How do you see YOUR bike?

C

cahurst2001

Been Around the Block
So I wasn't sure where to post this, but anything goes, right?

I was curious how you ladies and gentlemen see your own bikes. I post this topic because I see other member's bikes and think they are fantastic. I won't drop names, but there are some remarkable machines on here. I see no flaws and wish I could do that skill/work and attention to detail.

I look at mine and the little things that could be just a little better stick out. The orange peel spot on the tank that no one notices but you, or how the brake lines could have been run a little smoother, or the fuse box under the seat that is just a little crooked, etc.

I know everybody does it because it seems we are never really 'finished' with project bikes. There is always one more thing that could be changed. So...

How do you see your own bike?
 
A work in progress that always makes me smile.


...when I'm not swearing/screaming/throwing things/calling Tony
 
Even when I think I am done... there are new ideas that I just can't resist implementing. I can only imagine the day when all three of my bikes are lined up in the garage "done". It will probably never happen... but I can dream.

- Woody
 
I think it is the little blemishes that makes it yours!!! Your hand built machine. Your blood, sweat and tears. Your (sometimes) years of work and planning.
It may not win best of show at any event but then again the one that does was probably built by professionals and will never be ridden or enjoyed.
I'm sure we have all spent hours re-doing something that wasn't just quite right but at the end of the day you move on and get on with the job, so you can get out on the road and enjoy what you have made. I bet most people who look at your machine will be amazed and jealous they don't have a one off.
 
I own 3 bikes, but my cafe (cb550) is my baby. But I consider it to be a budget cafe. It's not perfect by any stretch. It has some rust on the frame and spokes. It has some leaks here and there. The tank has a few dings. And it's dirty as hell. It does however have plenty of character. The BCR seat is top notch, and I believe that it makes the bike. The raask rearsets pair up well with the seat. The bike runs like a champ. Wrapping the header and swapping out the baffle to a Kerker 2.5 inch competition baffle really opened the bike up and gave it a sweet exhaust note. Whenever I take it out, people honk their horns and yell out their car windows, 'Sweet Bike!'. It gets more attention at bike nights than my BMW.
 
I LOVE my bike. Over the years from the first time I built it and now after a 2nd total tear down and reconfiguration all taking place over the last 6 years with some riding time in between, I have a special relationship with my Cafe. I know it so well I can hear a sound and know exactly what the issue is. I have touched every bolt and nut on it at least once. I can't say I have ever been in tune that well with any other bike. She's not perfect by any means and She's not really competitive with any modern day bike, but I really enjoy the ride. Not looking for prizes or trophies just a few stares from folks here and there. The best part is there is not another one like it in the world. Most bikes today look all the same and lack any character or individualism. There is nothing better than being on the road with something you built and can be confident in how it was done. -MBS
 
I see my bike (CB450) as needing to find a new home, so I can move onto another project.
;D
 
LOL.... good question...
I love my bikes like I love my kids...LOL!!.. But much as I love them all, I can see the flaws and problems. I accept it and work towards fixing them over time.
None of my bikes are perfect by any means but they each have their particular strenghts and weaknesses, (like kids), which gives them each a very distinct personality!!! ;D
 
locO leoN said:
LOL.... good question...
I love my bikes like I love my kids...LOL!!.. But much as I love them all, I can see the flaws and problems. I accept it and work towards fixing them over time.
None of my bikes are perfect by any means but they each have their particular strenghts and weaknesses, (like kids), which gives them each a very distinct personality!!! ;D
Click to expand...

This sums it up for me as well...with the exception that I'm not rich like Noel and only have the one bike :D

I love my bike, but I know it is far from perfect. In fact, I sort of hope it never is, because that means I'll have nothing left to work on. I'd then have to sell it and get another project. I always need to have some project to keep me busy.
 
I see my bike as a fun little machine that I brought back from the dead. It was headed for the scrapyard when I bought it. A true ugly duckling. But I worked on it for over a year and got it on the road. The most satisfying project I've ever accomplished. I've had modern bikes but the vertical twin always felt more alive than an ultra smooth inline 4. It's also a time machine. I like to imagine I'm cruising Ocean Drive in Santa Monica back in the early 70s. I think, "hey, this is how people used to ride". My bike is also very practical. It's cheap to run, free to park and gets me places in high style. All the downtown hipsters have a look of envy when I ride by.
 
"I love my bike, but I know it is far from perfect. In fact, I sort of hope it never is, because that means I'll have nothing left to work on. I'd then have to sell it and get another project. I always need to have some project to keep me busy.

How true!!!! My bike is really an extension of myself. Like a lot of you, mine has been an ongoing project, in fact I haven't left it alone for the almost 5 years that I've owned it. I've spent unmeasurable hours rebuilding, customizing, tuning, tinkering and modifying, and I know this bike better than any man has any right to know a machine. She's a perfect complement to me, and me to her. When we hit the road we're not a man and his motorcycle, we're almost symbiotic.
 
MBS said:
I LOVE my bike. Over the years from the first time I built it and now after a 2nd total tear down and reconfiguration all taking place over the last 6 years with some riding time in between, I have a special relationship with my Cafe. I know it so well I can hear a sound and know exactly what the issue is. I have touched every bolt and nut on it at least once. I can't say I have ever been in tune that well with any other bike. She's not perfect by any means and She's not really competitive with any modern day bike, but I really enjoy the ride. Not looking for prizes or trophies just a few stares from folks here and there. The best part is there is not another one like it in the world. Most bikes today look all the same and lack any character or individualism. There is nothing better than being on the road with something you built and can be confident in how it was done. -MBS
Click to expand...
remember you trusted me with the wiring so be careful what you trust. LOL

As for my ride I get a lot of complements on it. I love to see harleys guys come running over like a kid at the ice cream truck Evereyone had one when they were young. All I see is faults, this does not mean it's not great but I need a budget larger than the bike is worth to make it perfect (in my eyes) I guess it's a work in progress, it's the most frustratingly enjoyable thing I have ever done.
So much so I went and did it again but my new project (80 vespa P200E) is going to be my primary ride once it's reasembled. building to use a lot,
not building for purpose.

Mortikan
 
I try not to worry about it... I love the bike, but of course it has stuff I need to change / fix / improve before it's perfect...

Actually, I don't normally give it a second look but last time Deacon stopped over I realized I have to re-do the whole paintjob. haha.
 
Ease said:
Actually, I don't normally give it a second look but last time Deacon stopped over I realized I have to re-do the whole paintjob. haha.
Click to expand...

haha. See, that's what I'm talking about. I think it's great that we have other to feed off of and make our own projects better. Inspiration.

The blood, sweat, and tears that go into each bike makes it ours. Having a sense of pride in something is worth it, too. Not to sound cocky, but the envy of people who wish they could do the same is kinda nice. I have friends who don't ride and have little to no mechanical abilities that periodically tell me how amazed they are that I can wrench. I find that kind of baffling b/c I didn't even do any welding on mine. Honestly, I don't think I've done that much, but I'm proud of where my bike is for now.
 
I see my bike as the BEST girlfriend ever .
She doesn't complain , she always looks good for any occasion and when I ride her hard she lets me know by trying to throw me off . Plus I always get off of her fully satisfied and with a smile from ear to ear. It's truly a wonderful relationship . ;D
 
I see my Triumph as a link to a simpler time.

I see my BMW as way to get to Tierra Del Fuego.
 
I've owned my Norton for a little over 41 years. Over those years it has evolved into what it is today. Its had six different engines and I'm not sure how many rebuilds its had. Its a friend and a continuous project. Its never been finished and I doubt it ever will. Right now its getting a new shift linkage built. And if I can get it over 130 this yearI'll be a happy camper.
 
i see my '75 cb360 as a project, a better way to get around, and a piece of history. im new to riding and part of buying an older bike was to get my hands dirty. its a cheap platform to learn about motors. its also great to have the older guys ask me what year and tell me about the Honda they had when they were young. i know these things arent rare, but to me that seems to be their history. seems like everyone had one at some point. eventhough im only on a 360 it is a blast to ride and a great time time customizing.
 
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