Rip it up rally at Delilah's

Apparently they can't call it Mods vs. Rockers anymore, but there was a handful of scooters accompanying tons of bikes.  Lou and I had to work today (Ron snagged the day off) so we met up early, had breakfast at the Fullerton restaurant and rode the long way to Delilah's.

Rode to Economy Cycle and Analog Motorcycles

Yesterday, I rode to Waukegan for the Analog Motorcycle open house (party).  It wasn't too far out of the way to stop in at Economy Cycle, where I purchased two carb kits for the RD.  John at Economy Cycle told me that ignition points are no longer being manufactured, which is very noteworthy.

I have purchased from Economy before but this was my first time there.

Resting comfortably after a hard, slow ride in traffic.

A nice antique BMW that arrived just before I left.

This company, Janus Motorcycles, builds their little Chinese-powered bikes in IN.

IMO, their best asset is their aluminium gas tanks.

If I was in the market for a thumper, then I would consider Royal Enfield.  But.

Possibly my favorite bike there, even though it's just a decoration in the bed of a '57 Ford.

Rode to Ottawa

My buddy Ron invited Lou and I to ride with him and his dog,  Mia on what turned out to be a rainy day.  We stayed dry until the ride home, but it could have been much worse.

Mia seemed to enjoy the ride, in Ron's side car rig.  They camped overnight a couple of nights and we had a nice day trip.

New chain and sprockets

The previous owner had installed a 17 tooth front sprocket which was still in good shape, but the chain had two master links and was badly stretched.  I purchased JT sprockets from Dennis Kirk and a 100 link JT x-ring chain from an eBay seller.  I had to get a clip master link because the chain came with a rivet master.  Gearing is still 17/40.

I trimmed the extra tabs off of the swingarm, remnants from the chain guard which has gone missing.

New seat cover!

I found a guy on ebay who make motorcycle seat covers in Southern Illinois.  He was willing to make a new cover based on my old seat cover, and I had had him make two (I have two seat pans).

Swapped the gas tank

I found a matching gas tank on ebay that was pulled from a Canadian KZ400J.  I was growing tired of the 'patina' (dents) on my bike's tank so I purchased this one which looks much nicer.

Stopped at the Shell station to top her up

This picture nicely shows the only dent.

New rear suspension

I have always heard that new shocks and springs are one of the best upgrades you can make to a motorcycle.  Now I must agree.