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OldMotoDude
The Archives
Thanksgiving has come and gone --Â
time to find a deal on that much needed turkey roaster
Passing along this idea I had a few years back. For over a decade I've been using an old crock pot to clean small parts. The only drawback with the crock pot is size. When I bought a Kawasaki KZ1000 that hadn't been on the road in over 30 years and with varnished carburetors to prove it, I needed something bigger than a crock pot. Enter the turkey roaster.   Big enough for four in-line carburetors, adjustable temperature control, and a lifting rack, make it the perfect choice. Just like barbeque, low and slow is the best approach. Carburetors are made of alloy materials that will easily deform with too much heat. I use a non-flammable detergent (emphasis on non-flammable) and leave the roaster on the lowest setting. After a few hours slides that were unmovable became unstuck. Small passages and jets will probably need additional attention with specialty cleaners and small brushes. One last warning. "Don't use the roaster for that Thanksgiving turkey after using it to clean your carburetors." If you think you may want one of your own, good  deals can often be found during the holidays.
The brand new , unused roaster!
Cleaning in process.
After sitting in the the roaster long enough to dissolve the varnish.
Christmas Ideas for the little motorcycle enthusiasts
Christmas is just around the corner. It's not too late to find that great toy for the your little motorcycle lovers. Legos, action figures, remote controls, model kits, and diecast toys are all options. You can find HotWheels and Matchbox motorcycles for around a dollar at national chains. You may have to search but little Ducatis, BMWs, Hondas, Yamahas, and Triumphs can be found. It may be easier to go on line but you will probably have to pay for shipping. Legos makes motorcycle themed toys from 3 years to adults. Model kits can still be had, Hobby-Lobby has a great selection. Last year Toy-Story 4 introduced stunt rider Duke Caboom. The toy is reminiscent of Kenner Evel Knieval stunt .cycle sets.
Lego Technic Ducati Panigale V4
For ages 10 and up. This kit is not cheap. It can be found for $60 to $70.
Model kits are a great way keep the younger motorcycle lover busy in winter
Look at hobby shops, specialty shops, and on-line. Prices vary greatly. Look carefully at the age range or skill level. Kits are available for beginners to expert.
Toy Story 4 Duke Caboom
There are several Duke Caboom action figures and stunt sets available at department stores.
Featured Article
Buying a Used Motorcycle
A few do's and don'ts before you pull the trigger on the ride of your dreams (or nightmares) .
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Identify why you're buying a used bike. Daily transportation, occasional use, touring, adventure riding, racing, collector.
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This information will set your course. Do your research. What motorcycles fit your needs.
When searching for a motorcycle use every resource at your disposal. I have found many of my best buys through friends or friends of friends. Print classifieds are still an option in some regions, but online resources such as Craiglist are the norm these days. And don't rule out dealerships. You may not get the best price, but using a reputable dealer could save money in the long run, as they often have low mileage trade-ins, and may offer a warranty.
Once you've decided on a bike understand the cost of ownership. Maintenance, parts and repairs, insurance, taxes and registration. It all adds up. Look into any reliability issues the model may have. Also do some research on pricing. Kelly Blue Book, and motorcycle price guides are excellent sources.
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Always inspect before you buy. I strongly recommend taking a knowledgeable friend along for two reasons. First they are not as likely to be romantically involved with the motorcycle and therefore more likely to notice the flaws. Second, they will not be as distracted by the negotiation side of the transaction and may be more focused on the inspection.
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Ask for a test ride. If the owner won't let you ride it. (Let's face it, motorcycles do take more skill to operate than a car.) Ask the owner to start it so you can hear it run. Ask them to run it through the gears. While not ideal, it's sometimes the best you can do.
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When negotiating try to remain detached. This is the hard part for many of us. This is also where bringing a friend can help. Before shaking hands on the deal pause and confer with your friend. The pause can add a moment of reflection and may keep you from entering into a bad deal.
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After you close the deal and get the motorcycle home I like to do maintenance on the bike to ensure I didn't miss anything. I also like to take a few short shakedown runs for extra insurance.
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Happy Buying!
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OldMotoDude
Happy Valentine's Day - Enjoy the journey.
Sold! Sold! Sold!
A friend has this 2007 Yamaha V-Star 1100 with 20K miles on it. Due to illness he can no longer ride. Just had a full service and runs great. He is asking $2,500 obo. The bike is located in Eastern Washington State. Contact me if you're interested.
2007 Yamaha V-Star 1100
Progression of Parkinson's disease forces sale.
Recent Service. Runs great.
Has 20,000 miles on it. Reliable Yamaha V-Twin.
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The 2022 Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction kicked-off today. Over 1700 motorcycles to go across the block.
Jan 25, 2022
The Harley-Davidson Heritage Collection is being offered at no reserve!
