Mic's Adventure

The Motorcycle Adventures and Projects of Mic

Posts Tagged My Old Friend

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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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.

Read the rest of this entry »

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The Heart of a 9-Year Old: Restoring a Link to the Past

Dec 2

Posted by Mic in The Breeze | 1 Comment

It amazes me, how there are certain times in your life, that you can remember almost photographically.  I’m not talking about short moments in time, but full days of events.

One of those days for me, was sometime in December of 1989. I believe I remember this day, for a series of events that would transpire that would ultimately stick in my mind.

I don’t remember the exact date, but I do know it was December. My father and I jumped in the pickup truck that morning, snow still on the ground, and drove into the Tri-Cities. Read the rest of this entry »

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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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My Old Friend: Part 8 – The Rebirth of an XT

Oct 26

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

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

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