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OldMotoDude
Your Motorcycle Encycleporium
OldMotoDude, your place for connecting with the past, and embracing the future. A place where you can find the links to the motorcycle reviews, and the parts you're looking for to keep your bike in top shape or get it back on the road. Whether you’re looking to read about the latest riding gear or want to find that perfect road, OldMotoDude has it all for you. Check out our vast range of articles, and get your daily fix!
Some of the scenery from the 2022 Hodaka Days held in Athena, Oregon and the surrounding country side.
June 23rd through 26th
This is a great event put on by great people. Athena was the headquarters of PABATCO the exclusive distributor (as well as design and engineering) for Hodaka. The roads and trails in the area are perfect for the little bikes.
Motorcycle of the Week
February 20th, 2023
The 1921 Victoria KR1 was the first production motorcycle to use a BMW engine for power. Two years later, in 1923 the first BMW motorcycle rolled off the line. This KR1 was offered for sale at the 2023 Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction. Although the bidding reached $150,000, it wasn't enough to to reach reserve so it didn't sell.
The Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival is in the books for 2022
Oct 31, 2022
This Henderson Four was part of the ACMA collection at the recent Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival. For those who haven't gone it is definitely an item for the bucket-list
The 2021 Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival Finishes on October 10th, 2021
Oct 9th, 2021
Lots of photos from the 2021 Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival on the OldMotoDude blog and Pinterest sites.
The 2021 Retro Riders Vintage Motorcycle Show was Sep 25th. Follow the link to more
Sep 25, 2021
It's great to see local motorcycle shows like this popping up again. This 1969 BMW with Steib sidecar was selected best European motorcycle.
Does anyone have info on a 1982 Honda European MB5
Sep 12, 2021
Kavalecz Adnras is looking for info on the 1982 European MB5, specifically current prices. If anyone knows what the price range is for one of these let me know. A photo of his follows.
The 2021 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is in the books.
May 23rd, 2021
Had a great time riding and practicing social distancing while raising funds for men's health. Made some new friends as well.
The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is Sunday May 23rd, 2021
May 23rd, 2021
The 2021 DGR is right around the corner. If you're not riding you can still donate. See the link for info.
Link to Robert Kuhn's Midnight Special Page
May 17,2021
Mr. Kuhn reached out to me to share his love of Yamaha Midnight Specials. I agree that the significant amount of gold plating made these bikes standout from the other Japanese customs of the day.
One of the top sellers on the last day of the 2021 Mecum Auction
May 1, 2021
Saving the best for last, this 1994 Harley-Davidson VR1000 Road Racers was one of Saturday's top seller at $126,500.
One of Friday April 30th, Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction's Top Sellers
April 30th, 2021
This 1911 Pierce Four was a top seller for Friday selling for $86,900.
Mecum 2021 Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction April 29th top sellers
April 29, 2021
This 1928 was one of Thursday's top sellers at $99,000. This OHV V-Twin is not as desirable as the larger models, but still a very desirable motorcycle.
Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction 2021 Wednesday April 28th top sellers.
Apr. 28th 2021
This 1954 Triumph Thunderbird is one of Wednesday's biggest sellers at $17,050. Other high sellers will be posted here this week.
Reader's Rides
Mick Dawson of the United Kingdom sent me these photos of his Scottish pre-65 Trials rigid frame BSA Bantam. Beautiful bike with custom frame and specially fabricated parts. Take in the attention to detail. Thanks Mick.
Right Side of BSA Bantam
Great stance. Love the muffler. Very steep steering.
Left Side of BSA Bantam
This view shows the detail on the front hub. Notice the clean lines of the chin guard.
After 40 years this 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD is back on the road.
I bought this from Steve (my son's father in-law) about five years ago. Steve had been fighting cancer and I was honored when Steve chose to sell it to me. Steve's family and work commitments had kept it off the road for 3 and a half decades when I purchased. It followed me to Colorado when work took me there, and back to home last year. After several years on the back burner I finally made a concerted effort to get it back on the road last month. With help from Jason at Classic Moto Works in Kennewick, Wa. it is back on the road again after 40 years. Thanks Jason and God Speed Steve.
Maintenance and Repairs
All The Top Stories at Your Fingertips
The OldMotoDude Encycleporium is your place to get your motorcycle fix. Come grow with us as we explore the history of motorcycling, look at current trends, and see what the future may hold.
Get out and ride while you can. And when the season is over make sure you properly store your motorcycle for next season.
Depending on where you live you may have only have days or weeks before the weather starts to turn. I know it's probably depressing to think about motorcycle storage. But a little planning can save on repair bills, and avoid unnecessary down time at the start of next season. If you don't feel confident in your mechanical skills there are several reputable dealers who can do the work. Some offer free pick-up. Some will also store your motorcycle if you need the space. If you go this route you should be making that appointment now. If you're a do-it-your-selfer here are a few tips. Start with a clean motorcycles. Take some time to get the grime off your bike before you start. Inspect your bike and make required repairs before storing. Pay attention to the battery and fluids. If your bike is liquid cooled it's a good time to change the coolant. Check the hydraulic brake fluid. Lube everything that needs lubing. Cables, drive line, levers. Fuel is the biggest problem area. It's not always practical to completely drain your fuel system. If you have access to non-ethanol fuel I recommend using it. Use a fuel stabilizer. Use one that is compatible with motorcycles. I also use a battery tender during the winter. One last thing... If you live in an area that has the occasional nice winter day and the roads are safe, get out and ride. It will be good exercise for you and your motorcycle.
Tell us about your motorcycle club!
We want to hear about your club. Why you belong. What are they known for? Rides, Shows, Clinics, Rider Education, Community Service. Little or big, we want to hear from you.
To start it off I'll share information about a great club in the Pacific Northwest. The Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts. Founded in 1982, the club is dedicated to the promotion of motorcycle safety and awareness, as well as the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of classic motorcycles from the past and present. They put on several rides a year mostly around Western Washington and Oregon. The motorcycle at right is a street legalish 1st generation? (it's water cooled) Honda Elsinore spotted on one of the VME's sponsored rides.