Gilbert's eloquent post mirrors my thoughts on your build quite closely. Well done Harold!
Rick C.
Rick C.
98cc Villiers on a 1945 Sears Roebuck
- Thread starter Harold_B
- Start date
Thanks Gilbert and Rick. I’m glad the build including all of the “oops” posts are useful. I’ve taken away more than I’ve given from this forum but I do enjoy the feedback, answers to my questions, and suggestions from fellow members.
On one hand I agree that it’s too bad we are not closer so that we can hit the road as a group. On the other hand I really like getting comments from all over the world.
Got to say I was pretty giddy going around the block!
On one hand I agree that it’s too bad we are not closer so that we can hit the road as a group. On the other hand I really like getting comments from all over the world.
Got to say I was pretty giddy going around the block!
Giddy isn't just "up" but also good...it's to be expected when so much has been put into a project, one should enjoy great dividends in return. Kinda' like a fountain of youth or at least a flashback to the youthful past....
Rick C.
Rick C.
Yup, and it’s a past that gets more distant every day! I’m six months from turning 60 and I’m still the same kid that couldn’t wait for glue to dry when I was 10. My goals were learning new skills, trying to avoid being in a rush, and tempering my disappointment when things go poorly. I’m thinking a five year build and not quite done means I’ve nailed #2!
You nailed it! I to have been trying to do the same. I did a lot better this time around ...not as well as you did 5 years!
Well both you guys can share credit for quality builds. "Top shelf" is just that and that's where both your builds belong in any rating system, not good, better or best; just top shelf effort and results!
Continue to build, ride, display & share with others & all will benefit from your dedication.
I'm always looking for ways to get great mileage with..."more smiles to the mile"
Rick C.
Continue to build, ride, display & share with others & all will benefit from your dedication.
I'm always looking for ways to get great mileage with..."more smiles to the mile"
Rick C.
Glad you got her out! Looks good you should come to Portland this year.
Harold, as active as you have been on this forum.
I missed your build until today. What a beautiful machine!
That neighbors stop to admire it speaks volumes.
Tom from Rubicon
I missed your build until today. What a beautiful machine!
That neighbors stop to admire it speaks volumes.
Tom from Rubicon
What’s up in Portland? I’m still out of the loop.
Thanks! I get a hoot out the little kids riding along and waving as I putter around the block.
By the looks of the smile, you feel like a little kid? LOL. bet its great to get it rolling, such a KOOL looking bike.........Curt
Portland Indiana vintage motor bike show ride and camping https://m.facebook.com/events/jay-c...lub-meet-at-portland-indiana/544342305959833/
Portland is one show I'd really like to eventually bring bikes to but summer timing is all wrong for me. So many people I'd love to actually meet and spend time with go annually to Portland.
Rick C.
Rick C.
Harold I never thought wet would ever be a problem in my far western Indian Territory local, yet I confess this winter and spring has been record breaking, drenched, & violently stormy with another 4.5" of moisture predicted in the next 24 hrs. and continued threats of twisters/hail. Yesterday afternoon was however outstanding and I took a relaxed 12 mile cruise in the country before dusk, the legendary "calm before the storm", and I was truly refreshed by it.
Gearing old motors, correctly, typically involves a varied selection of sprockets to work with and time, unless you have the manufacturers data for both motor and transmission, or spend time sorting the ratios of transmission and also accurately determine the engine output shaft speed. I, however, just guess and change cogs till it works to suit. Both my Harley and Simplex have gone through several driveline, primary & final chain transformations and that's 4 sprockets (two for the intermediate reduction gear) to function through the 5 ratios of the transmission. I'm just kinda' happy with both for now...
My main take away: ride in the meantime and polish, or whatever, and people are going to love it and admire your skill. While you bask in the adoration of all! The fruit of your labor has and will continue to pay dividends Harold and none of those mentioned will know you're still tinkering with gearing to get her just right.
Old guys are patient, cunning and resourceful...copy that?
Rick C.
Thanks Moto. I’ll give the Portland event a good look. There’s also the Gilmore Museum event in early summer.
https://www.gilmorecarmuseum.org/event-detail/vintage-motorcycle-weekend-saturday-ride-swap-meet/
Thanks Rick for well thought out response. I’ll try to apply all my old man tricks to get it going all so that I can feel like a kid when I’m riding. As it stands today 12 miles would be an epic undertaking. My goal is by fall I can motor through downtown or to local rural roads confident the bike will make the trip without issue.
https://www.gilmorecarmuseum.org/event-detail/vintage-motorcycle-weekend-saturday-ride-swap-meet/
Thanks Rick for well thought out response. I’ll try to apply all my old man tricks to get it going all so that I can feel like a kid when I’m riding. As it stands today 12 miles would be an epic undertaking. My goal is by fall I can motor through downtown or to local rural roads confident the bike will make the trip without issue.
I'm confident you'll get to that point Harold. Personally I'm super pleased you didn't sell the bike when you had thoughts to do so.
Rick C.
Rick C.
Dang, she's a beauty! Also, how did you do that tank? I have a Hiawatha Build, and I want to build a fuel tank where the original fake one is.
The tank was an eBay buy. It’ll take a few days for me to dig through my eBay punches to find it but I’ll look.
No such luck on finding the tank I purchased. The purchase history only goes back to 2017 and apparently I bought it before that. You might check out the Sportsman Flyer page. I know there are some very high quality parts including tanks there.