Operation: Covid19 build

More clues to come....

But for now.......

Until Next Time...................

I've done it again....

Swap meets have become a weakness of mine over the last few years.   I get untold pleasure from rooting through bins and boxes and exchanging conservative amounts of money for rusty treasure.

I started the first day of my week off visiting the last CVMG meet of the season.

I was doing fairly well, securing a very good 3.25 x19 Dunlop K70, some handlebars, wrenches and a big box of AMC suspension parts (jampots and a set of Candlesticks).  Then the beaten up white pickup truck pulled up.

I immediately recognized the familiar shapes in the back,  a pair of singles (Matchless and AJS respectively) and a pile of parts.

The bikes were both rolling,  The AJS being an early model ('49 Model 16) and the Matchless a later one (1958 G3LS), identifiable by the larger, more square toolbox and oil tank. 


The cheerful owner mentioned the price for everything and the inner conflict began.  We chatted for a few moments and I politely excused myself before I could get drawn into the dark vortex of another project (or two).

I bumped into the owner twice more, who each time tempted me with a lower price;  I reluctantly accepted his card, repeating the mantra 'I will not call him, I will not call him, I will not call him...'

I spent the rest of the day and next in a sleepy, charming Ontario town not thinking about AMC heavyweight singles. 

Fortunately for me I had plenty to keep me busy, namely sanding down and repainting an otherwise lovely Honda Civic suffering from extensive clear coat issues.

As I sanded in the sun, listening to the 'Once upon a Time in Hollywood' Soundtrack (fantastic film by the way) my thoughts kept returning to the two forlorn singles.  Maybe I do have a problem, I thought to myself.

*I should mention that the G9 has not been forgotten,  I am waiting on some hardware and working out some rear wheel spacing issues.  Henceforth she will be referred to by her Christened name 'Mary Jane'.

By Wednesday my curiosity got the best of me and I called the owner of the bikes.  I was certain that someone had snapped them up;  This would put to bed the question of  'What if?' forever.

Surprisingly, they were still available.  "Damn it." said I over the phone line.

"What's the problem?" he asked.

"Now I must help re-home them." was my response.

I knew my good (dare I say old) friend Chris had been toying with getting another bike project.
After 25 years of on and off persuading, he had finally come around to the idea of English Iron.

He and I had worked on some projects simultaneously over the years and did some flipping of bikes in the late 90's and early 2000's.  At one point we both had vintage Minis.  His was completed beautifully and sold off,  mine was sold off unfinished.

After a brief phone conversation and some google image searches,  He was in!

A few days later, we were off to the country to the seller's home/garage which resembled something from American Pickers.

Cash was exchanged, the bikes and parts loaded up.   It was apparent that Chris had his sights set on the '49.

Not needing two bikes, what would become of the '58?

Yes, she is sitting in my garage.  Thankfully I had just cleaned up and cleared some floor space!

A full assessment will be forthcoming.

Stay Tuned!

Free Bike! 1970 Yankee Boss 50

This was gifted to me by a dear friend and lovely co-worker from my old job.  She wanted this one owner bike to go to a good home, so I was happy to oblige.  All original and it takes up very little space!

This was made by a small company in Italy named B&M Bologna and sold in the US as a Yankee.

My plans are just to clean it up and ride around the neighborhood.

Life is full of surprises....

Mini Bike Magazine - Sept. 1970








Until Next Time.....

Goodbye and Hello..

Time for a quick update, as I have some more detailed posts coming soon.

Looking around my garage a couple weeks ago, I knew it was time for me to re-evaluate my priorities.  My bench and shelves were full and I was struggling to find more than a square foot of useable space.   This inevitably meant letting go of parts and unfortunately, long term projects that I would never get around to finishing.

After long deliberation, I decided it was time to find a new home for the two Bridgestones.  I enjoyed having them and can be proud of the fact that I rescued two obscure bikes and brought them back from the brink.   It felt good to know they were going to someone who is passionate about vintage Japanese bikes, something I cannot confess to.



While I enjoy a wide variety of two wheeled vehicles, at the end of the day my heart will remain with British motorcycles.  I have decided to finish up all my outstanding projects and actually enjoy them on the road.  A novel and lofty concept, I know!


I was able to use the money to pay a couple bills and invest in the proper Burman CP gearbox for the G9 and a couple odds and ends.  I can also store things a little more easily and actually get organized (for once).

In other news I have found a local company (an hour away) to re-sleeve the G9 cylinder using the NOS sleeve I bought on Ebay.  I have been quoted around $200.00 which seems quite reasonable for the work involved.   The firm is called Cycle Improvements, they have been around since 1981 and seem to offer a wide array of services.  I will update once the work is done and post a review.  I have also found a good old stock standard bore piston from a fellow in Australia.  If all goes according to plan, I should have a useable motor by the end of the summer.

Blood, sweat and beer..

Good news and bad news.  You can usually expect both when you start working on an old motorcycle.   I got both yesterday when I continued disassembly of the G9 motor.

After removing the pistons for measurement, I wiped them down and saw +060 stamped on the top.  

Unfortunately that is the kiss of death for Matchless cylinders, the absolute limit for boring. 

No point in having them measured now!

I did some research and managed to find one stock bore barrel in England for a good price,  some broken fins but I am certain that can be fixed fairly easily.  Perfection is a bit much to ask for a 65 year old bike.  I also found a NOS cylinder sleeve that would have to be pressed in.  I picked this up as more of a precautionary measure; I would prefer not to have to have this procedure done as it has dollar signs written all over it.  Big ones.  Hopefully another stock barrel shows up (the seller I bought from has his eyes out for one) and we can continue on.

The good news is that the bottom end looks good and rust free, the connecting rods also seem to be free of nicks and cracks.  As I mentioned previously, the crank does spin freely and it will of course need measuring.  I have the second G9 motor to play with as well.  I can take it apart, clean it up and harvest it for spares.  That is my 'practice' motor and will help me better learn how it all fits together.

Should you ever need it,  I found this handy chart to convert mm to ten thousdanths of an inch.

Conversion Chart

 I truly enjoyed the process of removing the pistons and taking things apart.  Cold beer at my side, I was able to focus on the task at hand and dull all the outside thoughts that sometimes distract me.   This may be something unique to someone with ADD, though I am sure it happens to others.  As I struggled to release the long held wrist pins (probably in there for several decades) I noticed a couple drops of blood on the engine casing.   I took another sip and finished the can, wiping my hand on a shop cloth. For the first time in a long while I felt like a motorcycle mechanic.

 I have to say,  It felt damned good.

Perspiration and Inspiration....

One of my goals with the Matchless G9 project is to make use of items that I have sitting around the garage collecting dust.  I really want to challenge myself creatively by using what I have to build something interesting, attractive and authentic.  By authentic I mean in keeping with a period feel, a machine that wouldn't have looked out of place 50 or 60 years ago.

I am on a severe budget this time and have to think on the level of the home engineer or true shed builder.  The budget needs to go to essentials such as gaskets, valves, springs and guides, piston rings (I am hoping just rings)  Main bearing and connecting rod bearings.  I also need to do some powder coating which is more economical than paint.   New tires and tubes will be required, new chains and wiring harness and cables.   Not a cheap enterprise, however the more I can salvage for the build and the more I can do myself will help considerably.

At best this machine is a 'Bitsa' with frame, engine and gearbox all coming from different years and models which are mercifully compatible.  This can be a special with none of the guilt of ruining an original bike.  That being said, my 'No Chop'  policy will still be in effect.

Here is what I have done so far;

1- cleaned up and de-rusted the barrels, tool boxes and clutch basket.  These are ready for powder coating.  I plan on having the bores measured this week.

2- I have ordered some parts,  mostly beat up and well used, I am currently massaging them back into shape.

3- started removing the swing arm tube in order to take the assembly apart.  Lots of sweat involved along with heat and penetrating fluid.  I am about 50% of the way there.

4- Research. Hours poured into reading articles, forums and parts books.  This is the most work of all so far.



Here is a short list of items (off the top of my head and shelves) that I have pulled down that may finally see some use!

1- Bates Headlamp (5 inch?) chrome NOS 1960's  (bought in 2007)
2- Black pillion pad  (I can't remember where it came from or when!)
3- Sparto style Taillight (bought in 2008 for my Triumph, never mounted)
4- Generic steel rear fender (bought in 2007 for a future project)
5- BSA rear wheel- Came with the Matchless, decent shape
6- A10 Super Rocket Fork legs (acquired from Andy who I met and posted about a few years ago here:  Another one gone

7- BSA front wheel- Ebay purchase from a while ago (compatible with the forks I have)
8- 60's era Leonelli switchgear (bought from a bin at the Paris rally in 2013)
9- 1966 Triumph Bars (originals from the 1966 TR6R project bike, my Father bought a NOS replacement set)

10- universal fork gaitors
11-  NOS 1960's/1970's universal mirror
12- Ceriani and BSA top and bottom yokes (not sure if either will work)
13- Bates style solo seat with springs-  I bought this in a parts lot on Ebay a few years back.


Now onto the inspiration portion of the post.  I have been asking myself what I want from this build, what is the vision and does that vision tie into my aforementioned goal?

My tastes run a little on the conservative side, I am the first to admit that.  I believe that British motorcycles are the apex of style, elegance, power and sheer beauty.  These aesthetics, the foundation laid so many years ago are still being imitated by both manufacturers and builders around the globe.  I couldn't imagine pouring heart, soul and wallet into anything less or anything else on two wheels.  The pictures below, pilfered from many different websites are my inspirations for the project.  You will note the similarities, single seat, pillion pad stripped down and lean in appearance.

This one has a fantastic look, simple and elegant, I would forgo the scrambler bars.

This is a concept drawing (not done by me!)  I like the stance, tank and headlight.  swingarm and disc brake are too modern for me.

Lovely as this one is, I chose it primarily for the colour contrast.  Perhaps something bright other than black? I really like the rear mudguard as well.

Other than the rigid frame this one is close (single cylinder engine aside)

Out of all of them, this is my favourite overall.  With a couple tweaks from the other pictures this could be it!

Now to get in gear back at Motocode HQ!  This bike will not build itself.....

Matchless by Reputation!

So you've decided to buy a basket case.

 You have soul stirringly romantic notions of taking a rusted heap and watching it rise, phoenix like from the ashes.

It is a daunting task, with dizzying highs and sometimes painful lows.  Your free time will evaporate as will your extra cash.

There are few things however that are as satisfying and provide such a strong sense of accomplishment.

Let me show you what I dragged home.

The photos don't tell the whole story as there was quite a bit more buried in boxes and other items.  

Here is the the rough breakdown:

2x Frames (one single downtube, one duplex cradle frame)

2x Carbs  (one monobloc and another, much older Amal)

3 x wheels (2 rears and a front)

2 x Oil Tanks (vastly different shapes)

3 x Toolboxes 

2.5 Engines

2 Front Mudguards

2 Rear Mudguards

1 gas Tank

4 x center stands

2x sidestands

1.5 Gearboxes

3 x Lucas headlights (2 were scrap)

1 x BSA lightning seat

2 x sets of rear shocks

1 x steering damper

1.5 front ends

0.5x wiring harness

3x coils 

Loads of nuts and bolts, frame mountings, odds and ends that I am still going through! 

I confess that I knew very little about Matchless other than the company history before I took this on.  It was evident that I was going to need help and lots of it.   Unlike Triumph and BSA,  AMC motorcycles are a little bit trickier in regards to identifying parts and part numbers.  All the vintage parts books and manuals are available for free online, however I found them challenging to decipher. 

The best solution was to join the owner's club, http://www.jampot.com/default.asp 

They have excellent resources as well as frame identification service, if you are a member you pay five pounds for the service.  Interestingly enough, Matchless and AJS don't have matching numbers as Triumphs do.  The frames, engines and gearboxes all have different numbers!  If you want to ensure that you have a matching unit (as it left the factory) there is a dating officer who can research factory records and provide a report.  

As I typed in the digits I quietly hoped that one of these bikes was a G11;  This was the last bike my father rode in England.   

Drumroll please...

Category	Frame No	Engine No	Gearbox No	Year	Model	Other Information
Road	A27XXX	(hidden)		1955	55/20	Engine No., Dispatch date, Test date, Dealer, Testers name

Category	Frame No	Engine No	Gearbox No	Year	Model	Other Information
Road	A7XXXX	(hidden)	(hidden)	1960	60/G12DL	Engine No., Gearbox No., Dispatch date, Dealer, Testers name

I wasn't surprised by the G12,  the duplex frame, oil tank and side covers looked to be from a later model (the last true Matchless product before the Norton merger)

After joining the Jampot forum, I was told by the gurus that my 2 engines (seen on the bench) were 500cc G9's  however the stamping on one was ground off and the other re stamped with strange numbers.  The experts reckoned that these were early circa 1951 or 1952.  That means the best of the the two will fit the 1955 frame, originally designated for the equivalent AJS model (20).

What to do with the big pile of AMC goodness?  

I have started by separating the G12 from the G9,  something I am still not finished and frankly will probably never fully achieve.  This is due to the fact that many parts were shared among the different range.  That being said, I have managed to get all the major G12 components up in the rafters and put away for future restoration.  I will likely get to it in a few years after some other patiently waiting projects have been completed.  The G12 could use some fresh casings and the crankshaft needs some serious rust removal.  I am told that the 650cc engines were prone to blowing up as they tended to be abused in the day and did not receive proper maintenance.  I have a very kind friend who has offered me a set for postage (he has been working on these for 50 some odd years.).   I intend to put that bike back together to mostly original condition.  

The G9?  I have a frame, 1 complete motor and one parts motor.  I have 2 toolboxes and an oil tank.  

I have spare odds and ends in my garage that have been collecting dust.   I think I have found the blank canvas that I was looking for....

Matchless in name....

It was bound to happen at some point.  With my years long thirst for classic motorcycles it was inevitable that I would one day get my hands on a Matchless twin.   They are beautiful, different and fewer in numbers than my beloved Triumphs and fairly uncommon to own these days (at least on these shores).

It was also inevitable and a following of tradition that that bike be in as many pieces as humanly possible.   I am however, getting ahead of myself.



Before I delve into the heart of this story, I need to put the spotlight onto my 1973 TR7V.    I haven't really spoken too much about this bike as it is point of shame for me.  What makes it a point of shame exactly?   The fact that it was bought in the summer of 2007 and still hasn't been ridden or finished yet.  There has been work done,  lots and lots of it in fact.  Engine rebuild, powder coating, gathering of parts.  I have so many new or new near parts that I can't remember how much of what I picked up 9 years ago is still there.  

I think for me the biggest problem was I kept changing my my mind about what I wanted.  With the explosion of the custom movement in the last decade,  The desire to create my own machine often took hold of me.   One could easily get lost on Bike Exif or Pipeburn being inspired by the various creations from around the globe.   The Creative side of me was longing for a canvas to express myself with.  Then there is the other side.  The traditional side,  the side that is angered by a good original bike being chopped for the purposes of said creative expression.  Do I express myself or do I make it 'Right'?   In the end, I decided on a path of compromise, involving change but not irreversible change.   This has been the journey of the bike for the last 9 years.   Do I want these pipes?  This headlight?  These forks?  etc.

Back around Christmas I decided to do two things.  One was watch the entire series of Happy Days from beginning to end (more on that in a future post,  Everything ties together.) The second was to finish the Triumph.   I was on track, purchased loads of parts from Walridge and Ebay and was all set to go. I told myself that at least one of my projects deserved completion.  I was all set to wrap it all up with a stock bow, when I found myself wanting this:

Not the actual Fonz bike, but a reasonable Facsimile.

The Fonz's Triumph.  Should I give the TR7V a Fonz flavour?  Then the wheels were turning again.

You may be asking at this point,  how the hell does any of this lead to a pile of Matchless parts?

Hang on, we are nearly there.

Being February, I decided to look around locally for any cool bits and pieces that might look good on the Triumph.  I like to follow the 'Market' and see what people throw up for sale and what they want for it.   A vague ad for 'Matchless Parts' with a couple of poor mobile phone pics caught my attention immediately.    The photos had an ominous feel to them, looking as though these forlorn parts were left in a barn, lost to time.  

I knew I shouldn't call and actually did resist for a couple days, but curiosity got the better of me.  Did I need another project?  Of course not,  however I could use some parts to sell to supplement my income during the lean months.  

I gave in and called the number in the ad and spoke to Dave, the owner.  He didn't seem to know exactly what he had, more or less a couple frames and engines and pile of other parts.  He was 3 hours away which didn't deter me as I had the time on my hands.  

My father came with me for this one, which is nice as we get to spend some time together.  At nearly 80 years of age I am blessed that he is physically still able to be a part of these proceedings.  I sometimes wonder if I keep doing this because I enjoy the journey;  The reflection on the drive there, the excitement of what the quest may hold.  There is also the joy of interesting, like minded people, visiting new places and seeing interesting things.  

We were greeted by the owner's father, a very eclectic fellow and Vintage Indian owner.  He had a very interesting barn/shed/machine shop.  One of his items on display was a steam engine he had built from scrap lying around and a vintage St Laurent boat engine from the 1920's  that he was restoring.  While we waited for Dave, his father took me up to the loft where everything was stored.

After a brief assessment of what I could see, I knew that the asking price was too high but that somewhere under all the rust and dirt there was a diamond waiting to shine.  I threw out a fair number that I could live with and a deal was struck.  We lowered everything down and into the car, which was full to the brim. 

On the way home I thought about the TR7 and felt a little guilty,  I told myself that it would roll this spring more or less as Meriden intended.  I looked in the rear view mirror and took in my new acquisition.

But what exactly had I bought?   

More on that next post.

Alive and Kicking................!

I realized today that it had been a ridiculous amount of time since I posted anything, so I decided it best to drop in a quick update! 

The Beetle project is indeed alive and well with quite a bit of work done! I have a bevvy of pictures to upload in the coming days depicting the current state of affairs.  Since Thanksgiving I have sourced parts (new fender, seats and bonnet from a '61)  Workshop manual (and what a massive tome it is!) New heavy duty floors from Cip1.ca and 1 heater Dansk heater channel.  I am patiently waiting my drivers side channel to arrive so it can be purchased, shipped and installed.  I am told the boat from Denmark docks next Monday, we shall see.   

Truly the biggest and most exciting news was captured in this video taken on December 24th. (see Below!)

With a new coil, HT leads, battery, distributor cap, rotor and ignition key our friend came alive!    

What a wonderful Christmas gift!   

Nothing can provide more motivation than hearing that project run for the first time.

A couple days later, I did an oil change and was very pleased that what came out looked pretty clean. It was evident that the PO had looked after the car (to a degree).  Once I get a little further in I plan on reaching out to him and letting him know that the Beetle is being resurrected.  

I had always heard that these cars were beautifully simple and joyful to work on.  I can honestly say that having only had the Water-cooled VW experience with my Rabbit and Fox those whispered words ring true.  This is a classic car for the everyman.  With limited tools and skills anyone can enjoy and take pride of ownership.  It is also the least expensive car project I have ever been involved with,  parts are plentiful from various corners of the world both NOS and reproduction.   It is very easy to understand how such a cult developed around these charming vehicles.  

Please stay tuned for more long awaited updates!  In the meantime here is video, enjoy!

New Beginnings and old promises..

I hadn't realized how long it had been since my last post!  In my defence it was a rather turbulent summer,  with a plethora of home renovations to perform, work and other daily duties it went by as a blur.  All the hard work and sacrifice have thankfully paid off and MotoCode HQ has now relocated to a beautiful new location!   Twice the garage,  a third of the traffic, bigger mortgage but so it goes.

I have enjoyed the last couple weeks immensely;  The longer commute to work, through the countryside and onto a freshly paved stretch of highway with few traffic lights, the quiet evenings and space both in the home and around it.   The leaves will be falling soon and the scenery will be magnificent, in my mind I can already see it.  Something tells me my enthusiasm for country living will wane when the snow hits, but for now I choose to remain elated.  

Although I have been preoccupied these last few months with the vagaries of selling a home, packing and relocating there have been some developments on the bike front.  The biggest news being the thinning of the herd.  

After long deliberation, I decided it was time to part with the 350 Bridgestone.  I hadn't touched it in a year and I had bought it on a whim in the first place.  I am happy to report that it went to good home, an army Captain bought it for his ailing father who longed to have another one.  His father had apparently done 44,000 miles 2 up back in the 60's with the Captain's late mother riding pillion.   

Of all the bikes I have ever sold, I probably feel best about this one.  It isn't very often where we have an opportunity to bring someone that close to fulfilling a dream or goal.  I look forward to seeing the end result and hope that with his permission I can share those pictures here.  

On the fresh project front, something has been haunting me of late and has caused me to take a turn away from my 2 wheeled friends.   If you have ever had one of those dreams, the type that seem to speak directly to you, perhaps this will make sense.  If you are like me, when your eyes close the mind drifts to a montage of hazy imagery, sometimes coherent, sometimes not.  Then there are those other ones, the variety that seem to follow you throughout the day and almost define the state you are in. They carry a message or meaning that causes a shift in thinking, making what was important a mere day before less significant.

Mine was about a vintage VW Beetle.  

The humble but iconic little car, ingrained in the public consciousness now for more than half a century.  The people's car was a big part of our family for 14 years,  having an especially big impact on my late sister as it remained her favorite car until the end of her life.  She had a large and eclectic collection of beetle collectibles such as die cast cars, belt buckles and postcards. 

My father had bought Victor from new at Gran Turismo motors in Winnipeg in the fall of 1968.  A 1969 'deluxe' model (which included a gas heater and rear defroster, deluxe indeed!) together they almost immediately set off to Ontario where my father had accepted a position with Westinghouse.   He was there through marriage, home ownership and the arrival of two children,  he was there through snow storms and trips to my grandmother's home in the country.  In my mind and I'm sure hers as well Victor was a member of the family.  Watching the old Herbie movies was even more special with a real VW to play pretend with! 

 When my father made the decision to sell Victor and move on to a Datsun wagon, It was upsetting and I can honestly say I felt a sense of loss.  He was sold to our neighbor at the time and thanks to Ziebart rust proofing when new, lasted several more years on the road.  

In high school, I nearly bought a super Beetle and I recently unearthed some VW magazines I purchased at the time when my father and I recently cleaned up the attic.  I can't clearly remember what got them back into my mind then,  but I know what has returned them to my mind now.  The dream.  It was that dream where I remembered a promise made to my sister;  that one day I would find her a Beetle she could call her own.   

So the decision has been made and cast in stone.  The liquidation of assets has begun and superfluous items sold off to raise the funds.   I am still working on the finite details, I won't be diving in headfirst.  I know that whatever model I end up with will certainly look early (pre '67) regardless of what year it is made.   I have started to gather up small pieces to restore individually in bite size portions.  So far this is only a pair of early headlights and a bonnet, but it's a start.  

I can't say I have ever felt a sense of peace regarding a project before, but this time I do.  There is no anxiety, urgency, obsession.  There is only a sense of time and fulfillment knowing that I am being true to my word.  

Watch this space! 

We'll always have Paris

Got back from the Annual CVMG rally this afternoon, my first time actually arriving on a Saturday rather than the Friday. I had a good time as always, but found it was well.......lacking.  It seemed that there was a lot of space left unfilled, fewer stalls, fewer project bikes and a lot of rusty crap with rather high price tags.  This is first time I have left with money in pocket having spent less than $75.00.  An all time record.  Not to say there wasn't temptation.  I nearly went home with a smooth running All State 100CC made by Gilera that would have been an easy project.  The price was right, but with 3 Bridgestones, Triumphs and other projects 1 more would have just been greedy.  Besides handsome as it was, where would I use it?  I know, nonetheless that little bike will haunt me for a long time.  Much as it hurts, if you can't say no sometimes you know you have a serious problem!!   I will let the pictures do the talking from here out.

Really nice Husky, McQueen style.  Not sure if it was for sale or not.

This little Italian Charmer was fantastic beyond words, I wanted to adopt it!

These Kawasaki 350 Avengers were clean enough to eat off of...

A neat pair of restorable Cushman scooters!

Veri neatly built Aaermachi Special 

Rise of the Bridgestone Baron?

I'm not sure how it happened.  A scant few months ago, the word 'Bridgestone' was hardly in my vocabulary, save for the tires I just had removed from my Triumph.

Fast forward 2 months and I am deep in the throes of bringing a 175cc Dual Twin back to life with a 90cc sport waiting in the wings.  Over the weekend,  my father and I left for a 7 hour round trip through scenic cottage country in Ontario to acquire this;

Yes, it is another Bridgestone...The big one, the most desirable one.  An early GTR, 350cc the biggest bike the company ever made.  When new, these were only $80.00 to a $100.00 less than a brand new Triumph Bonneville!  It is estimated that fewer than 8,000 units were ever produced and at that buy in price, that's hardly surprising!

This all started innocently enough, I swear.  I may have mentioned before that the most expensive aspect of restoring a bike these days is shipping costs.  There have been items I've purchased that were more expensive for me to ship than buy!

I thought perhaps it might be best to reach out to the motorcycle community and see if anyone had any bits and pieces lying around.  I got a response from a very nice gentleman who had this 350 collecting dust in his garage.  He offered it at a price that I couldn't turn down, even when factoring in the purchase of gas and the cost of renting a van for a day.  I had actually never seen one up close and personal before and they just don't seem to exist anywhere, let around these parts.

The seller was really a Honda guy at heart, he had about 7 of them!  I wish I had taken a picture of his immaculate and unmolested 1971 CB350.  It was a true survivor and a rolling time capsule.  It didn't feel right to ask to take the pic, he seemed like a fairly private guy so I wanted to respect that.

In addition to the bike, he also threw in these goodies;

I haven't gone through the box yet, I did notice an NOS crank, spare tail light lens, extra carb and sprocket.  The extra tank is in better shape than the one on it, so I will clean, polish and swap.

Here are some better shots after a bath in warm simple green (great product by the way) and a spray down.  I have given some of the chrome a light polish with WD40 and steel wool to see what I am up against.

Could this be the actual mileage?

I haven't delved into this bike too deeply yet.  I am inclined to believe that this could be a 5000 mile bike based on a few factors from my initial impression.  The tires are matching Bridgestones, which could very well be original.  It also appears as though everything is original and further to that in fairly good condition.

  I won't be getting into this one too deeply yet, she has good compression and kicks over freely.  My plan is to actually get it to run and clean up as much of the rust as I can.  I really don't want to restore it, I prefer to have an intact original with some great patina.  Also, it's unlikely that I will be able to afford to at this point!

Next post I will discover what year this gem was built in, catalog some parts and get back to some 175 business!  Stay Tuned.....

Please enjoy the fantastic John Barry theme song from 'The Persuaders' one of my favorite shows of all time.

Cheap Thrills!

I took a little time out yesterday to clean up my latest acquisitions, a  pair of neglected Bridgestones I wrote about in my last post.   Every time I mention the name 'Bridgestone' to friends, it is met with a confused look or cocked eyebrow.  In light of this, I will clarify a few things about the origins of the marque.

Bridgestone motorcycles were produced in Japan between 1953 and 1971 and distributed in North America by the Rockford corporation of Illinois.  This is the same company that produces tires that many of us use today on our cars and motorcycles.  Bridgestone offered high performance two strokes with innovative features (more on that later) for a very fair price.  What happened to the bikes you ask?  Rumor (or legend) has it that the big four (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki) made it clear that if Bridgestone continued to compete for bike sales, it might be time to find another tire supplier.  

Anyway, on with the relics in my garage!

It seems that the power washer was not enough to strip away all the filth on the larger one, but the little one came out just fine.

Whenever I take on something like this I generally seek a group of experienced enthusiasts who can offer advice, guidance and sources for parts.  I was lucky enough to find http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com and was offered membership to their forum.  The wonderful thing about obscure marques, be it car or motorcycle is they tend to draw a small but dedicated fan base.  The site is run by a fellow named Richard who has a plethora of NOS parts and is reachable by phone or email.  He has parts manuals, factory manuals, vintage ads, magazine articles and more all posted for download (for free I might add) on the site to members.  

I presented the pictures of this little beast to the group, the initial impression is that it may be a 90 Sport deluxe, however it seems to have parts from other models that may or may not have been dealer installed.  The serial number was too hard to read, I will need to remove the tank and sand the area around the stamping and spray with WD40.  That will usually make it easier to read.    

On to the bigger model;

This one is a 175cc Dual Twin, produced in January of 1966.  There was also a very neat Scrambler version with high pipes with the name 'Hurricane'.   With the styling, it could have blended easily into a Gerry Anderson program like Captain Scarlet or perhaps Thunderbirds.  

This is definitely the rougher one, but I have decided to tackle it first.  The primary reason is the fact that I now have a lovely wife at home who has never ridden before. Having her to start on a 750cc Triumph twin is probably a very poor idea.  This is a good height for her, she can pick it up if need be and the power won't be too off putting.  

Considering the very low cost of NOS spares and the easy availability, this budget build should not take as long as some of my other projects.  Both bikes turn freely and have decent compression, The fuel tank is decent and very clean, although the chrome is shot.  My plan is sandblast and powder coat. 

Here is a quick list of what I know I will need.

1. Headlamp and speedo

2. Side Cover

3. ignition switch (or key for the one I have)

4. Tires and tubes

5. seat recovered

6. wiring harness

7. battery

8. new coils

9. Cables

10. Handlebars and likely controls.

11. fork seals

My goal?  To do this up for a total budget of $1500.00.  

Now for the stripdown!