Author Topic: I'm done (Read 2792 times)

Uncle Ernie · « **on:** April 26, 2007, 06:55:12 AM »

Seems pretensious as it's not a real "build", but it sure took a long time sorting some things out. It's not a show bike, but I'm happy. The tank is Evan Wilcox. A ton of money, but if you gotta do it, he's the only way to go. Had to twisthis arm some, though. Poor guy. The seat is Diana. It's not a looker like the vinyl covered Kleenex on a board cafe seats are, but it sure is mighty comfortable.
Glad to be back on the road and just thought I'd share.

(sorry about the picture size- best I could figure out...)

Cvillechopper · « **Reply #1 on:** April 26, 2007, 07:07:03 AM »

Congrats! That's not pretensious at all, just proud. Getting a project done is one of the best feelings possible (there's another debate about a top-five list on that coming soon) so revel in it a bit.

Looks good and I bet it feels even better.

xtalon · « **Reply #2 on:** April 26, 2007, 07:18:48 AM »

Looking good Unclie E! I'm digg'n the tank! Care to elaborate?

There's a vintage bike/old school rally this weekend up around Ferguson, NC (between Lenior,NC and Wilkesboro, NC) that I found out about from a buddy on ADV Rider forum. I believe you are in Asheville, correct? Are you going to this?

My CB is torn down and strewn throughout my house, but I'll probably show up on my R6 just to hang out, look at some bikes, meet some new folks and possibly enjoy the cookout. I don't plan on spending the night though.

--xTalon

PS Here's a link: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199479

malcolmgb · « **Reply #3 on:** April 26, 2007, 07:30:30 AM »

Hey Ernie that looks great from where I am standing, keep up the good work and enjoy.

andy750 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 26, 2007, 07:31:15 AM »

Looking good Ernie and love that tank!

cheers
Andy

kuyarico · « **Reply #5 on:** April 26, 2007, 07:41:32 AM »

Looks great Ernie. Love the tank

bill440cars · « **Reply #6 on:** April 26, 2007, 07:54:25 AM »

Hey Uncle,

Great looking bike there!

Can someone tell me the definition of a "build"?

Uncle, you are too modest,

BTW, that gas tank just sets the bike off, you know?

Your bike is the way YOU want it and that's all that matters. Hope you have many miles of riding out of that one too. Seems to me that you're kind of developing yourself a trademark with those aluminum tanks.

Take care there Uncle, & be PROUD of your bike, you've every right to be.

Later on, Bill

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #7 on:** April 26, 2007, 08:05:47 AM »

X- if you ride an R6- I'm there, Dude!

Rushoid · « **Reply #8 on:** April 26, 2007, 08:06:18 AM »

Yeah, that tank is cool! Like the seat too. Great looking bike, UE. Congrats, and I'm glad you're back on the road too.

nickjtc · « **Reply #9 on:** April 26, 2007, 08:21:08 AM »

Squint your eyes just right and stick your tongue just so and it has that '50s and '60s BSA Gold Star kind of vibe, but with a modern motor.

Very nicely done.

tsflstb · « **Reply #10 on:** April 26, 2007, 08:40:32 AM »

Wow. Das tank is gut. Since he has some practice, can he make another like that for half the cost?

Seriously, wow.

xtalon · « **Reply #11 on:** April 26, 2007, 09:01:46 AM »

Quote from: Uncle Ernie on April 26, 2007, 08:05:47 AM

X- if you ride an R6- I'm there, Dude!

HA! I wish! Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, it will be a 2006 Yamaha R6.

I hope you can make it.

--xTalon

ledbetter · « **Reply #12 on:** April 26, 2007, 10:53:02 AM »

Great looking bike Uncle Ernie

Ledbetter

martini · « **Reply #13 on:** April 26, 2007, 01:23:21 PM »

Great looking ride, and I also covet that tank - looks awesome.

burmashave · « **Reply #14 on:** April 26, 2007, 01:52:43 PM »

Outstanding, Uncle E. And the tank does set the bike off. Is that a Honda emblem on the tank, and are those factory type side covers, or did you make them?

Brent C. · « **Reply #15 on:** April 26, 2007, 01:55:52 PM »

Can I ask how much coin for the tank?? ....I want...no I NEED one!!!!

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #16 on:** April 26, 2007, 02:26:18 PM »

I'm humiliated to admit my addiction. You could buy another running bike for that. Google Evan Wilcox metalworks or something like that and you can get an idea. He's PO'd at me for making him do it, and I had to send him my stock tank to work from. A frame would have helped. He has about a 6 month waiting list during busy times, but I started early and got it sooner. After having had other tank from various sources, I must say I don't think anyone makes a better one. After being around these things, and knowing a couple of people who attempt it, you begin to see the little touches that really stand out to the educated eye. I've not tried the Tank Shop in Scotland yet, but they seem to want to keep their projects to time-worn examples.
The tank badges are repop Monkey Bike. I don't know what they're called in England, but apparently here (in the 'States) they're highly collectible. Go figure...
Oh crap- $1200. Stupid I know. Hopefully my last one. My next bike, when I sell the Chief is going to be a pre-'69 BMW. Thank God they only look good painted- IMO.
In addition to just liking them anyway, I decided I liked ChromeTank's look a lot. Haven't seen him an a long time, but he still haunts me around here. Hpoe he's well.

BTW- If someone REALLY wanted to spend that much, for the shipping I would be willing to send my tank up to EW to copy and make a couple of adjustments so yours would fit a little better than mine does. It sits about 1/2 inch too low up front (hits the frame), and about 1/2 inch too long so the seat takes some work to close. It wouldn't be hitting the tank id the frame was round tubing, but it's like 2 peices of pressed steel welded together so there's sort of a drastic seam along the top, plus the frame curves up toward the headstock. Weird- I don't think the other frames do that, do they?

toycollector10 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 26, 2007, 02:29:27 PM »

Real nice unca' Ern. Love the Thruxonda look and the retro tank badges.

BobbyR · « **Reply #18 on:** April 26, 2007, 02:34:01 PM »

Ernie, I can find not fault with what you have done. I am a purist at heart, but you have made nicely executed changes and it is lovely. It's these FrankenBikes that bother me. A set of apehangers and a set of saddle bags and sawed off exhaust is not a build. You did a build.

Brent C. · « **Reply #19 on:** April 26, 2007, 02:40:35 PM »

$1200 huh.....It's wort it, now I just have to go talk the "boss" into a gas tank I don't really need that costs just as much as I paid for my bike..........wish me luck!!!

Rocking-M · « **Reply #20 on:** April 26, 2007, 02:52:34 PM »

Looks great Ernie. Hope to see you on the trail!

medic09 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 26, 2007, 03:41:01 PM »

That's an EXCELLENT looking ride.

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #22 on:** April 26, 2007, 04:25:36 PM »

Brent, here's Even Wilcox' link. Best to call as he old old school.

http://www.mts.net/~sbarham/

He's also a lousy photographer.

andy750 · « **Reply #23 on:** April 27, 2007, 05:58:33 AM »

Hey Ernie,
I have to hand it to you, it takes a lot to admit how much you paid and yes its a lot but hey its your money and thats all that matters. Too often people are embarrassed to admit what they spend so thanks for sharing. And of course great tank!

cheers
Andy

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #24 on:** April 27, 2007, 06:59:14 AM »

Well, kids, thanks for the positive feed back.
I don't consider this a build because, for instance- I didn't make the tank. People are rebuilding engines, painting things, fabricating their own tanks, etc and my hat is off to them. I have big respect for those folks. All I do is visualize. OK- a little more than that, but I come from an art background where people wonder if they can take credit for a piece if it includes "found objects". Like an "assemblage". So, I feel I just sort of fixed up my old bike.
As far as money goes; what the heck. I made damn sure I would never have any kids, and I was resoundingly successful in that regard. So, the only expenses are the house, the wife, and the dog. I have spent huge money on motorcycles. And cars. None of them are practical, but I like them. So, happiness is practical, right?
After every project, I swear it's the last. I have an addiction to motorcycles.
But- this IS my last project. Absolutely. I'm broke.

News:

Author Topic: I'm done (Read 2792 times)

ledbetter

Brent C.

Brent C.

Rocking-M