Motorcycle Restorations

The Old Bike Myth- Kicking The Tire Kicker

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Category: Motorcycle Restorations

Written by Bear

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Los Angeles, CA (RPRN) 11/22/10 — By Bear from Old Bike Barn

This week my rant targets the “Tire Kicker” and dispelling the myth that parts are not available for older bikes Well I’m sure you have all met the guy I’m talking about, he’s the one that always has something to say about your ride (even though he usually has none). This is the guy that keeps old bikes off the road by promoting inaccurate statements about the lack of parts and the prohibitive costs of running older machines.  This is simply not true you need only look at www.oldbikebarn.com, our customers regularly send us emails telling us they were surprised at how many items we have for their 70’s, 80’s or 90’s bike, and how reasonable the prices were.

When it comes to old bikes too many uninformed “bikers” make gross generalizations the worst one has to be the promotion of the myth that parts are not available… We at Old Bike Barn have spend thousands of hours making all the we have to support your older application available online with pictures and specs. Now don’t take this as a sales pitch guys but I want to prove a point because I hate knowing how many easily restored bikes are rotting year after year.

So Let’s take  just about any UJM from the mid 70’s through 80’s. I’ll give you an example of just how much stuff we carry for an older model like this… complete engine gasket sets, carb kits, oil filters, fork seals shocks, fork springs, chains and sprockets, the stock decals, swing arm bearings, wheel bearings, brake pads, pistons and rings, cables, grips, brake and clutch levers, horns, rectifiers, head lights and well many more things! Now when some loser says why are you riding an old bike or something about it being hard to get parts…   Let them know with parts from Old Bike Barn you can take a barn fresh beast and for well under $1000 make it road worthy.

To sweeten the deal an old bike is among the best bang for buck entertainment wise, the projects are fun and ripping around town on a machine that cost less than, 2 grand for bike and parts, that you built your self is pretty gratifying.

Even if you have a brand new machine in the garage a second older project bike can be a lot of fun and a great learning experience for the back yard mechanic. If you have never done it I highly recommend it. It will make a real motorcyclist out of you… Not to be high on my horse (or Bike) but in my opinion to fully be part of our sport you need to spin wrenches.

I’m tired of hearing people make excuses about why they leave a bike to rot while the parts are right here under their noise at such reasonable prices, and as for those tire kicking, weenies that always have an opinion and no bike well… enough said!

If you have been sitting on the fence or have a friend who has, tell them to check out just what can be had from us, the good old days are here now, old bikes are cheaper than ever and we can get you the parts to make them roll. If you know of an old bike hiding under a tarp, buy fit or a song and have some fun this winter experiencing the other joys of motorcycling.

We are always ready to help with a plan or to offer tech support to get you moving on that project. You can even email me directly This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. P.S. tell the tire kickers to get a bike!

I’ll keep ranting you guy’s keep turning the wrenches.

Peace and grease!

Bear.

Jan Berkowitz Begins Restoration of Vintage Harley Davidson Motorcycle

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Category: Motorcycle Restorations

Written by 1888 PR

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Jan Berkowitz received the vintage Harley Davidson as a heirloom from an old friend. Motorcycles, especially Harley Davidson's, have always been a part of the Berkowitz family. Jan Berkowitz started working on motorcycles at the early age of 12 on weekends and has continued to do so ever since.

Jan Berkowitz owns a newer model bike but was thrilled when an old friend handed down the vintage Harley. "This motorcycle was my old friends pride and joy." said Jan Berkowitz. "He spent a lot of time on the open rode with this motorcycle and I am thrilled to bring it back to its original beauty and performance."

This project began as soon as Jan received the motorcycle. Restoration can be difficult because parts are so hard to come by. Jan Berkowitz spent many hours online searching and traveled throughout the US looking for the parts he needed to complete the bike.

The 1946 Knucklehead was replaced with the Panhead in 1948. The Knucklehead received it's name due to the distinct shape of the rocker boxes; a Knucklehead engine has two round knobs on the cover that resemble knuckles. The Knucklehead engine is a two cylinder, 45 degree, pushrod actuated overhead valve V-twin engine with two valves per cylinder.

Jan Berkowitz is scheduled to begin working on the bike this week and believes it will be complete by summer of 2012; perfect timing for great riding weather. Jan Berkowitz has his very own garage to accommodate restoration of the bike.

About Jan Berkowitz

Jan Berkowitz has been a bike enthusiast for most of his life. He began working on motorcycles at the age of 12 and it has been his passion ever since. Jan spends a lot of time travelling throughout the US via motorcycle; a pastime which he enjoys. Jan Berkowitz has dedicated a lot of time to studying the history and mechanics of Harley Davidson motorcycles and strongly believes they are the best bike on the market.

Jan Berkowitz Sites

http://www.janberkowitznews.com

http://www.janberkowitz.org

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Mac's & Sunmark Upholstery Motorcycle Seats of Seattle

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Category: Motorcycle Restorations

Written by Suzie Healey

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The Legend of Gunga Din

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Category: Motorcycle Restorations

Written by Wheels.ca

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