Motorcycles.

Going to hold off on the sidecar for a while. Not a long long while, but a while. Going to see how things line up with the mounting kit.

I also have interest on the Norton frame and Forks. I know that a lot of people think I'll regret selling the Norton, and maybe I will, but if the money is right - I need the money more than I need an "eventual" $6000+ project.

For example (before I pass out) it would cover:
the carbs
the stator leak
Jets for XS400
a proper speedo for the XS400
Maybe even registration
Plus paying Ducci back for the sidecar.


OK, I'm gone.

Road trip?

There is a gathering at Nelson's Ledges in Ohio, a motorcycle meet of sorts.

These are photos of my Father at Nelson's Ledges, a place I have always wanted to visit



So I was thinking about it. Mom actually offered to drive me out there for it, but I don't think its quite that sort of thing. So my idea is to head out there on the KZ1000. But I know I'm not in good enough shape to ride the full way by myself, thats where the sidecar comes into play.

If I can build a tub for a passenger, then I can take another person and we can ride in shifts, or if I get to worn out he can take over completely. I'm thinking Liam would be a good canidate for this. So supposing the carbs are mailed off today, then they should be back here by the 12th. If I can have the sidecar built and mounted by the 12th, then I can get the bike registered and inspected by the 13th or 14th. Get a general handling on how to drive it, and make sure she's actually in good enough shape to make the trip - which I think she is.

We'd leave Friday evening. Get to Youngstown by Saturday morning. Grab some food at my Uncle George's house. Head out to Nelson's Ledges in time for the meet in the afternoon. Set up camp, mix with the people, have fun. Get some solid sleep. Leave mid afternoon Sunday. Be back here in time to deposit Liam back at camp Monday morning. I'd get some sleep at his camp place, then bring the bike home Monday evening.


Is this plan totally fucking nuts? Yes.
Is it possible? yes.
Would I do it? Hell Yes.

Why? Because it will make me feel alive again. I have been down too long, I have cabin fever, and I feel like a ghost.


The KZ has new brakes, new electrical bits, oil, carbs will be like new, sidecar will be solid, heads been rebuilt, everything works. I REALLY think that this is possible, and worth a shot. It all depends on if the bike can be done and ready on the 13th or 14th, then it depends on if I can get a second rider.



I have a plan for the sidecar. There is a tub in the basement, its actually a fiberglass sink for a dark room. Its about the right length for a tub. That would be the base. I can use that for the frame work. Its also something that would make a good bottom because nothing will splash through it. So a sheet of plywood inside of that. Build a frame work around it. I think 1/2 plywood walls, and 1/3" frame work, with some 2x4 blocks in proper places. 1/3" cross bracing over the top, with some plywood around that, thin stuff. Seal the seams. Then Fiberglass or paint. I think that would work. Find a seat for it, which I think I actually HAVE compliments of my brother... I'm not 100s though.

Anyways.

3rd time's the charm

I'm sitting here in TC listening to Cash's "God's Gonna Cut You Down" and talking to my friend Floyd. We are discussing how the people you are with, and how the places you choose to go shape you. Its amazing how many people don't realize this. They just mix with people, and they slide into it. Its slow, you can barely tell its happening if you don't pay attention. Its easier to observe from the outside standpoint.

For example you can watch a kid who has never done drugs become friends with people and then slowly develop into a pothead and they have no idea of the change. I remember two friends saying "Drinking is stupid, I'll never do that" and 3 years later they are pro alcohol. I can tie directly who the guys were who changed their minds. But they themselves never remember the changes, for them its just a clean flow.

I can follow the changes in my life, I can remember the big changes. Sometimes something happens and its like flicking a switch and BAM you are a different person. Dad's death changed me.

Going to, and living in, Phoenix also changed me. Riding cross country alone gave me a confidence I've never had before. Living in Phoenix, the people I became friends with were so different than anyone I'd ever known before. And they helped reshape me. I mean the basic personality remains the same, and they really liked me for who I was, but the culture... before Phoenix I'd never have considered Tattoos, now I have 2, and will probably get more. Before dad died I'd never have smoked, now I smoke a pipe and deeply enjoy it.

Would I have loved motorcycles so much if Dad hadn't? If dad had loved Harleys would I? Would I still be an English bike nut?

We are shaped by the people around us.

Cult of Personality

This is a song that I always liked when I was younger, and still do, I think the lyrics are pretty good. Remember... the 90s... The song opens with a clip of a Kennedy speech, and I believe it ends with a clip of a Rosavelt speech.

Look into my eyes, what do you see?
Cult of personality
I know your anger, I know your dreams
I’ve been everything you want to be
I’m the cult of personality
Like mussolini and kennedy
I’m the cult of personality
Cult of personality
Cult of personality

Neon lights, a nobel prize
The mirror speaks, the reflection lies
You don’t have to follow me
Only you can set me free
I sell the things you need to be
I’m the smiling face on your t.v.
I’m the cult of personality
I exploit you still you love me

I tell you one and one makes three
I’m the cult of personality
Like joseph stalin and gandi
I’m the cult of personality
Cult of personality
Cult of personality

Neon lights a nobel prize
A leader speaks, that leader dies
You don’t have to follow me
Only you can set you free

You gave me fortune
You gave me fame
You me power in your god’s name
I’m every person you need to be
I’m the cult of personality
Look into my eyes, what do you see?
Cult of personality
I know your anger, I know your dreams
I’ve been everything you want to be
I’m the cult of personality
Like mussolini and kennedy
I’m the cult of personality
Cult of personality
Cult of personality

Neon lights, a nobel prize
The mirror speaks, the reflection lies
You don’t have to follow me
Only you can set me free
I sell the things you need to be
I’m the smiling face on your t.v.
I’m the cult of personality
I exploit you still you love me

I tell you one and one makes three
I’m the cult of personality
Like joseph stalin and gandi
I’m the cult of personality
Cult of personality
Cult of personality

Neon lights a nobel prize
A leader speaks, that leader dies
You don’t have to follow me
Only you can set you free

You gave me fortune
You gave me fame
You me power in your god’s name
I’m every person you need to be
I’m the cult of personality

What you see in the picture is the front frame rail of a 1950s Dnepr Russian motorcycle/sidecar rig. I held it upside down to the rear frame on the KZ, and I do believe that if its cut just right it can be welded into place without issue - which gives me my rear mount - which is the ball.

Up front on the downward frame rail on the KZ I can mount what was the rear mount on the Dnepr. That takes care of the lower mounts! From there I have to clamp stanchions to the upper frame in two places, front and rear. The rear is easy, there are two good places to clamp onto - which will only require some minor mods to the sidecover. Up front will be a bit more tricky because of how the frame is designed. I might have to weld an eye bolt type clamp to the frame for the stanchion to mount to. Happily Dauntless is providing me with those.

I am contemplating building an actual sidecar body for the bike using Fiberglass and wood.


The body would look a bit like that without the windshield. I think that a solid sheet of plywood on the bottom, with 1/2" or 3/4" plywood sides with wood bars going in between. Then wrap it in cloth or plastic to protect the wood inside and out, then do Fiberglass over that. I would have to cost it out, but I don't really think it would cost that much, and that way I could actually in theory cary a passenger.


I still have to mail off the carbs, I'll do that on Monday. 10+ days and I'll get them back totally rebuilt, tuned, adjusted to the bike and ready to go. Mount them and I have a running motorcycle.

So the thought process is... CAN I get the sidecar mounted before then? I may have to pull the engine to get the mounts welded on. Thats the trick.



===

I also have to finish up the XS400 which I believe I am teaching Steve how to ride on, then loaning it to him for... well until he upgrades. The XS is going to be a donor bike for the Ducati at some point, carbs, turn signals, handlebar gear...

But for now it needs the jets which are in Western MA waiting to be collected, it also needs a new front axle with spacers, some brake work, and thats about it. Eventually it needs a speedo, but not right now.


I'm really out of it, so I'm going to go.

Pain.

I don't feel so hot today. I've been catching up on season enders for the shows I care about. I was more impressed with House than Glee. 24 should be ending soon. Been watching a lot of Weeds as of late.

I'm in a fair share of pain right now.


I dislike feeling like this extremely. The doctors, they said that something that goes with PTSD is that your body tenses up in certain situations, its sort of like a coping mechanism. I'm not explaining this very well. There was a lot of shit between 11 and 16 years old. And a fair amount of shit after that. They think that my body doesn't know how to relax. They are treating the Fibro, and the Klinefelters with medications, and they are treating the PTSD the best they can, but its going to be a long time.

The hardest thing is not being in control. I have no control. If my mother decided I needed to be put in a home, she could probably do it. If mom decided to move to South Carolina then I'd have to go. If the Gov cuts my health care. My body..

I can't fucking deal with this. But I have to. No choice. I sometimes wish I did smoke pot. Then I could just zone out, and god knows it would help the pain. But I can't do that. I can't take real pain meds. I can't hang myself. I can't fucking run. It gets harder and harder to remain amused. The show House nailed it tonight. Talking about what being in pain everyday does to you. I'm fighting. But fucking hell.

I don't want to play anymore. I just want to wake up every morning feeling like I should. I'd work some shit job the rest of my life and live in an apartment and fucking walk to work if I had to if I could just not be in pain anymore. I'd trade everything I own not to be in pain anymore.

I wouldn't trade my friends, and I wouldn't trade my memories - not even the horrific ones - because everything we experience shapes us. I like who I am. I just hate the pain.

Fuck it.

Sidecar

Well there are no pictures easily uploaded yet (thats a Lie) ok so here we go:


So thats the general look of her when we got her home. I'll be into the whole venture about $625 at the end, except $75 is out of my current pocket, the rest is compliments of a friend who I have to pay back within the next year. To give you a couple ideas about this Russian masterpiece, the spokes on the wheel are welded to the hub and to the rim - which I have never heard of before, but hey... The other is that the tire which has no wear on it was "Made in USSR" which collapsed as you remember in 1991.

I have begun to grind paint and such off the fender and off the frame. I took the fender off last night and also managed to get one of the couplers off and am working on the threads.

I'm not entirely sure yet what I am doing about the fender, but I suspect that I am mounting different lights on it. Possible some lights that are on all the time? Or I'll paint it white or Red - the fender I mean. Red I think is best. I want to be visible.

Anyways, more later. Don't feel well.