~ Where I finally get to build a bobber ~
We’ve all had that feeling. The feeling that something bad is about to happen, and in that split second, it does. After the mini-shock and realization of what just happened hits the brain, there’s generally a string of expletives that … Continued
Buddhism teaches me that nothing is permanent; all things change. When it comes to breathing life back into old bikes that have been sitting for a length of time, there is one constant: All carburetors need to be cleaned. Alright…I’m … Continued
Valve-check intervals depend on many factors like cam profile, lobe hardness, the kind of followers or buckets, valve weights, average rpm and so on. Manufacturers run tests to determine valve train wear and set inspection intervals accordingly. The first few … Continued
The ZN is actually in fair condition for being 31 years old and, for the most part, was probably taken care of. The side covers, on the other hand, haven’t aged gracefully. There are a lot of bobbed bikes (and … Continued
It’s the little things that can drive me crazy. Not that I need any help in that department. Some time ago, the inside of the fuel tank was cleaned. It was, in fact, cleaned three times—once by the interim owner/seller … Continued
After reading a multitude of internet threads about painting motorcycles, here’s how I painted the ZN’s tank using just rattle cans. Yeah, you really can do that—or so I’ve read—so I decided to give it a shot…both out of curiosity … Continued
Is it just me or is there something supernatural about a good cleaner? It’s almost like a religious experience, isn’t it? Okay, maybe it is just me. It’s possible I may be a bit fanatical in this area. When you … Continued
Next up on the bike are (a) priming the tank and (b) seeing if the motor turns over. I have all the materials on hand and I’m itching to do both, but since I’m momentarily hampered by both polar-bear weather … Continued
With reality and impatience biting at my heels (see previous post), I decided to improve my patience at a later date and, instead, deal with ‘reality’ by cleaning the tank with a revised process that can be done safely indoors. … Continued
N–E–W. For such a small word, it can really get the juices flowing. For instance, just think of that new car smell. Who doesn’t like that? How about that new (to you) motorcycle sitting in the driveway. A new job. … Continued