Italian Motorcycle Cops

These Italian riders have obviously spent some time practicing. I need to get me one of these bikes!

The Big Bore is now P.I.F.

Just a little short of selling the bike to get it out of the shop, it was a good feeling to pay the bill today and have the little orange repair tag ripped off today.

The 500 miles to break in the engine is next.  I have not had the experience of seating an engine for several years. My last overhauls were my first automobiles in the early and mid 70's when I wasn't apprehensive of taking an engine apart.  When I saw this V-Twin on the bench, I was struck with the modular design that Harley Davidson has in this new balanced Evolution engine. I have a learning curve to get this type of repair procedure figured out.

Behind the chrome:

I hope I don't have to see this sight too often!  At least not for a while.  I have always enjoyed doing mechanical work, and I have been fairly successful over the last 40 years or so since my dad first asked me to hand him a 'crescent wrench.'  That was a true learning experience.  Not many 12 year old kids know what a crescent wrench is, and I was definitely in that majority. 

My days of tinkering in my 'non-American' brand name motorcycles has expanded into the HD world now.  That hefty V-Twin looked intimidating, but give me a little time to build up my tool box again - and we'll be back into it.  I just have to hold my breath for that phone call from Mancuso's. . .  then I will drain the rest of the bank for that next ransom payment. [click on picture for higher resolution]

The Most Expensive Rally I never went to --

ROT Rally 2008 - Austin, Texas

I rode in to Austin for a grand

 moment at the Republic of Texas Motorcycle rally. The view on Congress with several thousand scoots in front of the State Capitol was impressive. I don't think I would do the $60 ticket for access to the

 grounds, though. After a few hours of helmets and leathers, they all look the same anyway. I'll stick with the Lone Star at Galveston, thank you very much.  Although I did enjoy the ride out through those rolling hills.

I lost my rather essential (after 40) tri-focal, transition tint, glasses on the road when they flew out of my riding vest.  I walked that little 3/4 mile stretch of road for the next 3 hours but to no avail.  The gremlins will be able to ignite grass fires with those bad boys now!  It's all good though.  I have been thinking about getting contacts anyway so I can wear good ridin

g goggles and still be able to read my watch or dashboard without squinting.

After my futile search, I rolled South on I-35 to see my Pops for a very SPECIAL Father's Day.