Trail Ride 11/14/2021
Just a short clip of a trail ride with Mat on his 79' Can-Am 250 and Al on his 91 KDX 200.
Watch out for the slippery leaves ...
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Book - History of Hercules
This is a book only for Hercules Motorcycle fanatics, like myself, especially as it is written in German only. I found it through bookdepository.com after first learning of it's existence through a motorcycle FaceBook group of which I am a member. And Leo Keller. Of course it's impossible for me to give a review other than it is a quality book that has many interesting photographs and, with great effort, I may actually struggle to use my 2 years of High School German lessons and try and read the most relevant portions.
The translations that follow were done using Google Document Translate.
Translated from the back cover, a description of the book's origin and purpose.
Past two-wheeler brands retain their good sound, and this also applies to Hercules. Leo Keller is dedicated to the time-honored brand. Because the Nuremberg two-wheeler manufacturers always bought their engines from the Schweinfurt giant Fichtel & Sachs, the engine builders took over Hercules. In the mid-1960s, F&S bought the Zweirad Union, which was formed in 1958 from the DKW, Express and Victoria brands. This extensive documentation describes which brands and models were created in this way and how things continued with the Sachs brand. History, models, technology, sport - finally a complete chronicle of the lost but unforgettable company.
Chapter listings translations. To preview the contents. As best I could!
NESCO Vintage Swap Meet
It was good to get out on a nice day and bring my OSSA to the Sunday Bike Show. I wish I was nearer so I could also attend the Saturday MX track day but I'm sure i will be riding there sooner or later.
I met some old friends and unfortunately missed meeting another who was going but somehow we never crossed paths.
One of my main needs was a rear tire and I eventually found one that should work although I may have missed even better ones that were no doubt grabbed by others on Saturday, but that was the trade-off to going Sunday only.
Some photos below from the event. It was nice to have it scheduled again after missing it last year due to the pandemic.
Hercules Tail Light
CEV 9241 Tail Light
The correct tail light for the Falk Fenders on the Hercules 7-speed.
I have seen some Hercules motorcycles without the correct tail light, which is understandable as it is easily damaged and then becomes difficult to find the correct replacement. I have used Moto Guzzino since I first needed a tail light for my own Hercules. They supply two identical yet different ones, metal base or plastic, and each uses a different bulb so you have a choice to make as to which one you would prefer.
They also supply just the lens cover and even the correct screws for the lense cover if those are the only parts required.
Eye Candy - Design
Motorcycle Design/Art for your enjoyment
Designer Oberdan Bezzi
A friend posted a link to a motorcycle art/design site on his Facebook page and I thought it well worth sharing. I think I've seen this designer's artwork mentioned on other motorcycle sites but not the whole portfolio. There are many track, street and dirt bikes to view, some being concept bikes.
Not strictly vintage but beautiful motorcycle art anyone can appreciate. I believe that AJS is a concept but I could be mistaken. I almost purchased an AJS from Sport Spot in Haledon NJ back in the 70's but eventually chose another brand I was more familiar with. But I still love the look of that bike!
Click on image above to see more!
Domino Vintage Dirt Lever Assembly
I like Magura throttle and clutch levers but thought I would order a pair of these Domino Vintage Levers for comparison. Why try different levers? Well, I always seem to need new ones for new projects or just to replace some mismatched pairs I used on a project or ones that I have broken.
They differ from the modern Vintage Magura Levers still available, which have split perches. That allows the lever bodies to be more easily replaced. The Dominoes must be slid over the handlebar ends to install and will need to have the handlebar grips and throttle housing removed for a complete clutch or brake lever replacement - which is how the original Maguras were designed.
There are many cheaper levers available and I have been unable to distinguish the ones that may be better quality from others so I will see how these Domino Levers compare. I also want to have a reliable alternative source for replacements should I need it.
Kenda Klassic / K257D Tires
A general use tire. Also DOT legal (not all sizes) which is always good.
The knobs are patterned after the old Metzler tire for a classic look that suits vintage dirt bikes.
More information here - Kenda Klassic
Carburetor Tip
Nice tip for easily assembling the carburetor spring into the carburetor body without the excess tension that can make it hard to do.
Generally, I remove the carburetor cable from the throttle housing which also makes the task of rebuilding easier, but this tip has an advantage by eliminating that step.
My other concern with losing parts during a carburetor rebuild in the field, is that the float bowl pin has the habit of falling out. I don't have an answer for that problem except to carry a spare. Hopefully, one will never need to take the carburetor apart during a ride...
