the bbc knews...see the april edition of “the bbc knews” for more details. this event has been...
TRANSCRIPT
The BBC KNEWSThe Voice of the British Biker Cooperative
Issue 3 ~ May, 2013
Ron Vance’s 1969 Triumph Chopper
(read “Cover Bike” article on page 16 for more details)
Page 01
British Biker CooperativeDedicated to the Preservation of the British Motorcycle
The British Biker Cooperative (BBC) is a unique group of individuals dedicated to the preservation of the British motorcycle. The BBC was established in 1977, and has remained active in all aspects of British motorcycling since.
Our membership encompasses all British motorcycle enthusiasts. The collector, purist, racer, tourer, and riders of all backgrounds find contentment in our organization. Together we create a cooperative, networking the contacts, ideas,
and enthusiasm essential to ride and appreciate British motorcycles, most of which are virtually extinct.
The BBC is an incorporated entity governed by a Board of Directors and Officers elected biennially. Our yearly membership stands at over one hundred members, of which many own several British motorcycles.
Annually the BBC sponsors meetings, a rallye and bike show, a benefit, a family picnic, a dinner, and a holiday party. We also participate as the BBC in many other motorcycle related events.
We publish The BBC KNEWS, a quarterly (or more often) periodical including stories and photos of events, cartoons, drawings, poetry, technical tips, and limited advertisement.
To become a BBC member you must own a British motorcycle, represent the BBC in a respectable manner, and pay the annual dues.
We are British riders. A unique group of individuals. Lovers of a lost, but not forgotten British art.
Long Live the Limey
BBC OfficersPresident Pat Hanson ~ 414-429-0574 ~ [email protected] Membership John Pendell ~ 262-521-0760 ~ [email protected] Product Colette Lendowski ~ 414-651-4550 ~ [email protected] Property Steve Shelvik ~ 414-861-8041 ~ [email protected] Marketing Peggy Kasper ~ 262-514-2073 ~ [email protected] Doug Aretz ~ 262-498-7805 ~ [email protected] Dave Coppens ~ 920-684-0774 ~ [email protected] John Pendell ~ 262-521-0760 ~ [email protected] Dave Denemark ~ 262-370-6200 ~ [email protected] Host Steve Baker ~ 815-347-9407 ~ [email protected]
BBC DirectorsSteve Baker 815-347-9407 ~ [email protected] Church 920-254-3529 ~ [email protected] Howard 262-353-1325 ~ [email protected] Lange 262-224-2266 ~ [email protected] Lendowski 414-651-4549 ~ [email protected] Pluess 414-531-5234 ~ [email protected] Schertzl 414-559-4307 ~ [email protected] Shelvik 414-861-8041 ~ [email protected]
BBC Officers and Directors
Page 02 Page 03
Calendar of Events for Year 2013 (Pg. 1 of 2)
DisclaimerThe Calendar of Events is a tentative schedule subject to change throughout the year. Keep
checking the newsletter or B.B.C. website (www.britishbiker.net) for changes.
BBC (British Biker Cooperative)Events or meetings held on a regular basis.
RTR (Reason to Ride)Non-BBC events organized by individuals on a casual basis.
FYI (For Your Information)Non-BBC event information available for scheduling purposes.
June 1st-2nd: BBC_ABATE Meeting with Pauline, Pauline Forrest. [email protected]
June 1st-2nd: FYI_Greybeard Motorcycle Show & Swapmeet, To benefit Children’s Hospital of the Fox Valley, South Park in Oshkosh, WI. There will be a special British class.http://www.graybeardproductions.org
June 6th: RTR_Triumph Night at the Iron Horse Hotel, Milwaukee, WI, Thursday 5:00pm to 11:00pm.
June 7th-9th: BBC_Road America Vintage Motorcycle Classic,Elkhart Lake, WI. Gates open at 7:00am. Camping available. Racing, swap meet, & bike show. We will have a booth in the swap meet area & in the paddock area on the top of the hill.Pat Hanson [email protected]
June 8th-9th: FYI_1st Annual Black River State Forest Trail Run, Start at Motorcycles of Milwaukee and Ride to Black River Forest - Starting at the dealership, 12011 W. Silver Spring Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53225When: Sat., June 8th - 2:00pm to 11:45pm, Sunday, June 9th - 12:00am to 9:00pm. Spaces are limited, please RSVP with Kent at 414-358-2465 or [email protected]
June 14th-17th: RTR_Blind Lizard Rally, Minnesota,Kevin Morgan, [email protected]
June 16th: RTR_British Car Field Day, 10am to 3:30pm,Sussex Village Park, WI,June 22nd: BBC_Gen. Mem. Meeting @ Thresherman’s Park, 1:00pm, Edgerton, WI
See pages 10 & 11 for details. Mary Lange, [email protected] 29th: BBC_Rally Packing Party, 11:00am,
4665 Beaver Dam Rd., West Bend, WI.Pat Hanson, [email protected]
July 4th: RTR_AMA Flat Track Races, 1:00pm, Walworth County Fairgrounds, Elkhorn, WI. See the April edition of “The BBC KNEWS” for more details. This event has been re-scheduled to this date due to weather.
July 19th-21st: BBC_THE RALLY, 33rd annual BBC RallyEagle Cave, WI www.britishbiker.net
Aug. 3rd: BBC_Rocker Box Street Party, All Day,818 East Center Str., Milwaukee, WI.Doug Aretz & Indian, [email protected]
Aug. 24th: BBC_Gen. Mem. Meeting, 11:00am,Schlossmann’s Triumph, 12011 W. Sliver Spring Dr., Milwaukee, WI. Kevin Howard, [email protected]
September: BBC_We need event ideas for September!!!!!!Contact Pat Hanson, [email protected] or 414-429-0574
Sept. 8th: FYI_2013 Battle of the Brits, 10:00am to 5:00pm (Bike registration 8:00am to noon.) Camp Dearborn, 1700 General Motors Rd., Milford, MI. 48380. For more information go to www.metrotriumphriders.com or call Todd at 586-944-7456.
Sept. 13th-15th: FYI_16th Annual Midwest Triumph Ride In, Chalet Landhaus,New Glarus, WI. See Team Triumph for details.
Oct. 5th: BBC_Color Ride & Gen. Mem. Meeting, 12:00pm,W8017 Mink Creek Dr., Random Lake, WISteve Shelvik, [email protected]
Oct. 19th: FYI_Team Triumph Open House, See Team Triumph for details.
Nov. 9th: BBC_Pot Luck Dinner & Rockers Costume Party, 5:00pm,American Legion Hall, corner of Main Str. & Church Str.,Menomonee Falls, WI
Dec. 7th: BBC_Christmas Party & Gen. Mem. Meeting, TBA
Calendar of Events for Year 2013 (Pg. 2 of 2)
Page 04 Page 05
Across from the Washington County Fairgrounds
Jackson, Wisconsin262-677-9777
www.gearheadspubllc.com
MCC British Motorcycles
open since 1979
1119 Milwaukee, Ave.South Milwaukee, WI
53172
414-764-2410 (Call for hours)
Membership Forum
We hope that all of our member’s information is correct, but if you see a mistake please contact the membership V.P. and it will get corrected. Email addresses, phone numbers and physical addresses tend to change fairly frequently so help us keep everything up to date. Thanks!
Happy Birthday to You!
Dan Etten May 6th Christine Smith May 22nd
Mark Mittlestaddt
May 7th Ron Vance May 22nd
Dick Knoedler May 10th Ken Mason May 24th
Dave Corriveau May 12th John Chiodo May 30th
Doug Giffin May 13th Fred Mitchell June 3rd
Pauline Forrest May 15th Matt Olsen June 3rd
Walter Hallen May 15th Peter Walquist June 16th
Chris Heintz May 15th Kat Bach June 17th
Kevin Howard May 15th
Welcome to Our New Members
Dan Blazewicz Mt. Pleasant, WI Triumph
Tony Duckert Cedarburg, WI Norton
Mark Mittlestadt Appleton, WI Triumph
Page 06 Page 07
You can't wake a person who is pretending to be asleep. ~Navajo Proverb
May Ponderism
Well, just like last issue I’m sitting here staring out at more rain although at least it is now warm rain. Has everyone had enough? At least it cleared up nice for the Team Triumph Open House and the Run to the Sun weekend. Both events had a good turn-out and were a lot of fun. Thanks to both T.C. and Todd/Darcy.
Also fun should be my up-coming motorcycle trip with some fellow BBCers down to Tennessee for a week of what promises to be some very nice riding. We’re doing the “Tail of the Dragon”, part of the “Blue Ridge Parkway” and whatever other cool roads that we can find. Really hoping that this weather does not follow us. The only bad part is that we will have to miss some really exciting BBC events. The month of June is just loaded with good stuff. So be sure to get out and enjoy the things that this fine organization has to offer.
One of those events is the AHRMA races up at Road America where our very own sponsored racer, Dave Spanjar, will be campaigning his trusty Triumph. Just today I saw a picture of his beautiful new paint job on FaceBook. Nice job Dave and good luck in your first race of the year. Once again here’s a request to our membership to donate something towards our racer. No donation too small (or too large for that matter), so give it some thought race fans.
BBC RACE SPONSORSHIP DRIVEPlease make your checks payable to:British Biker Cooperative
And send them to:P.O. Box 371021Milwaukee, WI 53237
Don’t forget to include in the memo field “BBC Race Sponsorship”.
Thank You.
J. Pendell
BBC Classified Ads
For sale: 1981 Bonneville "Electro". A true "classic". Only 9,500 orig. miles. Smoked blue/silver paint scheme. Electric start works perfect.All stock except for bags & windshield. Asking $4750.E-mail [email protected] for more pictures.
Wanted: Mid to late 50’s or 60’s British project bike. Will consider 500cc or larger, although would prefer a 650cc. Let me know what you have.Contact Jim @ 262-227-3775.
For Sale: The following Triumph Items for are for sale:• 4 Routt kits and 1 Morgo kit• Complete “c” section for a ‘71 Daytona• Rear fender & tail light, with wire harness, for ‘71 Daytona• Miscellaneous primary covers (7 or 8) all models• Norton Commando, ’69 - ’71 frame, engine, transmission, and wheels with a ’71 title• Norton Dunstall fuel tank, 2 front fenders, fender eliminator with tail light. Matching components in yellow• Other misc. Norton & Triumph parts
For details contact: Steve Baker 815 347 9407 or [email protected]
Free ads to BBC members with motorcycle related items. Clean out your supply of unwanted parts or bikes! Send info to the editor.
Page 08 Page 09
I’M NOT MISSING OUT ON THIS DEAL!
Don’t delay Mail Today!
Reminder to our Membership
Don’t miss out on the generous offer of a reduced BBC Rally pre-registration fee of only $40! To qualify you must be a BBC
member whose dues for the year 2013 have been paid on or before July 1st, 2013. If YOU meet these qualifications, then not only you, but also one lucky guest will be eligible for this reduced rate. If your dues are not paid pre-registration will be $50.00 and gate registration will be $55.00.
Page 10 Page 11
BBC Meets Steam General Member Meeting
Saturday, June 22nd 1:00pm Thresherman’s Park, 51 E. Cox Road, Edgerton WI
Come early (Noon) to tour the Park’s farm/steam engine collection http://www.thresheree.org/Attractions/Attractions.html
Scenic ride to watering hole (BBG in Stoughton) departs after meeting Evening campfire party/crash at Milton Mary’s
Rather Motel it? http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-edgerton-wisconsin-WI072
Need some hand holding? Call Mary – 262-224-2266 or Team Triumph - 608 741-9900
Directions: From Milwaukee – Take I-94 West to Hwy 26 South to Milton. Right/West on Hwy 59/County M – straight ahead/West on Hwy M (Hwy 59 veers to right). Left/South on Hwy 51, Left/East on Cox Road – Park entrance on left. From Madison – I-90/I-39 South, Exit Hwy 59 (#163 Edgerton-Milton), East on Hwy 59 into Milton, Right/West on County M (Hwy 59 veers to left). Left/South on Hwy 51, Left/East on Cox Road – Park entrance on left. Southern Parts – I-90/I-39 North/West, Exit Hwy 14 West, Right/North on Hwy 51 into Milton, Right/East on Cox Road – Park entrance on left.
Greetings BBC Mates,
I would imagine we are all enjoying this soggy, sloggy, cold and generally sucks ass month of May we have been having; right up there with root canals and filing your tax return. In some ways for me the weather has been a bit of a blessing as my sidecar until recently was covered with sawdust from a recent ‘this old house’ type renovation and my Daytona is been on an extended winter/spring sabatical with Dr. Evil Little Man in his mother-of-all garage turned workshop (AKA recently retired Pa Pendell stays out of Ma Pendell’s hair).
As we continue to whine to the sun and warm weather gods, I would like to take a moment to talk up a new BBC event to be held in Rock County in June, per the directive (er strong arming) of the BBC President.
The flyer included in this edition of the ‘Knews’ provides an overview of the days activities, starting with a hopefully brief General Membership meeting to held at Thresherman’s Park in Edgerton. You are welcome to come early and peruse the glorious grounds of the park and various buildings which house an outstanding collection of farm tractors and notable steam engines. The members of the park hold an annual Thresheree over Labor Day weekend where you can actually see the machines fired up and in action. The link on the flyer can give you more information about the park and its events. After the meeting we plan to take a scenic ride to a pub in Stoughton called the BBG (or a venue of similar variety – say the weather is well - shitty, and we don’t want to ride that far). And we of course searched far and wide for a catchy pub so closely aligned with the BBC – BBC goes to the BBG, but of course. Here is their website: http://www.banushis.com/
After food and beverages on the expansive outdoor BBG deck, members with other obligations are welcome to depart to well, other parts of the world. Anyone wanting to continue to while away the day are welcome to return to Rock County. I will be offering crash space indoors and out, with of course more libations and a campfire, vittles and so forth. Please feel free to give me a ring if you would like to reserve indoor space on a first-come, first-served basis. I would urge you to do so before June 1st or after June 14th. My phone number is on the flyer and my email is somewhere in this newsletter. You didn’t think I was going to plop it all in your lap all convenient- like did yah? You’re all big people.
Finally, I would like to thank Pat Hanson for encourging meetings and events that require people to move around the area – e.g. go for a ride, and Ron Finster, Todd and Darcy Ligman, Ron Vance, and Steve Baker who have all ‘volunteered’ their assistance in organizing this event.
Cheers and Good Riding Weather,
Mary Lange
Page 13Page 12
Technical Tips
My Favorite Tools: Thrid of Several - the Parts Washing Tank
I’m very happy with this parts washing set-up. It took some time to come up with the right combination of solvent, filter, & pump but the results are worth it. I use this A LOT. Now a big WARNING: I make no safety claims concerning this set-up, so you’re on your own should you decide to duplicate it. Do your own due diligence.
A little history. My first parts washing tank looked very similar but it used the cheap stock pump and filter that came with it. Also, I used water-based solvent for safety reasons. Here’s what I found out. The water-based solvent was not very effective at room temperature so I added a heating element. At about 100 - 110 degrees fahrenheit the solvent did a great job of de-greasing but it was very corrosive. After about a year my tank was so rusty that I gave up using it. Until recently I’ve just been cleaning parts in a small plastic tub using kerosene. Kerosene works great as a de-greaser and leaves parts with a slightly oily coating which helps to keep them from rusting. This worked o.k. but was messy and wasted a lot of kerosene.
Now on to the details of my current tank. I’ve been using it for about six months now and it’s worked great. I like kerosene as a solvent. It has a relatively high flash point, cuts grease just fine, and the fumes aren’t too bad so I decided to stick with it, but most pumps that come with these inexpensive tanks are 115 vac. This makes me nervous. Not only are they high enough voltage to kill you, but there’s enormous energy available to make a REALLY BIG SPARK. So, after considerable time & effort I’ve found a great little pump that is reasonably price, rated for use with oil and gas, uses a brushless low voltage d.c. motor (0 to 12vdc) and is well made. You can use a variable voltage supply to increase or decrease the flow rate to suit your needs. See the pump pictured below with details for purchasing.
O.K., pump problem solved, now what to do about the crappy little filter set-up that comes with the tank??? Well, I had lying around in my basement an old whole-house (meaning big) water filter. If I could just find a filter element that would work well with kerosene then I’d be good to go........and I did. It’s an “OMNIFilter RS19 Replacement Screen Water Filter Cartridge”.
It has a plastic screen type element, puts out nice clean kerosene, and it’s also washable although I haven’t had to wash it yet.
continued on page 13
The Little Pump that Could.
SP32-OG Pump for Oil, Water and Gas
Part No. SP32-OGPrice: $59.00
http://www.simplypumps.com/specialtypumps.htm
Technical Tips (continued)
With my new pump and better filter system in hand I modified the pump housing to accept the new pump and re-routed the lines outside the tank to the filter housing as shown in the pictures that follow.
In addition I added a brass screen in place of the cheesy filter on the inlet of the pump housing to keep the big chunks of crud from clogging up the pump. After resolving a couple of the inevitable leaks from the various plumbing joints (see safety bucket underneath filter) I turned it on, adjusted the voltage for the flow rate I like and started to clean loads of dirty bike parts. Happy, happy, happy.
A couple of other things that I should mention. While I previously stated that the “kerosene fumes aren’t too bad” this doesn’t mean they aren’t still annoying. Above my tank is an old kitchen hood that exhausts to the outside. This helps a lot with the odor and is probably better for my lungs. Also I always wear nitrile disposable gloves when cleaning parts. Kerosene, while relatively safe, can be absorbed through the skin.
Cost for this system is as follows:1. 20 gallon Harbor Freight tank with stand: $71.00 on sale2. Low voltage d.c. pump: $59.003. Water filter housing: $0.004. Water filter element: $10.00 (about).5. 12 gallons of kerosene: $48.00 (buy in bulk @$4.00/gallon, not at hardware store)6. Kitchen exhaust hood: $0.00 (it pays to hold onto junk)Total: $188.00
One last observation for those of you who, like me, might sometimes take a while to figure out the obvious. While the kerosene in the tank will always be somewhat dirty it doesn’t really matter as the fluid coming from the filter to the flexible spout will be very clean. So do your final rinse on the shelf using this filtered fluid and get rid of the big chunks by dipping the parts into the black depths of the tank.
Page 15Page 14
With the first race just 2 ½ weeks away, there are a few things you are probably wondering. No, the bike is not ready. No, the motor isn’t running yet. Yes, I am registered for Road America and Grattan. Yes, we will be ready to race!
Everything is coming together, albeit a little late. There have been many one-off parts created and many hours spent engineering a quality machine. The tank and seat are out for professional finishing and will be a very nice representative of our Cooperative. You will have to come out and see it!
After my last plea for a gear box, someone still unknown to me contacted Pat and a trade was made for a Daytona lower end. Whoever you are, my most sincere gratitude. That’s what this Cooperative is all about!
I hope you can make it out to Road America. It’s always a great time and even more so when you can go to the races and hang out in the pits. The event grows every year and this year
will be no exception. Come on out and cheer us on.
Grattan is a gem in the rough. You could call the facility ‘Spartan’ at best. I’ll say this much, take your shower before you get there. However, the track and racing are spectacular. Think rolling, technical track that has a lot happening in a 2 mile stretch. There is even a great opportunity to catch some air off one quick rise. For the spectator, it’s fantastic. You can see most of the track from any one of a several spots.
After a lot of thought, I’ve decided not to do Mid-Ohio this year. I will be at the Rally instead. My attention has now turned towards Daytona as a possibility this year. It would depend on many factors but the positive is that it is the weekend after Daytona so I will already be within 400 miles. We’ll see. That’s a definite cash layout, especially not working for those 2 weeks.
Well, that’s about all for now. All that’s left is put up or shut up. If things go right, my next report will be a glowing synopsis of how we took over the world.
Until then,
Spanner #391
BBC Sponsored Racer Update
May Puzzle
YULJ FITSR
SAH
ANSWER:
1 32 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SI
MEREMSIPHB
GIMCON
TEH
ROUYYPA SEDU NAD
11 12
1
2
10
8
15
12
4 5
7
99
18
VAAGEDNAT
13 14
-
2 15 16 4 17 18 18 19
19 14
16
13 11 3 17
......
Page 16
Dedicated to the Preservation of the British MotorcycleBritish Biker Cooperative
Membership Application
(Please Print Legibly)
Name: _________________________________________Nickname: ______________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
City: ________________________________________State: ____ Zipcode: ________
Telephone: ________________________E-mail: ______________________________
First Year of BBC Membership: __________ Date of Birth: ____________________
Please check here for renewal with no changes. Check for hardcopy of newsletter. Add $5.00
Dues for Year(s): _____________________________
British Motorcycle(s)
Marque Model Year
Occupation: __________________________________________________________________
How did you hear of the BBC? ___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Would you like to participate in the organization of activities in the BBC?
____________________________________________________________________________
For more information, contact the BBC VP of Membership @262-521-0760or visit our website @ http://www.britishbiker.net/
Send annual membership fee of $30.00/$35.00 (check or money order) to:BBC ~ P.O. Box 371021 ~ Milwaukee, WI 53237-2121 U.S.A.
4747 E. US Hwy 14, Janesville, WI 53546Phone: 608.741.9900 FAX: 608.754.2765 www.Triumph1.com
My 1969 Triumph chopper with a 650cc engine and a four speed tranny. The front forks are 9” over and the rear is a SAVIOR Soft Tail. With 5” up and 4” out and about 2 degrees of rake it handles really great. As Doug Artetz says “it’s a “hoot” to ride!”
The motor was built by Dale Matteson of Dale’s Cycle while the stainless steel chain guard & custom exhaust pieces were done by Ron Vance and Steve Baker. Other contributing friends to the build were: Doug Aretz, Gonzo, Dennis Corriveau, Andy Green, and Pat Hanson.
There have been a few changes since the picture was taken including PRD magneto to get the right foot peg in 4”, custom foot controls, and the seat was raised 2 1/2” in the front.
Ron Vance