire and had their last conversa- Silver Pigeon tions with friends before returning home the next morning. Honorable Mention The National Rally is always a treat, and somehow they just keep getting better! Charles Baumer 1973 Kawsaki H1 Mick North 1978 CB750 Next June we will be in Pigeon Forge, and I hope to be there taking advantage of the Larry McArthur 1981 Suzuki GS1100 tremendous on- and off-road riding in the area and hopefully will see many of you Mick North 1969 Honda S90 again and have the chance to meet many new members! l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 43 44 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 project bike Tiny Honda Project by Tom Batchelor / [email protected]

ize is relative, which is why I called Sthis project “Tiny Honda.” As mo- torcyclists, we rate things this way. Bikes are either short or tall, wide or slim, that sort of thing; some too small, some too large. It all smacks of Goldilocks find- ing that perfect bowl of porridge. Back in ’75, when this XL100 was made, I was bombing about on a two-stroke Yamaha Twin-Jet YL1, cleaning fouled plugs al- most daily. That bike seemed quite big at the time; not so much now. And I bet back then this XL wasn’t so tiny either. Honda’s sales literature for the ’75 XL100 calls it a “full size lightweight off- road bike.” Indeed, it’s not a heavy bike but certainly not full-sized by today’s standards. Regardless, good things, fun things, and all-around smiles—both tiny and large—often come in little packages. As we all know, Honda’s line from the period included bikes much location since the early ’60s. Certainly then it sat until the resurrection began. smaller than this. plausible. The front signals were gone, I’ve written before about setting the The ’75 XL100 was the K1 model, with and the rear signal mounts were sawed overall goal of a vintage project, wheth- a build date of September, ’74. The first off. Wiring had been modified for some er a “refreshing” without complete dis- XL100 model was offered in 1974. Not reason or another. Someone had dolled assembly or a complete frame-out (or terribly rare but certainly vintage by up the graphics by adding 1970s ever frame-off) restoration. My VF750C our standards, this bike was purchased popular prism pinstripes and side cov- Magna, as an example, was the former, in 1978 by my neighbor, in pretty much er decals. The seat cover was redone in a utilitarian job of mostly mechanical the same condition as when he sold two-tone (silver over black) with gold endeavors and minimal aesthetic du- it to me. It was just rusted and dented piping. This was clearly an individual’s ties (see “Hack Job,” June/July, 2015). I then, a testament to years of riding it customization as there is no reference decided to do a full original restoration hard and letting it sit. From its uncrated to any special edition Honda package on the XL100, making it as close to out- splendor to his acquisition, the history for the XL. It’s unknown whether it was of-the-crate as possible. From a business was not known. The bike sat in his shed initially sold at the same dealership; or financial perspective, based upon the for many years, the intention being to those records have long since vaporized; bike’s well-worn condition, this likely restore it to some form of usable con- although having someone with his his- would not make much “cents.” Many of dition. I had been asking about buying tory explained a lot about the condition. these bikes were produced and import- it for a while, and finally he agreed, not It was well used for many years by my ed over the 1974 to 1978 period (in ’79 having the time to perform his intended neighbor, who was an early teen at the the XL100 was changed to an entirely resto tasks. He had unstuck the clutch, time. He mentioned that a teenaged different “S” model). It was certainly, which had frozen up, but that was all. friend (emphasis added) gave the XL its not as rare as a single-year model or Purchased local to us here in Florida, major battle scars by popping wheelies something exotic. Still, a cursory search it was presumably traded in to the same and recklessly crashing. He could still on eBay yielded hits, but not as many as Honda dealer in which he and his dad point out which dents or damage were one might think, suggesting maybe the bought it, which has been in its present done by his former riding buddy. And earlier K0 and K1s were getting picked Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 45 clean, and still fewer exist—especially write part numbers, descriptions, and itself are replaceable, the holes in the in restored or original condition. Like quantity. The online parts fiche was frame for the main swing arm bolt were many VJMC members, I have a warm mandatory for this purpose. After re- worn out and not a replaceable part. spot in my heart for orphaned ma- ceiving gaskets, seals, O-rings, new bolts These required drilling and pressing chines, corroding away alone in dark (as required), and a new piston/rings set, in a suitable substitute. Without a hori- and moist places. Rescuing the tiny the cylinder was honed and the engine zontal milling machine, I had to do this Honda from the eventual scrap heap reassembled with new transmission free-hand with bits and reamers. When seemed the right choice; even though roller bearings and replacement (used) that long bolt slid through both sides the dollars required would certainly be shifter forks/drum. The crank bearings without a great deal of “persuasion,” I more than it could be sold for. were fine, as was the crank itself. Engine breathed a sigh of relief. The pressed-in The first order was tear-down and or- covers on the XL100 were originally units I made were affixed with Locktite ganization. A glance at my tools might painted by Honda. These were stripped sleeve retainer. provoke a smirk regarding the “O” and prepped, then a silver applied that The frame was stripped chemical- word, but I’m frightfully OCD-driven seemed to match the OE color (more on ly, sanded, primed, and painted and with restos. Everything was removed, paint later). A urethane catalyzed clear- clear coated again with the same cata- bagged and tagged and placed in a bin. coat (solvent resistant) was used. Every- lyzed product. This was after careful- The frame and bits were set aside as the thing was oiled up adequately during ly removing the VIN plate. Tiny rivets engine was tackled first. Service manual reassembly, and finally, the engine set were drilled out, and luckily, forty-two in hand, the 99cc OHC motor was dis- aside in a safe spot. years had weakened the glue, it coming assembled, parts bagged and set aside. Next was to provide a rolling chassis. off clean. The same paint/clear combo The cylinder head, cylinder, and engine The frame was rusted, scraped, chipped, was used for the swing arm, footpegs/ cases were sent off for vapor blasting, you name it, but not bent. One spot re- mounts, skid plate, and engine mounts. performed by VJMC member Steve quired welding and grinding. The swing All the frame members and mounts Gauding. Notes were taken on a sheet arm gave me a real challenge. Although were black as was the stock color used. created in Excel that provided fields to the bushings that live in the swing arm At that point I also obtained an after-

46 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 market main wiring harness and in- JB Weld has a high temperature rating, push a lot of it out from the inside, but stalled that. The wire colors matched and at the end of the pipe it simply does a professional dent removal job wasn’t perfectly. not get that hot. in the budget. Again, JB Weld to the The rear rim was completely unusable. After spooning on new tires that rescue. The large parts of remaining I got lucky and scored a nearly perfect closely matched the originals (no lon- deformation were filled using this and naked OE rim on eBay. New spokes ger available), more hub polishing, new finished off with automotive body fill- were obtained (OE units) and, after pol- wheel bearings, brake shoes/springs er. Then, the tank was primed. Inside, ishing both front and rear hubs, laced to made wheel mounting on the complet- any rust was removed using phosphoric the rims. The front rim needed some, ed frame possible. This included replac- acid, and a Phenol Novolac Epoxy sealer shall we say, hammer time. These are ing all forty-two little balls in the steer- (which I’ve used many times) applied. A steel rims, not prone to cracking. Dead ing head and carefully mounting and new pet cock finished the tank out for blow mallets are a wonderful thing, and slipping in replacement forks (another the time being. I could get it to spin reasonably true af- lucky find). The forks weren’t leaking, The engine was run, and the bike test ter tweaking the spokes. but the lowers required stripping, paint- rode after installing a new chain and The exhaust was another challenge, ing, and replacing the fork oil. Once front sprocket. More fine-tuning of the with damage and multiple dents pres- back on the lift, the engine was dropped carburetor followed, including some ent. This was simply not replaceable in place and secured. I originally used re-jetting later in the project. Eventual- without spending a lot of coin and risk- hardware store-bought fasteners to do ly, the rear shocks were replaced with af- ing an expensive overseas purchase. this, and here and there, replaced all termarket units (nearly identical to the Nobody had a decent unit in the States. bolts with the correct OE stuff until all OEs). Fenders were repaired of cracks I ended up drilling holes on a big dent the old fasteners were either cleaned and in the steel by welding and using body towards the business end and pulling re-used or trashed. filler, primed, painted, and clear coated the dent out best I could, welding up the In between waiting on parts, I tack- with the same urethane catalyzed prod- holes, grinding, and then using JB Weld led the gas tank. Several dents existed, uct, then mounted. The chain guard as a filler, and smoothing out the spots. one quite large. I made a tool and could was stripped, painted, and clear coated

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 47 using an enamel product. Essentially, happy with the first try. I decided to use codes. I’ll keep the color and type under the further away from any fuel spillage the “cheap stuff” clear coat, which sim- my hat for now; can’t divulge all my lit- source, the more likely a standard paint/ ply did not meet my standards. I used tle secrets. The color, however, matched clear combo would suffice; however, the reducer and stripped them clean, start- almost perfectly an unspoiled area on fenders were sprayed the same because ing over and doing it right the second that one side cover, and yes, I did shoot a they were painted at the same time. time. Lesson learned. primer/base/color coat on the tank and Made sense to use the same product to The gas tank painting was tricky. The side covers. The OE color is Candy Ruby match, although I ended up re-doing two black stripes atop the tank running Red. This isn’t, but it’s darn close. The the front fender, due to a blemish. longitudinally were painted on at the black for the frame and other pieces was Gradually, other parts came in and factory. I scoured the web looking for Rustoleum Gloss Black enamel, topped were mounted. The missing turn sig- XL100 pictures and verified. My tank with urethane activated clear—cheap, nals were replaced, the front units easily was this way too. These were not de- durable, and lays well. mounted to new NOS chrome mounting cals, and they were a flat- or matte-black The remainder of the build was finish- tubes that the forks hold in place. The paint, not clear coated over. After shoot- ing touches: replacing the handlebars, rear signals, with mounts which were ing the color coat and clear coating the installing missing mirrors, aftermarket sawed off, yielded nothing online as a color with a high-quality urethane cata- decals and warning labels, everything replacement. I had to fabricate these us- lyzed clear (fuel resistance a must), I let based upon the original sales brochure I ing steel tubing, welded, with weld nuts it dry about a month. Then, I consulted purchased online and pictures from the of the proper thread/pitch installed. The my local auto paint supplier, who sold web. I re-covered the seat myself with an rear tail light and license plate holder me a can of “Hot Rod Black.” This is a inexpensive but decent copy. Someday, was damaged beyond repair. This, too, single-stage urethane with a catalyst if I keep the bike for a while, I may send initially came up “not available” any- (hardener). After laying out the proper that out for a more professional job. where after numerous searches. eBay tape for fine-line painting, I carefully I can’t cover every little step or process has a notification system based upon sanded the areas where the stripes need- taken in this build. I’d be writing a book. search keywords, and I set up sever- ed to be laid with 2K grit paper. I had Some parts I had to make, modify, or re- al over the build to find parts. I finally previously manufactured a type of rotis- pair. I may have used some methods not scored this and other necessary parts serie rig to mount the tank for painting, necessarily conventional or procedures/ in this manner. Notifications come by which I could turn 360 degrees instead materials some may completely dis- way of email. I highly recommend this of flipping the paint spray around. Then agree with in practice. That’s fine, but method of parts hunting. the stripes were laid on, and about an necessity is a mother as they say. Tiny As for bodywork, I had one mostly hour later, the tape removed. Honda isn’t perfect, certainly, but it was broken side cover; that was it. I found Final word on paint: This part will perfectly fun bringing the bike back to aftermarket replacements but, due to make all readers who are pro paint and life—a valuable learning experience. the material and molding process, left a body experts cringe, but here goes: Every And maybe, when the bike is at a motor- dimple in the center of each cover. Bon- single bit of the paint on Tiny Honda, cycle show or out and about, it will gen- do wouldn’t stick, but JB Weld would except for the aforementioned gas tank erate more than just a tiny smile from (see a pattern here?). I painted the side stripes, was rattle-can paint and not the someone recalling fond memories of covers using a plastic adhesion promo- expensive kits that can be bought online, their youth, bombing about on a simi- tor then paint/clear, although I wasn’t matching Honda’s secret vintage paint lar, or perhaps identical, tiny machine. l

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48 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 49 50 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 events VJMC Midwest Rally by Mark Bayer, President KCVJMC, Missouri Field Rep / [email protected]

ansas City has an active VJMC club; with over 130 members, Kwe have an active and growing vintage motorcycle commu- nity. My guess is that our local club has a very high percent- age of members who renew their national memberships every year. We are also very involved in other local motorcycle group shows and activities. Our members’ motorcycles often represent twenty-five- to thirty-percent of the motorcycles in other clubs’ shows. As local club president, I am working on developing a stronger “Midwest Association” of VJMC leaders, and Vice Pres- ident Bill Brown is also working hard to help our club grow and remain strong. If you are an active VJMC member anywhere in the Midwest, please communicate with me; I would love to hear from you and include your activities in our Internet list. The Regional Rally, held at the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) hanger, has been one of our key events for several years. Although having to deal with weather issues, we have not had to cancel one yet. Last year’s rally had the worst weather, but this year probably had the best weather ever, even though we were competing with two other motorcycle events in the area. I had ordered around eighty ribbons, and we ran out, so the numbers were good. One of our members counted around 100 vintage bikes, many of which were ridden in. We had a string of late 1970s Yamaha two-strokes ride in, and they made their own lineup out in the spectator parking lot. I don’t know why, but at nearly every show we have people who will ride to the event on a vintage Japanese motorcycle, often in fully restored condition, but they don’t want to put the bike in the show area! I guess that it doesn’t really matter, because attendees walk around and look at all of the bikes anyway. Whatever the case, we had a great show in and outside the hanger. Back in 2013 we voted to host a VJMC regional event, rath- er than have just another local event. This the sixth consecu- tive year for this rally. The key to this event has been one of our faithful club members, Jim Boughn. Jim has been a long-term part of our club and a model of faithful service. He nearly al- ways helps at events with set-up, bike wrangling, parking, and willingly does whatever else is needed. If not for Jim, who is the marketing officer of the Kansas City Commemorative Air Force chapter, we would probably not be able to have the show. He is not only a great club member but is a vintage bike collector himself. He has a nice vintage Honda CB350, a vintage CB175, an older Honda Trail 90, and two newer Japanese bikes for daily use. Thanks, Jim, for what you have done; without those who do the work, these events just could not happen! The CAF has eighty “Wings” and is the third largest “Air Force” in the world, except that they don’t have any real bombs Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 51 52 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 or bullets (they are a museum and his- bers. We ended up with three rows torical group only). The Kansas City of vintage motorcycles going from chapter is called the Heart of America mid-hanger (indoors) to outside the Wing. Their branch has two planes, a building onto a stretch of airfield. Ev- Boeing PT 13 and a Fairchild PT 19. ery year the show is a little different, There is also a privately-owned North which makes it interesting. This year The Commemorative Air America AT-6/SNJ kept in the CAF we had quite a few visitors from other hanger. The CAF supplies the food, or- local clubs show up. We also signed Force has eighty “Wings” ganizational support, and a wide range up several new members. At the end and is the third largest of other activities: WWII jeep rides, of each event we always talk about activities for children including face looking forward to the event next “Air Force” in the world, painting, space for a vintage car show, year. If the 2019 rally is like the one except that they don’t and occasionally a few airplane rides. this year, it will go down as a great We want to give them a hearty thank success! have any real bombs or you for all that they have done. From Make sure and follow our Facebook bullets. what I understand, this year we broke page and our websites for the dates of the record for food revenues. The event our events. The sites are: www.kcv- is “always” free; CAF just provides the jmc.com and www.vjme.mysite.com. food service as a fund-raiser to support Think about attending any of our the museum and hanger. This has been VJMC events next year, we would such a great location for a vintage mo- love to have you join us. This rally torcycle show, and the CAF has been a was held on 4 August and is nearly great partner. always held in early August of each The bikes trickled in until around year, so make sure and check our 10am, then they came in larger num- events calendar. l

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 53 54 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 events KCVJMC’s 3rd Annual Two-Stroke Rally by Mark Bayer, President KCVJMC, Missouri Field Rep / [email protected]

he phrase third time is a charm Tcame true as the third annu- al KCVJMC Two-Stroke Rally, held 11 August, finally blossomed as an event! Year one and two were fun events, and we considered them to be successes, but the numbers of bikes were relatively small. This year the event jumped around forty percent in the numbers of bikes and visitors. We were out of ribbons by 9:30am. We were also in a new location. The event was held at a real vintage 1950s diner called Johnny Rays. It opened in 1956 and has remained open as a drive-in all these years. It also has monthly car shows that are very pop- ular; I think this was their first mo- torcycle event. Next year’s event will be scheduled at the same location. Bill Wilson, the person who origi- nated the event along with my help, joined VJMC about four years ago. From the very beginning of his mem- bership, he wanted to sponsor a two- stroke motorcycle rally. He owns Wilson Performance, a company which specializes in two-stroke en- gines. Help us get the word out about this event for next year; there are few events that feature only two-stroke motorcycles, with only one other that I am aware of in the US. It is held in Los Angeles and is called the Two- Stroke Extravaganza. Another group in the eastern part of the country calls themselves the Oily Pipes and is a two-stroke fo- cused club but allow any motorcy- cle engine type to be shown in their events. From what I was told by an attendee of the show this year, there is also a group of Kawasaki three-cylinder enthusiasts who have an event every year of just Kawasaki Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 55 three-cylinder motorcycles, but it is The show featured around fifty vin- not a public event or an official show. tage motorcycles with over 150 guests If you know of these groups or any in attendence. Most of the bikes were other two-stroke groups, please have Japanese brands. Bill Wilson brought I love unique events that them contact me! his Yamaha RZ 500 V-4 “twin-crank,” With these groups located on the and there was actually a second one offer something outside east and west coasts, we now we have present as well. Other bikes included the norm, so a growing Midwestern vintage two- several Yamaha RZ350s and several stroke event as well. If you love vin- Yamaha RD350s. There was a TZ750 with this event I was all tage two-strokes, plan on coming to Yamaha race bike, a Suzuki RG500, a in. With such a broad the event next year. It will be held at Suzuki GT250, a 1972 Yamaha LS1, about the same time and place, so set and a super cool Hodaka Super Rat. range of events and the time and date on your calendar. A Kawasaki 400 triple and 750 triple activities as the KCVJMC I love unique events that offer some- were there as well. thing outside the norm, so with this It turned out to be a great show, puts on, a two-stroke event I was all in. With such a broad definitely worth attending. We are event adds something range of events and activities as the already making plans for the 2019 KCVJMC puts on, a two-stroke event Rally. Check out our KCVJMC cal- different to what we adds something different to what we endar for our event postings (www. already have going on. What is im- kcvjmc.org or www.kcvjmc.com). already have going on. mediately evident is that so many We would love to see this event grow people with two-stroke bikes are ex- into an even larger Midwestern Two- cited about this event, and we had stroke Rally. There are just not many people attend from Kansas, Missou- events like this around, so plan on ri, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. attending next year. l

56 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 57 Maintenance & Restoration Rotor & Clutch Basket Removal Trick by Mike Fitterling / [email protected] / [email protected]

ave you ever had to remove a rotor or a clutch basket and not Hhad that “special tool” they say in the shop manual is manda- tory to do the job? I found a little trick that I’ve used a few times in these situations and successfully completed the work every time. Take a strap (I used one end of a ratchet strap) and pass it around the rotor or clutch basket several times, then tie it off to the foot peg. Make sure you wrap it opposite the direction you need to turn the retaining bolt. Put the appropriate socket on the end of your breaker bar and start turning. It might take a bit as the strap snugs down on itself before it stops the rotor/basket from turning. You may have to temporarily hold the tail of the strap until it is held in place by the increasing tension. Continue turning the nut until it’s off. Take care when using this technique to not wrap the strap around anything fragile and to lead it to the foot peg without it sliding over some delicate part on the motor. On a clutch basket, wrap it around Here the strap the base of the basket and not the outboard end, where the fingers method is used to hold the rotor, but are relatively unsupported. This trick is relatively safe, as the pres- it can also be used sure is distributed evenly around the rotor/basket. l to hold the clutch.

58 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 events Events Corner by Peter Slatcoff, Vice President, Event Coordinator / [email protected]

or many of our members, the up- assure you that is not true. What is true UPCOMING EVENTS Fcoming Barber Vintage Festival may is that those putting events on or who be their last hurrah for 2018. But for are aware of events in their area are not many of us who have the luxury of a sharing that information with the rest of See VJMC calendar for details year-round temperate climate, we ride the Club. OCT 11 AIMExpo 2018 and do events 365 days a year. If you like Further, we receive many emails and Las Vegas, NV to travel, then I would suggest making phone calls every day asking, “Why some plans to check out the events and should I continue my membership. NOV 10 7th Annual activities of Southern California, Ari- There is nothing going on near where I Florida Rally zona, Texas, and of course, my favorite live.” Those are reasonable comments. Crystal River, FL spot, Florida. You can always find an These members, just like you, are the dec 16 19th Annual abundance of activities at any one of Club’s most valuable asset. Obviously, Florida VJMC these locations. we don’t want to lose any member be- Christmas Ride Two primary sources of information cause of a lack of a little communication. Crystal River, FL are the VJMC Events Calendar and the The challenge to each of our members “Find a Field Rep” page, both available is to reach out—locate those members on the VJMC website (www.vjmc.org). in your vicinity. Get together and do Field Reps, whether local or in anoth- something: a local ride, meet at a coffee er state, can be very helpful in finding shop, or go to a local bike shop and see events in their area or helping you locate what’s new. members in an area you may be visiting. Need help locating members in your Reach out and engage—what a better area? Contact Bob Kelly, our Commu- way to promote your Club and meet nications Director. Provide him your some of the most interesting people in contact information, and he will send motorcycling. an email to those in your vicinity with Here’s a perfect example: The first a simple note—member would like to weekend of August we did an “Histor- meet other members in your state and ic Adventure Ride” to Andersonville, provide them your contact information. Georgia. A member from Houston, Tex- One method I use is to frequently in- as, called me for information about that vite members to stop by to visit and have event. He said, “That sounds very inter- a hotdog. We use this time to plan an ac- esting. Especially for me—a Civil War tivity, such as a destination ride or a ride buff.” The short of it is that Dan Vance to nowhere. All-in-all, we have a lot of traveled all the way from Houston to fun, whether twenty people show or it join us on what I would consider a local is just two or three of us. On occasion, area activity. A similar scenario brought we even have managed to recruit a new Chris Haugen from Weaver, Alabama. member. Our local group is growing Because of Chris reaching out, not only and becoming more active. With your did he participate in this event, he has help this could be the norm, not the ex- volunteered to host one of the next ception. “Adventures” from Jackson, Alabama Check out the VJMC Events Calen- (date TBD for 2019). dar (https://vjmc.org/calendar) for a On another note, our Club Calendar list of activities already scheduled for reads as though events and activities the remainder of 2018 and the advance are only taking place in a couple of se- notice of those for 2019. If you don’t see lect locations across the country, but I yours— please add it today. l Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 59 A “Vintage Japanese” motorcycle is 20 years old or older and, of course, CLASSIFIEDS Japanese. Please be aware that ads may/will be edited to conserve space. 12 lines of print will be free to club members. PLEASE NOTE: Please be aware of publication deadlines. For an upcoming issue, ads Ads will be run for one issue only. Please are due by the 20th of the month of the preceeding issue’s release. For example, ads for the December/January issue are due October 20. If you resubmit via the VJMC website or email if have business-related ads, please consider taking out a commercial display you wish an ad to run longer. Also, contact our ad. Contact [email protected] or me for details and rate information. We can include color photos with your ad. Cost is a minimal $10 per pho- Classified Ads Editor, Gary Gadd, if your post to per issue. Payment via Paypal is available on the VJMC website. For has been fulfilled, again via the VJMC website payment by personal check or money order, please address payment to “VJMC” and send to the address below. Photo ads will appear in the or email ([email protected]). This will help keep magazine issue following payment. our classified ads as current as possible. GARY GADD • 3721 HOLLAND ST. • FORT WORTH, TX • 76180 / 817.284.8195

1975 Honda CB400F. Clear Ohio fuel and battery. Have title and Needs just some minor cosmet- title. If you have ever consid- key. $2100. Russ Molloy, 401- ic updates. Adjustable air sus- FOR SALE ered building a CB400 Four, with 316-6043, ramchargers426@ pension, two matching helmets, this you’re way from the ground gmail.com three portable hard saddlebags up. A great opportunity. Disas- lockable w/handles, full cover, sembled for restoration. The large passenger seat, working HONDA previous owner said the mo- 1983 Suzuki GS1100E. Bought AM/FM radio, a great comfort- torcycle ran before it was dis- new in the crate in March, able touring bike. Cash terms, For 1965/69 Honda CB/CL/ assembled. The frame has been 1987. 19800 miles, all original asking $5500. Request photos CA160, CA95, and S65. New meticulously painted, and he except tires and battery. No via email or text. John, 810-305- and used parts. Email for the gathered a lot of NOS parts, in modifications. Great garage 1919, [email protected] parts you are looking for. I have addition to the parts removed. kept condition. Includes main- lots of engines, frames, carbu- He lost interest and sold the tenance log, owner’s manu- retors, cables, and gaskets. Paul gas tank, side covers, and seat. al, Suzuki shop manual (not a misc. FOR SALE Enz, 321-268-5461, Titusville, Those are the only major parts reprint). $3900. Dave Salyer, FL, [email protected] missing. Can email a list of parts 864-434-0517, Wellford, South with pictures. It could be parted Carolina, [email protected] out for more, but I would rath- er keep it on the road. $1500. I can email a list of parts with pic- YAMAHA tures. David Hellard, 614-975- 4488, Columbus, OH, david@ classicjapanesemotorcycles. 1981 Yamaha XS650 Special. Ex- com cellent condition. Engine gone through, clutch rebuilt, new factory charging system. 18000 1978 Honda CB750K. Windjam- miles total, 1000 miles since re- Honda Identification Guide build. Café bars and seat, small 1968 Honda CL350. Fresh paint; mer fairing, small luggage rack 1959-2000. Covers year, col- with sissy bar attachment, four tail light, perfect paint. Extra en- ors, decals, mechanical chang- colors are correct, 1st over pis- gine and frame, includes stock ton and rings, valve job. Tires into one exhaust. Original parts es, and photos, six-per page, available. Has possible air inlet parts. $3500 obo. Steve Witt, 538 pages! About 3100 factory are new, seat, pipes, everything 217-898-7769, Mahomet, IL else is original. $2000. Brad, leak, causing fuel-air mixture photos. Weighs 3-1/2 pounds! 317-432-7452, Indianapolis, to be too lean without closed $200. Incl. postage. Credit card [email protected] choke. $3300. Gary Williams, ok. Also have Japanese Motor- 405-373-2579, garyw73107@ cycle History 1945-1987, 507 yahoo.com pages, ALL TEXT in Japanese. $350, postage incl. 100 years of Harley-Davidson, color H-D Honda CX500 custom wheels ads, stories, All text in Japa- with tires. Black with aluminum nese. About 150 pages. $ 275. highlights.19-inch front and 16- Postage incl. Buzz Walneck, inch rear. Will also fit all oth- 630-985-2097, No texting, just er CX500 models. $100 each. telephone Central NY. Ken, vfrkenny53@ yahoo.com, 1983 Yamaha Venture Royale. 1200cc, low 28000 original 1968/81 Hondas. 50 Japanese miles, clean title, one own- bikes, mostly Hondas, $50 for 1973 Honda CB450. As new! er, beautiful condition , runs Unrestored with just 1965 SUZUKI most or will part out. Includes strong. 2017-18 updates to: 1978 Gold Wing engine, front miles. Runs great, for show or black leather seat (original had driven. $6850. More photos 1974 Suzuki GT750 LeMans. wheel and fender, carb set and residue from cleaner), new manifold, cooling fans, and oth- available. Can help arrange ship- Been sitting, ran when parked windshield, rear master cylinder ping. Titled. Buzz Walneck, 630- er GW parts. Deal on whole lot. 10 years ago. Complete, plus new May 2018, new tires & bat- Also 2 Yamaha Big Bear Scram- 985-2097 no texting, please call additional parts including a tery. Always stored inside. Allu- daytime, near Chicago. blers, Yamaha and Honda mo- powder coated frame, excellent vial Gold custom paint on tank, peds. Lots of seats and side cov- original tank and cylinder head, sides. Never driven in winter. ers. For CB750, gas tanks. For and more. Should run on fresh gently handled, no long trips. 60 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

Bridgestone 100, seat, very nice, ADVERTISERS APPEARING IN THIS ISSUE: $100. Dream and Super Hawk 1973 Yamaha XS650. Al Bey- frames with attached fenders, dak, 250-490-4150, chipfoose@ electrics, wheels, etc. 1965 Hon- shaw.ca Acme Zoom (Mule Pack Panniers)...... 30 da 150cc dream engine, $100. Ask for prices or deal on large or AHRMA...... 53 whole lot. Would like to sell as a batch; has to go. I am 10 miles MISC. WANTED of south Rhinebeck, NY, AMC Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum...... 24 super meet site at Dutchess Dealer memorabilia. Collector City fair grounds. Ken Krauer, seeks 1950s-1980s Japanese BFE Vintage Motorcycles...... 25 845-266-3363, Salt Point, NY, dealership items including ban- [email protected] ners, signs, ashtrays, lighters, hats, clocks, promos, etc. Rare, Buchanan’s Spoke and Rim...... 58 weird, and old is good. Tom Ko- WANTED lenko, 770-427-4820, Atlanta, CMSNL...... 64 Georgia Charlies Place...... 53 YAMAHA Honda CBX 1000cc 6-cyl mem- orabilia for Museum and the David Silver Spares...... 63 1967/68 Yamaha YL2C Trailmas- CBX Book I am presently writing. ter. Looking for a nice, original Any brochures, adverts, posters, bike, (almost) ready to ride. No owner’s manual, workshop man- Ikon America...... 56 projects, please. Restored ex- ual, set-up manual, toys/mod- amples considered. Gary Toom- els, old photos, etc. related to JBM Industries...... 10 er, 619-575-0161, geetumor the 1979-1972 CBX. Also period @cox.net aftermarket fairings/bodywork. Let me know what you have and Jess Bikes...... 10 how much you need! Thanks. For Yamaha YM1, need rear Ian, 626-444-9358, California, Johnny’s Vintage Motorcycle...... 31 fender, coils, wiring harness, [email protected] l headlight bucket. David, 416- 578-7861, [email protected] KSM-Hagerty...... 28

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Workshop Hero...... 2 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Magazine 61 VJMC REGALIA ORDER FORM

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