Author Topic: Big News from a Little Farm  (Read 4728 times)

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Offline BomberMann650

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Big News from a Little Farm
« on: November 12, 2018, 09:11:13 PM »
Cowmann's been accepted to the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute!  Classes start April 15th, 2019!

Though, this young bull could really use some help.  Uncle Sam will cover the entire tuition cost.  But he won't cover the additional expenses. 

It's a 1,400 mile journey from the farm.  Though the school offers relocation assistance.  They require people step onto campus first, to collect the grant money in person.  There's the rub. 
My personal finances are slim.  The state disability grant I've been living on is not enough to make the trip.  The federal disability programmer believes I'm too handsome to be helped.  So what little money I make moonlighting from the barn is getting sunk into application costs.  All of this falls onto wither I can be proactive enough to bootstrap my way to this school.

I've launched a GoFundMe Campaign, if only to say I've done everything possible to make this happen.

https://www.gofundme.com/nathans-futuretech-mmi-fund

If you are willing to donate, that's really appreciated.  I will come up with something to reciprocate.  If you don't want to donate, but feel you could otherwise help.  Please reach out.

Thanks everyone for being a supportive and encouraging community.  It's been 3 years since Bloo and I first logged in!

Offline 754

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2018, 09:43:37 PM »
Great stuff, tremendous opportunity. .
 A buddy went thru that course, it served him well..
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My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

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73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #2 on: November 13, 2018, 04:29:53 PM »
Great stuff, tremendous opportunity. .
 A buddy went thru that course, it served him well..

Good friend of mine graduated from their harley courses.  He had a good time.

Offline jakec

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #3 on: November 13, 2018, 05:15:23 PM »
Looks like a good ride. I would of course take the California route.
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Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2018, 05:20:35 AM »
Looks like a good ride. I would of course take the California route.

California is such a mess right now.  Pure chaos.

Online Stev-o

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #5 on: November 25, 2018, 08:11:07 AM »
Congrats, that should be a life changer...
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #6 on: November 25, 2018, 06:02:30 PM »
Congrats, that should be a life changer...

Thanks!  Thats the hope.

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #7 on: November 26, 2018, 01:32:53 AM »
Congrats...!
Best of luck and have fun.
David
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline Mr. Mike

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #8 on: November 26, 2018, 12:03:42 PM »
So Doctor Boventstein,

What is the route of choice for this monumental trip?
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Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #9 on: November 26, 2018, 03:53:49 PM »
So Doctor Bovinestein,

What is the route of choice for this monumental trip?

So far, the google recommendation will take me south to Portland.  Then along the Colombia to The Dalles.  Where I'll be headed south through central Oregon via route 197 and 20.  Spend some time on route 95 into Nevada.  Figure I'll make a tourist stop around Death Valley.  Maybe add the mileage to the Grand Canyon if I can afford the time/fuel before making the final leg of the journey into Phoenix.  Approximately 1400 miles of highway.  I can do about 400 a day before the cramps set in.

Really do need some help making this possible.  Even small contributions to the gofundme will go a long way.  There are other ways to help too.  Lodging is a big portion of the budget, if anyone has a barn stall with fresh hay, I'd be much obliged.

I've also put some artwork for sale in my towns new MC apparel store.  Pyrographic wood burning of vintage signs.  Hopefully those sell out before Christmas.  Will accept special requests too.

https://www.gofundme.com/nathans-futuretech-mmi-fund

Offline 754

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #10 on: November 26, 2018, 05:19:22 PM »
That sign looks good , do you have one with a teen's HD board tracker ?
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #11 on: November 26, 2018, 08:28:10 PM »
That sign looks good , do you have one with a teen's HD board tracker ?

Sold a Joe Petrali piece.  Still have a smaller v-twin legends ready to go.
Quite proud of the Giant 17 repro.

If you were looking for something specific, post it up.

Offline 754

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #12 on: November 26, 2018, 09:35:02 PM »
Yeah like the first pic  sent a screenshot to my buddy.   And told him of your plan.. he too went to MMI..
 Send me some more details about the 1st one....size and price via pm.

 We were kicking around building something like that in the pic. We have enough to start building a sculpture bike, but it would be a big effort to make a runner out of it.. it's a 1914  motor I have.
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #13 on: November 26, 2018, 10:34:36 PM »
We were kicking around building something like that in the pic. We have enough to start building a sculpture bike, but it would be a big effort to make a runner out of it.. it's a 1914  motor I have.

Thats really cool.  I hope you're able to find everything it takes to get the motor running.  Keep the history alive.

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #14 on: December 03, 2018, 09:06:12 PM »
Dr. Bovinestein,

Congrats on getting into MMI and I hope you are able to swing the trip... If I were flush with cash I would contribute...
Consider a tent, air mattress and foot pump along, hit the YMCA for showers every other day and clean tshirt and some deo...daily between...
Talk to 754 about how to do roadside flops along the way, he is skilled in that art.


Nice skills with the woodburning, very talented.

Phoenix isn't bad except in the peak of summer. If traffic doesn't bother you... Buddy lives there who is a Volvo/Studebaker/Crown Vic fan and teaches aero at ASU...not a MCist.
Flag is expensive but the Motel 6 there is nice for trip to Grand Canyon. Nice trip from there to the big ditch... Sunrise on N face is nicer as you can get some cool shots...but the detour is bad for destination Phoenix.
Scottly is in N. AZ as well as another member who isn't around much anymore due to his care for his partner and her weekly at home treatments for a serious health condition.

David
« Last Edit: December 03, 2018, 09:09:49 PM by RAF122S »
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #15 on: December 04, 2018, 11:25:21 AM »
Thanks Rafi.

I've considered the tent and sleeping bag method.  It really boils down to how much I can carry on the FJR (which is quite a lot, when properly equipped)

If it were a self-sufficient camping exercise, I'd know exactly how to load the panniers.  Camp stove and all. 

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #16 on: January 04, 2019, 12:18:03 PM »
The 90-day countdown has begun.

Managed to get some side work that afforded the fjr's 40k service and a tank bag.

The harley art is still for sale, and I'm looking at a set of pd46 carbs and manifolds I'd be happy to sell also.  From a 77 motor, will include manifolds.

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #17 on: January 16, 2019, 05:32:16 PM »
The days keep ticking away. 

75 to go.

70L duffel and 20L tank bag have been acquired.  Snagged some 5liter tactical pouches from army surplus as well.

Since I'm waiting on parts for the Norton to arrive.  I tore down the fjr for its 40k.

The gofundme is still active.

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #18 on: January 16, 2019, 09:34:21 PM »
You should put your artwork up in the for sale area.
New thread for each...or continuing thread that keeps traffic.



Honda vintage and Suzuki and even Yamaha and other makes work would sell besides the Harley...


Cb750 side badge jewels and similar thoughts subject...


Gotta be a market if price is reasonable...

« Last Edit: January 16, 2019, 09:37:35 PM by RAF122S »
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline 754

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #19 on: February 17, 2019, 10:23:10 AM »
 Bumping back up..
 I saw somewhere  you were test packing your bike for the trip I think..
 How many days ?
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #20 on: February 17, 2019, 12:56:01 PM »
45 day countdown!
 
I did get the fjr tuned and reassembled.  Valves and throttle bodies are in spec, coolant was flushed and filled, oil and filter changed, new headlight bulb, rebuilt front calipers and bled the abs, bled the clutch, new frame sliders, footpegs, fixed a crooked handlebar, and snugged some chassis bolts, wired in a satnav gps and set up a dash cam.

Have been working on the load out. 
Stuffed as much as I could under the seat, been figuring out what could get downsized to make more room in the bags.  My buddy hooked me up with some velcro attachment loops and load straps.  I'll have plenty of room for all my stuff, which is a relief.

I've been not-so-secretly working away on the norton commando rebuild.  Now that the important parts have arrived I've been able to begin assembly.  No half-assing this build.  Everything has been powder coated, polished, rebuilt, resealed, and updated.  Will be quite the rider when done.  Though it may have to wait until after the first of the classes are done!

Norton mods so far have been CNW engine mounts, Dave Taylor head steady, powerarc ignition, dual mikuni vm32 carbs with ack manifolds, nycnorton swingarm pivot clamps, m-unit wiring harness, in addition to the existing koni shocks and norman hyde fork brace.  Still more to come.  Building this bike has afforded me a lot of the MMI school prep costs.  Its been an amazing opportunity, and my academic advisor is stunned with the results.  Apparently their cafe racer class doesn't get this detailed  8)

I'm really excited with kawasakis 2019 lineup. Between their Z900rs and W-series reboots, they have the new ninja 400, h2sx super-sport tourer, and a new versys adventure bike.  I think I think I picked a solid brand to start the certification process.  If I don't get selected for bmw right away, I'm thinking yamaha, I'd be stupid not to get that cert.

I have a way to go to get there first.  The gofundmoo and art sales haven't taken off as I'd hoped.  Nor have I been selected for the relocation grant assistance, yet.  I'll have to get a job and pay rent in Phoenix, which doesn't seem like a hard fhing to do in that market.  Way better than whats happened around the farm.

I did get an extra tuition grant, so my loan amount has been decreased by $1,499.  Which is good.

Please folks, donate to the link in the top post.  Even $15 for gas would be a tremendous help.


Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #21 on: March 01, 2019, 04:43:45 PM »
Well, its the eve of my birthday.  31 years old.  Not sure what that is in cow years.

My fellow shop rats are coming by to celebrate.  So in tradition with the Nat'l Burger Bike Club; i got a cake.

Also got the MMI Industry Choice Scholarship.

It is a good day.

Offline 754

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #22 on: March 02, 2019, 03:09:13 PM »
Oh man that Norton is looking good.
 Hoping you have a great trip..
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline Gurp

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #23 on: March 12, 2019, 10:13:04 AM »
Whats the countdown at currently?
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop


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Offline Tews19

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Re: Big News from a Little Farm
« Reply #24 on: March 12, 2019, 02:15:02 PM »
#$%*, I'm following this. Sounds fun for sure!
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