121 days and counting down. It seemed like September 2014 was a distant date in the future when this project commenced. Lets take a completely wore out, broken, assembly of pieces and ride it across this great country. Sounded like a plan.............
Now its May 2014, and this bike is really starting to run well. I am getting encouraged with each ride, and things seem to be getting sorted out. It is nice to have the magnitude of the problems shrinking, with efforts now concentrating on tuning and getting to know the bike and the motor. Listening and the feel of the motor tell you a lot when riding, and keeping it in the sweet spot will help get to Tacoma.
The first rides were kind of nerve racking. Left hand throttle, where's the clutch, and what happened to the brakes. But you quickly settle into the ride, and the discovery process begins. Riding along about 40, back the main needle out until it blubbers, then lean it back out. Man it starts running good, then the head temperature starts climbing. Richen it up and it cools back down. Don't want to seize the motor, got to find the sweet spot. There are some pretty good climbs here, shorter than the Rockies, but just as steep. Retarding the timing under these higher loads and the bike seems happier. You become your own CPU, always adjusting the MAP, with the seat of your pants as the sensor.
It is truly a pleasure riding this bike. Easing along a county 2 lane on a 1929 motorcycle is a special feeling. Folks who enjoy a blend of nostalgia, history, and mechanical movement understand what I'm talking about. What an experience this is going to be!
