Think Motorworks

There was the photo below attached to the last Motorworks promotional email.

If you're into a BMW project, especially into a airhead one, their huge stock and precise knowledge might come handy at some point. They were to me several times already, even though the project is an oilhead. Motorwoks would also be a useful address if you own a hexheads as they offer a full range accessories for recent flats.

The 2 scales trick

Weight is a sensitive topic when working on a ZX7R. There are loads of forum threads around the web quoting dozens of ways to address the heaviness issue with solutions ranging from "buy another bike" to "put yourself on a diet". Now there are some really interesting posts about how to really shave a couple of pounds out of a ZX7R, but you have to know where you're actually starting from.

I knew too much about the bike's real weight before buying, but I'm seeing this as challenging and am pretty sure there's potential to make this green Panzer tank behave. So to size up progress, I bought these 2 mechanical scales last week.

Then the work began. I put the ZXR on the bench, then on paddock stands to have both wheels raised enough from the ground to be able to slide the scales underneath.

With the scales positioned, it was time to measure out which, being alone, turned out to be a tricky operation. I had to lower down the front, then the back while trying to keep the bike up straight but my own weight away. Next time, I'll opt for a simple solution.

Time for the real figures now. The scales measured the bike's weight distribution as being settled this way :

- 112kg rear

- 107kg front

And that's being without a battery and with a drained fuel tank. So with a additional 4kg battery the ZX7R sets a new record high of 223kg. There's room for improvement so let's start the diet plan.

Honda RC45

While on family visit last week, there was this Honda RC45 parked in front a house near my brother-in-law's. First thing I did was jumping out of the car to snap a picture of it before it disapears while family members were looking at me incredulous.

What are the chances to spot a nice RC45 quietly side-standed nowadays ? To be honest I stuggled to explain the rarety of this kind of encounter not knowing what it should be compared to. I just realize that I still would today to people out the motorcycle scene.

New toy

The place on the bench couldn't be left empty for too long. After some time thinking about a new project, I went to see a couple of bikes, mainly sportbikes from the 1990 era. I seem to be stuck there, somewhere between 1992 and 1998. The more motorcycle-related things change, the more I want them to stay as they were back then. Modern, electronically-tempered motorcycles are not that much appealing ... 'til I change my mind, that is ...

Em ... long story short, I found this very nice and low mileage 1998 Kawasaki ZX7R. It's amazing for how little money this old glory can be bought nowadays. Yes, I know I've read this and that already : it's heavy, doesn't have the top end of a GSX-R, it's way too much green, and on ... But the thing is I've always had a soft spot for ZX7Rs and there's certainly potential for a nice build.

Did I mention this is the 20th motorcycle I own since I started riding in 2001 ? Wanna ride this one ?

No, thanks ...

We're heading fast to Christmas, but really it's no excuse to fall into that.

I did receive the offer for these slippers in a promotional email that also suggested a motorcycle-shaped cake pan. Please Santa, I haven't been that bad this year.

Extra ball

Just 2 days after the first pair of Dunlops arrived, a 3rd tire was delivered to my door ... Strange as only paid for one set.

I'm now with a free spare front. Not a bad operation this.

Marquez who ?

Now who is this racer on the foreground of this Johann Zarco picture ?

(From 2013 Philip Island round, credits on picture)

BMW R90 Interceptor

I want one badly ... Go to the Rocket-Garage website to learn more about the build.

PocketNC 5 axis milling machine

I know someone around that wouldn't mind hosting such a nice milling machine in his workshop, though he might find it a little small ... :P

Find out more on The Kneeslider.

Sold !

The Speed Triple is gone with a new owner last week. Other plans got in the way of keeping this bike any longer and since it was in a rather ready state it found someone interested rather quickly.