Hate to

[LoHo]

Tom, remember to use the heavy-duty kevlar-backed velcro for head gaskets.

[LoHo]

Done, I'd hate to try to call anything I've done to this poor bike an "upgrade."

[donebysunday]

I learn as I go..........practice etc.

[DiverRay]

I learn as I go..........practice etc.

That would make you an MD!!!! They do the same thing their career! That's why Doctors call it a "practice", just ask one!

[BA80]

I have seen a lot of malpractice when it comes to bikes.

[cajun31]

thinking maybe

this one could be resurrected .... http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/mcy/4710282477.html

[jetmechmarty]

this one could be resurrected .... http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/mcy/4710282477.html

It really doesn't look bad. It can be put back if the parts aren't destroyed or continue the project and make something good. As it goes with these, it appears he's asking more than double what he's going to be able to get. Right now it's just a pizza, a pizza chit!

[BA80]

Part of the frame is missing.......

[jetmechmarty]

Part of the frame is missing.......

Those pieces could be welded back on for a restoration. The frame is hidden under the grab bar.

Or...customize it. All this guy did was hack the frame ends off and stick an ill fitting seat on it. Oh! He added clip-ons. There's plenty there to do it right. The real problem with it is the asking price. It's WAY OUT THERE! $2500 will buy a very nice bike, and this one isn't. Let him sit on it.

[BA80]

As per usual, he made it "his" and now he want's to make it someone else's at twice the price.

Looks like it would be torture to ride.

[madmax-im]

ad nauseum

[jetmechmarty]

FWIW, I think this is part of the hipster culture. Have a look at Iron & Air Magazine. It appears to be a mostly motorcycle magazine for hipsters. It's full of old Japanese iron turned into beautiful customs. I recently took my daughter, a 21 year old UGA student, to an event at TWoS. Some one had brought an old Honda twin cafe racer. It was nicely done, bare bones, complete with old fashioned ribbed tires. She saw that and was drawn right to it. She said, "I want that!" So, that's what the kids like. At least some of them. In Atlanta, I often see cafe racers, bobbers, and choppers on the street. Once in a while, I'll spot one here in the mountains. These kids find a cheap old bike and they all believe they can make something cool with no real vision, skill, or money. These are the ones we see on Craigslist with ridiculous asking prices. The talented customizers do command big money for what they do, and these kids don't recognize the difference.

[cajun31]

Marty

I believe you are right on point with what you stated. Unfortunately they don't understand that simply bringing these bikes back to their original glory is enough to command a better price. I guess that is not what they are after as you have stated. I just hate to see them destroy a midnight especially as they are getting more rare these days. Of course if they keep cutting them up it just makes mine more rare... not necessarily more valuable but more rare for sure. I will happen on one of these close to me and will pick it up for the parts to keep mine on the road. No way he gets what he is asking for this one and I agree with Greg this one has to be hard on the body to ride. I wouldn't want to go more then a few miles on it with that pan for a seat.

[jetmechmarty]

Unfortunately they don't understand that simply bringing these bikes back to their original glory is enough to command a better price. I guess that is not what they are after as you have stated.

That's right. It takes some artistic talent and skill to make a custom that will appeal to someone. They almost never appeal to the masses, even when done right.