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Author Topic: Moto Armory  (Read 2186 times)

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Offline Don R

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Moto Armory
« on: August 04, 2017, 10:07:39 PM »
 I helped a guy with a 750 chopper today and got invited to tag along to a private motorcycle museum in
E. Moline Illinois. There are reportedly 800 bikes, mostly off road but a little of everything rare and nothing junky. It's amazing to see a guy with a passion for something and the ability to pursue it. Honda's, Yamaha's, Kawasaki's, Penton, Van Tech, BMW, Greeves, Triumph, Ariel, Harleys, hill climbers, drag bikes, Champions bikes from various classes and countries. Road Racers, 2 stroke, 4 stroke, rotary, factory prototypes, one off desert racers that aren't supposed to exist, moto compo, limited edition performance bikes, everything you an imagine on two wheels.
 I didn't see a Vincent. Dang. 
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Offline Don R

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #1 on: August 04, 2017, 10:12:12 PM »
 Google it, it has photo's  if anyone is in the area I happen to know they will be giving tours Saturday around 2pm until around 7. It's not advertised so you didn't hear it from me. 
http://www.moto-armory.com

« Last Edit: August 04, 2017, 10:14:52 PM by Don R »
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Offline scottly

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #2 on: August 04, 2017, 10:23:55 PM »
Quote from: Don R on August 04, 2017, 10:07:39 PM
Van Tech
Grant/Van Tech rings a bell!? IIRC, they marketed/made aftermarket chrome-moly tube frames to fit a variety of small bikes, like Honda S-90s, Yamaha 80's etc. 
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Offline jgger

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #3 on: August 04, 2017, 10:33:28 PM »
I think the Van Tech frames were Flat track/scrambles oriented, IIRC. Haven't heard the name Van Tech since the 60's.
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Offline Don R

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #4 on: August 04, 2017, 10:43:12 PM »
 They even have one with a McCollough engine. Very nice quality frames and the ones they have look like new. I don't think he restores anything, just buys very nice ones. There was a new in the crate elsinore too.
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Offline scottly

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #5 on: August 04, 2017, 10:45:15 PM »
Quote from: jgger on August 04, 2017, 10:33:28 PM
Haven't heard the name Van Tech since the 60's.
I haven't either; probably '67-68?
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Offline scottly

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #6 on: August 04, 2017, 10:46:56 PM »
Were the frames painted a shade of blue, Don?
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Offline Don R

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #7 on: August 04, 2017, 10:47:21 PM »
https://vantechmotorcycles.com/p/vantechmotorcycles-pictures
 A picture of the cb610 Van tech in the Museum is down the page,


 Yes blue.

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Offline scottly

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #8 on: August 04, 2017, 10:58:16 PM »
Very cool, Don. 8) Thanks for sharing!!
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Offline jgger

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #9 on: August 04, 2017, 11:03:31 PM »
Very cool Don, thanks for sharing. I guess my memory is just a bit fuzzier than my old bald head, it looks like a lot more than flat track frames.

I liked the leading link front ends on those Hodakas...........they look like 'Baby Greeves"!
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Offline scottly

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #10 on: August 04, 2017, 11:12:00 PM »
My buddy raced a 125 Sachs with a leading link fork when they made the shift from "TT" to motocross in the late '60s at the local track. Before the Sachs, he rode a 100cc Moto Beta; I've never seen or heard of one since.
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Offline jgger

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #11 on: August 04, 2017, 11:23:53 PM »
Wow, bringing out all the old obscure bikes from the past! IIRC (that's shakey at best!) Moto Beta was the Sears brand at one time, and yes Sears did sell motorcycles with their name on them.

The old Honda 45's put an end to a lot of small motorcycle companies.
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"The SOHC4 uses a computer located about 2-3 ft above the seat.  Those sometimes need additional programming." -stolen from  Two Tired

The difference between an ass kisser and brown noser is merely depth perception.  Stolen from RAFster122s

Offline 754

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #12 on: August 05, 2017, 01:46:30 AM »
I thought it was Rohr Van Tech ? Maybe they were one of the dealer's ?
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Offline Don R

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #13 on: August 05, 2017, 08:25:23 PM »
« Last Edit: August 05, 2017, 08:27:13 PM by Don R »
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Offline Don R

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #14 on: August 05, 2017, 08:29:01 PM »
All the bikes backed up to the wall have won a big race, series, championship, or were ridden by someone famous.

https://goo.gl/photos/ap6TTx58MUi5kGhB6
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 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #15 on: August 05, 2017, 11:05:35 PM »
Guy on S90 list uses a Van-Tech frame for his S90 based Trials bike.  Scott lives in ST Louis...he is usually fairly competitive as well.

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Offline Geeto67

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #16 on: August 06, 2017, 06:05:59 AM »
Moto Armory comes to Mid-Ohio every year with a big display. It's usually cool stuff.
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Offline Don R

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Re: Moto Armory
« Reply #17 on: August 06, 2017, 10:04:24 AM »
 One of the guys told me about Mid-Ohio, they have a blast there. He (personally) dives the dumpsters after the swap meet. He found some xr75 parts last year.
 The Museum isn't handicap accessable upstairs so that keeps it from opening to the public. According to the web site they were owners of Springfield Armory. I'd love to see their gun collection if indeed they have one.
« Last Edit: August 06, 2017, 10:07:19 AM by Don R »
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No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
 CEO at the no kill motorcycle shop.
 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.
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