Greetings, Steve here (aka Fossil or just Foss). New to the site but not new to motorcycles. I'll turn 70 in January, hence the nickname. I raced enduros and scrambles for 40+ years and earned the name when one of my much younger riding buddies started calling me "The Docile Fossil". I really don't mind, since I am glad to still be around and still able to ride, though it's mainly street now. I have a love for most anything with a motor and two wheels but have a real affinity for Euro bikes. Some of my favorite marques are: Ossa, Triumph, Ducati, and Moto Guzzi. I keep a pretty full stable, usually 15-20, of different styles/brands many of which are at some point of restoration. I am a retired Ironworker and spend as much time as possible tinkering or riding the bikes that are finished. Some of the bikes I have currently are: '71 Triumph TR6/ '72 Bonnie engine, '73 Bonnie/ '76 engine, '76 Guzzi T3 café project, '73 Yamaha RD350, '78 Yamaha SR500, '71 Ossa 250 Pioneer, '68 Ducati 350 Sebring project, '08 Kawasaki 1400 Concours, '07 Guzzi Griso, and a few others. I will be asking for some help, from time to time since I like to get feedback from other enthusiasts, especially since I know there is a wealth of knowledge on forums like this. I look forward to chatting with the members and hope I might be able to contribute as well. Best regards, Steve
Hello Steve and welcome in to the Triumph Asylum - you don't have to be mad to be on here but it helps. That's one of the best introductions I've seen on here and your experience with a wide range of bikes will be a great asset to "the collective".
Thanks for the warm welcome, guys. Yes, as soon as I get a minute, I'll take a few pics of the Triumph street tracker that is currently on the "front burner" and post them. until then, here are before and after shots of a Kawasaki W1 I did a couple years back. It sold to a nice fellow in France. Fantastic Brit bike looks and sound, even if it did come from Japan. Cheers, Foss
Respect and compliments. I love the way Americans retain so many craft skills in everything from wood and metal to blanket making. We have all too few mechanics and too many fitters!
Many thanks, again, for the kind words! I feel right at home already. I am so amazed at the total lack of interest so many guys have in "hands-on" activities nowadays. I love to build, fix, modify. Be creative, as much as I am capable. And the younger generation....... WOW! Most couldn't change a flat tire! I know there are exceptions, and it gives me a thrill when I see a youngster taking interest in these things. We have a guy just up the road 90 miles, named Conard Shultz who is a local legend, of sorts. He is an absolute Guru on Brit bikes. I was at his shop a few months back and I am always amazed at his stash. Rows of shelves with NOS parts, and his shop has a collection of probably 50 pristine Brit bikes. He is well into his 80s now and his health is not so great. I looked at him, and thought, "All this knowledge will leave with him". So sad. Well, here are a few shots of the Tracker I am working on. Let me know what you think, good or bad, I can take it. Also, one of you mentioned making blankets, I will throw in a pic of the wife with one of her award-winning quilts. This is her passion like the bikes are for me. Best regards, Foss
Well, I guess, though I'm ashamed to admit it, that I've given up on the workshop. Every time I decide to straighten up and "organize" all the parts/ tools/ junk, I can't find anything for days! I've more or less learned to live with the organized chaos. I've heard that " a clean desk is the sign of a sick mind" But, seriously, I do need to do a better job of housekeeping. I took a few pics of Conard's place, last time I was there, but finally deleted them. My favorite was a '59 Bonnie sitting there as I walked into the shop. Gorgeous in the tangerine/ gray colors. He told me it could be mine..... for 20K! I will try to post more pics of this project as it progresses. Hope all have a GREAT day.
well, I said earlier that I had given up on the shop but, after being "duly chastised" by Dozer's Dad, I have decided that he is indeed correct and I have spent parts of the last few days cleaning house. I have been justifying the general mess by telling myself that " this shop serves several purposes". All my welding equipment and fab tools are stored here from when I actually had a business here, and a lot of this crap belongs to others ( my son's '55 Chevy, wife's overflow from the house, my grandson's toys,....... .) which are all true. But, DAMN! When I really took a good look, it was a mess. Unless you are willing to part with some items, there is only so much one can do by "re-arranging" so I did actually get rid of some items that have been stored for a few months (years). Of course, now I will need some of them but that is the way it always works. So a "thank you" to Dozer's Dad for a swift kick in the "arse" to motivate me. I still have a lot more to do but, as you can see in the attached pics, I'm making headway. I have also got more than a few laughs from friends and family when I told them about the message that so inspired me Best to all! Steve
Sometimes I need a little nudge. Your little "dig" was absolutely taken as a tongue-in-cheek "tune-up" and I got a real laugh out of it. I am about to get back on the wiring on the Trumpet. It has had me pulling my hair out (what little is left). I spoke with a buddy today who says he has had the same problem with the harnesses not having colors that match the diagrams in the manuals. I have started cutting the sheathing off the harness to trace the wires and, after getting it all wired, I will re-tape it. I'm anxious to get this done so I can do the paint and wrap this project up. Best regards, Steve
Thanks Tucker. Sorry for the late reply. I have been really busy.... getting my shop back to its former state of disarray Actually, I have dragged out yet another project to work on until I can feel like I have a grip on the wiring on the Trumpet. This one (a '99 Husaberg 501) was a gift from a friend who passed a couple weeks ago and shouldn't be a drawn out ordeal, and then I will tackle the wiring job. Meanwhile, I am trying to tidy as I go instead of just making one mess after another.
Wow Foss, that looks like a Ggggrrrrrreat piece of work right there !!!! Your experience and expertise really does add value to the forum as a whole. And yes, we are jealous of all the treasures in your 'shop