Complaints or Wisdom
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 348
Likes: 5
From: The mitten state
I too agree, I miss these values expressed. Too much rub vs "biker", sport vs. cruiser etc.
And I started out on yamaha 80. A 250 was a BIG bike.
I'm 62 been riding since I was 12, dirt and road. Many different brand of bikes including 7 Harleys.
And I once owned a 441 victor when I was 17! So for those old enough, know I know how to wrench or I would have walked home most days.
Friends used to laugh that I should drag a bucket to catch the parts that 441 shed as I rode. I also had two Triumphs and two other BSA.
Ride safe!
And I started out on yamaha 80. A 250 was a BIG bike.
I'm 62 been riding since I was 12, dirt and road. Many different brand of bikes including 7 Harleys.
And I once owned a 441 victor when I was 17! So for those old enough, know I know how to wrench or I would have walked home most days.
Friends used to laugh that I should drag a bucket to catch the parts that 441 shed as I rode. I also had two Triumphs and two other BSA.
Ride safe!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 52
From: Ottawa Canada
Probably the best post i have read in a long time, my thinking is this, if its worth doing , do it right, also do it right the first time and be done with it. Yes i am one of those guys who solder and shrink wrap, i don't cut wires or use electrical tape as these methods never last.Old School i am
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: in a BIG mansion with servants
Good post.
I got my first bike at the tender age of six (lawnmower abortion minibike that I needed help to pull start) and have been riding/racing ever since. I'm 56, so 50 years riding to date.
At this stage in my life I can afford to pay to have my (8) bikes, (7) cars, and two boats worked on, but I do it all myself anyway.
I always stop to help a rider with trouble, and I don't care what it says on the tank. Never did.
I got my first bike at the tender age of six (lawnmower abortion minibike that I needed help to pull start) and have been riding/racing ever since. I'm 56, so 50 years riding to date.
At this stage in my life I can afford to pay to have my (8) bikes, (7) cars, and two boats worked on, but I do it all myself anyway.
I always stop to help a rider with trouble, and I don't care what it says on the tank. Never did.
OK - 1980 FXB - For those of you who get it. I've spent many hours and about $135 over the last 10 days. New switches and wiring up front, correct length front brake line, stop light sensor for rear, and bled front and rear, disassembled and cleaned the starter, carefully disassembled and cleaned S&S B (no kit), properly adjusted the clutch, replaced oil lines, fuel crossover, cleaned plugs, flushed gas tank, and some major cleaning and degreasing on those areas you don't see.
Not only does the starter turnover well, starts right - 2 kicker, even though I got her as a keeper and limited rider, I'd jump on her and roll anywhere if needed.
I'm just amazed that people will have a nice bike - clean the shiney parts - and do nothing to the heart and soul of the machine and wonder why it won't go.
Kinda laughing on the inside because I'm sure the guy I bought it from thought he got to me and was glad to get rid of her.
I love it when a plan comes together. She does mark her territory, but she's the real deal.
Not only does the starter turnover well, starts right - 2 kicker, even though I got her as a keeper and limited rider, I'd jump on her and roll anywhere if needed.
I'm just amazed that people will have a nice bike - clean the shiney parts - and do nothing to the heart and soul of the machine and wonder why it won't go.
Kinda laughing on the inside because I'm sure the guy I bought it from thought he got to me and was glad to get rid of her.
I love it when a plan comes together. She does mark her territory, but she's the real deal.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: rock island illinois
OK - Only about 5%-10% of the people on this forum are as old as me, I've been riding and working on bikes for 45+ years and there is so much I still don't know - but these things I believe;
It's your bike - tall - low - narrow - fat - black - green - pink I don't care, if you like it and it makes you happy - that's what it's all about.
Here's the gripe - your bike will only take you as far, fast, and safe as the time and effort you put into the things nobody sees.
Galvenized bolts and 6 spacing washers don't belong on a Harley - get the right lenght and hardness for the application. Twisted wires and electrical tape or even cheap crimp fittings might works for your trailer lights, but your bike deserves better - nice solder job and shrink wrap. You may have as many as 10-12 colors of wire 20ga - 6ga, don't splice everything with red-black - white 12ga and think you did a good job.
Somebody somewhere needs every part you take off, so don't trash em. If you need the money you can get a fair price, if you have a brother in need give it to him, he'll be a friend for life and be there when you need him.
Last - Help a brother when he's down and enjoy his company every chance you get. Biker (if you have to ask or try {you're not}).
It's your bike - tall - low - narrow - fat - black - green - pink I don't care, if you like it and it makes you happy - that's what it's all about.
Here's the gripe - your bike will only take you as far, fast, and safe as the time and effort you put into the things nobody sees.
Galvenized bolts and 6 spacing washers don't belong on a Harley - get the right lenght and hardness for the application. Twisted wires and electrical tape or even cheap crimp fittings might works for your trailer lights, but your bike deserves better - nice solder job and shrink wrap. You may have as many as 10-12 colors of wire 20ga - 6ga, don't splice everything with red-black - white 12ga and think you did a good job.
Somebody somewhere needs every part you take off, so don't trash em. If you need the money you can get a fair price, if you have a brother in need give it to him, he'll be a friend for life and be there when you need him.
Last - Help a brother when he's down and enjoy his company every chance you get. Biker (if you have to ask or try {you're not}).
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Probably not, I only check out others bikes if asked to or I ask, but there are a few in any town that don't know where that line is. I've done low budget and a few I spent more than I should have. Learned 20 or so years ago - I'll never dog someone elses scooter - I just like clean so I can see any leaks or problems early and I try to do proper repairs so I don't have to do it twice.
I believe I should be able to climb on any of the bikes at any time and ride until I'm done - not because the bikes done.
I believe I should be able to climb on any of the bikes at any time and ride until I'm done - not because the bikes done.
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