OzVMX Forum
Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: Nathan S on January 10, 2010, 12:31:37 am
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No doubt, my motivation for VMX has been a bit wobbly overthe last few months, for a number of reasons.
I guess that a number of thing have dragged me down - the politics, the bitching, my lack of shed time, the amount of fun I had with the rally car, the fact that I have way too many projects, a sale that caused some unexpected grief, the awesomeness of The Boy, etc etc... Don't get me wrong, I haven't been close to having a brain explosion and quitting the sport or anyting, but the enthusiasm has definitely been lacking. I'd walk into the bike shed, and the best I'd manage was a lifeless "Oh, yeah, that's a cool bike" - and it would never be about the project bikes, just the race-ready bikes that didn't threaten to take up my spare time.
The enthusiasm has sparked a few times (like when the latest issue of VMX came out), but not really fired up.
As I type (admittedly half pissed), the enthusiasm is strong - stronger than it has been for months thanks to a few events/people. Really without wanting to piss in anyone's pocket, there are some top people in the VMX world, even if they aren't recognised as movers and shakers.
Today was a pivotal day. I pulled bikes out of the bike shed, and spent some time with some good blokes, and it helped me a lot. Being among the shitboxes quality examples of our MX history has made a big difference.
I was so inspired, I took some crappy photos. I will now be all self-indulgent and try to explain why these shitboxes quality examples of our MX history make me happy.
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/annaandnathan/Bikestuff/Jan9-10025.jpg)
Well fudge me, a scruffy YZ250G. I've wanted one of these since I was 13 and bought this one a few years ago. Its a better bike than I am a rider, but hey - I like riding it. The fact that I haven't ridden it in two years really is irrelevant - its there to be ridden when-ever I want to.
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/annaandnathan/Bikestuff/Jan9-10020.jpg)
Oh... Original (but definitely not immacualte) YZ125A and MX100A. Both bikes have been causing me some stress and they're too rough to leave original, but too original to restore.
Is this really a problem!? If that's the biggest problem I have in my life, then I really ought to shut the fudge up...
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/annaandnathan/Bikestuff/Jan9-10023.jpg)
I've owned this since it was four years old, and I love it to bits. Been a bit stressed out because I can't get a part for the forks, but the worst case scenario is to make a new one.
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/annaandnathan/Bikestuff/Jan9-10024.jpg)
Here's one to laugh at myself over. One of these shitboxes quality examples of our MX history is the bike I've owned for more than half my lifetime. The other is a parts bike that I have absolutely no emotional attachment to - can you tell which is which?
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/annaandnathan/Bikestuff/Jan9-10018.jpg)
Oh look, original, unmolested SL100. Owes me SFA. Sure it will need some time and money before it is any use to me, but is it really a problem to have this sitting there as a "when I get to it" project? Hell no!
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/annaandnathan/Bikestuff/Jan9-10017.jpg)
$500 worth of KDX200. A couple of mates looked after me to get all of the bits, and its a great bike - I love it. It doesn't do anything amazingly well, but it does everything well and its a great bike to ride.
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/annaandnathan/Bikestuff/Jan9-10016.jpg)
This is the rarest bike I own. Bought it from a nice bloke that I inadvertantly managed to annoy. Leant on one of the all-time champion blokes to get it to me. Over-loaded mboddy's trailer to get it home. Paid too much for it (by any logical measure).
Do I care?
Hell no - I own an MX125C! Its one of three that I know of and while its gonna take a ton of time and a fair bit of money to finish, it will always be a super-rare bike.
I can go on, but you get the point: If your biggest problem is related to old dirt bikes, then it really isn't a problem - rather than worrying about the negatives, take a step back and think about the fun and the friendship that this old bike caper will bring to you.
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looks like you're hanging out for a VMX fix on a track with a good group of guys!!
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Losing motivation on the SL100? I could reduce that loss ;) Cheers Tim754
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I've been wondering where you've been Nathan. Hope you manage to rekindle that enthusiasm - it's a new year with plenty of riding and racing waiting. I understand though, the motivation has been lacking for me too. Lack of time, other things on the go, disinterest in working on bikes, family against it and so on. Last year I got to I think 3 events, so I am hoping this year will be betterer. Have you given any thought to what the 'must dos' are for 2010?
I have a pretty short list, but here they are:
Jack Hogg
CD7
Canowindra HEAVEN
At least one Qld event
We'll see. But I hope to see you on the line at at least one of those. After you maintained your record of beating me in every race by just pipping me on the line at Canowindra in 09, our 125 vendetta still looms large in my thinking!! I've done a little work on the RM over the break...
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disinterest in working on bikes
:o perish the thought! ;)
no lack of motivation round here, a new project RM80X arrived on ummm,..Thursday and I have a nice little running G5 kawa motor and forks on their way over this morning. Just finished the GTS185 (well 99% ::) airfilters/battery) My dirt track TM125 is oh so close and a few others are also complete but awaiting the boring bar to do the number on them ;) To build afterwards I have numerous TS250's, 1 back to an original and with the parts left over a TM/TS250 hybrid. RM50N forks arrived on friday so they're to be fitted also and that's a step closer. The XR/YZ80 will have it's engine rebuilt (most parts already gathered) and then that'll be finished. I wish to do some more social rides (on the RL especially) and 3 or 4 local meetings (CD7 a must!) Then, just to be different :P in between I plan to get the old FJ special sedan back together ,running but probably not up to RWC specs due to some mods that aren't allowed ::) well, they are allowed just so long as they don't know and for mine I'm using all era parts so what's the problem!! :D ;D
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:o :o :o
How on earth do you find the time, Chris? I'm hoping to sneak off to the shed for about a 30 minute 'window of opportunity' right now, but that's about all I'll get today! I think I am doing something wrong...
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Nathan i can relate to what your saying :-\ i too am in a bit of a rut as far as bikes go, too many unfinished projects and i cant seem to get motavatied ??? I still have a huge passion for VMX but iv'e bogged myself down with to many bikes . Valeria came to work the other day and stopped counting when she got to 60 :o Now if that was 60 VMX race ready bikes cool but the reality is 40+ are all in some sort of unfinished state some minor some full rebuilds . plus a sustantial amount of parts new and used .The obvious thing to do is get rid of the majority and keep the ones i like best :) Here then lies the problem ??? how do you choose ::) There not all MXers there are a number of trailies and PEs etc . Do i sell them as projects or part them out on Ebay or finish them (yeah right) and sell them.
Nathan i dont recall you telling me my MX 125C was rare when you wanted to buy it ;D but i think thats a keeper as its a cool little bike.
I have marked the calender with events to do this year upto CD7 and there is somthing on 3 weekends out of 5 so that should keep me busy :D I am hoping to go to farliegh castle also finances permitting :)
Well i better go back to the shed and do my Sophies choice ::) will report back with whats for sale :-\
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Aaagh i too have had this same problem . Not enough money to finish things off too where i would like .Lacking the drive to really hook in and get some projects up and going .So i decided i should sell some to finance the ones i want too keep,so off to the shed to make some choices and i cant pick which ones i would sell. So i'm just going to hold on to them as long as i can and have as much fun as i can afford this year and really work on pulling good mono's at all the meetings i get too this year . See ya all there.
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Motivations a bitch.100% agree with you Nathan,Bill.
Sometimes the spark to get motivated to finish bikes comes outta left field.
I had 2 sparks.
My 9yo son pestered the crap outta me to get the ball rolling on his MR50 project.So I said to him you strip it down and get the old paint off it,and we'll go form there.I thought he'd give up,put it in the too hard basket.
Well bugger me he started in on it,and was asking so many questions how to do things.Firstly,I ended up sitting there telling him how,etc,no interest at all.I helped take the motor bolts out,cause he couldn't budge them,and next thing we were both into it.I had a ball just watching him pull it apart,and the joy of a new project started.
My second spark was a visit to Doc.I asked many questions,how do you do such and such to your bikes etc,etc.I didn't want to leave,it was great chatting with him.The way he makes stuff fit between models and the finish he achieves on the bikes,they look like they came from the factory like that.The bling factor happening on his bikes is amazing, pure eye candy.On my way home I had all these ideas spinning in the head,for projects I have but was unsure where to start.Now thanks to Doc,and my son I've finally gotten motivated to get the projects finished.
Cheers,Mark.
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Nathan , the passion you have for VMX bikes is still alive, there is no doubt about it going by what you have ferreted away.
Like most of what Bill has spoken about relates to me, as I have far too many projects on the go at once but that's the way I operate ;)
And yes my Garage is in need of a cull ( gunna's ) they will NEVER happen so why do I keep them ::)
What motivates me - up and comming events ;) CD7
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As an old fella pushing 60 who stopped racing vintage in 1999 I'm finally finding that the motivation to remain involved is finally starting to fade away. I've lost the spark that kept me involved since 1986. Whereas I once attracted to the politics of the sport like a moth to a flame, I now find it all so irrelevent and futile. I've been racking my brain trying to find the one pin that burst my baloon but can't put it down to a particular event or occurence. I guess the sport has grown away from me, or perhaps I've grown away from the sport, I'm not sure. Maybe a bit of both.
Thankfully it's not all doom and gloom. Whenever I feel that I need to totally pull out and move on, the contagious enthusiasm of my close mates and one in particular that it's all about the bikes and not the racing, inspires me to the shed and back into my project bikes, preparing them for this years fun events like Classic Dirt 7 and the Broadford Bonanza. The cameraderie and fun with the 'good ol' boys' at those events will continue but I can't raise two fifths of a damn about the racing or the pedantic politics raised on this forum any more. I just want to enjoy the many wonderful people involved in VMX and their great bikes bikes with as much enthusiasm as I can muster in the future. ;)
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I to like Nathan race cars also . the differance for me with cars is I made the decision to let someone else do the grubby bits and just pay the man. I still do the motors but the boring putting in and out work I dont do . This has made it more enjoyable .The bikes I dont mind doing myself but have reached overload status with them >:( .I now just do one at a time and have the next one only not 4,5,6 etc bikes in bits or half done like I used to have.I also think a thining of the ones you just wont do(no really you wont) is a good idea as otherwise it gets tooo daunting.But yes i would rather be racing than fixing ;D
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I'm glad I haven't been sucked into buying anything 'cute' or a 'someday' project for a while and I want to keep it that way. Six bikes (all runners even though I'm having small-stuff grief with the 465) and that's gunna be the limit. Would like to sell one 414 and replace it with a Pre 85 250 but that's it. Just refine what I have. As much as I love my Monties, I no longer have to buy something on eBay because "it may come in handy one day" now that I have the Jap racer.
I think a shed full of unfinished (or never started) bikes just wears you down and you don't get to enjoy what you have. :(
When I told my local bike shop lately that I had six bikes they couldn't believe it and yet on here, that figure is probably considered small. ???
Yes Sir. No more tripping over boxes of crap or wondering what I should be working on next.
Besides it's nice to be able to do other things like read a book, visit friends (after they've put the 'idetikit' photo in the local paper of you) or go out for a meal instead of doing your head in with some squish-band measurements or some ridculous mono-shock air-box set-up......... ???
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I had well and truly lost my desire for VMX but for me it has returned. I started a whole new chapter really. It started at Conondale Nats last year I went and watched just to catch up with old mates. Drinking beer with Firko seeing Billy Holmes bought back to me the real reasons why I enjoyed it so much. I went home bought a new YZ 250 2 stroke just because it had been years since I’ve owned one, cleaned my shed and sold off stuff that I was never going to do anything with. I’m starting with all new projects and bikes I’ve bought 2 KTM’s so far. I’ve made plans to attend the nats this year. Now I just have to get fit enough to 4 laps at my pace.
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you guys... :D
for sure i too can relate,
a quick glance through my shed reveals one too many projects. :)
i've said to myself one too many times i won't buy any more bikes till i sort out the crap i've got. :D
but then of course, i seem to find another one. 8)
one step at a time.
my biggest laugh to myself is that if i die all too soon then someones gonna have a hell of a job cleaning my mess up :D
cause i know my kids won't do it.
motivation?
step by step...
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single and no kidlets has/had plenty to do with it I'd say Graeme. A bit of a trade off I know, it wasn't planned that way but I make the most of it ;) my philosophy now..don't plan anything and this goes for bikes also, whatever will be will be ;D
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My motivation is high, and I have the time to spend in the shed, but being "between jobs" means I don't have the money to do half the work I want to on the bikes. Also being 40+ degrees out in the shed the last few days has put a damper on what work I can do that doesn't involve spending money.
CJ
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I think a shed full of unfinished (or never started) bikes just wears you down and you don't get to enjoy what you have. :(
Absolutley that is exactly where im at ::)
When I told my local bike shop lately that I had six bikes they couldn't believe it and yet on here, that figure is probably considered small. ???
Yes Sir. No more tripping over boxes of crap or wondering what I should be working on next.
Besides it's nice to be able to do other things like read a book, visit friends (after they've put the 'idetikit' photo in the local paper of you) or go out for a meal instead of doing your head in with some squish-band measurements or some ridculous mono-shock air-box set-up......... ???
Ross that ideally where i want to be :) i think 6 bikes in good order and race ready is probably managable and a whole lot more enjoyable :)
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i think 6 bikes in good order and race ready is probably managable and a whole lot more enjoyable :)
agreed,
but first we need to sort through all the crap to find the perfect/right 6 bikes :D
1 x pre~70
1 x pre~75
1 x pre~78
1 x evo
1 x pre 90
1 x trials bike
{why is my head still counting?} ::)
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As an old fella pushing 60 who stopped racing vintage in 1999 I'm finally finding that the motivation to remain involved is finally starting to fade away. I've lost the spark that kept me involved since 1986. Whereas I once attracted to the politics of the sport like a moth to a flame, I now find it all so irrelevent and futile. I've been racking my brain trying to find the one pin that burst my baloon but can't put it down to a particular event or occurence. I guess the sport has grown away from me, or perhaps I've grown away from the sport, I'm not sure.
Mark, WTFork? Pick your self up and dust off that attitude! It sounds like you need to go n have a good roll in all that vmx treasure for a while, if that doesn’t work find a good Shrink. If you tell him about the rest of us, then he or she would obviously be set for life. Whom ever gets to the Shrink first will most likely score free consultations in lieu of a “spotters fee”.
My race budget continually gets blown every few months by spotting yet another bargin vmx restoration project.
2010 resolution “NO MORE VMX PROJECTS” “NO MORE VMX PROJECTS” “NO MORE VMX PROJECTS”
Well I can tell you now that “self hypnosis” is a crock. I didn’t even make it nine days. What do you do when some one waves a very rare 1974.9999999999999999999 MC440GP basket case in front of you? Well what do you do? I least I held out for fifteen minutes(while I gave the budget a strategic make over). Then a sleepless night trying to figure out how the hell I am going to be able to slide this one past the minister for common sense and finance. If only I could convince her it is the male equivalent to a diamond or something. Ummmm maybe she will fall for the old “look what some idiot through out in the council cleanup” Uummmmm nuh, unlikely she will fall for that one again. This could be one of them really tricky nearly get divorced things again? Any ideas?
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I am always bogged down in projects Nathan you have a good collection of projects a few of mine are in a lot more peices than those I try not to say I will have this or that finished by then as that brings dissapointment if I am not under pressure to finish something I dont worry.
I always fall for the old to good or cheap to pass up there is always so many rare bikes advertised. ;)
I seem to notice a heap of the same type of bike I just bought after I go an buy it I dont know why I am always looking but you can bet after I go buy a big suzuki or anything big bore 2 stroke that one pops up in better nick closer and cheaper. :)
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As an old fella pushing 60 who stopped racing vintage in 1999 I'm finally finding that the motivation to remain involved is finally starting to fade away. I've lost the spark that kept me involved since 1986. Whereas I once attracted to the politics of the sport like a moth to a flame, I now find it all so irrelevent and futile. I've been racking my brain trying to find the one pin that burst my baloon but can't put it down to a particular event or occurence. I guess the sport has grown away from me, or perhaps I've grown away from the sport, I'm not sure.
Mark, WTFork? Pick your self up and dust off that attitude! It sounds like you need to go n have a good roll in all that vmx treasure for a while, if that doesn’t work find a good Shrink. If you tell him about the rest of us, then he or she would obviously be set for life. Whom ever gets to the Shrink first will most likely score free consultations in lieu of a “spotters fee”.
My race budget continually gets blown every few months by spotting yet another bargin vmx restoration project.
2010 resolution “NO MORE VMX PROJECTS” “NO MORE VMX PROJECTS” “NO MORE VMX PROJECTS”
Well I can tell you now that “self hypnosis” is a crock. I didn’t even make it nine days. What do you do when some one waves a very rare 1974.9999999999999999999 MC440GP basket case in front of you? Well what do you do? I least I held out for fifteen minutes(while I gave the budget a strategic make over). Then a sleepless night trying to figure out how the hell I am going to be able to slide this one past the minister for common sense and finance. If only I could convince her it is the male equivalent to a diamond or something. Ummmm maybe she will fall for the old “look what some idiot through out in the council cleanup” Uummmmm nuh, unlikely she will fall for that one again. This could be one of them really tricky nearly get divorced things again? Any ideas?
mick you make me laugh ,better be a good story in this one ;D
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Mark, WTFork? Pick your self up and dust off that attitude! It sounds like you need to go n have a good roll in all that vmx treasure for a while,
That's the key to it. I've just come home from a BBQ/swim in the pool at Jonesys house and his enthusiasm for his projects is definitely infectious. He's got everything from a huge dollar 500 Monark GP to a Hodaka Ace 100 on the production line and his equal enthusiasm for the projects, no matter whether they're potential race winners or not is what keeps me inspired.
I'm as keen as shite to have my Benelli flat tracker and Cheney RT1 ready for the Bonanza and Nats (for the Cheney at least) and look forward to debuting the Maico Metisse at CD7 and have 'em all up and running for the Griffith DT Nats. Although I'm seriously detuned by the racing and the political crapola, I'm loving the idea of putting a couple of decent riders on the bikes for the big events and enjoying the entrant/pit boss role! ;D
I've got way too many projects and agree that I need to thin out the herd. Bur where do I start? By the end of the season I'll have an inkling as to my committment and will know what to part with. I've also got to sell off my black Jaguar XJS to help finance further development of the white Walkinshaw XJS and finish my race 289 Ford engine and find a use for it.
Under construction or awaiting their place on the queue are, in order of importance to me........
*Trackmaster Benelli 650
*Cheney Yamaha RT1
*Hindall Ducati 250 (engine revamp, hopefully in time for the Nats.)
*Rickman Metisse-Maico 250
*Maico 350 (much needed engine rebuild)
*Maico 350 (the other one, needing a total restoration)
*Antig Maico 400 slider
*Hindall DT1250
*Yamaha DT2MX
*Suzuki TM/TS Suzuki (conversion to flat track trim)
*Cotton Cobra 250
*Sprite Maico 360
*Yamaha MX125
*Suzuki TM250 J
*DT1 from Hell (reassemble for CD7)
*DT1 resto (prep for rego)
*A quartet of Suzuki TS90s awaiting their various intended fates.
edit, a few minutes later:(It's a bit daunting when you see the projects listed on the computer screen. The herd cull may start a tad earlier if my interest downturn continues ::)
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If you want to thin out the herd I would be interested in that 400 of yours.
I sometimes get a bit worried as what I should do I was being pressured to sell my rd250 and no room in the shed but then I thought I cant sell my rd it is owes me nothing so I dont need to even though its longest journey has been around the front yard a few times with the horn tooting.
I only have enough room to do one bike up at a time and that seems to work well because when you have a few on the go it is a nightmare I spose alot of you guys are like me a real good buyer but I dont sell much.
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I've gotta say that I've just sold off a couple of old Mercs and I feel much better for it. I can devote more time and money the ones left rather than having a heap of unfinished work laying around.
It's quite a 'cleansing' thing to do............ ;)
I'm a bit light-on for bikes at the moment, but trying to rectify that. :D
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How many PE400's do you need Frosty ;D
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I will decide that when I have to many. ;)
I dont know why I just love that one bike I have others but if you said to me I could only keep on sort of bike I would keep my PE's maybe thats what keeps me motivated I just like that one bike so much I like all my bikes but that one takes the cake even over the gt80.
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mmmm choice bunch, put me down for any thing that starts with the m ;D
Trackmaster Benelli 650
*Cheney Yamaha RT1
*Hindall Ducati 250 (engine revamp, hopefully in time for the Nats.)
*Rickman Metisse-Maico 250
*Maico 350 (much needed engine rebuild)
*Maico 350 (the other one, needing a total restoration)
*Antig Maico 400 slider
*Hindall DT1250
*Yamaha DT2MX
*Suzuki TM/TS Suzuki (conversion to flat track trim)
*Cotton Cobra 250
*Yamaha MX125
*Suzuki TM250 J
*DT1 from Hell (reassemble for CD7)
*DT1 resto (prep for rego)
*A quartet of Suzuki TS90s awaiting their various intended fates.
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Quite a stock list you have there, Firko, and indeed Paul, but if other posters are worried about the future of vmx, and yet have 60-odd bikes in the shed, YOU'RE THE PROBLEM !! Get rid of them to prospective vmxers, and we can all go riding... Sheesh... ::)
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I've gotta say that I've just sold off a couple of old Mercs and I feel much better for it. I can devote more time and money the ones left rather than having a heap of unfinished work laying around.
It's quite a 'cleansing' thing to do............ ;)
I'm a bit light-on for bikes at the moment, but trying to rectify that. :D
True Tony, I started a 2-3 year rule if you haven't finished it in thet time you probably never will. So I sell the project or part on..........
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bloody hell!..it takes me 2 years to get the parts together before I even start doing anything..how bout we add a 0 to that Loz and make it 20 years!..more realistic for slow workers like me ;)
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I must admit Firko the bikes you are attempting are hell time consuming, I can whip up the RM125C in 3 or 4 days in the shop but these 'specials' burn through time like hell.
So 2010 for me is the year of finishing the bikes I have in bits off.
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg71/marcFX_photo/Marcsnewtoy005.jpg)
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I must admit Firko the bikes you are attempting are hell time consuming
And therein lies both the attraction and the problem. Specials are indeed difficult to build as many of the parts need to be modified or made from scratch which appeals to the hot rodder/boilermaker-welder living inside of me. The finished result is often unlike any other bike and reflects the builders own ideas and individuality while still remaining faithful to history and the rule book. I find it far more satisfying than building a factory correct concourse restoration. I've done a number of them and found the job far more tedious and frustrating because of the anal perfection needed to do it correctly, only to find that once it's finished it's identical to any number of other cookie cutter bikes. I admire those who have the patience to do it just as the factory intended and appreciate that what they are doing is a good thing. These days however I prefer the individuality and 'artistic' freedom the special offers.
The time problem can't be avoided however. When I retired I figured that I'd enter into a life of shed bliss, creating bike after bike from my spotless and well appointed shed. In reality, the shed has become a cluttered hell hole and my lifestyle has become almost equally as cluttered. I thought I'd be able to rattle off two or three bikes per year but in reality it's turned to a more realistic one and a half per year. The quicky rebuild on the Cheney has stretched to three years because the interest factor keeps coming and going due to new projects popping up all the time. As I said earlier, I'll see how I feel about the whole deal at the end of the year and whether I've still got the fire in the belly. The cull need to happen but what actually goes is the big question.
The list of projects in my previous post is actually only the bikes that have a game plan mapped out for their future. There are a few more that are tucked away in the garden shed or down on the farm that are also awaiting a new life...Most of these will go to new homes....eventually
*Honda XL500S (Was to be a donor bike to a '79 Husky evo bike racer but the project didn't happen)
*Yamaha TY250 (Ex Dave Pinkerton show trick bike, should be on the first list ready for a sympathetic resto)
*Honda XL350 roller (420 Yoshimura equipped engine donated to a mate for a project but never used, I'll get it back
*DT2 Yamaha (bought on a whim for the Bassani pipe and MX250 wheels. Never even touched)
*Jawa 894 4v speedway bike (Should also be on the 1st list, was destined to hang on the rumpus room wall but couldn't obtain permission from management.
*
Ironically, I've got a big admiration of Harry Hindalls creations, owning two. Just last week Bob Neilson offered me first dibs on Harrys personal DT1 Hindall and I've agreed to buy it, although no money has changed hands as yet.
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Maybe you should invite Doc around for a weekend......... :D
btw You can't turn down Hindall's DT1.............. surely.............. :-\
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I have been into it for coming up to four years. I certainly jumped into the deep end and bought heaps of 'potentials'. Lately I have resisted the temptation to buy more as there are still quite a few in line for resto's , not to mention all of the prep needed for the large amount I actually ride. When I have had a gut full (end of last year and taking a month to wash the bikes from the last outing), eventually the fire comes back and I'm into it again. During the chrissy break I have made some good ground and feel all warm and fuzzy. For me the race prep is the hardest to cope with as after the next time you ride it, you have to start all over. But its a price I am willing to pay for the fun factor!
I only hope that it takes me another 40 years or so like some, before I start questioning my enthusiasm !
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its 40 something degrees ive got no motivation either .walked into the garage and walked back inside to the air con ,i wish winter would hury up then i can go to the garage put the heater on and potter about on maico stuff :o
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its 40 something degrees ive got no motivation either .walked into the garage and walked back inside to the air con ,i wish winter would hury up then i can go to the garage put the heater on and potter about on maico stuff :o
Its about 8 degrees here today, had a day in shop with the heater on. ;D with global warming I think you would be better off in Tassie.
Yeah I hit the wall mostly fitting steering heads and swingarms, my resources are limited to a lathe. Getting things like powder coating done in Japan is crazy expensive and complicated.
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its 40 something degrees ive got no motivation either .walked into the garage and walked back inside to the air con
One of the smartest things I've done is install air conditioning in my garage. My Aunty Judith had fitted ducted air to her house and donated her old Panasonic air conditioning unit to my shed. The cool working conditions prompted a mate to do the same and he picked up a beut Mitsubishi unit on eBay for the cost of a carton of piss. The beauty is that they double as a heater in winter, a win win situation.
Has this thread swayed sideways just a little bit? :-\
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Quite a stock list you have there, Firko, and indeed Paul, but if other posters are worried about the future of vmx, and yet have 60-odd bikes in the shed, YOU'RE THE PROBLEM !! Get rid of them to prospective vmxers, and we can all go riding... Sheesh... ::)
Shit too easy :o why didn't i think of that ::) send a cheque and an address where you want your container dropped off ;)
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OK, I seem to be suffering from some serious lack of motivation although not from VMX. Having a seriously ill family member has definately impacted on my psyche. I no longer want to do the mundane, boring everyday things that we need to do, and actual work (the work that pays the bills) has become a real bugbear chore for me, (other than the VMX work). I find myself asking the question why an awful lot, and I certainly can no longer suffer fools.I've become selfish in a non selfish sort of way if that makes any sense. I only want to do fun things and live life as fast and full as I possibly can. I'm up at 6.00am and not in bed till after 12.00pm most days. The "rules" at our house have become very lax (there are too many "rules" in life). I've placed myself on a tough fitness regime, (lost 15kg, maybe gone too far), and have been looking at getting back to the things of my youth, SCUBA etc. VMX is a part of that and I'm looking forward to a fun season ahead without any politics or BS. Part of this has seen me decide to sell of a few of the collectable bikes and concentrate on the one's I want to ride and those I just like. Building trick bikes for clients is probably the only work I enjoy at the moment. If I could I'd abandon the ratrace, but alas like most I'm a prisoner. The old bikes and VMX fun is my respite. Long live VMX.
Cheers,
K
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Learning something new like CAD/CNC can take some of the mundane work away. I recenlty converted from cutting cones by hand to laser cuttting, which just requires some new skills.This just replaces the former mundane task, that lets me do something else which,I find is more mentaly stimulating.
Jeez 20yrs Doc no wonder used Suzuki bits are so expensive ;D
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The old bikes and VMX fun is my respite. Long live VMX.
Cheers,
K
Nice going on the 15kgs Michael, that shows a great deal of motivation....Best regards Marc
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Listen to you all, the trouble is that you have too many bikes that need repairing, at the end of the day, one or two bikes is all you need, vintage scrambler so you can race with and mix it up with your mates and be part of it, the second choice is a trials bike or enduro bike, road racer for etc, or may be a fishing boat just to do something different. I have be an owner lots of bikes and the shed was full, only own two, the dot, and the other being sold, l will replace it with a enduro or trials bike so that l can enjoy other area and meet new poeple, Clean your shed out and you will feel better, and have cash in your pocket. then with one bike you won`t hesitate in spending money on it, once it completed enjoy the ride. Help someone else out with a bike, so he can grow with the sport, who knows he may end up being a good mate.
Two bikes? I don't think so.
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mmmm me either :D
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I hear what your saying with two bikes. I have had more than two since I was 8 years old and I don't look at it as a greedy thing that is my hobby and I enjoy every part of owning motorbikes.
I sometimes think if I sell this and that and I could do this but I really just like the whole owning restoring and riding if I find one bike that I dont enjoy I will sell it straight away.
I haven't found the one I don't like yet I wish I was born earlier then my collection would be huge and I could own some bikes I can't afford to at the moment like the elusive TM400 and I would love a RM500 but you never know.
There is a difference between needs and wants I would like a lot of stuff and becuase I am prepared to work I can eventually get things but you could say I don't need every thing in my shed but I use it all and enjoy all the fun of owning the bikes. :)
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I have one rule with all my bikes I buy, If I can't turn it into a rider in 6 months it goes, the only bike I will never sell is my 1980 PE175t that has been in the family from new & gave me my start in vmx 6 years ago, you think if I was to keep a bike it would be my RM125T that I won a NZ tile on two years ago, but I have been there done that & now it off to your side of the pond to live, what keeps me going is having all my bikes ride-able and not just doing vmx, I race a 08 RMZ250 in the vets, ride a twin shock trails bike for fun & I now have wife into it with a touring bike which we both enjoy.
I have 8 bikes in the shed & you can ride any of them, but they are all on going projects as they will always be.
So what am I saying, have as many bike as you like to build to ride or what ever but make time to ride with your fiends & enjoy what bonds us all together.
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Nathan Tom and I should of helped you put the bikes back in the shed thats why your motivation was low ;D in my eyes your a mover & shaker :o you always say G'day at events. Make time to chat help out chasing parts never bag out my cheap and wonderful ideas about my bikes.Best of all your little son Thomas is watching you do what you do the rally cars the VMX bikes the helping mates out and in a short time he will be your off sider and then you will see what you have done. Is make a hunter and gather out of the young bloke but he will have a head start as you will have all the good stuff already ;D jimson