Adventures on two Wheels, Continued

"Mercedes Streeter" (smart) 08/13/2018 at 13:41 • Filed to: Two Wheels Good

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My “Summer on Two” is going spectacular! I’ve retired all cars from daily driver duty. The smarts only move when I need to carry Madame DeLorean or to tow a trailer. I’m also preparing to ride through the winter, too.

The Blast is fun as ever. I recently found its top speed to be give or take 98- 100mph and so long as I make myself relatively aerodynamic, it’ll pull pretty well up to that speed. Some random pics from my camera roll:

The Rebel is my grocery getter and local area cruiser. It’s a fun little bike, though I wouldn’t mind trading up for something larger with the same classic look.

That pile of bedding made this:

I haven’t gotten to work on the Chuckus yet. The current plan is (in order):

1) Get it running (battery, carb, stabilized petrol).

2) Fix the rust.

3) Replace all of the indicator light housings (broken).

4) Get an engine cover.

5) New handlebars (Pro Tapers??)

6) New brake levers (they’re extremely worn).

7) New seat/seat cover (in a fun colour like pink).

8) Plasti-Dip the wheels to match the seat.

9) RGB lighting.

The hardest part will be convincing myself to Gamble the finished product! Imperator Slowiosa has been sold to another Chinese bike enthusiast for more than I paid for it. That means I’m back down to just three, whew. I’m now deciding which bike will be the one to get salted up in the winter. I may pick up another dirt cheap Chinese scooter to handle that job.

Between the Blast and the Rebel I’ve ridden just under 2k miles so far with the most miles in one day being 300 on the Blast. :) Getting into motorcycles is still one of the best decisions I’ve made in a very long time.

Random image: This is my favourite decoration at home.

bob and john > Mercedes Streeter 08/13/2018 at 13:49

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have you adressed the carb falling off issue?

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Mercedes Streeter 08/13/2018 at 13:50

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“something larger with the same classic look.”

Vulcan 500LTD 1996-2008 . Super easy to ride, probably quicker than the Blast, handles SHOCKINGLY well due to a relatively light 460lb weight and super low CG, and it absolutely the most comfortable thing on two wheels.

Mercedes Streeter > bob and john 08/13/2018 at 13:58

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Carb falling off? :O

I assume you’re talking about the Blast? I still need to do some adjustments on the Blast, mainly with the gear lever and the clutch lever. The clutch lever isn’t as tight as I’d want it to be and I still need to add a washer to the gear lever per your previous recommendation.

Manny05x > Mercedes Streeter 08/13/2018 at 14:03

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This is awesome. I currently moved and i cant wait to get my bike to my new location. 

bob and john > Mercedes Streeter 08/13/2018 at 14:03

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yea, the blast Single vibrates a lot and it WILL chew the boot from the carb to the motor. mine did it once every 600 miles.

get one of these:

“sheilded’ PVC pipe coupling. The steel band help reenforce it so it doesnt tear in no time flat. 

Mercedes Streeter > bob and john 08/13/2018 at 14:12

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Duly noted! I need to have a bike maintenance day soon instead of decorating my condo. lol

Decay buys too many beaters > Mercedes Streeter 08/13/2018 at 14:15

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“slightly bigger”

How much slightly bigger are we talking about here :p

Mercedes Streeter > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 08/13/2018 at 14:15

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Oh that’s purdy! I see a lot of the 80s and late 90s ones popping up on CL for less than $1k for runners with a cosmetic issue or two.

The Ghost of Oppo > Mercedes Streeter 08/13/2018 at 14:15

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You got your Blast up to 100?!  I don’t think mine would go above 70

Mercedes Streeter > The Ghost of Oppo 08/13/2018 at 14:20

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No idea what the actual speed was, but the needle was pegged maybe a mm or two before the 100mph notch. I know the PO added some mods to it but I’ve forgotten what all he added aside from the bars and the exhaust.

Mercedes Streeter > Decay buys too many beaters 08/13/2018 at 14:22

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Mmmmm don’t tempt me! Just price it out of my budget and I won’t buy it off you. lol

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Mercedes Streeter 08/13/2018 at 14:27

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Yeah, around here in super clean low mileage condition they go for about $2k. I’m selling mine in slightly rough condition for $1400 but I’m having a hard time moving it. They have the same engine with a different cam profile and carbs as a Ninja 500 so it’s really revvy compared to most cruisers. Will wring out to about 10-11k and kinda sounds like a sportbike (especially mine which has Ninja 500 muff lers)

Decay buys too many beaters > Mercedes Streeter 08/13/2018 at 15:40

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Don’t know about that, going to be priced to move. I want some of my garage space back!

Mercedes Streeter > Decay buys too many beaters 08/13/2018 at 15:43

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Shhhh! I’m keeping my budget at $1k for now since it’s getting to the end of season and prices are coming down. Quite a few liter bikes on CL right now for cheaper than what I paid for the Blast (oof) .