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Archive for category My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT

My Old Friend: Part 10 – An XT Reborn

Dec 30

Posted by Mic in My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT | 2 Comments

Part 10: Published 12-30-2009

In the final days of December, I strap down, and finish a project I’ve worked over a year on. What started out as a tribute, became a long emotional path as I raced to completely rebuild a part of my past.  Now, as this journey comes to an end, I set my sights for many more adventures with My Old Friend.

I realize, as I write this, that this will be the last entry I write in this Project Journal.

Over the last couple weeks, I have watched what was once an old neglected motorcycle, transform into the bike it is today.

I have also, over the last couple weeks, kept you all updated with video updates here and there. So this last journal entry will be a combination of the video’s I have already posted, some pictures, and some other video’s I did not post.

So without any other delay, lets take a step back, 2 weeks ago, and begin.

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Video now available!

Dec 23

Posted by Mic in My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT, Projects | No Comments

I finally got around to signing up for a YouTube account so that I could post some videos!

There are 3 new entries on this page, first video is of the bike running! Second of the bikes rats nest of wire, and the third is of the Acerbis Cyclops headlight installed and testing.

I need to go look for a couple things in town tomorrow. I need to get some 90 degree connectors for my fuse block that I am installing under the dash, and I need front brake pads. I have managed to misplace the old ones, which were actually still good. Not sure where I put them, but I spent a good hour tonight looking for them, and was unable to find them.

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My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT – Lighting

Dec 23

Posted by Mic in My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT, Projects | 1 Comment

Let there be light!

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My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT – Wiring 101

Dec 23

Posted by Mic in My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT, Projects | No Comments

I sure know how to make a mess of wiring!

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My Old Friend comes to life!

Dec 23

Posted by Mic in My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT, Projects | No Comments

Over a year after starting this project, I finally start my XT for the first time in several years.

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The Final Stretch

Dec 18

Posted by Mic in My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT, Projects | 1 Comment

So I’ve been working on the milling machine, to fabricate the new bracket that will hold the dash as well as headlight on my XT225.

I have to say, it’s a fun experience, and I’m trying to figure out how to utilize the rotary table to make a pocket cut where the ignition goes.

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It’s December First

Dec 1

Posted by Mic in Arctic Expedition 2010, General, My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT, The Breeze | 1 Comment

I wanted to make sure I had a post on the first of the month. I really didn’t know what I originally wanted to write about, so I guess I’ll just give little updates on little odds and ends!

The XT has been sitting now for awhile without much work done to it. In fact the only thing done to it, is that I took off the Fat Bars I put on it, and put 7/8 bars back on.

The Kick Starter Kit that I had ordered from Yamaha finally showed up! I wasn’t really expecting that to show up for at least another couple months, with how Yamaha North America made it sound! So I’m happy about that!

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Delays Delays

Nov 4

Posted by Mic in My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT, Projects | No Comments

I got news that the TrailTech Vapor Stealth that I ordered a few weeks back is actually on backorder until the 3rd of December.

Talk about a huge bummer.  I need this piece so I can finish up the design work of the front bracket that will become the dash, as well as new headlight bracket.

I’m also kicking myself in the ass for not bringing my wire harness back with me.  I could have finished that up for the most part, although, I really would like to have the bike while I do it, so I can better place everything, and cut the lengths properly so I don’t have tons of extra wire coiled up somewhere. So maybe it is best I don’t have it with me.

Decided to go ahead and get rid of the 1 1/8th’s handlebars. I purchased new 7/8th’s, so hopefully they will be in next week. I’m glad I did this to be honest. Fatbars have their place, but to be honest, with the lack of support for proper brackets for them (it’s hard when everyone’s taper differently), you just can’t blame the manufactures.

Welp, that’s kind of just a “quicky” update

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The World of The Department of Licensing

Nov 4

Posted by Mic in My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT, Projects | 1 Comment

Well, I finally got the license plate for the XT. So it is officially able to roam the roads once I get her finished!

This makes me very happy!
Not to say though, that it wasn’t a complete and total pain in the ass.

Because the bike has never been licensed in the past, I had to have the title “Reactivated” in the system. That meant they took the old title I had, took a copy, filled out some paperwork, sent it down to Olympia, and then wait for a go/no go answer from them on it. It got the “Go”. It’s a road worthy bike, manufactured to be a road worthy bike, and not a dirt bike conversion, so there was no problems and I had a call back within 24 hours stating I could go in and get my title transferred and registration.

In all it took 3 trips. First trip, they told me I needed a bill of sale, regardless if the title was signed off by my father. Second trip was to find out the title needed to be activated, and 3rd and final to get the registration, title change and license plate.

I’m happy though :)

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My Old Friend: Part 9 – The Rebirth of an XT

Nov 2

Posted by Mic in My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT, Projects | 1 Comment

Another Week, Another Update!

Decisions Decisions Decisions. It has all come down to Decisions. The bike is up on its own wheels, carb is in place, exhaust is in place, and the wire harness is somewhat in place. All the pieces needed to start her up, and I just let it set.  More time spent thinking, planning, measuring than actual work took place in this update, so it is short, simple, full of babble and a couple pictures to compliment it.

“Any man who believes he controls the machine is in a state of denial that can only be accompanied by his obsession of power over things he can not yet understand. The heart of the machine has the power to take control of our mortal self, with our adrenaline infused hearts pumping in complete rhythm to the stroke of the motor, our minds linked at the wheel sensing every inch of the ground below us, and our souls melded into a single entity that cries into the open night sky, begging for it to never end. Any man, who believes he controls the motorcycle, tossing aside all respect for the mechanical being in which sits before him, will most likely die for his mistake.”

Ready More Here: My Old Friend: Part 9 – The Rebirth of an XT

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