Philosophy and Motorcycles

Philosophy and motorcycles are two of my favorite things in life. This blog will be bits of wisdom gleaned from a misspent youth and an adventurous dotage. People who like/love wisdom or motorcycles, classic or modern versions of either, are welcome to visit and comment.

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Location: Wisconsin, United States

I have been married to the same lovely woman for decades. We have one son, two cats, and live in rural Wisconsin, USA. I ride and rebuild motorcycles, and I am semi-retired. Favorite bikes are Yamaha XS650, FJ1200 and Ducati 900SS. My wife is a home care nurse. I am a Myers-Briggs INTP. She is ESFJ. Our son works at the Apple store in downtown SF and is teaching English as a second language in San Francisco, no grandchildren.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Easter

Haven't done much to the project this week. Trying to get yard work done before weeds come up. I did get the body parts cleaned and ready for primer. Also working on making a tank for a friend who wants more gas capacity for his XS650 Special. I had converted an XS750 tank to fit it but that tank finally got soft around the petcocks and rather than fix it he wants a larger tank. He and his son do some touring on their XS 650s.

Beautiful weather here, finally. Happy Easter to all.
LN

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Project



I've been working to rebuild a 1971 Yamaha XS1B. Stripped to the frame it doesn't look like much. Rather time consuming to clean the frame and paint it. I now have rebuilt the fork legs and polished the triple clamp. With tapered bearings the front end is now together. Bit by bit it is coming together. It won't be a show bike but I want it nice. I drive everything I've got, or sell it.
I need to get some yard work done before the weeds get up and hide everything. Branches to pick up and some trash from the winter need to be picked up. I have three dead trees that need to come down. Being a home owner has its drawbacks. Sometimes I envy those in condo land but I wouldn't trade. I'd have to rent a shop and drive to it. Now I can just walk out the door and it's about 50 paces to work.

A friend of mine just finished a beautiful 1972 Yamaha XS2. He put a ton of work into it and it is truly beautiful. The color isn't original, too pretty but looks great. This weekend he is off picking up another project. I should be able to see the new toy tomorrow. Here's a picture of the '72.
Each spring is a treasure. Enjoy it.
LN

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