3am musings on "TRAD" elements of motorcycle style...

Holy crap! That was the most all-over-the-damn-place post I've ever read.

Build whatever you want. The Yamahas like you have turn out well when done flat track style. Cafe style is just too simple. You stick on rear sets, drop bars, and a solo seat and bam! Cafe bike.

Regarding Trumps being difficult to find: EBay or Cycletrader.com

Regarding a bike like Cole's being unobtainable: False.

The bike is well thought out, well assembled, and well finished. It's not a 100k WCC piece though man, geez. You could build something similar in your garage easily enough. Yeah, it won't have all of the custom touches Cole's bike has, but it'll still have the stance, the motor, and as cool of a paint job as you can afford.

I agree w/ you on the super raked chops. They just don't make a lot of sense from a riding perspective. That said, the ones that are super low and not all OCC looking are cool in my book.

And as far as those Dr.'s and Lawyers riding Harleys: I understand where you're coming from and know that you're sort of joking. But man, there's nothing wrong w/ being a Dr., Lawyer, or hard working white collar guy. It's what I am and I'm fucking proud of it. Because I made the decision to get an education, bust my ass working 60 hours a week, and make what's considered "good" money doesn't mean I'm soft. It means I'm smart.

In closing, there's good stuff out there. I just found and purchased a 63' Pan w/ 6600 original miles on it. No, it wasn't $400...and it was a hell of a lot more than $4000. That said, it was a steal at the price I paid for what it is. Mechanically a gem and it has killer patina.

 

Is a hardtail needed???...Is a triumph needed???...you decide...but most of all...be creative. (and do like bass said....that's some good advice).

I LIVE for great design...even though it doesn't always happen.

 

Do you think you could mock-up a hard tail for the Yama?

If you could just tack it all together with your wire feeder, you could take it to a certified welder and have it Tigged if your worried about your ass comming in contact with ass-fault.

 

Thanks again guys! Tackett, a lot of your photos are the same ones that have been inspiring me. Definately meet up witcha at that brewery sometime.

Ok, PROBLEM SOLVED, check it out... Present XS has mag rims... no good for chopper. Yes, I could just buy a pair of rims, but its not cost effective. So I'm gonna keep my eyes out for another earlier one, with spoke wheels and points ignition. (for a more minamalist electrical system)

Cafe/streettrack and mainly RIDE the one I've got. CHOP the next one... then I can take my time on it...

VERY good idea Kilroy about mocking and tacking the hardtail together and then having a "real" welder finish it...

Absolutely nuthin wrong with a desk job that pays well, I have one of those too! Its just the types of people you find on harleys riding in packs invading gas stations and restaurants that cracks me up.

I was in a sig alert on the 5 in my caddillac... bunch of guys came whitelining thru on big harleys... wearing Mongols vests... momentary gratuitous twinge of fear.. "Fuckin check that out, REAL bikers!!"

Thanks again,
J