The Excelsior Project - OHV 1919 Board Track Racer Build

[Hoony]

I think Firko may have posted this up a few years back, its an interesting technical read



http://flashbackfab.com/pages/excel00.html

[Mike52]

That,s a job I wouldn,t have a go at Hoony.
The jigs alone are a life times work.
Beautiful workmanship and end result.

[cheapracer]

That is awesome, I'm jealous.

[mx250]

A wonderful blog. It almost a Blueprint for making one yourself (given a bit of garage space and a few hand tools ).

But why? There is one sentence where he says something about selling them (and the ten of everything is a clue as well). Does he sell them? Who to? What would you do with it - sit it in the pool room? - it would be an expensive piece of art.

[MX125B]

That's an amazing story.
I suppose Jay Leno and Billy Joel would be his first customers

[Hoony]

 a second and third have been sold for $100k and $129k ( this one went to Oz) # 4 is in production.

its a collector market oviously!

http://flashbackfab.com/pages/002.html (and follow the link to the next page.)

[Iain Cameron]

WOW it makes all of my resto's look like utter shite  . That bike is ART .

[cheapracer]

Each to his own but I find this strange..

http://flashbackfab.com/pages/sophie.html

Theres some great old bikes including board runners on this page too ..

http://www.design-engine.com/feature.php?feature=83

[mainline]

Each to his own but I find this strange..

http://flashbackfab.com/pages/sophie.html

mmmm, yes

[MX125B]

Some actual racing footage. 

http://youtu.be/A4s7zHAnJ6A

[mustanggrahame]

This is my 1915 Excelsior. Sorry it is a photo of a picture, but I can't get to to the bike now. This was taken on Veteran Rally in Tasmania last year.
Cheers, Grahame

[cheapracer]

Mustang that lovely.

What do you think yours is worth when you see a sort of a replica getting 100K+ in Oz?

[mustanggrahame]

Hi CR,
I have read of your plans to build some replica stuff at an affordable price (and the discussion that goes with it). Good luck with it all anyway.
I have been involved with vintage and veteran bikes since I was 12. My first bike was a 1920 Indian Scout which I still own. Back then, 30 years ago, parts were sort of available but now they aren't at all. Restorations rely on people like yourself making parts or being able to do it yourself. I wish you all the success you deserve. Take no notice of the knockers.
To answer your question of what my bike may be worth, I don't really know. There aren't many 15's left anywhere in the world, but also there probably isn't a big market for one. I wont ever sell it so it doesn't really matter.
I personally don't like this replica Excelsior, mainly for the way it has been built. The workmanship is superb but I believe the builder has lost the essence of what that period of bike is. As an example fitting oil rings and a nikasil bore is so off the mark as to show a lack of respect for what was the absolute pinnacle of engineering of the era.
Just my opinion.
Grahame.

[SAABCOMBI]

Very interesting article, I grow up in a family of collectables, for etc, rudge multi 20 speed, Kynok, Karmer, levis, scotts, we still have a 350 air cool scott and a 2speed scott, speedway douglas, Indians, BSA.

[mx250]

I personally don't like this replica Excelsior, mainly for the way it has been built. The workmanship is superb but I believe the builder has lost the essence of what that period of bike is. As an example fitting oil rings and a nikasil bore is so off the mark as to show a lack of respect for what was the absolute pinnacle of engineering of the era.

It's an interesting project that philosophically challenges me. I see and greatly admire his workmanship and artistry, and his dedication and determination to build it. And then I see the nikasil bore, modern pistons and a 'half the weight' modified Harley crank and wonder 'why?'. Why build it, why buy it?

Somewhere along the bike's creation it has morphed from 1919 Excelsior replica to something else.

In a very 'deep and meaningful' way, this piece of art ceases to be a Excelsior Broad Racer, or even a motorcycle, despite its shape, form and tank badge. I know it is being very philosophical but to me when the intention is for a bike to become a pretty thing to be looked at and admire rather than to make noise and to ride, it ceases to be a motorcycle. I know it's cruel but I apply that equally to this replica and 'blinged out' Trailer Queens and museum pieces.

That is not to be judgmental - each to their own and viva la difference, and they all have a place in our sport and hobby. But to me it does highlight the importance of VMX and the HBB and Classic Dirt events, the vintage club rides and even the VJMC rides. To me I would rather see someone's interpretation of a period converted DT1 MX'er being ridden on a track rather than seen this replica under spotlights in someone's pool room.