Rockers vs Mods 2011

Time flies and now it's almost time for the 5th annual "Rockers vs Mods" event in Dallas! April 1st - 3rd Dallas will be transformed into a cafe racer's gathering, with bands, rides, bar runs, bike shows and assorted shenanigans. I hope to attend, but it will probably be for just Saturday, April 2nd. The RD still looks pretty ratty, dented tank and I still need to get around to painting the bike. Sure hope to make the event!

UPDATE: 3/31/2011 Looks like I'll be in the garage working on the RD while everyone is partying at Rockers vs Mods! A rear wheel bearing failure and dificulty in procuring several parts have made the timeline undoable! Maybe next year....

Spring Is Here, Time to Ride!

Spring has officially sprung and I have sprung into action getting the RD Racer back on the road. This weekend I completed a tear-down of the carbs, charged the little micro-battery, and spent some time puzzling over the rear wheel alignment. Right now the rear wheel is my "big issue".

My quest for more grip led me to install a wider rear tire and now swingarm clearances are an issue. Hard cornering, my 180 lbs, and vintage 1970's chrome-moly all lead to some pretty substantial swingarm flex. After a hard ride with lots of aggressive cornering, I can see where the tire has rubbed the swingarm! I am moving the rear wheel back about 10mm to increase clearances.

Should be test riding this weekend!