Japan Meets Britain

Vince Lupo · Post by **Vince Lupo** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 2:12 pm

Another creative project -- just can't leave things alone!

So the idea began with this vintage water transfer decal that I saw on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200653597750?ss ... 500wt_1180

I thought it was really cool, and would likely look neat on my chain guard in that blank spot at the back of it. But, I wanted it to face the other way (facing forward, being that the chain guard is on the right side of the bike) and being that this was a water transfer decal, I'd surely screw it up. I emailed the photo to my good friend Lee Hulteng (he did the chain guard, the red coachlines on my wheels, the '1966' banner on my sidecovers, and painted my tank), and asked "Think you can paint this?". I printed a copy of the image, reversed it, and brought it to Lee. This is the result.....

The master at work

Taking shape

Voila!

On the bike

If you want to see more of Lee's work, have a look here: http://www.leesarts.com/

LOUD MOUSE · Post by **LOUD MOUSE** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 8:13 pm

OH WELL!. .................lm

Vince Lupo wrote:Another creative project -- just can't leave things alone!

So the idea began with this vintage water transfer decal that I saw on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200653597750?ss ... 500wt_1180

I thought it was really cool, and would likely look neat on my chain guard in that blank spot at the back of it. But, I wanted it to face the other way (facing forward, being that the chain guard is on the right side of the bike) and being that this was a water transfer decal, I'd surely screw it up. I emailed the photo to my good friend Lee Hulteng (he did the chain guard, the red coachlines on my wheels, the '1966' banner on my sidecovers, and painted my tank), and asked "Think you can paint this?". I printed a copy of the image, reversed it, and brought it to Lee. This is the result.....

Vince Lupo · Post by **Vince Lupo** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 7:05 am

No I think it's 'OH --- WELL!!!'. Lee never ceases to amaze me with his talent, and I feel fortunate to have some of his artwork adorning my bike. Looking at the little roadrunner painting again, I think it's a nice little addition to the bike, and is (at least to me) in keeping with the spirit of the bike. Just hope that this chain guard doesn't fracture!

The weather here has dipped into the 30's, with daytime highs in the mid-40's. I'm going to try to get one more ride in before the end of the year, but the total mileage for this year is about 2000 miles total. Not as much as in previous years, primarily due to the growing pains from all the transmission/engine work and related adjustments, and wasn't able to schedule a road trip this year. Next year, however, the talk amongst the Little Honda Gang has been concerning places as diverse as Montana, the Barber Museum, or the Virginia backroads. We'll see if any of that comes to fruition.

e3steve · Post by **e3steve** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 1:28 am

Vince, you'll now need to change the horn for one with the nasal-sounding "meep-meep"!

Vince Lupo · Post by **Vince Lupo** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 4:24 pm

Just picked up the bike today from having the tank re-re-re-installed, as well as the chain guard and a couple of other very minor tweaks.

First photo of it in 2012!

The bike is now in super-duper shape, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything will be okay with the tank this time around.

Only other thing to do at the moment is to replace my worn-out tires, and I just ordered a pair of the Heidenau tires that Kevin sells on his Scrambler Cycle site. They look good, and are about 1/2 the price of what a pair of Dunlop K82's would cost (not to mention the fact that Dunlop discontinued the 2.75x18 size in the K82). Hopefully they should be fine, and I'll be able to get a bit of cold-weather riding in.

e3steve · Post by **e3steve** » Sun Jan 15, 2012 6:01 am

Looking as sweet as ever, Vince!

I have a Heidenau front on my CB77; seems OK, but my confidence is not inspired by the super-shiny blacktop here in Mallorca. To be fair, it's never felt like it was about to 'pull the rug' from beneath me, but enthusiastic laying-it-over has eluded me in my more sensible (thru' experience) advancing years!

I'll be interesting to read your future reports....

Vince Lupo · Post by **Vince Lupo** » Sun Jan 15, 2012 7:00 am

Thanks for the reply Steve, and for the insights regarding the Heidenau tires. I have been a bit itchy about switching my loyalties from the Dunlops to another brand -- I've been so happy with those K82s, but since they no longer offer the 2.75 size, I didn't want to bump the front up to a 3.00. Plus, I was checking on eBay for the K82s, and you can still actually find the 2.75 size, but between the price of the front and the rear, plus shipping from the UK, it works out to well over $150 per tire, and I really don't feel like spending that kind of money on tires any more. I did buy a pair of Michelin Gazelles, but not sure how comfortable I feel about putting 'scooter' tires on my bike....they might be okay though, so it's likely just my personal paranoia! The Heidenaus look good, and the rear tire is S-rated, so we'll see how they go. BTW I've been running 2.75 on the front and 3.25 on the back, and that combo seems to work well for me.

There's a possibility that my friend Lee and I will be doing the Beartooth Pass in Montana this summer on our bikes, so that will really test the abilities of the Heidenaus (not to mention both Lee and I!). Trying to get in touch with our inner Pirsig.....