Author Topic: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator  (Read 3339 times)

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Offline Kevin D

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Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« on: October 30, 2021, 08:29:46 PM »
I have just learned that our former moderator Bob Wessner has passed, 1/15/2021, from cancer. I was about to send him a “how are you” PM but thought to check for an obit first and there it is.

https://www.niefuneralhomes.com/memorials/robert-wessner/4492259/

Bob had not returned to SOHC4 since his departure and I suspect his age told him it was time to quit motorcycling. He told me that I would see him riding his bicycle along Huron River Drive. But we never had any further discussion about his decision. So I didn’t pry into his retirement but hoped to offer him a ride with tonight’s PM. Instead, I’m sharing this sad news with you.
 Bob was a terrific moderator, and responsible, I believe, for much of the success of SOHC4. Very judicious, and able to provide just the right amount of influence necessary to keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up.
Rest In Peace Bob
« Last Edit: October 30, 2021, 09:06:34 PM by Kevin D »
71 CB750 K1
104,000 miles
Original Owner
———past———
70 SL100/125/150
70 Candy BlueGreen CB 750 K0
————————————————-
Former Honda parts kid/counter kid/do all
—————————————————————-
Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right
Genius is 99% perspiration, 1% inspiration

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Bob Wessner SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2021, 08:38:05 PM »
Sad to hear. RIP Bob, condolences to his family and friends whom were close to him...
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline scottly

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Re: Bob Wessner SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2021, 08:42:42 PM »
Bob was indeed a terrific moderator, and I've often missed his guidance. :(
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
Helmets save brains. Always wear one and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....

Offline dusterdude

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2021, 03:32:08 AM »
Damnit,bob and i used to go back and forth when i was raggin him about his k8.knowin he's gone hurts bad.rip bob,ride on bro

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk

mark
1972 k1 750
1949 fl panhead
1 1/2 gl1100 goldwings
1998 cbr600 f3

Offline andy750

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2021, 06:06:18 AM »
Bob was active for many years on the Forums and was one of the best moderators. Definitely will be missed. RIP Bob.
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #5 on: November 01, 2021, 09:52:35 AM »
RIP Bob....



Edit to Mod: can we get this moved to the memorial section?  Thanks
« Last Edit: November 04, 2021, 01:00:52 PM by Stev-o »
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline madmtnmotors

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #6 on: November 01, 2021, 10:44:08 AM »
Another fountain of knowledge gone. Thanks for all you did here Bob.
TAMTF...


Wilbur



Projects:
"Evolution": http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=100352.0
"P.O. Debacle": http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,126692.msg1441661.html#msg1441661
F2/F3 O-rings: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=113672.msg1300721#msg1300721
Cam Tower Studs: https://www.mcmaster.com/#93210a017/=t19sgp
Clean up that nasty harness: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=137351.msg1549191#msg1549191
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,148188.msg1688494.html#msg1688494
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,139544.msg1579364.html#msg1579364
                                          
Charging system diagnosis: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=1012.msg8345#msg8345
Get the manuals: http://manuals.sohc4.net/cb750k/
The Dragon: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.msg1571675#msg1571675
Headlight Switch: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=113986.msg1283236#msg1283236
Branden's leak free top end thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=107040.0
Engine Lifting Made Easy: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,58210.msg1684742.html#msg1684742
                                      http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,100352.msg1675840.html#msg1675840
Static and Dynamic Timing: http://www.hondachopper.com/garage/carb_info/timing/timing1.html
Airbox Gasket Replacement: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,114485.msg1290000.html#msg1290000
"Café" : http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,84697.msg953814.html#msg953814
PD Carb Choke Linkage: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,100352.msg1669248.html#msg1669248
                                    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,110931.msg1248354.html#msg1248354
                                    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,48858.msg515204.html#msg515204
Follow up on your damn posts: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,144305.msg1791605.html#msg1791605
Taiwanese Cam Chain Tensioners:  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,155043.msg1774841.html#msg1774841
Gumtwo Seat Cover: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,164440.msg1897366.html#msg1897366
Primary Drive: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,166063.msg1919278.html#msg1919278
Tank Latch: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,165975.msg1919495.html#msg1919495
Shorten your forks: http://vintage-and-classic-honda-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/How-to-shorten-forks-td4042465.html DO NOT CUT THE SPRINGS!
Clutch How To: http://vintage-and-classic-honda-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/How-to-change-and-adjust-a-clutch-SOHC-td4040391.html
Late model K7/K8/F2/F3 front sprocket cover removal: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,178428.msg2072279.html#msg2072279
630 to 530 conversion: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180710.msg2094423.html#msg2094423

Sent from my Tandy TRS-80!

Offline grcamna2

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2021, 01:09:59 PM »
That pic of Bob with the kid on his 750 is nice;I can tell he's well on the way to learning how to ride when he grows a bit.  :)

What was Bob's forum name ?
« Last Edit: November 01, 2021, 01:12:50 PM by grcamna2 »
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline markmyodb

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #8 on: November 01, 2021, 01:27:52 PM »
A contemporary of Shakespeare, John Fletcher, wrote this nearly 600 years ago

"Death Hath too many doors to let life out"

RIP Bob, he was a good moderator.
I tell my wife the motorcycles are an investment...

CB550K1: 1975
CB750K6: 1976

Offline Stev-o

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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline grcamna2

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75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline Kevin D

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #11 on: November 01, 2021, 03:24:11 PM »
Before SOHC4 was formed, maybe 20 years ago, Bob had his own website. Pages and pages of information of discovery and information on K0 carbs. I read from end to end several times, and referenced often. We had a few things in common, one bike owners, CB750, stored many moons, brought out of storage about 2000, Bob was a few years older than me, and a few years ahead in his rehab, Bob lived nearby. So I watched carefully how he proceeded, and was impressed with his ability to learn and share what he learned. I used the Greenspan forums a bit, but my computer skills were shaky, it was difficult, so I jumped in 2005 when SOHC4 began with the simple machines forums. What did I find? Bob Wessner, moderator! So I knew that this would be the great place that it is.
 I only met Bob one time, at the Stockbridge meet. Jonesy, Dan Jones was Bobs helper, and mine too. Bob didn’t ride to the meet and I rode out with Jonesy, so I never saw his CB. But when I had my CB repainted, Bob was interested in  repainting his K0, from gold to red. So I put Bob in contact with my co-worker Jim Nicholson. Jim was a painter by passion, not our day job. He generally painted cars, award winners. I believe my CB was the first motorcycle Jim painted, and Bobs the second. Afterwards I tried to arrange a meet/photo shoot somewhere around Ann Arbor, but it fell through, several times, never got it done, and I regret that.
 I’m not certain that Bob invented the “clear tube method” for checking float levels, but he certainly introduced and refined it here at SOHC4. I found the carb photo below from a 2005 post.
« Last Edit: November 01, 2021, 07:39:28 PM by Kevin D »
71 CB750 K1
104,000 miles
Original Owner
———past———
70 SL100/125/150
70 Candy BlueGreen CB 750 K0
————————————————-
Former Honda parts kid/counter kid/do all
—————————————————————-
Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right
Genius is 99% perspiration, 1% inspiration

Offline Johnie

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #12 on: November 03, 2021, 08:57:46 PM »
Also very sad to hear about Bob. He had the beautiful ruby red KO and helped me along the line with parts and info on my KO. When he left the board we would text back and forth occasionally just to see how us older folks were getting along. Just a great guy ready to help out a fellow member. A while ago he mentioned he was not riding much anymore and I did not ask why. He said he probably would not sell that beautiful KO, but would will it to a grandson. Not sure if that ever happened. Anyway, rest in peace Bob and thanks for the help and memories!
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline emlupi

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #13 on: November 04, 2021, 06:08:00 AM »
More sad news of members passing. I did not know Bob but if this community is a reflection of his influence then he was certainly a good man. Rest In Peace, prayers and condolences to his family.

Offline Tim2005

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #14 on: November 04, 2021, 12:40:05 PM »
RIP Bob, one of the stalwarts from the early days on here and so knowledgeable

Offline BPellerine

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #15 on: November 04, 2021, 12:46:53 PM »
RIP,Bob
1978 CB 750K ard and webers
another anfob

Offline CBJoe

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #16 on: November 04, 2021, 01:44:51 PM »
Crap :(  I cant take any more of 2021

RIP Bob
'07 Bonneville Black
'15 Moto Guzzi California 1400
CB750K2 Hot Rod Revival http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,171693.0.html
'65 CB77
'66 CM91 (C90'ish)

Offline Kevin D

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #17 on: November 04, 2021, 02:02:35 PM »
Here are a few of Bob’s photos that I grabbed from “let’s see your bike out on the road” and other threads.

1 - his first bike, a CB350
2 - 1977 trip, Ann Arbor-Long Island
3 - after repaint at Webster Church, near Ann Arbor
« Last Edit: November 04, 2021, 02:08:48 PM by Kevin D »
71 CB750 K1
104,000 miles
Original Owner
———past———
70 SL100/125/150
70 Candy BlueGreen CB 750 K0
————————————————-
Former Honda parts kid/counter kid/do all
—————————————————————-
Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right
Genius is 99% perspiration, 1% inspiration

Offline ekpent

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #18 on: November 04, 2021, 03:47:37 PM »
 Maybe being a fellow Michigander I remember him giving me a nice warm reception when I first joined and we had an occasional contact via e-mail once in awhile. Very nice man. Sad news keeps piling up.

Offline dhall57

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #19 on: November 04, 2021, 05:34:23 PM »
Another sad note for this forum. RIP Bob, you will be missed.
1970 CB750KO
1971 CB500KO-project bike
1973 CB350G- project bike
1974 CB750K4-project bike
1974 CB750K4
1976 CB750K6
1977 GL1000
1997 Harley Wideglide

Offline HondaMan

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #20 on: November 04, 2021, 07:47:48 PM »
Bob had quite some influence toward me writing My CB750 Book. His opinion was that someone should turn the lore into print about how to generically service the 750.
Thanks, Bob! You've been missed for a while.
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
Hondaman's creed: "Bikers are family. Treat them accordingly."

Link to Hondaman Ignition: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0

Link to My CB750 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&page=1&pageSize=10&q=my+cb750+book

Link to website: www.SOHC4shop.com

Offline ofreen

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #21 on: November 05, 2021, 09:12:58 PM »
Things could get a little rowdy here on the forum years ago, with a lot of head butting and occasional acrimony.  Bob always kept a lid on it with patience and good humor, but still took care of business.  He commanded respect, never needing to be heavy handed.  I was sorry to see him leave the forum and am sorry to hear of his passing.
Greg
'75 CB750F

"I would rather have questions I cannot answer than answers I cannot question." - Dr. Wei-Hock Soon

Offline Jonesy

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #22 on: November 06, 2021, 07:19:24 AM »
Unfortunately the way life is at the present time, I don’t get on this forum very much. But, I appreciate KevinD  letting me know via PM about Bob‘s passing. I had contacted Bob many years ago when we were still on the Greenspun forums. I had gotten my CB 750 running successfully and he was getting close with his. I offered to give him a hand which he gratefully accepted. I rode out to his house in Ann Arbor and helped him work on his bike. We got it running really nicely, and the rest, they say, is history. He also picked up a couple old CB 550s as another potential project, but I don’t know if he ever did anything with them. we became good friends and talked quite often, not just about bikes but other hobbies and life in general. I hadn’t talked to him in a long time, and I regret losing touch with him. Ride with the wind, Bob. You were a credit to this community are dearly missed.
"Every time I start thinking the world is all bad, then I start seeing people out there having a good time on motorcycles; it makes me take another look." -Steve McQueen

Offline andy750

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #23 on: November 17, 2021, 06:55:03 PM »
Things could get a little rowdy here on the forum years ago, with a lot of head butting and occasional acrimony.  Bob always kept a lid on it with patience and good humor, but still took care of business.  He commanded respect, never needing to be heavy handed.  I was sorry to see him leave the forum and am sorry to hear of his passing.

I remember that time as well and Bob was an excellent moderator.
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #24 on: November 19, 2021, 02:38:45 PM »
Bob was a great bloke, and like Bobby and Frank, left us too early. Bob and I were members of the old Greenspun forums before this incarnation, and he was always friendly, helpful, and genuinely interested in whatever I was doing. RIP Bob, and I'm sorry that I've only just seen this.
I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

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Offline Old Scrambler

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #25 on: November 21, 2021, 02:25:34 PM »
I conversed with Bob on the Greenspun forum, and later as moderator on this great place. We had one or more 'friendly-discussion' sessions about correctness on early CB750s. RIP and I'm sure we'll meet again ;)
Dennis in Wisconsin
'64 Triumph Cub & '74 Honda CB750 Bonneville Salt Flats AMA Record Holder (6)
CB750 Classic Bonneville Racer thread - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,135473.0.html
'63 CL72 Project(s)
'66 CL77 Red
'67 Triumph T100C
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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #26 on: November 22, 2021, 02:14:55 PM »
You will be missed, Bob.  Rest in peace. 

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline bwaller

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Re: Bob Wessner - retired SOHC4 Moderator
« Reply #27 on: November 27, 2021, 12:03:34 PM »
I'm sorry to hear about Bob. I didn't know him personally but through this forum we discovered we were both at Mosport racetrack in the late 70's to see & hear a Honda RC166 do laps. Reading each others description of the sound of that bike brought us together. He's a Cool guy.