Crying In My Wine Cooler...

[Barb]

Hi Guys,

So. I'm trying not to cry, and at the same time, I am really happy. Not unusual in my life, and the reason is that I just sold one of my BSA's.

I hate seeing bikes go away, but with no room and not having ridden it in a year, it was time to give it to a good home, and I did. It's local, I have visitation rights, and I know the kids ("Kids"--like in their 30's) will give it a good home next to some other bikes, but I still just want to sit in a corner and cry.

I know I did the right thing, and I also have the added benefit of getting a return on my investment of a factor of about ten (!) so that helps.

Isn't it silly? This is going to let me finish my BMW, finish an engine rebuild for the XS, and go to a bike run in North Carolina in May.....and there is still the feeling of having sold a child into slavery or something.

So I'm whining on cyber-shoulders, since everyone around here is so used to this it passes for normal.

I guess I'll go from to to

Can't ask for more than that, right?

Barb

 

[inxs]

- unless youve mistreated her, if that bike is like most of my ex-girlfriends, shes going to haunt you for the rest of your life...hope you hadnt called her Christine

- seriously, how could you? bikes, like dogs, are your best friends and greatest heartaches all rolled up in one

- dont feel too bad - enjoy your new projects, have fun in NC and clean the rest of your bikes with a toothbrush and 1 in sq rag until you learn never to do that again

 

[Barb]

Gee, I never thought of Christine!

Actually, her name is Gemini, because she is two bikes: a BSA 441 lump in a Triumph rolling frame, with a Spitfire tank. A neat little cafe bike, and I love her, but haven't ridden her in a year. So in fairness she needs to be in a home where she will be ridden.........right?

My end goal will be to get down to four bikes: my XS"D" (with a parts bike that doesn't count), Millie the BMW R80, Pip the '78 Triumph T140v, and Britney, my original '67 BSA B44 (serial number 159!!). Counting the parts XS and a little Kaw, I'm at nine right now, so I have a long way to go......and every step hurts. I just want one of every bike, and one for spares. Is that so much to ask?

Barb

 

[inxs]

- Gemini? - even tho a 441 victor is a 500 single ...used to have one with a weslake top end

Is that so much to ask?

- oh dear - just accept and enjoy

 

[Travis]

I just want one of every bike, and one for spares. Is that so much to ask?

Nope! I don't think there is anything wrong with being a bike hoarder... And having that spare parts bike for each one is just smart.

 

[Barb]

Hi Guys,

OK, inxs, I have to ask: did they make a Weslake head for a 441, or are you thinking a 500cc B50? I didn't know they made a head for the 441cc model (B44) and if they did, I want one! Not that I could afford it----I just want one!

Actually, I'd just love to find a B50 engine to slot into a spare B44 frame I have--one little weld job on the rear engine mount is the only change necessary. I really love thumpers......

Oh---Gemini got her name because she is parts of two different bikes....she'd be offended if I called her a twin. (I try to teach tolerance, but the singles look down on the twins, and the twins look down on the singles....what's a mother to do?)

Now that I'm thinking about it, how about a four-valve head for an XS. Anyone know of anything like that? (Always wanting the impossible...I know.)

Barb

 

[inxs]

- heres one on ebay at the moment.. BSA B44E Victor RARE Weslake 490cc Conversion

- and i want an OU-72 head for my XS

 

[inxs]

- have seen photos of a DOHC XS650 somewhere

 

[Travis]

what's this OU-72 head?

 

[inxs]

- from An Interview With Bud Aksland

 

[Barb]

Thanks! That Weslake is--no surprise--a really NEAT piece of engineering. OK, I'll take three to go......in my dreams!

Barb

 

[Gordon]

Ahhh, sweet dream's!!!

 

[dwyatt]

I'd kill for an OU head! I've seen some mention having them on www.Flatrack.com. I had to settle for a replica of the port job run on the last of the Yamaha factory racers in the late '70's done by Harry Lillie. Sweet head, but not an OU .........

 

[inxs]

- you mean - flattrack

 

[curt698]

Barb I always feel bad for bikes I see just sit. To me bikes have souls and if they aren't ridden from time to time that soul dies a little. You did Gemini a favor by letter her run free.

You saved her soul!

Dave

 

[inxs]

- Dave...that sets up some interesting metaphysical questions...do motorcycle souls die, if so-how, can they be reincarnated, what happens when you part a motorcycle out, are there bike ghosts...

 

[Trex]

I'm crying now too..you didn't sell it to me!! Hopefully the new owner will treat her right.

 

[curt698]

- Dave...that sets up some interesting metaphysical questions...do motorcycle souls die, if so-how, can they be reincarnated, what happens when you part a motorcycle out, are there bike ghosts...

Not sure about ghost bikes but there is a heaven for good bike and a hell for the few bad ones. BTW this theory has limited applications for cars too, for example; Corvettes, Grand Nationals, Sti's have souls but K-car's no soul.

Dave

 

[inxs]

- k-car?...ive heard of k-mart

 

[crash]

K-CAR