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Presented By:Throttle Company START SOMETHING LD THE PROPER CARE & FEEDING OF A VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE Vintage motorcycles are not for everybody. Those who believe they want one should think carefully before making the leap. They’re sort of like puppies in that way. Everybody wants one, but not everybody is prepared for the responsibility. Here are some helpful insights for the care of your “new”, old bike from the 60’s and 70’s. They can occasionally smell like gas and leave little puddles on the floor. (I told you they’re like puppies). Don’t be too concerned. A little leaking is pretty natural, sometimes it’s just enough to prove it’s authentic. Remember those gaskets or floats could be 50 years old. The point is, they can be a little messier than their new counterparts. Feed it right for proper health. When motorcycles from the 60s and 70s were engineered, gasoline was full of lead and contained no ethanol. Modern fuel eats the gaskets and gums up the carbs and fuel lines.Try and find some ethanol free gas, particularly when storing for the winter. For those in Columbus, check out the Circle K on Georgesville Rd. Use the right oil and lubricants. WD40 is not the solution for everything. Prepare to spend a little money. It’s an investment. New bikes often lose value as soon as they leave the dealership. Vintage bikes tend to increase in value when cared for. Unlike puppies, they’re not making any more. Care for your bike and it will reward you with better performance and increased value. The investment in a vintage bike can be as much or more than a new bike.
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THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE
Vintage bikes want attention. New bikes can go weeks without having their buttons pushed and start no problem. Some vintage bikes work great when you turn them off, but a few weeks without attention can lead to issues. Regular use is often the best remedy for vintage machines. The bike needs you, probably more than you need it. If you love wrenching as a hobby or just like to be needed, vintage bikes usually need lots of love to keep them in good condition. Prepare to get a good mechanic or get some tools and learn it yourself, They can be cantankerous and have personalities. Some need to be choked, some like their carbs tickled, a little throttle here, no choke there, or some combination that only you and your bike may know. Learn your bikes idiosyncrasies for maximum efficiency. But some will have to be kicked, which is never an option with puppies. Winter is coming! Vintage bikes demand a little more attention. Sta-Bil gas treatment, draining the carbs, storing with ethanol-free gas, turning off the fuel, and trickle charging for the battery are all recommended. But do keep in mind, they’ve survived for many, many winters despite the neglect of previous owners.. If your bike is running after 50 years, it’s a survivor. Having learned all that, if this still sounds appealing, vintage bikes are available for placement in good homes and garages.
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OHIO’S MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE
