Dec 18
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.
Dec 1
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!
Nov 4
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
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 
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
Part 8 is now up of My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT
Finally seeing the bike take shape, and getting caught up, we see what stood as a skeleton of bare metal, start to take form of a motorcycle, but not without a hiccup here and there.
“Boy! What a weekend!
I was originally going to name this issue of MOF “The exploady burny” issue, but decided against that… And more on that later. Right now, lets jump right into things!”
Continue reading hear: Part 8: Published 10-26-09
Part 7 is now available for your reading pleasure!
A wet weekend of more time spent driving than working proves that even a little progress is good progress.
“What I set out to do this weekend, was finish what I was unable to do last weekend. Which was put the engine in the frame, swing-arm attached, wheel bearings put in, steering stem with front suspension put on, and wheels so it will stand on its own.
What I did get this weekend, was a lot of sit down, rethink planning, a lot of back and forth driving all over the place, and then just a lot of bull shitting.”
The latest installment of “My Old Friend” is now up for your viewing pleasure!
“First off, I received a few items this week! The Wheel Bearings came super quick, the air filter came in along with my rear tail light cover, the front fork boots made their way to Oregon, and last but not least, my frame was finished!”
Continue Reading Here: My Old Friend: Part 6 – The Rebirth of an XT
The original articles of “My Old Friend: The Rebirth of an XT” have been moved over into the projects section.
