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.

Tachometer drive block-off

Today at work, Lou and I cleaned prepped and filled the tach drive fitting with Alumalloy.