Food for thought

[BA80]

Why don't you see any old customized bikes running around?

Not old bikes that have been customized but customized bikes that have been around for a while.

[DGXSER]

Probably because the folsk who liek to do that artistic work, like change also. So they fix it to their vision, then tend to want a new canvas to work on, and sell it to start over. And the folks who get them, only like the look for a while, then change it up to make it their own, or more functional.

JMO

[BA80]

Probably because the folsk who liek to do that artistic work, like change also. So they fix it to their vision, then tend to want a new canvas to work on, and sell it to start over. And the folks who get them, only like the look for a while, then change it up to make it their own, or more functional.

JMO

Parts..............

[Shacknasty]

I ride a bike customized in 1976 on an almost daily basis. It's not as over the top as an Arlen Ness digger covered with gold leaf and every square inch of bare metal engraved, but it's a testament to one Cali dude's vision.

The frame was welded and molded until the only round tubes are the frame rails under the motor. The rear fender and struts have been welded and molded into one smoothly flowing unit. Every welding and casting mark has been filed smooth and filled with the thinnest coat of bondo to minimize cracking and flaking. The tank is molded in but removable with two bolts.







There aren't too many of us flogging the old beasts, but they are out there.



If ya wanna know what she looked like from the factory, Google "1976 FX". The original owner, an American Indian that was a character actor in films back in the day, did a helluva job. I didn't have the heart to change a thing when I got her, so I just rebuilt the motor and trans, new bearings, hoses, etc. - left all the crazed paint and subtle patina - and now I ride the old girl mercilessly. Hell, I took her on a 250 mile ride up the Cali coast and back home through the mountains yesterday. Just a quick blast and she never missed a beat.

Kinda like my trusty XS!

[BA80]

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[Shacknasty]

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Ya shoulda been at Born Free, there were literally thousands that were ridden to and from the show. I see old customs almost every weekend at places like the Rock Store, Neptune's Net, Bob's Big Boy in Burbank, etc.

I'm not the only........1.........

You need to get out more.

[jwhughes3]

John that 76 is a real head turner.

John

[Shacknasty]

BA80, I've been thinkin' about this a little bit. I think that one of the main reasons that ya don't see too many customs is the simple fact that ya can't park 'em up and leave 'em. Ya hafta park 'em where you can see 'em, or they'll be gone in a New York second! I ride mine to and from work two or three times a week, but I can pull my bike inside and away from larcenous eyes. (The other days I hafta make the awful decision between the Ironhead, the XS750 cafe or the XS11. Tough choice!)

This thread shows a bunch of customs and I see a lot of these same machines on weekends at the Rock Store and Neptune's Net, so I'm sure they are ridden on a fairly regular basis.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37355

I'm kinda spoiled cause Cali has an awful lot of cool customs, tons of places to meet up, and the weather to do it year-around.

I'm with ya BA, ride 'em...don't hide 'em!

John that 76 is a real head turner.

John

Thank you Mister Hughes! I didn't create that old-timey goodness, I just get to keep 'er on the road and enjoy the ride. The dude that built 'er back in the day sure had a good eye and knew what the was doing.

Life is short, ride hard mofos!

[tarzan]

Here's a vintage old school bike. 72 CB750 chopped.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/3185617681.html