JUNE 2010 BIKE OF THE MONTH - VOTING!

[Tim]

OK folks - another month of nominations, debate, false starts etc. has finally lead up to voting time!

Nominees, pitch your bikes! Let's see the glamour shots, bikini washes, gratuitous sex, bribes... whatever it takes to garner votes.

This thread is for voting and convincing others to vote for your bike of choice. No negative ads - convince us your bike is worthy on its own merits.

 

[Traveler]

Thanks, Tim.

My bike was purchased last fall, and the build commenced in Late December 2009. It is a 1977 Honda CB550K. I got Sean at Rocity City Cafe to build me a replica CR750 race tank, but would fit a CB550 frame.....Then I additionally had him fabricate the seat to work with it, while mounting up to all stock locations.....the tank strap is actually a part of the seat pan, and everything works just great!

I then decided to clear out the "triangle" area, and place tha batery and whatever electrics would fit under the bumstop. I went through Orient Express and bought a 120Volt A123 cell battery due to it's small size and lightness...basically it is easy to hide. After many trials with the stock electrics, I scrapped them and reused only the voltage regulator and rectifier, along with the stock solenoid. Everything else was rewired by myself using a custom made panel mounted on the right side of the bike with 3 toggle switches, that being start, lights on/off and hi/low beam for the headlight. The entire electric system functions on one 30A fuse on the start circuit. Every effort has been made within reason to keep weight LOW. No horn, no blinkers....just simple and bare bones.

I installed CB900 14.5 long rear shocks which raised the tail and made the steering sharper and then followed that up wuith a steering damper with a XS650 fork tube mount to go along with it.

Pod filters on the carbs are EMGO 35mm units, exhaust is a mac 4-2 system. I then hammered down the gauge bracket to have the gauges sit flat, in the style of old english bikes, and then fitted some clubman bars with all new cables.

I found some Lester CB750 wheels, notable is that the rear wheel is 18" versus the more common 16" rear wheel. I then sanded them down and painted them with flat aluminum colored engine block paint, and hand polished the lips of the wheels with steel wool.....at this time I also installed All Balls Wheel Bearings, and a Sprocket Specialists aluminum 37 tooth rear sprocket, which matches the nickel plated 530 chain and 2 tooth smaller sprocket (15 tooth)

I went to the effort to sand down the engine and leave it bare aluminum, with a semi gloss/matte finish by way of steel wool, followed by a fine white scrub pad with WD-40 used to add the sheen I was looking for. This same look is found on the front fork sliders and the rear brake plate which I tried to accent with 9 holes. The sprocket engine cover has also received this treatment.

RAASK rearsets were also added, along with a lucas style side mount license plate tailight setup.

My build has been completely documented in the Cafe section, if interested.


http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=12497.msg114907#msg114907

Here are some finished pics.

thanks for the nomination and your consideration.

~Joe

 

[Vince Lupo]

Here goes again...

I bought my 1966 Honda CB77 SuperHawk 6 years ago, after a rather long hiatus from motorcycling (I started motorcycling in 1985, and sold my CB900F in 1990 to go back to school). I had always wanted a vintage British motorcycle, and every time I asked anyone about them, the first thing they'd say to me (no kidding) was "Well it's not like owning a Honda". After about the 5th time hearing this, I thought, "Why don't I just get an old Honda?". At that time, Walneck's had run a period review from Cycle Magazine on the CB77, and the reviewers at the time (1965) absolutely loved it. And, also in that very issue, my bike was advertised for sale by the original owner in Chicago. Might say that all the stars fell into alignment...

This is a really bad shot that the original owner sent to me 6 years ago. This is basically what the bike looked like when I got it. Torn seat, rusty-holey mufflers, big turn signals, high bars, old cables, rotting tires, a few missing/wrong parts, but it actually ran reasonably well (it is a Honda, after all!).

Yes I was a happy camper indeed! This is the day it showed up at my door in May of 2004.

The early beginnings of the 'art project', circa 2004.....hmm, not quite there.

During one of its many incarnations -- this was when the motor was being redone.

Behind the sidecovers lurks the heavy-breathing K&N filters, married to those miraculous Amal 626 carbs.

Another Incarnation (my 'gaiter' phase) -- Butler's Orchard, Germantown, Maryland.

So the idea with this seemingly ugly duckling was to take the best of Britain and meld it with the best of Japan. As well, I approached the project as incorporating the types of period modifications that someone could have done back in the 1960's, and I've taken pains to be as period correct as possible in this regard. I studied period photos, 59 Club archives, watched The Leatherboys a few times, and was (and still am) a voracious reader of Classic Bike Magazine. Basically, it's taking a classic Japanese bike and creating a vintage British story around it.

I'd always admired bikes like BSA Spitfires, Manx Nortons, Norton Commandos, Triumph Bonnevilles, and the new Triumph Thruxton. I took many of the cues from these bikes and incorporated them into this creation, some of which include: Hand-painted checkered stripes on the tank and both fenders (Thruxton), hand-painted red coach lines on the rims (Matchless, Vincent), crossed Japan/checkered flag motif with recently painted ribbon with '1966' painted (BSA), and Norton Commando rear shock knobs, to name just a few. As well, there are some vintage British bike parts on this bike: AMAL 626 carbs, John Tickle headlight brackets, Bill Selby bacon cutters, pedestrian slicer from a pre-unit Triumph, Stadium bar-end mirror, Hagon shocks, front springs from a Triumph, Altette horn, Norman Hyde / TOGA Gold Star mufflers, NOS 1960's dealer badge from Brook Motorcycles, Beston Gran Turismo grips, handlebar-mounted pocket watch holder w/1960 Ingersoll 'Triumph' pocket watch, reproduction tax disc (Dec. 1966) and Halcyon tax disc holder.

Here is the total rundown (more or less) of what's been done (this has been done over the 6 year period):

Rebuilt engine (0.25 o/s), new pistons, new valves, ported and polished the head, new seals, bearings, advance unit, coils, charging system, electronic ignition, rebuilt transmission, new clutch, painted and powder coated the engine, new bolts, custom front end w/Frank's Engineering fork tubes, progressive internal suspension, external springs and custom machined aluminum cups for the springs, Hagon rear shocks w/Norton Commando shock knobs, Amal 626 carbs w/K&N air filters, K&N breather filters, Akront rims w/stainless spokes, polished hubs, 1960's Bill Selby bacon cutters (specifically made for the SuperHawk), Dunlop K82 TT100 tires, new brake pads, wheel bearings, new cables throughout, Sprocket Specialists sprockets w/Tsubaki chain, Norman Hyde/TOGA Gold Star Mufflers (very loud!), headlight conversion to replaceable H4 bulb, PowerSonic gel battery, CYB (race) Honda hydraulic steering damper, newly chromed everything, large Altette horn, replaced the seat cover and had custom white piping added, 1960's Stadium bar-end mirror, Magura levers, PJ Speedos pocket watch holder, everything custom painted, custom decals and custom detail painting. I'm sure I'm missing a bunch of things -- basically everything from stem to stern was done, and sometimes multiple times in order to achieve the right 'look' (for example, the front end was reworked three times before I was happy with it).

As far as the projects go, I had things done as I could afford them, so not everything was done at one time. I'd have things done over a winter, ride it the next year, do more research, then make changes/additions the next winter, etc etc.

This is the only bike I own, and as a result, it gets ridden. The second year I had it I rode from Baltimore to the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group's annual show just west of Niagara Falls, Ontario (about a 1200 mile round trip). I've ridden it to Mid-Ohio twice (1000 mile round trip each time), and I rode the bike to the AMCA's National Rally in Rhinebeck, NY two years ago (over 900 miles roundtrip). The plan this year is to go back to Mid-Ohio in July, and MAYBE to the Barber Museum in October (about 1000 miles each way). Last year I logged over 4100 miles on this bike, and over 16,000 miles total since I've owned it, and I don't ever plan to get rid of it. Please bear in mind that this bike is only 305cc's, but it's the perfect size for me.

As a bit more shameless promotion, my bike is featured on the AMA's Vintage Motorcycle Days website: http://www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com/news/article.aspx?id=1894

This will probably be the only bike I'll own, and I'm very honoured to have been nominated for Bike of the Month. Thanks again!



On the Way to Mid-Ohio last year - in the pouring rain!

Flying along the back roads in Maryland.

On the Way to Paris (Ontario!)

Mid-Ohio

Mid Ohio

At the Cafe Racer Tent at Mid-Ohio last year

At the AMCA Grand Nationals - Rhinebeck, NY., June 2008

Put on your headphones, turn it up to 11, and hang on!

 

[bradwsm]

Well thanks to all for getting my little dirt bike up here. My long time family friend gave me this bike after 10-15 years on the side of a barn, this the bike I cut my teeth on during summer break in junior high. So with some new excell rims, avon tires, vortex clipons, gs250 front end fists full of fiber glass and a healthy dose of optimism this is what I ended up with, not to mention boat loads of parts required to make it blow the blue smoke. Thanks again for geting me up here with the rest of these bikes, holly crap!!!!!

 

[Redbird]

Tim, the pics in the poll section is a great touch. Thanks

 

[Tim]

Shrunk them down a bit more to make it easier to see them all without so much scrolling.

 

[Bobdot]

First off, thanks to everyone on this forum for being the coolest people I dont even know (not to mention talented). Without a place like this half these bikes would never have seen the light of day, mine included. I bought my 350 in 2007, rusty and not running, but with a few cafe cues already in progress (clubmans and a handmade glass seat). Took three years, three apartments, and two garages to get her where she is now. Did all the work myself apart from the engine rebuild which was taken care of by the good people at Liberty Vintage here in Philly. They also hooked me up with a sweet set of carbs. Helping hands and eyes came from and continue to come from great friends and a suprisingly understanding girlfriend. Its really cool to see that other people dig it, I for one am in love with it and cant wait for the next round of mods..... but for now, I think I'll just ride the shit out of her. Thanks again guys! (and girls)

Philly represent!

Now to find some hot chicks to pose with her...Redbird, can you send some up north for me?

 

[t71ford]

Vince's bike has got to be the cleanest freaking bike I have ever seen. And he rides it in the rain

 

[Big R]

This is gonna be a tough one.... normally I know who my vote's going to right away. But this months selections are just oozing beauty!

Regardless of who wins, all the nominees should be proud to have such classy machines.

 

[thompsonmx100]

I had to vote for Vinces bike this month. Normally I pass over it (no offense) cause its not really my style. But this month I really took a look at the attention to detail he put into it, and just couldn't see that level of detail put into the other bikes. I mean dont get me wrong I would rock any of them but Vinces bike is just really well detailed.Then to ride it in weather that I would not ride in instead of putting the thing up on his coffee table is just awesome. Well I hope this is your month Vince.

 

[djelliott]

The amount of talent and skill around this place blows my freaking mind! Really! Every month it's hard as hell to pick just one. Awesome job to all the nominees. If I didn't vote for you it's not because I don't love your bike. It just means the dart I blindly threw at the wall landed on someone elses.

 

[Redbird]

Is it possible to change one's vote?

 

[RpBet]

Good Job Boys!

One day I hope to be able to build something that rivals the rest. Until then I will just drool at the rest.

Balls

Ryan

 

[Tim]

The poll is set up to not permit vote changing, but that can be changed. Maybe we need to have a poll on that

 

[Redbird]

Tim, thanks for responding. But upon further reflection, I feel that you shouldn't be able to change your vote once it's been cast. That way people can't "bandwagon" on somebody else if their guy is out of the running, or other such nonsense.

I was having "voters remorse" because I voted before I did my research. That's completely my fault, and I'll know better next time.
Again, Thanks. But nevermind.

 

[Stout]

Thanks for the nomination, it's an honor to be in the running for BOTM!
I bought my superhawk in January of '09 knowing full well it would be a huge project, especially since it was last registered in '79 - so basically since I was born, it hasn't been ridden I started with a complete tear down, painting the frame, powder coating many components, respoking the wheels... and rebuilding the engine, which was left with one spark plug out for who knows how long... so the one piston was completley rusted into the cylinder. The paint was all done on the cheap (it is rattle can Dupli Color sprayed in the basement). It's been a lot of work (which I'm sure it has for all the nominees) but I enjoy bringing things like this back from the dead. Just glad I found a site where people appreciate all of the hard work put into projects. Thanks Again! ~ Stout

Here is a picture of when I got it:

And a few pictures I took today:

 

[Traveler]

very nice bike!

 

[bradwsm]

Yes great bike stout. Hadn't seen it until this. thats one of the great thing about BOTM. Also like to here I'm not the only duplicolor rattle caner. Honestly you got my vote!

 

[Tim]

This is shaping up to be one of the closer BOTM races yet - good stuff!

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

I might as well throw a dart... they are all awesome! True inspiration.