from a bucket of bolts to moving art
I Don’t get mad, I Get it fixed
Friendly attitude adjustment for Spanish, Italian, British, German and Japanese motorcycles.
Getting an old Barn Find Running Again
Inherited Dad’s vintage Triumph. Dusty old Ducati in the neighbor’s shed. Broken bike that’s been sitting for a few years. The origin stories are endless. Before it can be restored to its former glory, the old gas in the rusty tank, the dirty carburetors, the mouse-gnawed electrical wires, and frozen motor must be seen to. I fearlessly address the problems of bikes that’ve been sitting for years. Old European metric and Whitworth bikes are my specialty. Spanish, Italian, British and German; mainly from the 50’s 60’s and 70’s. Japanese bikes from that era are cool, too.
I caught the vintage motorcycle bug in the early 90’s; I wanted to experience what it was like to ride an old motorcycle, and since there wasn’t a lending library of such bikes, I had to buy them in whatever condition I found them, and bring them back to life to enjoy anew. I had the good fortune to apprentice with some extraordinary mentors while working on my own projects.
Sort the Old Bike;
carbs to electrics
Cranky carburetors and electrical wiring system gremlins are common problems with vintage motorcycles. If clogged carbs are the culprit, I can take the offending part and submit it to the tender mercies of my ultrasonic cleaning machine. If a rusty tank is bleeding oxidized iron particles into the fuel system, continually fouling the carbs, I can clean and seal the tank so it functions like new again. And if electrics have run amok, I have the equipment to properly diagnose wires, fuses, regulator/rectifiers, and batteries.
Rare Part Replacement
Over the years I’ve researched and cultivated sources for many hard-to-find vintage and antique motorcycle parts. The global marketplace for spare parts is constantly changing, and the networks of relationships I’ve nourished over the years ensure access to the best selection of parts for any given project, including contacts in Europe and Japan.
Occasionally an old part is made of pure Unobtanium, in which case I also have the resources to fabricate a replacement—from welding and machining to finishing and powder coating.
Vintage Motorcycle Purchase Consultant
Save yourself some time and heartache! If you are a new motorcycle rider, or are new to vintage motorbikes, let me help make sure you are getting your money’s worth and will be happy with your new-to-you vintage bike. There are many pitfalls awaiting the uninitiated; I’ve fallen into a few myself, and seen plenty of my friends agonize over the pain of buyer’s remorse. I can help you choose the right type of bike for your needs, and find a good, solid example of what you’re looking for. It’s easy to get in over your head if you don’t know what to watch out for. I have the experience to help you make a smart purchase.
