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Motorcycles

Two jobs to ride your bike to and from.
I've done many 10,000 mile summers that way.
Maintenance isn't expensive at all when you do it yourself.
A guy in Saskatoon rebuilt his CB750 in the closet of his third floor apartment.
Don't let this bother you, that's not my intent.
Different people muster different levels of commitment, I understand that.
 
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Two jobs to ride your bike to and from.
I've done many 10,000 mile summers that way.
Maintenance isn't expensive at all when you do it yourself.
A guy in Saskatoon rebuilt his CB750 in the closet of his third floor apartment.
Don't let this bother you, that's not my intent.
Different people muster different levels of commitment, I understand that.

I work two jobs that require me to dress for a range of eventualities, carry various tools, and use my own vehicle to haul supplies or haul away garbage that the professionals won't pick up.

I am more than happy to change oil, brake fluid, etc, but desmo valves are out of my league.

Sorry, you still don't get to question my commitment, and now I really am in to persuading a stranger over the internet. I am committed to riding, but not at the expense of eating or having someplace to live. If I could have ONE hobby/pastime/recreational activity back, it would be riding if I could afford it. But right now I'm not in a position to have ANYTHING. That's just the way it is.


I hope things improve for you and I'm sorry that I caused you discomfort.

Thank you. Let's leave it there. I'm off to my second job.
 
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I know when I've overstepped my bounds.
Being a lifelong idiot has taught me many things; most importantly that I'm a lifelong idiot.:D

Well, I suspect you're not that. Lifelong idiots have a shocking inability to self-diagnose.

In the past 366 days, I have lost my job, my home, my marriage, my financial security, my church, my gigs (FOH and bass), and my friends. What do I have left? The motorcycle, the dog, and every single bit of my mental health, self-respect, and faith in God. I'm gaining new things all the time, very slowly, but it's happening... but I still can't keep the bike.
 
Anyone watch the Moto GP race yesterday? Great race. One thing I noticed about the coverage: there's a camera on the back of each bike facing forward, and when they show that view, the horizon stays level as the bike leans into the turns. It's really cool; it makes for a less seasick viewing experience, and it really shows the amazing technique of the riders. I'm guessing that it's done with software, although I suppose it would be possible to build a little gyroscope into the camera. Anyone know? I was also wondering if that track gets used for anything else. It's a really nice facility and must have been very expensive.

EDIT: I did a search :) The cameras actually do have a little gyroscope. Check it out: MotoGP breaking new ground in OnBoard camera technology
 
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Once my hotrod CT1C is roadworthy, I'm going to be hunting for a Yamaha YDS3 to play with next.

Well all this time later and I've only just started getting my CT1C project going... been busy with other things and just picking up misc parts. In my own defense, I hadn't ever figured it would be running before Spring 2017 from the beginning... still looking good for that target. Here is a sampling of the stuff I'm currently working...
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My reason for posting is I went a little bit bigger and newer on my next project than the YDS3 (mid 60s 250cc 2 stroke twin). I just bought myself a basket case 1967 Yamaha Grand Prix 350 YR1. One owner, engine pulled ages ago for a rebuild and put in the garage, the rest stuck in the shed. This is known to be the first production "Super Bike" and the first lower end / case based on a split design. It is the first of the line the RD400 came from... YR1, YR2, YR3, R5, RD350, RD400

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Here is a cool ad for the bike from 1967
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Posted a while ago here.... from the Double Bass side... dont hold that against me! Just added this to my garage... 1992 Ducati Superlight. Awesome to ride, I am a big fan of the aircooled 2 valve ducs. I wanted one of these in 1992 but couldnt afford it. This one is very original except for the carbon pipes and ohlins rear shock. i have all the original parts though. Those wheels were only on this model, this is the Mark 1, they are 2 piece Marvic Aluminum/ magnesium and are gorgeous! Sad eh that a wheel can get the juices flowing! Had the rear spring changed out for my weight. Did I mention its awesome to ride. I only use it in the hills, I ride with my buddies on their tech laden new ducatis but this thing holds its own. Track day in December to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the NSW Ducati Owners club, looking forward to that. Ive also got an 1100s Multistrada which is my tourer and 2 up bike. Took it to Phillip Island MotoGP a few weeks ago for a 6 day trip with my wife. Theyre a bit ugly but again are great to ride. Sold my old 92 CBR 600 little while ago. I miss it as it was a great beater bike and never let me down but not much room in garage. Next will be a track bike of some kind. Kind of leaning towards a suzuki SV650, pretty basic bike, twin, enough grunt to have a bit of fun and can pick them up prepped and quite cheap. Just have to convince wifey that its a good idea.
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Not to mention Battery Tender day.

I never replaced a motorcycle battery. Longest I owned a bike waa eight years. :)

It has been on a battery tender since Day One. But since it is a 2009, that means the battery is somewhere around 7 or 8 years old. I am not surprised it has died, especially in this vicious climate.

Try living a in a garage for 8 years when the temps inside get to 115-125.
 
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It has been on a battery tender since Day One. But since it is a 2009, that means the battery is somewhere around 7 or 8 years old. I am not surprised it has died, especially in this vicious climate.

Try living a in a garage for 8 years when the temps inside get to 115-125.


That long in those temps is remarkable for sure!
 
I've never owned a bike I couldn't kick start :)

I just got possession of the YR1 this morning, I had a coworker with a pickup truck that lives near the seller grab it over the weekend. He brought it to the shop for me this morning I'm bringing the motor and loose parts home tonight, I'll pull the forks off during the week to get the frame home.

Here it is before unloading it this morning :)
1967-YR1_here.jpg