I picked up a rear wheel for the Benelli/ATC250R hybrid. It’s from a Yamaha YM2C Big Bear 305 scrambler, but the same wheel and brake was common to a lot of ’60s … Yamaha Rear WheelRead more
Front Brake Woes
Well, it took me about two hours of effort to get the Bridgestone 175 front brake apart, but I was (reasonably) successful. The culprit I had been fighting against was sand. Not … Front Brake WoesRead more
James Sports Captain magazine article
Since the James Sports Captain circa ’61-’62 is my design inspiration for this bike, I ordered a tattered copy of The Motor Cycle from England that had a news article from the … James Sports Captain magazine articleRead more
Wheel Selection
I decided I really want to lean into the pseudo-retro look for the Benelli/ATC250R. That means wire wheels and drum brakes. So the 19″ cast Virago wheel goes back in the parts … Wheel SelectionRead more
1964 Van-Tech McCulloch Scrambler
I think I’ve found some inspiration. I want to use the TC300 to make a VanTech “-ish” scrambler that will be legal under street moped rules — 50cc/2-HP max, no manual gear … 1964 Van-Tech McCulloch ScramblerRead more
Front forks and steering clamps
Since I had previously determined that the aftermarket bearing cups I purchased could not accommodate a steering stem diameter larger than 26mm, I picked up a set of Honda XR200R triple clamps. … Front forks and steering clampsRead more
Monster engine test fit
Well, dimensionally speaking, I’ve proven it’s possible. But practical? Desirable? Those remain unanswered questions. There certainly isn’t much room to spare. Squeezing the fully assembled engine between the frame tubes was a … Monster engine test fitRead more
Revisiting the Retroblaster
With the completion of The Bride, I took some time to take stock of the various projects and parts I had squirreled away in corners of my basement. I decided I’m not … Revisiting the RetroblasterRead more
Expansion chamber tailoring
I bought an exhaust for it last August. With shipping and tax, the total cost was $240—not an inexpensive purchase. It’s an aftermarket, but I have my doubts about the seller’s claim … Expansion chamber tailoringRead more
Visual musings
With The Bride essentially complete, my thoughts have turned to the other bikes in my garage. The order of attack is Bultakenstein first, of course, then the Aermacchi-Ducati Special. The Benelli/Honda ATC250R … Visual musingsRead more