I have been riding and racing dirt bikes (trials, enduros and motocross) for 55 years. Additionally, I have been restoring vintage motorcycles for clients and my own collection for over 35 years. I have specialized in mainly dirt bikes of all kinds – and pretty much any Hondas up to 450cc. So, whatever I’ve been doing – right or wrong – I have been doing it a long time! As Rick said, “Motorcycles are deeply embedded in my DNA…”
This is not going to be your traditional “technical column” where readers write in and ask arcane questions about specific motorcycle models. Instead, I will be discussing broader issues and techniques that might help you with bike maintenance and restoration. My next column is already under construction and discusses equipment and techniques for re-zinc-plating your irreplaceable steel hardware at home. No more handing off a bag full of original fasteners and getting back half a bag plus a big bill. Believe me, if I can do it, YOU can too.
That will be a recurring theme – stuff you might have had to farm out in the past, but that can be done safely, economically, and professionally in your home shop. Along the way, we might also talk to restorers and collectors who are doing things “differently”. That is, marching to the beat of their own drum. Like maybe talking to a group of otherwise expert restorers who enjoy doing LONG road trips aboard ratty-looking, seemingly worn-out old Honda Dreams. Seriously.
Which means that my column won’t be bound by the strict definition of “technical”. If something even remotely connected to motorcycle construction, maintenance, or restoration strikes me as interesting or humorous, I’ll write about it. Hence the “babble” moniker.
I look forward to sharing in the Motobilia journey and I’m glad you’re coming along. It’s going to be fun and funny. Oh, and be sure to forward any thoughts or ideas you might have for an interesting technical column. I’m pretty lazy and love other people to come up with ideas for me!
Eric Kraft
Technical Director
