Going to The Surgeon

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The bike that is...
       As many of you already know the motorcycle is going through yet another transformation.  Last years travels across the United States took it's toll on it in more ways than one.  Not only did the appearance of it change from shiny raw steel to a rather disturbing shade of brown, thanks to the seemingly endless miles along the coast and camping on the beach, but the motor also took a beating.  As the summer went on, the miles racked up.  And, with the increasing average MPH, especially on the interstates, the motor was feeling about as responsive as a Vespa.  It was slowing down noticeably in fact.  I found myself downshifting at times where I wouldn't have before and holding the throttle wide open at times I shouldn't have needed to.   None of this was surprising though as the motor now has 132,000 miles on it, 90,000 since the last rebuild.  
     This new version of the bike will be dramatically different then anything I've had before.  Though no serious modifications are being made to the frame the front end is getting replaced. I learned over this last summer that running an 18" over telescoping fork on a bike with a 60 degree rake is rather pointless.  Because of the extreme angle the suspension is rendered virtually useless.  Any suspension you get simply comes from the flex in the fork tubes.  In light of this, the current front end is being replaced with a 27" over rigid fork.  Thats right, rigid. The front end was fabricated using  nothing more then steel tubing.  The idea being that the increased length will offer more suspension due to increased flex without the issues of constantly blowing fork seals.  I'm excited to try it and report back on the results.  
     The only modifications made to the frame itself was the addition of a custom luggage rack and tie down points to ease the securing of a bag.  The new arrangement will give me the ability to safely and efficiently secure a waterproof duffel bag without the use of bungee chords.  This sounds like a small thing but over the course of a couple months on the road its the details that make a difference.    
     The motor and transmission is where the majority of improvements are being made.  A complete top to bottom rebuild is taking place as I type this.  The motor is being bored out to a 95", up from 88".  Virtually every component of the motor is being replaced and upgraded including S & S flywheels, gear drive cams, pistons, lifters, etc.  Complimenting the new motor will be a shiny new Baker 6spd transmission complete with an overdrive to keep my RPM's down when cruising the interstate at 90mph.  This work is being done courtesy of Frontline Cycles in Longmont, CO. 
   Finally, All this will be coming together with a fancy new paint job.  This will be the first time I have had a bike with paint on it in nearly 8 years.  Estimated completion of this project is two weeks from today, so keep your fingers and toes crossed and check back soon for more updates!

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