NMR = Non Metalworking Related

This contains some metalworking content, but not enough for me to really
feel comfortable leaving it generic...

I've got a friend selling two Kawasaki Concours motorcycles... One was
damaged in a fall about two years ago but is just about totally fixed...
Registered and insured. Street legal except for a non-functioning blinker I
think. The second is a running parts bike.

I'm thinking about making a commuter bike out of it - sort of a "naked
connie cruiser" thing... Looks won't matter. Just the huge gas tank, lower
insurance and no real concern for the condition or cleanliness of the
machine other than safety checks, etc.

Anyhow... I know there are folks here who ride. If anyone wants a shot at
these, I won't feel bad letting it go to someone who would actually make use
of it, because I probably would buy them and let them sit for three years
and then re-sell them anyhow... Just too darn busy these days. I have
photos.

Anyone ever actually bought a spare bike and made use of it like this or do
you guys think I'm wasting my time? The only real work I would do it the
machine would be to remove the stock fairing, add an aftermarket headlight,
signals and gauges and make it the "naked cruiser" that I think it would
look great as... It needs a shield around one coolant hose that the fairing
protects and maybe the radiator... Or I could leave the fairing and be like
everyone else...

Some minor fab... Nothing major...

Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

In article Ue08g.391$Ky5.143@trndny08, Joe AutoDrill says...

Anyone ever actually bought a spare bike and made use of it like this or do
you guys think I'm wasting my time? The only real work I would do it the
machine would be to remove the stock fairing, add an aftermarket headlight,
signals and gauges and make it the "naked cruiser" that I think it would
look great as... It needs a shield around one coolant hose that the fairing
protects and maybe the radiator... Or I could leave the fairing and be like
everyone else...

If you're going to commute on it, consider where and when you
will be riding. If it's highway, and you're going to be serious
about it (ie, will you leave home on the bike when it's raining? Will
you ride if you're pretty sure it will be raining by the end of
the day, even if it isn't in the morning? What's your cutoff
temperature going to be?) or there are more than
about 20 highway miles, consider leaving the fairing on. You can
always take it off later.

The concours as such is not a bad commuter bike for highway use.

For local backroads commuting my bike of choice has become a dual
sport, Kaw KLR250. Light, comfortable, eminently dirt-roadable,
easy on gas, and can do limited highway excursions.

OTOH street fighter/rat bike conversions are pretty tasty.....

Jim


--
==================================================
please reply to:
JRR(zero) at pkmfgvm4 (dot) vnet (dot) ibm (dot) com
==================================================

In article Ue08g.391$Ky5.143@trndny08,
"Joe AutoDrill" wrote:

NMR = Non Metalworking Related

I'm thinking about making a commuter bike out of it - sort of a "naked
connie cruiser" thing... Looks won't matter. Just the huge gas tank, lower
insurance and no real concern for the condition or cleanliness of the
machine other than safety checks, etc.

Have you ridden it? I (being big into lotsa range and carrying space)
thought I wanted one until I test-rode one. Two things - an amazingly
effective heat the rider effect (good for winter, perhaps), and a Very
Tall, Very Top-heavy bike. I brought it back, muscled out of it trying
to make me buy it by trying to fall over (did I mention top-heavy and
tall?) in the driveway, got back on my UJM with too-small gas tank and
air-cooled motor, and rode off to look for something better behaved.

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by

If you're going to commute on it, consider where and when you
will be riding. If it's highway, and you're going to be serious
about it (ie, will you leave home on the bike when it's raining? Will
you ride if you're pretty sure it will be raining by the end of
the day, even if it isn't in the morning? What's your cutoff
temperature going to be?) or there are more than
about 20 highway miles, consider leaving the fairing on. You can
always take it off later.

I ride 35 miles each way. 28 on the highway... I ride in all weather
conditions except icy roads... But I've considered that. Cut-off
temperature for me has always been around 25 F. but with a Connie, I'm
hoping I can get plug-ins... Rain won't stop me, but snow covered roads
would...

The concours as such is not a bad commuter bike for highway use.

Exactly. I have a Valkyrie now so I'm trying to maintain my dignity.

For local backroads commuting my bike of choice has become a dual
sport, Kaw KLR250. Light, comfortable, eminently dirt-roadable,
easy on gas, and can do limited highway excursions.

I would LOVE a KLR. A friend has the 650. Too tall for me even lowered...
The 250 would be perfect if I didn't weigh in at 260 lbs... But I'm working
on that.

OTOH street fighter/rat bike conversions are pretty tasty.....

And the Connie seems like the perfect bike to make one out of IMHO. Can you
say temptation? Heck... I'd cover all vitals in aluminum "skin" and make
it a true "weird" bike that works wonders.

Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

Have you ridden it? I (being big into lotsa range and carrying space)
thought I wanted one until I test-rode one.

I've ridden one... Not extremely comfortable for me, but then again, I'm
comparing it to my 400-500 mile days on the Valkyrie...

Two things - an amazingly
effective heat the rider effect (good for winter, perhaps), and a Very
Tall, Very Top-heavy bike. I brought it back, muscled out of it trying
to make me buy it by trying to fall over (did I mention top-heavy and
tall?) in the driveway, got back on my UJM with too-small gas tank and
air-cooled motor, and rode off to look for something better behaved.

It might be a bit tall for me. That is one mod. I'm looking at. Lowering
it by an inch or so... Maybe two. Since it's a commuter bike, the seat
doesn't matter much to me. Might consider shaving it down to bare bones and
dealing with it for the measley 45 minute ride.

I like the fact that I can go to and from work more than once without
refueling and that the power and speed are comparable to my regular ride -
but in a slightly more sporty form...

But... It IS top heavy. I've got strong legs... But in winter, you've got
to be real careful. Think it'll receive knobbie tires? LOL...
--


Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

In article Fo18g.5163$re6.2512@trndny04,
"Joe AutoDrill" wrote:

But... It IS top heavy. I've got strong legs... But in winter, you've got
to be real careful. Think it'll receive knobbie tires? LOL...

Speaking as someone who has ridden in the snow; avoid it. Knobbies won't
do much for you on the road. A third wheel might help. I think you could
do better (given your pre-judgement that if you need to do too much with
it you'll just sit on it for a few years and end up selling it) starting
with a bike that fits better, rather than frigging with one that starts
out uncomfortable. Given the length of your commute and your stated
weight, you could do fine on less gas with a 500-650 as a commuter - no
problem hauling two people at highway speeds on a 650, and they suck
less fuel than a 1000 doing the same job. Fab a monster tank (or dredge
one up at the boneyard) if you can't find one with a tank big enough to
suit; but 140 mile range (two trips to work and back) is quite feasible
from stock.

If you do drop some poundage, a 350-400 offers great range by virtue of
sipping gas while still needing to have a respectable-looking gas tank
in place from the factory. There were some nice dual-sport 350's
available in the '90s - presumably the same ones still are (used), I
have not paid much attention to what's coming out (new, overpriced) now.

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by

Speaking as someone who has ridden in the snow; avoid it. Knobbies won't
do much for you on the road. A third wheel might help. I think you could
do better (given your pre-judgement that if you need to do too much with
it you'll just sit on it for a few years and end up selling it) starting
with a bike that fits better, rather than frigging with one that starts
out uncomfortable. Given the length of your commute and your stated
weight, you could do fine on less gas with a 500-650 as a commuter - no
problem hauling two people at highway speeds on a 650, and they suck
less fuel than a 1000 doing the same job.

I was considering a used VStrom 650... Has the gas tank already for close
to 300 miles on average and is as "quick" as the Valkyrie up to around 75
MPH. Then it starts to loose out... But has plenty of "insert data here"
to please me all around.

Fab a monster tank (or dredge
one up at the boneyard) if you can't find one with a tank big enough to
suit; but 140 mile range (two trips to work and back) is quite feasible
from stock.

I can get 140 miles on the Valk... But I'd love a 200+ mile tank. Fabbing
a monster tank could be fun... Especially if I got creative with the shape
and all.

If you do drop some poundage, a 350-400 offers great range by virtue of
sipping gas while still needing to have a respectable-looking gas tank
in place from the factory. There were some nice dual-sport 350's
available in the '90s - presumably the same ones still are (used), I
have not paid much attention to what's coming out (new, overpriced) now.

The KLR250 someone mentioned is awesome... And I suppose I could take the
backroads to and from work even if it does add an additional 15 minutes to
the commute. After all, I['m on a bike, right?
--


Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

On Tue, 09 May 2006 12:51:00 GMT, "Joe AutoDrill"
wrote:


Anyone ever actually bought a spare bike and made use of it like this or do
you guys think I'm wasting my time? The only real work I would do it the
machine would be to remove the stock fairing, add an aftermarket headlight,
signals and gauges and make it the "naked cruiser" that I think it would
look great as... It needs a shield around one coolant hose that the fairing
protects and maybe the radiator... Or I could leave the fairing and be like
everyone else...

Some minor fab... Nothing major...


You are mixing two different criteria here Joe..reliable transport and
cosmetics. While they may together inhance the "riding experience",
they do not necessarily correspond.

I road a stripped down Goldwing for some years. Ugly as hell, but
reiliable as an anvil. (and about the same handling). I then went to a
Honda VF-700. Fairly reliable..and clean..but made my back hurt on
each daily 90 mile ride.

Then I went to a old R90/6 BMW. Totally reliable, needed paint, etc
etc..but thats all I needed. Reliability. The simple fairing was a
requirement for rain/fog, but I never looked through the badly fogged
plastic..but rather over it. I seldom washed it..prefering to use a
putty knife every 6 months or so to remove the layer of bugs one picks
up when riding 90 miles daily through farms and planted fields, and
the layer of coyote one also tends to pick up.

But it was my daily driver for over 5 yrs and frankly..I didnt care
what it looked like...Im not into the Biker Lifestyle.

If its dead nuts reliable, and will get you from points A to B..and do
so safely..(it IS a motorcycle)...then go for it. All else is icing on
the cake. If you want pretty..get a custom Harley. If you want
reliable..there are far better choices than Harley. I dont know much
about the bike in question so cannot answer to its specific
reliablity.

Gunner

The aim of untold millions is to be free to do exactly as they choose
and for someone else to pay when things go wrong.

In the past few decades, a peculiar and distinctive psychology
has emerged in England. Gone are the civility, sturdy independence,
and admirable stoicism that carried the English through the war years
.. It has been replaced by a constant whine of excuses, complaints,
and special pleading. The collapse of the British character has been
as swift and complete as the collapse of British power.

Theodore Dalrymple,

On Tue, 09 May 2006 14:09:41 GMT, "Joe AutoDrill"
wrote:

Have you ridden it? I (being big into lotsa range and carrying space)
thought I wanted one until I test-rode one.

I've ridden one... Not extremely comfortable for me, but then again, I'm
comparing it to my 400-500 mile days on the Valkyrie...

Two things - an amazingly
effective heat the rider effect (good for winter, perhaps), and a Very
Tall, Very Top-heavy bike. I brought it back, muscled out of it trying
to make me buy it by trying to fall over (did I mention top-heavy and
tall?) in the driveway, got back on my UJM with too-small gas tank and
air-cooled motor, and rode off to look for something better behaved.

It might be a bit tall for me. That is one mod. I'm looking at. Lowering
it by an inch or so... Maybe two. Since it's a commuter bike, the seat
doesn't matter much to me. Might consider shaving it down to bare bones and
dealing with it for the measley 45 minute ride.

I like the fact that I can go to and from work more than once without
refueling and that the power and speed are comparable to my regular ride -
but in a slightly more sporty form...

But... It IS top heavy. I've got strong legs... But in winter, you've got
to be real careful. Think it'll receive knobbie tires? LOL...


Have you considered looking for a ratty but reliable BMW boxer?

Gunner

The aim of untold millions is to be free to do exactly as they choose
and for someone else to pay when things go wrong.

In the past few decades, a peculiar and distinctive psychology
has emerged in England. Gone are the civility, sturdy independence,
and admirable stoicism that carried the English through the war years
.. It has been replaced by a constant whine of excuses, complaints,
and special pleading. The collapse of the British character has been
as swift and complete as the collapse of British power.

Theodore Dalrymple,

You are mixing two different criteria here Joe..reliable transport and
cosmetics. While they may together inhance the "riding experience",
they do not necessarily correspond.

Nah. I'm wondering out loud whether the additional "stuff" that you see as
cosmetics might enhance the riding experience during different seasons or
protect the vitals that were under the fairing to begin with.

I road a stripped down Goldwing for some years. Ugly as hell, but
reiliable as an anvil. (and about the same handling). I then went to a
Honda VF-700. Fairly reliable..and clean..but made my back hurt on
each daily 90 mile ride.

Ahh... The Goldwing must have been something like my current ride -
Valkyrie. Except with less power. Don't really know what I would do on
the VF. I borrowed a Hayabusa for three weeks recently. LOVED the power.
Hated the seating position and the constant threat of jail time and large
tickets... It was too easy to suddenly find yourself doing 20-30 MPH over
the limit.

Then I went to a old R90/6 BMW. Totally reliable, needed paint, etc
etc..but thats all I needed. Reliability. The simple fairing was a
requirement for rain/fog, but I never looked through the badly fogged
plastic..but rather over it. I seldom washed it..prefering to use a
putty knife every 6 months or so to remove the layer of bugs one picks
up when riding 90 miles daily through farms and planted fields, and
the layer of coyote one also tends to pick up.

But it was my daily driver for over 5 yrs and frankly..I didnt care
what it looked like...Im not into the Biker Lifestyle.

Most of the time, I would have to totally agree. I ride for the enjoyment
and dress for safety whenever possible. However, I also like a reliable
machine for the safety too... So I wash it once in a while to see what
might be broken, missing, loose, etc.

My Valk is kept sparkling clean - just like I'd keep a Ferrari if I could
own one. It's my hobby - my fun - my mistress.

If its dead nuts reliable, and will get you from points A to B..and do
so safely..(it IS a motorcycle)...then go for it. All else is icing on
the cake.

Agreed!

If you want pretty..get a custom Harley. If you want
reliable..there are far better choices than Harley. I dont know much
about the bike in question so cannot answer to its specific
reliablity.

Harley... Not for me. I like to ride, not suffer.

....Now all the Harley guys hate me....

Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

In article ti18g.2239$Zf3.1302@trndny01, Joe AutoDrill says...

I ride 35 miles each way. 28 on the highway... I ride in all weather
conditions except icy roads... But I've considered that. Cut-off
temperature for me has always been around 25 F. but with a Connie, I'm
hoping I can get plug-ins... Rain won't stop me, but snow covered roads
would...

This sounds familiar. My cutoff is 20F, below that it's too much
like work. I only have to go 14 miles each way so that helps too.

Knobbies don't work on snow. You need studs or chains.

A small amount of snow (dusting) isn't a problem, but slush or
snow melt (clear runoff from snow banked up by the roadside,
basically melt water that will re-freeze hard, thin, slick and
nearly invisible) is. I'd consider leaving the fairing on to
start.

I recently purchased a '78 bmw R100RS, which a former owner had
stripped of the stock full fairing. A buddy gave me an "S"
fairing - of R90S fame - and though it's small it gives a suprising
amount of protection. You can purchase a small bikini fairing
like that from aftermarket sources (see dennis kirk, etc) very
very inexpensively for possible retrofit if you do remove the
stock concourse bodywork.

If you do decide to go with a dual sport, tires are critical. You
can't really ride safely on road with knobbies, it's just too much
work. Get some 50/50 on-off road tires (I run metzler sahara3s) and
the road performance is truly amazing. Granted you sacrifice
off-road ability (dirt or gravel roads are about the limit) but
in dodgy weather conditions or uncertain tracion situations on
the road, I'd much rather be on the KLR than any of the other
bikes I own.

Jim


--
==================================================
please reply to:
JRR(zero) at pkmfgvm4 (dot) vnet (dot) ibm (dot) com
==================================================

Have you considered looking for a ratty but reliable BMW boxer?

No. Heard too many negative things about the heads being exposed and the
fact that maintenance is expensive when needed. Plus, the cost is right for
this bike... I don't think I can find two BMW boxers for $1500 in running
condition around these parts.
--


Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

On Tue, 09 May 2006 18:26:56 GMT, Joe AutoDrill wrote:
Have you considered looking for a ratty but reliable BMW boxer?

No. Heard too many negative things about the heads being exposed

I'm not sure that this matters, really. I never had a problem with my
BMW in that regard. The carbs were a bitch to synchronize but if
anything, the geometry made that easier.

and the
fact that maintenance is expensive when needed. Plus, the cost is right for
this bike... I don't think I can find two BMW boxers for $1500 in running
condition around these parts.

Well, that much is probably true. But I wouldn't worry about the design
of the Beemer, it's well thought out.

I'm not sure that this matters, really. I never had a problem with my
BMW in that regard. The carbs were a bitch to synchronize but if
anything, the geometry made that easier.

Carbs... You wanna talk about carbs? The Valkyrie has six... I think I
can handle the two Beemer carbs.

Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

On Tue, 09 May 2006 18:50:11 GMT, Joe AutoDrill wrote:
I'm not sure that this matters, really. I never had a problem with my
BMW in that regard. The carbs were a bitch to synchronize but if
anything, the geometry made that easier.

Carbs... You wanna talk about carbs? The Valkyrie has six... I think I
can handle the two Beemer carbs.

Well, you need a Uni-syn. Found mine the other night, in fact. (doing
deep cleaning in the shop.) Finding quite a few things I forgot I had
in fact.

This sounds familiar. My cutoff is 20F, below that it's too much
like work. I only have to go 14 miles each way so that helps too.

I'd ride in colder weather, but it usually isn't feasable to dress properly
when going to work. The stay-puff marshmallow man look doesn't work well
and I want to keep my riding gear clean so throwing it on the floor here at
the shop doesn't work for me.

Heated gear is next... But I'm too busy to wire it properly right now...
Yes... That busy during my "free" time.

Knobbies don't work on snow. You need studs or chains.

I've ridden in snow before, but I was a teen and it was a smaller 2 stroke
off-road bike... I can imagine that any street machine short of a very
small dual-sport would be difficult to handle... It was somewhat of a joke
that I'd ride in real snow.

A small amount of snow (dusting) isn't a problem, but slush or
snow melt (clear runoff from snow banked up by the roadside,
basically melt water that will re-freeze hard, thin, slick and
nearly invisible) is.

I've dealt with that the past few winters... As long as it isn't a terribly
large runoff, it is usually manageable.

I'd consider leaving the fairing on to
start.

But it is so darn UGLY... I love the look of the bike with no fairing.
I'll shoot you - or anyone else photos if they want to see it. I'm not
married to it yet, but it is a great bike for the moolah.

I recently purchased a '78 bmw R100RS, which a former owner had
stripped of the stock full fairing. A buddy gave me an "S"
fairing - of R90S fame - and though it's small it gives a suprising
amount of protection. You can purchase a small bikini fairing
like that from aftermarket sources (see dennis kirk, etc) very
very inexpensively for possible retrofit if you do remove the
stock concourse bodywork.

I'm the guy you see in the winter with no fairings, no heated gear and no
protection other than clothing... Doing 500 miles in high 20's.... I like
the wind. It's like flying when you have wind and like being a passenger
without it IMHO. But that's my preference.

If you do decide to go with a dual sport, tires are critical. You
can't really ride safely on road with knobbies, it's just too much
work. Get some 50/50 on-off road tires (I run metzler sahara3s) and
the road performance is truly amazing. Granted you sacrifice
off-road ability (dirt or gravel roads are about the limit) but
in dodgy weather conditions or uncertain tracion situations on
the road, I'd much rather be on the KLR than any of the other
bikes I own.

The KLR650 rear knobbie lasta bout 3000-5000 miles max.... I'd go for
dual-use tires myself. Thanks for the tip!
--


Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

Carbs... You wanna talk about carbs? The Valkyrie has six... I think
I
can handle the two Beemer carbs.

Well, you need a Uni-syn. Found mine the other night, in fact. (doing
deep cleaning in the shop.) Finding quite a few things I forgot I had
in fact.

I know this is the wimpy answer, but I certainyl don't need that. I need
the Honda dealership about 5 miles from my home.
--


Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

On Tue, 09 May 2006 19:33:12 GMT, Joe AutoDrill wrote:
Carbs... You wanna talk about carbs? The Valkyrie has six... I think
I
can handle the two Beemer carbs.

Well, you need a Uni-syn. Found mine the other night, in fact. (doing
deep cleaning in the shop.) Finding quite a few things I forgot I had
in fact.

I know this is the wimpy answer, but I certainyl don't need that. I need
the Honda dealership about 5 miles from my home.

Where is your sense of adventure, Joe? 6 counter-interactive
adjustments don't sound like your idea of a good time?

(synching 2 or 3 carbs is enough for me...)

Where is your sense of adventure, Joe? 6 counter-interactive
adjustments don't sound like your idea of a good time?

(synching 2 or 3 carbs is enough for me...)

I think I'd rather hit my thumb with an old fashion hammer...

Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

On Tue, 09 May 2006 19:55:08 GMT, Joe AutoDrill wrote:
Where is your sense of adventure, Joe? 6 counter-interactive
adjustments don't sound like your idea of a good time?
(synching 2 or 3 carbs is enough for me...)

I think I'd rather hit my thumb with an old fashion hammer...

Oooh, did that once. 22 oz framing hammer, dimpled (Estwing). Was up
on a ladder nailing in the hurricane tiedowns (hold rafters to the top
plate) while I was building the house. My fire pager went off and I was
distracted during a swing. Hurt so bad my eyes crossed. Decided not to
go on that particular call, and instead to stay home and swear a lot.

Oddly enough that hammer has dissapeared.

Oooh, did that once. 22 oz framing hammer, dimpled (Estwing). Was up
on a ladder nailing in the hurricane tiedowns (hold rafters to the top
plate) while I was building the house. My fire pager went off and I was
distracted during a swing. Hurt so bad my eyes crossed. Decided not to
go on that particular call, and instead to stay home and swear a lot.

Oddly enough that hammer has dissapeared.

I think it found it's way to my thumb.... er.... tool box.
--


Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

In article VU58g.264$U25.100@trndny09, Joe AutoDrill says...

The KLR650 rear knobbie lasta bout 3000-5000 miles max.... I'd go for
dual-use tires myself. Thanks for the tip!

The 250 is very modest in power compared to the 650. But the
metzler compound is pretty soft, it's real sticky on the road
but does wear fast. As the tread goes away, the tires get
worse and worse off-road, the tread blocks get pretty rounded off.

Jim


--
==================================================
please reply to:
JRR(zero) at pkmfgvm4 (dot) vnet (dot) ibm (dot) com
==================================================

In article Dv58g.2083$NB6.800@trndny03, Joe AutoDrill says...

Carbs... You wanna talk about carbs? The Valkyrie has six... I think I
can handle the two Beemer carbs.

The Bing CV carbs are very stable and forgiving. To put this
in perspective, I rebuilt the carbs on my red bike about, er,
10 years ago. I've literally not had to touch them since
then - and that event was preciptated by one of the CV
diaphragms holing through.

BMW boxermotors are about the most solid, reliable, forgiving
machines around - given that you are talking about /6 and
above vintage, and before the oilhead boxers. The more vintage
stuff, up to about '71 or so, has some quirks. I run four of
them on a regular basis, it's an economy of scale thing.

For a naked commuter bike it's not a bad choice. There's a
fair example of typical bikes and prices here, look under
"bikes for sale, airhead twins:"

http://www.ibmwr.org/market/

You *should* be able to find a mid-70s /6 for around $1.5K or so.

Jim


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On Tue, 09 May 2006 20:23:18 GMT, Joe AutoDrill wrote:
Oooh, did that once. 22 oz framing hammer, dimpled (Estwing). Was up
on a ladder nailing in the hurricane tiedowns (hold rafters to the top
plate) while I was building the house. My fire pager went off and I was
distracted during a swing. Hurt so bad my eyes crossed. Decided not to
go on that particular call, and instead to stay home and swear a lot.
Oddly enough that hammer has dissapeared.

I think it found it's way to my thumb.... er.... tool box.

Heh. It's really annoying too, because I built the whole damn house
using that hammer (and the framing nailer that I sold to ...er, that
silversmith artist from Florida who hangs out here...sorry friend,
forgot your name). I bought another estwing, but this one isn't
dimpled, and the handle doesn't fit my hand like the older one did -
couple hundred pounds of nails worth of molding to my hand, y'know?

Certainly learned a lesson about not buying cheap hammers though. Went
through a couple before I bought the good one. Accuracy is so much
better on a tool that's made precisely. Not sure if it's balance, or
head / face geometry, or what, but once I got a good hammer, I stopped
bending over nails. I think, no, I know, there are exactly 3 bent over
nails in that house's framing. 2 of 'em in tight spots, of course,
where you have to do that throw-swing to get any force.

Anyone ever used one of those pneumatic palm nailers?

Joe AutoDrill wrote:
You are mixing two different criteria here Joe..reliable transport
and cosmetics. While they may together inhance the "riding
experience", they do not necessarily correspond.

Nah. I'm wondering out loud whether the additional "stuff" that you
see as cosmetics might enhance the riding experience during different
seasons or protect the vitals that were under the fairing to begin
with.
I road a stripped down Goldwing for some years. Ugly as hell, but
reiliable as an anvil. (and about the same handling). I then went to
a Honda VF-700. Fairly reliable..and clean..but made my back hurt on
each daily 90 mile ride.

Ahh... The Goldwing must have been something like my current ride -
Valkyrie. Except with less power. Don't really know what I
would do on the VF. I borrowed a Hayabusa for three weeks recently. LOVED
the power. Hated the seating position and the constant threat
of jail time and large tickets... It was too easy to suddenly find
yourself doing 20-30 MPH over the limit.

Then I went to a old R90/6 BMW. Totally reliable, needed paint, etc
etc..but thats all I needed. Reliability. The simple fairing was a
requirement for rain/fog, but I never looked through the badly fogged
plastic..but rather over it. I seldom washed it..prefering to use a
putty knife every 6 months or so to remove the layer of bugs one
picks up when riding 90 miles daily through farms and planted
fields, and the layer of coyote one also tends to pick up.

But it was my daily driver for over 5 yrs and frankly..I didnt care
what it looked like...Im not into the Biker Lifestyle.

Most of the time, I would have to totally agree. I ride for the
enjoyment and dress for safety whenever possible. However, I also
like a reliable machine for the safety too... So I wash it once in a
while to see what might be broken, missing, loose, etc.

My Valk is kept sparkling clean - just like I'd keep a Ferrari if I
could own one. It's my hobby - my fun - my mistress.

If its dead nuts reliable, and will get you from points A to B..and
do so safely..(it IS a motorcycle)...then go for it. All else is
icing on the cake.

Agreed!

If you want pretty..get a custom Harley. If you want
reliable..there are far better choices than Harley. I dont know much
about the bike in question so cannot answer to its specific
reliablity.

Harley... Not for me. I like to ride, not suffer.

...Now all the Harley guys hate me....

Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.

Nah , we don't hate you . Different strokes for different folks , I say .
As far as reliability , the new ones are much better than the old days . And
comfy too , from what I've heard .
I prefer my thirty year old bagger . Yup , I carry tools , but also know
my bike intimately , and know what is likely to give me trouble .

--
Snag aka OSG #1
'76 FLH "Bag Lady"
"A hand shift is a manly shift ."
shamelessly stolen
none to one to reply

I had a Connie for many years. Watch it if it (they) are 86's... they
had a tendency to eat their intake valves when ridden hard. My spring
retainers were hitting the rocker arms at 32K. Solution was a Paul Gast
cylinder head re-work. Stainless valves and some mild porting. My
goodness she ran a lot better after that fifteen-hundred dollar
infusion. And I hardly ever had to re-set the tappets. They ARE pretty
big, heavy bikes though, and you want to take it easy in greasy rain on
off-ramps and such. I never crashed mine but I came darn close a few
times. The stock Dunlops are great, but the front starts getting weird
after 3k of late braking. Good bikes overall, the gas tank is quite
big. Final drive never gave probs but grease the splines every other
rear tire change. I lost a water pump once. There's a 'junction box'
w/relays and such under the sidepanel that can go bad, mine never did.
Mine did like to eat speedo cables. Check out the Connie owner's group
(COG)-lotsa good compiled info there. I did get caught at work once and
rode it home in heavy, melting snow. Made it but was on tiptoes the
whole way. If there is ice you will fall down.

Ed Peterson

I've had too many hammers find my thumbs cheers

On Tue, 09 May 2006 19:17:09 GMT, "Joe AutoDrill"
wrote:

This sounds familiar. My cutoff is 20F, below that it's too much
like work. I only have to go 14 miles each way so that helps too.

I'd ride in colder weather, but it usually isn't feasable to dress properly
when going to work. The stay-puff marshmallow man look doesn't work well
and I want to keep my riding gear clean so throwing it on the floor here at
the shop doesn't work for me.

Cold weather?

Snowmobile suit. Thats pretty much all you will every need. Or ski
bib overalls. Hit the local second hand stores for ski wear or
insulated overalls. $20 most places.

Zip legs are fairly important if you can find em. When you get to
work, unzip the legs, unzip the front, and simply step out of it, and
stick it in your luggage boxes or in a gym bag. I like snowmobile
suits as they are generally waterproof.

Check out the local sports consignment stores. California has a chain
called Play It Again Sports. Snag a pair of steel shod off road
riding boots. Trust me..they are the ONLY way to go when riding long
distances. Ive got a pair of Hi Points with steel shin guards, with
one sporting a huge dent from something I never saw, that came up off
the road after an 18 wheeler hit it. Knocked my leg off the pegs, but
saved me from bad injury.

I watched a young guy and girl go down on the 210 freeway here in So.
Cal. She was wearing sandals, shorts and a tiny tank top, He was
wearing shorts,flip flops and a t shirt. He zigged to miss a brake
check, over did it, and went down on the paved shoulder. At about 65.

Ever see something thats been skinned poorly? The poor chick had a
nipple ground off..they both were instant candidates for massive skin
grafts. Ive seen some grim **** in my time..but seeing her skinned
alive nearly made me puke. She must have rolled when sliding at least
50 yrds..cause the only place that wasnt ****ed up was inside her
legs..and with her clothes ripped off..shrug. I wrapped the worst
spots with the gell burn packs I keep in the truck..but I didnt have
enough for a full body wrap for even her..and he was just as bad.

I cringe everytime I see morons dressed that way go by me.

I also like those bright orange with yellow reflector vests for city
driving. Shrug...they make you harder to miss..or easier to aim at...

Gunner


"The importance of morality is that people behave themselves even if
nobody's watching. There are not enough cops and laws to replace
personal morality as a means to produce a civilized society. Indeed,
the police and criminal justice system are the last desperate line of
defense for a civilized society. Unfortunately, too many of us see
police, laws and the criminal justice system as society's first line
of defense." --Walter Williams

On Tue, 09 May 2006 18:26:56 GMT, "Joe AutoDrill"
wrote:

Have you considered looking for a ratty but reliable BMW boxer?

No. Heard too many negative things about the heads being exposed and the
fact that maintenance is expensive when needed. Plus, the cost is right for
this bike... I don't think I can find two BMW boxers for $1500 in running
condition around these parts.

Most of the head issues are urban legands. Ive dumped em at speed, and
it just grinds up the valve covers a little bit. Nice thing is..it
doesnt trap your foot and leg under the bike while you are sliding.
Maint is easy, do it yourself, its basicly half a VW engine, dry
clutch, drive shaft. Part can be expensive or cheap, depending on
where you look and how much of a ripoff your dealer is. Bakersfield
has a rat bike dealer...Johnnys BMW.

If you hit something hard enough to **** up a jug..you are going to be
in far worse shape than the scooter.

I paid $600 for my '78 R90/6.
Ive got 187,000 miles on the engine..havent had the heads off yet.
Mine has points rather than electronic ignition..someday Ill do a
conversion.

Gunner


"The importance of morality is that people behave themselves even if
nobody's watching. There are not enough cops and laws to replace
personal morality as a means to produce a civilized society. Indeed,
the police and criminal justice system are the last desperate line of
defense for a civilized society. Unfortunately, too many of us see
police, laws and the criminal justice system as society's first line
of defense." --Walter Williams

In article , Gunner says...

Ever see something thats been skinned poorly? The poor chick had a
nipple ground off..they both were instant candidates for massive skin
grafts. Ive seen some grim **** in my time..but seeing her skinned
alive nearly made me puke. She must have rolled when sliding at least
50 yrds..cause the only place that wasnt ****ed up was inside her
legs..and with her clothes ripped off..shrug. I wrapped the worst
spots with the gell burn packs I keep in the truck..but I didnt have
enough for a full body wrap for even her..and he was just as bad.

A co-worker just crashed on the taconic last week. He was moving along
at 55 and a van changed into his lane behind him, and rear-ended him
at speed. He bounced off the front of the van, and slid and rolled
(long-ways, not endos) for quite some time.

Gloves, shredded. Riding jacket, shredded, boots, shredded.

But he was able to finish the ride home from work to his house, on
the bike, after all the police commotion stopped.

The gear works. Anyone who rides without it is just plain nuts.

I commute a lot, so it's a one-piece roadcrafter. Expensive, yes.
I rode for years in nylon snow suits and for a while in a nylon
flight suit. But they don't protect the way a purpose-built motor
suit does.

How much do skin grafts cost?

For the cost of one suit, I could pay for about 3.6 hours in a
hospital room.

My friends experience on the taconic shows the truth: the gear works.
His only regret is he didn't have riding pants on, so he's got a
4 square inch bit of road rash on one leg. He's getting riding pants
right away.

Jim


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Nah , we don't hate you . Different strokes for different folks , I say .
As far as reliability , the new ones are much better than the old days .
And comfy too , from what I've heard .

I LOVE the look and sound of a properly maintained and equipped HD.

My buddy has a full dresser and we ride all the time. He and I swapped a
few weeks ago and all I can say is that I'd love to have one in my garage
for parades, short rides (100 miles or less) or when I go to an event where
the model you ride matters... But to ride it like I do - which is
sauntering around for 300-500 miles on a weekend, it would kill me.

Plus, I hear his stories about maintenance costs. His last maintenance
(10,000 mile) cost more than half the price of my bike and it was routine
stuff.

I prefer my thirty year old bagger . Yup , I carry tools , but also know
my bike intimately , and know what is likely to give me trouble .

That is a beautiful thing. It's all a matter of preference, right? You do
that with your bike... I'll do it with my Opel GT or a 1960 Humber Super
Snipe if I can find one again.

I hope this thread doesn't become a bike brand debate...

Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

Cold weather?

Snowmobile suit. Thats pretty much all you will every need. Or ski
bib overalls. Hit the local second hand stores for ski wear or
insulated overalls. $20 most places.

They melt on the exhaust pipes. Don't ask me how I know.

Ever see something thats been skinned poorly? The poor chick had a
nipple ground off..they both were instant candidates for massive skin
grafts. Ive seen some grim **** in my time..but seeing her skinned
alive nearly made me puke. She must have rolled when sliding at least
50 yrds..cause the only place that wasnt ****ed up was inside her
legs..and with her clothes ripped off..shrug. I wrapped the worst
spots with the gell burn packs I keep in the truck..but I didnt have
enough for a full body wrap for even her..and he was just as bad.

One word. Idiots.

I cringe everytime I see morons dressed that way go by me.

I misread that and saw "Mormons..." Oy.... I need caffiene.

I also like those bright orange with yellow reflector vests for city
driving. Shrug...they make you harder to miss..or easier to aim at...

I wear them often. Mine says, "Port Newark Container Company" or something
like that. Found it, washed it, wear it.

Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

Okay, so I'm late and catching up, but Gunner
wrote on Wed, 10 May 2006 09:26:35 GMT in rec.crafts.metalworking :
On Tue, 09 May 2006 18:26:56 GMT, "Joe AutoDrill"
wrote:

Have you considered looking for a ratty but reliable BMW boxer?

No. Heard too many negative things about the heads being exposed and the
fact that maintenance is expensive when needed. Plus, the cost is right for
this bike... I don't think I can find two BMW boxers for $1500 in running
condition around these parts.

Most of the head issues are urban legands. Ive dumped em at speed, and
it just grinds up the valve covers a little bit. Nice thing is..it
doesnt trap your foot and leg under the bike while you are sliding.
Maint is easy, do it yourself, its basicly half a VW engine, dry
clutch, drive shaft.

dang, I wish I had written down what George told me. George drove a
Moto Guzzi, but told me of a mod then possible with "older" BMWs (this was
in 74), which basically involved removing the engine and sticking a stock
1200 VW pancake engine in. Apparently this added power and torque out the
wazoo. Draw back was that you kept having to stop and go back and pick up
whoever fell off the back.
But you could wind it up on the Interstate and be back before you left.
Oh, and the engine provided a nice foot rest (and warmer in the winter).


Your mileage will vary...

pyotr



--
pyotr filipivich.
as an explaination for the decline in the US's tech edge, James
Niccol wrote "It used to be that the USA was pretty good at
producing stuff teenaged boys could lose a finger or two playing with."

On Wed, 10 May 2006 14:10:27 GMT, "Joe AutoDrill"
wrote:

Cold weather?

Snowmobile suit. Thats pretty much all you will every need. Or ski
bib overalls. Hit the local second hand stores for ski wear or
insulated overalls. $20 most places.

They melt on the exhaust pipes. Don't ask me how I know.

True enough. On the Beemer...nothing gets close to the exhaust pipes
so I never worried about it. The VF-700 did melt a pair of those foam
type walk around in the snow boots on the inside, so I went to Sorrels
in the winter.

I've still got my full set of leathers, though the pants are getting a
bit tight in the belly ..blush...kevlar inserts in all the hard points
and I generally wear em when on long road trips, but when its 115F
here in the desert....they can be a bit hot.

One of the advantages of the Boxers..they will keep your legs warn in
the winter and a small windshield/fairing is generally good enough.
Mine sports a Luftmeister.

Gunner


"The importance of morality is that people behave themselves even if
nobody's watching. There are not enough cops and laws to replace
personal morality as a means to produce a civilized society. Indeed,
the police and criminal justice system are the last desperate line of
defense for a civilized society. Unfortunately, too many of us see
police, laws and the criminal justice system as society's first line
of defense." --Walter Williams

In article .com, Ed says...

I had a Connie for many years. Watch it if it (they) are 86's... they
had a tendency to eat their intake valves when ridden hard.

Ah, you might have wanted to check the parts book at the Kaw dealer,
they were known for putting softer intake valves in bike around
that vintage. My KLR (88) was needing those intake valves slacked
off nearly weekly until I decided to open it up and see what the
*heck* was going on. Good thing I did. I was able to push the
valves open with my fingers and drop out the keepers, they had
worn so much! The seats btw were just fine.

A trip to the dealer revealed an "updated" part for the intake valves
only. NB, my original ex valves never showed the problem. For a
hundred bucks I got new springs, valves, seals, and a head gasket.

I've checked them after that, but have yet to have to actually take
a wrench to them - nothing's moving now.

Jim


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