All two-wheeled-related. Anything about bikes and riding.
The worse the economy gets, the more popular motorcycles become. They’re a cheap – and fun – way to get around. “Rat bikes” – older models that maybe don’t look showroom-new anymore but run fine – even more so. You can still find mechanically sound, if a bit aesthetically impaired, rat bikes for $2,000...
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Why are some people into motorcycles? The answer, of course, is because motorcycles are fun – and affordable fun. And why are they affordable fun? To a great extent, because motorcycles are still free of government-mandated encrustations. They are arguably what cars would be today had government not got into the business of “engineering”...
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One of the problems with “safety” laws is they amount to someone else’s cost-benefit analysis. Someone else’s favoring of more this vs. less of that. Someone else’ determination that the Pros outweigh the Cons – as they define them. A good case in point: motorcycle helmet laws. The practical argument is they reduce head...
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Old bikes, like old cars, are neat. But also like old cars, owning one involves some challenges. If you’ve never bought an old bike before, here’s a Thought List of things to consider before you take the plunge: * Can You Handle Maintenance? One of the weird things about motorcycles is that they get...
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I almost have a motorcycle again – vs. a pile of unsightly parts! My rebuilt crank (fresh seals, new rod bearings – the works) arrived about two weeks ago all the way from Merry Olde England and since then I have devoted all available free time to getting the S1′s mighty-mite 250 cc triple...
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It’s down to the heart of the matter – the engine. I separated the crankcase halves – which is tougher than it sounds when you are dealing with an almost 40-year-old machine that has been sitting idle for at least the past 20. The first thing you’ve got to do, after removing incidentals such...
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Regulars here know I’m in the process of restoring an old Kawasaki motorcycle – a 1975 S1C Triple. I love the bike’s lines and looks – but I also admire its engineering. Which is startlingly simple. Because it’s a two-stroke. There is much less to the engine – parts and physical size-wise. The entire...
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Motorcycles are a lot of fun. They’re also relatively inexpensive to buy – and they get great gas mileage. But if you’ve never ridden before, there are some things you should know before you decide to throw a leg over: * Motorcycles (and scooters) take more skill and involvement to operate than a car...
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The S1C’s bodywork – including the tank – is now finished and installed. Everything has been repainted in the correct Halibut Blue, with correct reproduction decals and pinstriping. The finish – done by Precision Motorcycle Painting – is modern base/clear. The original factory finish was lacquer/enamel, with no clear coat. To get an...
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There is light at the end of the tunnel – in fact, I can almost hear the spitting and popping of my soon-to-be operational S1′s two-stroke engine. But first, a segue into the cosmetics. I just got word from Craig over at Precision Motorcycle Painting that my tank, side covers and tailpiece are done....
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