Rocinante Mecanico

My Kind of Artwork

2012-01-22T12:35:00.000-06:00

Infinite View

2012-01-17T15:23:00.001-06:00

Sunday Feature- !948 IOM TT

2012-01-15T08:51:00.001-06:00

Great video explaining a bit of the course as well as landmarks. Nice little movie.

Weekly Pin-up

2012-01-14T19:10:00.001-06:00

Early Norton Racer at Brooklands

Weekly Pin-Up

2012-01-07T09:42:00.000-06:00

Why We Do What We Do!

2012-01-04T06:14:00.000-06:00

New Year's Wishes

2011-12-31T13:01:00.001-06:00

Best wishes to all for the New Year!

Keep your wheels on the pavement!

This Week's Pin-up

2011-12-30T06:06:00.002-06:00

2011-12-25T07:45:00.001-06:00

MERRY

CHRISTMAS

Obscure Heroes of Motorcycling- #2 Ernesto Guevara

2011-12-13T19:25:00.000-06:00

Perhaps he is not so obscure since the movie "Motorcycle Diaries" but Guevara's love for two wheeled transport is less appreciated. His journey across South America is truly epic from both a physical and intellectual standpoint. This journey took place in 1951 lasting 9 months, covering 8000 kilometers, and culminated with a stay at the San Pablo Leper Colony in Peru. However, this trip was not his first. Exhibiting a certain amount of mechanical skill, Guevara in 1950 completed a trek through Northern Argentina of 4500 kilometers on a motorized bicycle he had built himself.

I believe that his penchant for two-wheeled transport was rooted in large measure to practicality and affordability. But I don't think I am wrong in saying that his choice involved the same romantic notions that many of us in the hobby are afflicted with. We all find enjoyment in the connection with the world around us as the wind blows through our hair. No doubt that this connection took on greater significance for Guevara. With his senses heightened, he became acutely aware of his environment eventually crystalizing into his personal philosophy. While I don't agree with the political endpoint, I do admire the foundation of Guevara's philosophy. He was a man of conviction and true adventurer both of which are marks of a true man. He also had good taste in motorcycles. Norton's are truly unapproachable.

Sunday Feature- H.P. Muller at the 1954 German G.P. on NSU Rennmax

2011-12-11T10:19:00.000-06:00

New Art----of a different genre

2011-12-06T17:56:00.000-06:00

Caught reference of this piece rifling through all the blogs I follow and I am completely amazed at the beauty of this piece. Turns out this small animated film titled Parigot is a graduation project from the Georges Melies Film School depicting a motorcycle chase in a fanciful Paris at the turn of the last century. As an aside, Georges Melies is credited with many special effect innovations of early cinema. Parigot as the short film is titled refers to slang term used to refer to a parisian by those of "province". Anyway, here it is and as an interesting juxtaposition I included the most noted Melies film Journey to the Moon filmed in 1902.

Weekly Pin-up

2011-12-02T13:36:00.000-06:00

Bileo Tartarici aboard a 125cc Benelli

His Message Lives On!!!!!

2011-11-26T16:43:00.000-06:00

Always thought mechanics made good cooks

2011-11-24T09:21:00.000-06:00

Very Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Think about it!

2011-11-20T21:03:00.000-06:00

Salute to all Veterans

2011-11-11T08:12:00.000-06:00

Weekly Pin-up

2011-11-11T08:10:00.000-06:00

Weekly Pin-up

2011-11-01T15:49:00.000-05:00

Sorry folks but I switched up the format a bit. My work schedule is out of control and can't always get around to posting Friday. I promise a Pin-up every week though.

Another Tragedy for Motorsport

2011-10-23T08:17:00.004-05:00

On the heels of a spectacular 2nd place finish at the Australian GP, my favorite rider and future star Marco Simoncelli passed away from injuries sustained in a crash on the second lap of the Malaysian GP. Simoncelli was a colorful character and seemed to be hitting his stride after a difficult if not controversial start to this season. Ironically, he passed away on the same course on which he clinched the 2008 250cc World Championship. His death is a tragedy and he will sorely be missed. R.I.P. Super SIC!!!!!

MARCO SIMONCELLI: 1987 - 2011

1987: Born in Cattolica, Italy on January 20.
1996: Runner-up in the Italian Minimoto Championship.
1999: Champion of the Italian Minimoto Championship.
2000: Claims a back-to-back title in the Italian Minimoto Championship and is runner-up in the European Minimoto Championship.
2001: Moves up to the the Italian 125cc Championship and wins the title in his rookie year.
2002: Wins the European 125cc title.
2003: Takes part in his first full season in the 125cc World Championship with the Matteoni Racing team.
2004: Joins the Rauch Bravo team and wins his first Grand Prix at a rain-soaked Jerez.
2005: Completes another 125cc campaign with the Nocable.it Race team and finishes fifth in the final standings.
2006: Moves up to the 250cc class riding for Gilera. Finishes the season in 10th overall with a sixth place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix his best result.

2008: June - Wins his first 250cc race at the Italian GP in Mugello in controversial circumstances when Hector Barbera crashed into him after Simoncelli appeared to try to block him off.
October - Wins the 250cc World Championship after a successful season with Gilera with a third place finish in the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang.
2009: Finishes third overall in the 250cc World Championship behind Japan's Hiroshi Aoyama and Spain's Barbera.
2010: Moves up to ride in his debut MotoGP season for Honda. Finishes 16 of the 18 races en route to eighth place in the championship.
2011: May - Collides with Dani Pedrosa while battling for second in the French GP. The resulting crash saw Pedrosa break his collarbone and Simoncelli receive a ride-through penalty, eventually finishing fifth. Simoncelli accepted he needed to re-evaluate his driving style and at times be more cautious.
June - Claims his first MotoGP pole at the Catalan GP but a poor start resulted in a sixth placed finish.
October 23 - Killed in a crash during the Malaysian GP in Sepang.

Sunday Feature- 1934 IOM TT with J. Guthrie

2011-10-23T07:55:00.000-05:00

A little philosophy.....

2011-10-23T07:45:00.000-05:00

It's still Friday -How about a Pin-up

2011-10-21T21:19:00.000-05:00

Montlhery in the rain

Friday Pin-up

2011-10-14T17:17:00.000-05:00

Dig that fairing!

Pin-up... way overdue!!!!!!!

2011-10-09T19:36:00.003-05:00

My Kind of Religion

2011-10-09T08:25:00.000-05:00

Friday.. well Saturday Pin-up

2011-10-01T07:35:00.000-05:00

Nice old Norton in Madrid

Sunday Feature- 1955 Giro d' Italia

2011-09-25T13:51:00.000-05:00

Friday Pin-up

2011-09-23T08:17:00.000-05:00

Starting young with great taste!

Friday Pin-up

2011-09-16T10:29:00.000-05:00

Darwell Stowe at Daytona

Obscure Heroes of Motorcycling Series- #1 Silvio Grassetti

2011-09-14T18:44:00.001-05:00

Silvio Grassetti was an Italian Grand Prix racer competing in the 250cc and 350cc classes. He rode for the Bianchi, Benelli, Jawa, and MZ teams. Grassetti was active from 1961-1963 and 1965-1973 posting his best year in 1969 finishing 2nd in the 350cc championship to Agostini. He won a total of 3 races during his career and retired in 1974 as a consequence of injuries suffered at Spa-Francorchamps. Ironically, Grassetti's last Grand Prix win was 3 years earlier at Spa in the video shown below.

9/11- Lest We Forget

2011-09-11T00:01:00.002-05:00

To those who have perished, I offer my prayers.

To those who have needlessly suffered, I offer my support.

To those who have helped, I offer my gratitude.

To my country, I pledge my allegiance.

God Bless America!

Friday Pin-up

2011-09-09T16:20:00.000-05:00

Mike The Bike at Aberdare Park

Friday Pin-up

2011-09-02T18:08:00.000-05:00

1959 BSA Goldstar

Friday Pin-up

2011-08-26T06:54:00.002-05:00

Sunday Feature- 1/10th the Capacity of My Bike but Faster!!

2011-08-21T10:48:00.000-05:00

Friday Pin-Up

2011-08-19T19:43:00.000-05:00

Remembering a Godfather Of Motorcycling

2011-08-17T19:43:00.002-05:00

Sadly, motorcycling lost one of its greats- Claudio Castiglioni. Mr. Castiglioni did for Italian motorcycles what Enzo Ferrari did for Italian cars. He was responsible for iconic bikes such as the Ducati 916 and Monster as well as the MV Augusta F4 and Brutale. His last coup was the purchase and return to to Italy of MV Augusta from H-D for 3 euros or $4.50. His passion and vision will be missed.

Captured Another!!!!!!

2011-08-14T17:25:00.000-05:00

It wasn't easy. They are wily buggers and capturing them requires guile as well as a bit of money. This addition to the menagerie is a classic bronze piece with eery similarity to the Cock-a-Snoots created by Jeff Decker. It's cast in bronze and was most likely made for fitment on an automobile judging from its base. I am still thinking about proper mounting options.

Friday Pin-Up.........Better Late Than Never

2011-08-14T16:32:00.000-05:00

Prophetic

2011-08-07T11:25:00.000-05:00

Friday Pin-up

2011-08-05T06:02:00.000-05:00

Does anyone feel like this?

Sunday Feature at Spa Francorchamps with Geoff Duke

2011-07-31T08:25:00.002-05:00

Friday's Pin-up

2011-07-29T18:08:00.000-05:00

GO AGO!

Friday's Pin-up

2011-07-22T08:25:00.000-05:00

Duke at Scarborough, 1953

Another Great Artist

2011-07-21T18:10:00.000-05:00

I can't overstate my love for bronzes especially those featuring motorsports. It's strange but the material truly lends itself to the subject matter easily capturing sharp technical features and the flowing lines of motion. Jeff Decker clearly is a master of the art but I have also featured Elvio Pantuano, an equally talented sculptor. So it was a pleasure to come across Francois Chevalier. What makes Chevalier different is his keen connection to motorsport demonstrated by an impressive curriculum vitae. Motorsport permeates everything he does including the thesis for his Bachelor's of Psychology on learning to drive! Here are a few examples of his work........

If you want to see more of Francois Chevalier's art go here.

Model 7 Dominator Bobber in the Making

2011-07-18T19:27:00.000-05:00

I have posted a couple of Model 7 bob jobs but here's one in the making. The frame is an early rigid "Garden Gate" with a girder front fork. The gearbox is perplexing but appears to be a "Doll's Head" or "upright" type. The front hub is a full width type which is a later dominator brake. Interesting mixture of eras present on this bike but like the the line. You can follow the progress right here at The Gasbox.

P.S. Just noticed the sectioned front downtube. Explains the rake.

Friday's......uhhh....Sunday's Pin-up

2011-07-17T10:10:00.000-05:00

Friday Pin-up

2011-07-08T17:02:00.001-05:00

How A Tragic Crash Could Save the World

2011-07-06T08:12:00.000-05:00

Please watch the video and then read on.

For me, motorsport combines the arts of engineering and design with the human element to create the purest expression of human achievement. It's allegorical. It's a clear expression of intellect and physical effort in the pursuit of competition. I watched this video several times and was struck by two things. First, I can only imagine the sheer horror of the situation and wonder what I would have done. I like to think that I too would have parked my car and struggled to free my friend from the inferno. Secondly, I wonder if that conviction to a higher ideal still exists in our sports heroes of today.

Purley clearly places the ideal of selflessness above that of self-glorification. Is that still true today? If you follow the Tour de France, you'll know that Alberto Contador, last year's winner, is being villified all along the course for capitalizing on Andy Schleck's mechanical misfortune in the 2010 Tour. His abandonment of the ideals of good sportsmanship has cost him dearly this year.

Sports is not the only human endeavor in which the recent sacrifice of higher ideals has manifest itself. The worldwide finacial crisis finds its roots in personal greed above fiduciary responsibility. Politicians focus more on the their personal legacies rather than their constituents' needs. Purley's story is one of doing the right thing regardless of personal consequences. Perhaps the world would be a better place if more people follow that example. Part of my attraction to vintage motorsport is in part due to those romantic ideals and fortunately many of my friends in the hobby share that perspective.

Couldn't Have Said It Any Better............

2011-07-04T16:05:00.000-05:00

in any language!!!

Happy Fourth of July

2011-07-04T09:42:00.000-05:00

" The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson

To all those patriots past and present!

Friday's Pin-up

2011-07-01T12:28:00.002-05:00

Friday's Pin-up

2011-06-24T17:23:00.000-05:00

Sunday Feature

2011-06-19T09:50:00.001-05:00

This is a bit more recent than my previous posts. It features the famous Laverda V6 racing in the 1978 Bol d'Or.

Delayed Pin-up

2011-06-18T09:55:00.002-05:00

Things like work keep getting in the way of the pin-up. I also had the flu. Anyway, here it is.

A Little Bit More Familiar.....Mystery Unraveling

2011-06-12T17:01:00.002-05:00

I wrote a post the other day titled "Something Familiar" discussing a motorcycle that I had seen via the Norton Model 7 forum on Yahoo. The bike is gorgeous and upon close inspection I noticed familiar Norton bits such as the Model 7 tank and laydown gearbox.

Imagine my surprise when 24 hours later I came across the bike up for auction on Ebay USA. It's listed as a 1931 James V Twin currently residing in Cognac, France and associated in some way with Tony Smith Racing. The bike itself comes with a pre-war class racing pedigree.

It is clear that not all the bits on this bike are pre-war or anywhere close to 1931. I did a few searches and was unable to find anything on a V-twin James. I had always associated James with lightweights and the engine reminded more of a JAP despite the advertisement to the contrary. I will admit that I am no expert. The gearbox is definitely a Laydown type with the kickstart blanked off. The frame has a double downtube and the centertube appears cut. Affixed to the centertube lug is a bolted rear section reminiscent of rigid ones bolted onto Triumph bobbers. It looks like a Garden Gate Frame save the front downtubes which could have been modified. Top the whole thing off with conical hubs and an early Model 7 tank and you have one hell of a bike especially with the girder forks.

The "nortoness" of this bike might be explained if the Tony Smith Racing associated with the advertisement is the same Tony Smith that campaigned a Gus Kuhn Norton Commando at the 1970 Bol d'Or. Tony Smith was an engineer and works rider for BSA in the sixties as well as winner of the production class at Brands Hatch in 1974 aboard a Gus Kuhn Commando. The possible "French Connection" is that Tony Smith ran a motorcycle racing school in France during the 70's. He was also a competitive TT rider.

Tony Smith

All I know is that if I had the cash I definitely would buy it. It's a special that mixes modern and vintage in a seamless and functional manner. It's a rider which makes the bike that much more appealing to me. I also love the backround of the photos. The Cognac region is gorgeous. If I really had the money, I'd buy the bike and it's garage if you know what I mean!

More Snoot

2011-06-12T09:43:00.000-05:00

Love it!

Friday Pin-up

2011-06-10T10:07:00.000-05:00

Rod Coleman IOM TT 1954

Something Familiar

2011-06-08T17:56:00.000-05:00

I have written a few posts on bobbed or modified Model 7 Dominators. I 'll admit that I have sounded like a crusty, old fart. I just haven't been "wowed"by the efforts. This picture is a bit different and arrives thanks to Rohan at the Model 7 forum on Yahoo. This bike is awesome with a very recognizable element- the beautifully sculptred petrol tank of the Model 7. It also features a rigid "Garden Gate" frame and norton laydown gearbox. Now that's a special!

Sunday Feature

2011-06-05T18:28:00.000-05:00

This video is absolutely awesome. the videois of a hillclimb race on the island of Jersey in 1954. It features ane EMC (the subject of a previous post) and miraculously enough a Model 7 Dominator. How could you spend three minutes or so any better but by watching this. Great Stuff!

Friday's Pin-up on Saturday

2011-06-04T08:39:00.002-05:00

Anybody know who this might be?

Memorial Day Thanks

2011-05-30T08:19:00.001-05:00

Special thanks today to all those men and women serving to keep America free and safe. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the line of duty and offer my prayers to those who given the ultimate sacrifice. SOLDIER ON!

Hanging in Baghdad 2009

More Cock-A-Snoot

2011-05-27T09:52:00.000-05:00

My fetish for the Cock-A-Snoot mascot is abundantly clear and I am always on the look out for any reference to it. I was not so randomly touring the internet when I came across this vintage advertisement featuring the mascot. The picture isn't the greatest but it does add more info to the history of the little devil. Seeing this has reinvigorated my desire to resurrect a classic version of the mascot based on one in my collection.Stay tuned!!

Friday's Pin-up

2011-05-27T07:59:00.003-05:00

That lucid moment before things go really wrong!

The Sunday Feature

2011-05-22T08:14:00.002-05:00

This a great film from the early days of motorcycle racing. What is intriguing is that it features a road race in an era mostly associated with board track racing. The end of the film has great shots of the racers and their bikes. A fabulous glimpse into the golden days of motorcycling.

Totally Outta Control

2011-05-20T14:35:00.000-05:00

Every now and then you meet somebody special via the internet. Never met him personally but I am honored to say that I contributed in a small part to Roland's masterpiece. I don't deal really in choppers but I do appreciate creativity and technical savvy when melded together to produce something truly special. It takes vision to transform a vintage, single-cylinder thumper into something this hot!!!!!!

The whole story of the building of this piece of iron hailing from Brittany, France can be found at Outta Control. Definitely worth a gander. Congrats Roland on a beautiful bike. Makes me wonder what's next.

Friday's Pin-up

2011-05-20T14:14:00.000-05:00

Friday's Pin-up

2011-05-13T13:49:00.000-05:00

Panning for Gold........

2011-05-07T07:56:00.000-05:00

I wish!!!!! At today's prices those flecks would pay for new rims and spokes. No, this is swarf when I cleaned out the oil tank a few weeks back. Not very reassuring about what is going on in the motor. These old bikes were never equipped with oil filters and relied on large oil ways and single weight, non-detergent oil to lubricate the entire engine. There is a great deal of debate about retro-fitting oil filters to these bikes to reduce wear and tear.I personally have come down to leaving well enough alone and run with single weight oil. I figure that running the bike under the conditions it was engineered is the way to go. After seeing this, I am not so sure.

I have a vintage filter system that would do the trick. The problem is finding a logical place to install it that is functional and aesthetically pleasing. I have tried a couple of options and none of them have really been suitable. Right now, I'll stick with the original option. Can't wait to see what I find in the sump.....hopefully gold doubloons!

Friday's Pin-up

2011-05-06T05:51:00.000-05:00

Check out the driver's riding gear

The Fortnight Feature Returns

2011-05-01T09:41:00.001-05:00

A Model 7 Owner's Lament

2011-04-30T17:37:00.001-05:00

I was perusing the postings on a forum dedicated to Norton Model 7's where a member placed a link to a 1951 Model 7 for sale on Australian Ebay. I am always anxious to view other Model 7's of my year in an effort to garner as much knowledge as possible about the bike. There seems to be a tremendous amount of variability in construction as well as sensible bodges that the term "period correct" always results in a fair amount of disagreement. Intrigued, I immediately took a look and was shocked.

My first impression was that it looked like a bobbed Harley particularly with the fishtail exhaust and fat tires. Closer inspection revealed a chimeric combination of Model 7 frame, Commando 650, and ES2. I have to say that with all due respect it is not a winning combination. I have posted another customized Garden Gate framed bike with a bit better results but I have to say that for one reason or another the Plunger-framed Model 7 doesn't lend itself to "bobbing" very well. I should state for the record that I enjoy customs very much but the term custom implies more than removing or bolting on stuff. I consider it an art-form involving creative and technical talent just take a look at my friend Roland at Outta Control.

The failure of of both of these bikes highlights a major problem with the early Model 7. Being a rare but not coveted bike, it suffers from poor spares availability especially tinwork. Enthusiasts are faced with a real problem in that it may take years to find the right parts at pretty steep prices. Prices difficult to justify in light of the modest price these bikes fetch at auction. The resultant choice is opting for a "custom". I know I have thought about it on more than one occaision. I don't have a real solution for this problem but I do have a lesson for those entering the classic motorcycle world. It's important to research the bikes one might be interested in with an eye to parts avalability, mechanical expertise, club support, etc. I also believe that old bikes have a soul and whether an owner chooses to do a restoration or a custom the motorcycle should be respected.

Finally, the bike pictured above represents the Alpha and Omega of Norton Twins. The Model 7 was Norton's first twin and naturally the Commando its last.

Friday's Pin-up

2011-04-29T06:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks and an Update

2011-04-28T20:55:00.000-05:00

I am happy to announce that I recieved my first sticker from one of my fellow bloggers. Big thanks to Roland, who is an outstanding metal worker and customiser. I will say that I am a johnny-come-lately to the sticker craze. I affixed this inaugural decal prominently in the lid of my toolbox mostly for inspiration.

If you want to see Roland's wonderful work check out Outta Control.

More importantly, I have to atone for my lack of regular posting attributable to moving my little family to a new house and preparing my enlarged workspace. I can't wait to get back into the groove!

Stay tuned for more posts including the regular Pin-up and Fortnight Feature.

Friday's Pin-up

2011-04-15T16:45:00.000-05:00

Fortnight Feature- 1953 Ulster GP

2011-04-10T12:34:00.002-05:00

Friday's Pin-up

2011-04-08T17:57:00.003-05:00

AJS Supertwin

Friday's Pin-up

2011-04-01T05:55:00.000-05:00

Finishing no matter what!!!!!!!!

Fortnight Feature- Daytona Beach 1949

2011-03-27T07:52:00.002-05:00

Friday's Pin-up

2011-03-25T05:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Steve Mcqueen!!!!!!!

2011-03-24T20:41:00.002-05:00

You are 84 today and you look better than ever!!!!!!!!!

Friday's Pin-up

2011-03-18T12:39:00.000-05:00

Early Speedway

Fortnight Feature- A Little Manx Action

2011-03-13T08:35:00.000-05:00

Belated Friday's Pin-up

2011-03-13T08:25:00.002-05:00

Restoration Work---Carburetor Rebuild Part 2

2011-03-06T09:55:00.003-06:00

It has been a while since Part 1 was written in large part due to the expanding scope of my restoration work. "Mission Creep", as the Army likes to call it, is the nemesis of any classic bike owner quickly transforming a simple fix into a major tear down. Despite being in deeper than I would like, I did finish putting the carburetor back together so I thought it would be a good time to pick up where I left off.

I alluded in Part 1 to the fact that the carburetor is the lung of the motorcycle. Carburetors depend on the venturi principle to accelerate air through its body to create a vacuum that vaporizes gasoline to form the combustion mixture. The elegant mechanism of jets, needle, and throttle slide all depend on the system being airtight. The same goes for the lung in which an air leak is termed a pneumothorax leading to compromised gas exchange even death.

Consequently, the first task during dismantling is the evaluation of all parts for wear that may lead to unwanted air leaks. Amal Carburetors are built from soft metals namely pot metal and brass and over time will wear. The photo below demonstrates a common wear pattern.

Throttle slide wear.

Notice that the wear pattern is eccentric. The inside of the carburetor body bears the same eccentric wear pattern; therefore, one cannot simply plop in a new slide. It's like fitting a circle into an oval and leads to an even bigger air leak than what you had before. This larger leak makes it impossible to tune the carburetor and probably explains the frustration many have with the Amal carburetor. The solution to this situation involves three options. The easiest remedy is just to buy a new carburetor. Buying new when one doesn't need to violates the central ethos of a classic motrocyclist and is an expensive proposition. It may also be impossible to find a new version of some of the rarer varieties. Recall from Part 1 that pre-monobloc carburetors within a certain type are not interchangeable. The code like 76AK/1AT fitted to my bike is a specifc combination of components of body and float bowl that vary in pitch, bore, and jetting. The other option is to ignore the situation and just put the old slide back and make due. In the middle is re-sleeving which in generic terms involves reestablishing the concentricity of the slide and body.

I opted for a solution that really isn't re-sleeving but a two-step process involving boring out the body round then making a stainless steel slide to fit the new bore of the carburetor body. An example of the slide is shown below:

The result is an airtight seal with enhanced durability thanks to the steel slide. My work was expertly done by Lund Machine and the throttle action is smooth as silk. At Lund Machine, they take your whole carb, clean it, modify it, and send it back at a pretty good price.

The other area of air leakage often overlooked is the junction of the carburetor to the manifold and manifold to the cylinder head. These mating interfaces need to be perfectly flat and generally suffer from years of mistreatment. This can be remedied by grinding both faces on a plate of glass with paste then fitting a new gasket. Resist the urge to reuse gaskets!! Also, don't over tighten the mounting bolts since that can lead to distortion ruining one's diligent work.

The other area that requires attention are the jets. Many enthusiasts clean jets with brass wire and the like but no matter how gentle one may be this changes the jet size. Over time, one inherits jets that are way out of specification leading to difficulties in tuning. I believe that all jets should be replaced with new ones. I would even go so far as to say that several different sizes should be purchased to take into account changes in gasoline formulation and sparkplug technology. A small variety of jets will provide the flexibility required to accurately adjust the carburetor settings. Fortunately, these adjustments are done in a stepwise fashion by component. Next time, I'll go through the mysteries of tuning the carburetor and we'll see the outcome. I promise that the next installment won't take so long.

Friday's Pin-up

2011-03-04T05:57:00.002-06:00

Fortnight Feature

2011-02-27T10:15:00.000-06:00

This really isn't a video but a montage that really hits home. Having recently lost my father and having been blessed three weeks ago with the birth of my son, I am particularly touched by this piece. As ephemeral as modern life is, I look to classic motorcycling as a sort of continuation of the lifes of our forebears. Working on my bike forces me to look back, employ techniques, and appreciate the workmanship of an earlier age. I hope I can hand down to my son the same legacy presented in this beautiful piece

Friday's Pinup

2011-02-25T10:46:00.000-06:00

Something Unusual- Part 2

2011-02-18T17:17:00.000-06:00

Last week I wrote about a cool little race bike that was for sale on Ebay. The Tehuelche 100cc racer is a rare marque. It is an innovative Argentine motorcycle that deserves a great home. Well, not this time. The auction stalled below the reserve price so who knows its future. If you want to know more go to my previous post. Here's a pic (I think it's safe now).

Friday's Pin-up

2011-02-18T05:54:00.000-06:00

The Fortnight Feature- Hailwood and Read at IOM 1978

2011-02-13T08:37:00.002-06:00

Friday's Pin-up

2011-02-11T07:12:00.001-06:00

Something Unusual

2011-02-09T11:53:00.001-06:00

I spend a fair amount of time researching stuff on the web. All you have to do to appreciate this is look at how many blogs I follow. I also check out multiple auction sites not the least of which is Ebay. There are definitely opinions out there regarding Ebay and I have mine but try and do without it. Every now and then something interesting shows up on Ebay that prompts me to dig deeper. The first thing that comes to mind when I see something rare on Ebay is the thought process behind choosing that venue versus a conventional auction house. I'll admit that I don't know jack about auctions so there may be an excellent reason such as speed of sale or economics. The next thing that comes to mind is whether or not it's real and the item's provenance. Let's face it for all of us regular Ebay users there probably is no other place where the proverb "caveat emptor" figures so prominently.

Tehuelche Racer ridden by Gomez

Right now there is a Tehuelche racer for sale on Ebay US similar to the one above. Wish I could post the pics because they are great but I don't need the trouble. Truth be told, I have been wanting to write a little article on this marque for some time now and this bike's appearance on Ebay is as good a motivation as any.

Tehuelche motorcycles were built between 1957 and 1964 in Argentina through the partnership of Juan Rafaldi and Roberto Fattorini, who were two immigrants from Italy. The Tehuelche marque can be considered Argentina's first and only original motorcycle as all others were copies of mostly Italian origin.

The prototype engine was a four stroke SOHC engine with no oil pump constructed out of aluminum. Its original displacement was 50cc and in 1955 started competition regionally.

1963 Super Sport Model

For the mass market, the engine was redesigned with an increase in displacement to 75 cc. Below is the technical data:

Engine: Four-stroke

Cooling: Air

Bore: 48 mm
Stroke: 41 mm
Capacity: 75 cc
Compression ratio: 6.5:1
Power: 4.74 hp
RPM at maximum power: 6500
Approximate consumption: 1 liter of gasoline per 50 km
Distribution: Single overhead camshaft (SOHC)
Valves: Two valves arranged in a 90° configuration, operated through rocker arms.
Lubrication: Wet sump, splash lubrication. A hook, attached onto the connecting rod, dips into the oil in the sump and splashes it around the inside of the engine.
Clutch: Mono-disc in oil bath
Gearbox: Three-speed
Gear ratios:
    1st gear 2.628
    2nd gear 1.542
    3rd gear 1
Speed relations:
    1st speed: 28 km/h
    2nd speed: 48 km/h
    3rd speed: 74 km/h
Carburation: Dellorto MA16 carburetor, made under license in Argentina.
Frame: Chassis made out of welded steel tubes
Weight: 96 kg

During the seven year production run, Tehuelche produced 5,000 motorcycles of which less than two dozen are known to exist. Making it as rare as the Ebay description suggests.Tehuelche foundered in 1964 amidst the economic turmoil of the developing Argentine economy. Rafaldi and Fattorini went on to start their own workshop to service their clients. They tuned race bikes to 100cc which proved very successful at the hands of Alberto Gomez and Jaime Enriquez

Alberto Gomez in 1964

Jaime Enriquez in 1963

It should be interesting to see how the Ebay auction pans out. I hope the bike goes to a good home or perhaps to a museum so that all of us get to enjoy such a cool little racer.

Clutch Restoration----Part Three

2011-02-06T13:43:00.002-06:00

Last post, I inserted the cork friction material into the plates and chain wheel. The real work is sanding the corks down even and to the right thickness. The photo below shows how proud the unfinished plates are within the chainwheel.

I have received a great deal of helpful advice on how to finish these from much more experienced gentlemen such as Pete Young and Rick Parkington. The constant theme appears to be that sanding these down is "knuckle-busting" work. Fortunately, I found the right tool--a Black and Decker palm sander. It spans several corks and lets me slowly sand them down evenly.

chainwheel being sanded

In similar fashion, I have been sanding the friction plates. It's tedious work requiring frequent measurements to ensure that the plates are close to the same thickness. My concerns are starting to build as more material is removed. If I leave the cork too thick, it will be be difficult to adjust the clutch. Furthermore, cork expands as it heats impacting clutch performance to the point that some advocate leaving the bike in neutral while at a stop. This violates the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's rule of staying in gear to theoretically avoid getting rear ended. Good theory but I don't know about the practice. If the corks are too thin then reliability goes by the wayside. We'll see how this progresses.

Finally I have a little shop help!!!!!!

2011-02-05T07:31:00.001-06:00

I am sure you all have noticed that I haven't posted a great deal of restoration work lately. Hopefully this will change now that I am going to have a little helper around.............

Conrad Lawrence Hutson

"Clutch"

Februrary 3rd, 2011

7lbs 14 oz

Dad and Conrad talking motorcycles

Kate, my wonderful wife, is doing great and will be coming home with Conrad today!

Friday's Pin-up

2011-02-04T07:30:00.000-06:00

Velocette speeding on the sand

The Fortnight Feature

2011-01-30T16:35:00.000-06:00

These Czech films are the balls. You got to love push-starts, dustbin fairings, high speeds on cobblestone roads, and crowds right up to the track edge. Oh yeah, don't forget the jazzy sound track. I could watch these for hours!!!!!

Friday's Pin-up

2011-01-28T06:10:00.000-06:00

Friday's Pin-up

2011-01-21T06:03:00.000-06:00