Godspeed Bob

 https://edgilkisonvelocette.blogspot.com/2024/03/bob-strode-and-his-track-bike-he-built.html

https://edgilkisonvelocette.blogspot.com/2024/03/velocetteer-bob-strode-has-passed-away.html

1970 Velocette Thruxton recommissioning

 

It's funny how the bike gods work sometimes.  When I left the workshop last night I was pondering how to approach the solder joint repair to the fork legs. The little propane bottle was melting the solder but just missing out on the heat and then the question of how to grip the tube... Ok, I'll sleep on it.

After morning coffee, in came the mail and with it the latest Fishtail.  Wouldn't ya know-  they had a write up on the process of re-soldering fork tubes. Well it seems that yes, I was not using enough heat. That and an added trick of twisting the tube as the solder melted. So I gave Ray B. a call at 'Toy shop East'  to see what he might have on hand.  The 'Toy shop' as it is, is an old chassis/speed shop with all manners of equipment for causing great mayhem. Ray bought the shop a few years ago. It's the same shop that I would buy sheet steel for my 440 Datsun project in my youth [  https://newenglandzen.blogspot.com/2010/12/datsun-1200-with-440-or-youthful-folly.html ] the same shop that built Jungle Jim's Vega back in the day. I find it comforting that I can go to places like this and be at home as it were, just a good feeling of living nostalgia.

Ray was in, so I was on my way.  We talked about it for a few minutes; the process, the technical aspects and all involved. As we talked, tools came out and we gave it a go. Putting the axle lug in the vise and a section of flat stock across the top so as to have it catch on the springs tab retainers, I put Ray's larger propane heater to it.  After not too long I gave a slight twist to the flat stock and heard a slight squeak in the joint. With a couple more twisting actions the whole unit loosen up and was able to be pulled clear of the casting! Excellent, we had success in making many from one!

So now what? Well, on to finding a few tools, gathering the proper flux and solder, give it all a good cleanup and put it back together. I'm just excited that it came apart as well as it did. 

1970 Velocette Thruxton recommissioning

Not much work was done to the Velo this week.  I'm trying to figure out which task to work on next. Possibly it will be the front end, as the clip on handlebar needs replacement. To do that will mean pulling the front end apart. That would also be a good time to change the front wheel, reinstall the front fender and install the lower fairing. However, I'm not sure that it's finished enough to have the fairing reinstalled.  Trying my best to balance tasks to a minimum. But in the interest of the Thruxton's past history, it had been safety wired tied for racing. Here are a bunch of pictures of such as it stands. Most of this wire will need to be changed out and redone. Enjoy.

 

Northeast Airhead Tech day in Stow, MA

Last Saturday found me at the one of the BMW Airhead Northeast tech day sessions.  Even though I've been involved with BMW motorcycles almost 30 years and know many of the people in the BMW/Airhead scene, this was my first time going to a tech day.  

Subjects talked or demonstrated ranged from;  Bing carbs, tire changing, timing chain replacements, ABS bag repairs, /5 ignition key service and repairs, travel tool tips, and radical engine conversions.  Over eight hours of camaraderie and socializing; everyone had knowledge to share.  A big thanks to Tim Hille, MA Airmarshal and to all those that participated in the event!

If you are into the BMW airhead models and live in the Northeast I recommend you check out the Airheads club, a great bunch of people to be with!

>>>BMW AIRHEADS CLUB<<<

Here are some pictures from the day, enjoy!

Malen A.  and Duncan K.  relaxing

Ignition switch info

ABS bag repair demo

Timing chain demo and details

a shocking project to view

Spline and flywheel

Lliam's Journey

August 10 was the shortest time for passing.  Yet, in the knowledge that this too shall end. I stole a few minutes to gather memories of a deeper intellect. In those minutes I was, where I should have been. The time where you see the event as just that, an event with no passing.

We spent the last day riding in the fall light.  Clearings showing the landscape as it lay. The sound of black hoske mufflers as they pass by.  'Too slow  my good man, your holding up the pace'  the old BMW pulls past in a blur of sound. Then the road opens out a full hill climb as we power up the Aircraft designed boxers.

The roads, some like this where one can see clear to the other end, others as century old cart paths paved during a more affluent time.  With few cars or stop signs a one hour tour of five town connectors pulled from the memory banks within my head.

Gear changes crisp, BMWs in classic black roaring though the wooded backroads as  leaves fall into  winter slumber.  The twisting pathways of the past unfold before us.  Each turn an exhilarating sensation as our tires grip pavement



 in the cosmic (comic?) universe.

So sorry to hear of your passing this morning, you will be missed.

2021-1-14

Lliam Burke r.i.p

http://hot2molly.blogspot.com/

The Early days, Lliam and Molly on his 1984 R100RT. They did several cross country trips on this BMW.  The bike still exist with over 360,000 mile on it. Photo by Duncan Kautz circa 1995

Birthday Bill

Pettengill Farm with Larry Ronai

At Larz Anderson on the Velo. Photo by Dave Petty

Lliam and Jenna

In with the Velocette crowd at Larz Anderson. Photo by Dave Petty

digging into a 67 Beeza

Lliam and BOB (Beast of Burden)

Having a black and tan

Keeping killer in line

Mitch and Lliam working on the Beeza

Molly, Lliam and Rosie, ready for a ride

Molly

I'll be seein' Ya'