mopedheadaches

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2011-12-22T21:58:00.001-08:00

Ugh, sorry, im back.

2011-09-05T22:34:00.000-07:00

Yeah, been bad about posting again. So, the baretta with the gilarelli runs! MLM was nice enough to sell me a raw partially constructed pipe so I could set it up with this monstrosity. Naz convinced me to machine up a sweet aluminum silencer, which I must say was a good choice since the bike is very short and the pipe is very long. I also discovered that my headset that I set up years ago was just plain crap and was causing the bike to track terribly. I replaced the headset with a uber nice 1" origin bike headset. The only trick part was the steering tube on the tomos forks was too large, but Haulin Collin jumped in and threaded a piece of 1" cro-moly that i pressed nicely into place. Of all things I have done to this bike, the headset has been the most appreciated. I haven't jetted her out yet (currently at 200) but my jet set just came in as well as my temp gauge. Hopefully she will be fast.

What else? Hmm, blew up the garelli clutch. It was an easy fix, only requiring a bolt extraction and replacement. I also went down to the portland rally. It was a blast for sure and the portland kids sure know their debauchery. I did kill the sebring. Jessie thought it would be good to take everyone up a mile long steep grade hill, and well, the sebring no likey. Though it was jetted right for level ground and actually four stroking due to the 90 degree weather, the combination of steep hill loading up the engine, heat from the slipping clutch and my anger trying to force it up the hill made her soft sieze. Started her right up and pushed it further with the choke on but then I lost spark. Holy cow the case was so hot it sizzled, which im hoping just released a solder joint I had made the day before when I replaced the internal coil. Sigh. Mopeds mo problems :) Fuck, and I almost forgot the pepper sauce/rally patch shit....

A magical day!

2011-06-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

Well magic for me at least. It was a perfect rainy day for going to the shop and busting out some work. I was able to machine the gila head perfecto today with a little guidance from Naz-masterofall. We first lathed it only to realize we did nothing but raise the compression! Forgot that I needed to sink the head 1mm into the combustion chamber, lol, oh well was fun. Then I spent an hour jigging the head up on the rotary table to mill it about .003 clearance to the cylinder wall. Following this I milled a groove right close to the new shoulder for a viton o-ring. Yesssssssssssss. Yum. Here is a crappy pic on the mill.

And here is one of my .98mm squish band (I did not fully torque the head though so it should take it to .95 ish). Way better than the 2mm prior to machining.

What the hell have I been up to.

2011-06-08T22:57:00.000-07:00

Along with working my great new job at the museum of flight I have been knocking out stuff for you fine folks out there in moped land. You probably have seen the disks back on treats and 77's site, thats cool, but I have also been slaving on some beautiful intakes. A couple of weeks ago it looked like this:

And now they look like this:

Mmmmm, sexy. I've been fortunate to be able to rent a portion of Naz's shop. He really is a wizard and an amazing resource of information and skills....definitely going to make me step up my game a bit. There is a yellow puch that im getting ready to turn out once I have retrieved my butt holster from Travis' back yard. Derp. Hmm, what else. There will be a small batch of garelli clutch spacers going out soon for you garelli bad dudes and i have been scheming on how to improve my BRN clutch.

Ive also been chilling with the Mosquito Flee a decent bit. Its nice riding weather now and they certainly enjoy their long rides. Good folks I must say, love em all.

Its also nice getting back to working on my projects. After opening the case up on the Gilarelli project it took only a minimal adjustment to the piston to clear everything. This gila kit + minarelli bottom end is going to be rad, nuff said. Port timing looks great, squish looks acceptable, and im going to have Naz o-ring the head. YAY!!!! Ill add some detail pics in the future for you interested folks.

Gilarelli V1

2011-03-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

So Ive been tinkering with the gila on a minarelli idea. I had a spacer made a long time ago and just got a junk gila cylinder from Shannon Hill (thanks) and started fitting it together. This is what I stated as a question on MA:

So Im working on a project where im putting a puch gila cylinder on a minarelli bottom end. With the spacer I have built im getting a piston that sits about .040 under the deck of the cylinder at TDC. At BDC the lip of the piston sits about .010 under the exhaust port. My real issue is that to even mock this up I had to remove about 6mm of piston skirt to clear the case at BDC. Now I do plan on removing some case material but I know this will not be enough. I do know that there have been other pistons used out there successfully with the gila kit with a shorter skirt but I am wondering the detrimental effects of shortening the skirt of a stock piston. With the test shortened piston at TDC The intake window is open except for the notch, which I assume I could notch the piston? I also plan on removing about .010 from the spacer to bring the piston up towards the exhaust port a wee bit. I will also probably sink the head in to get the proper squish. Thoughts? Ill get some pics up ASAP for reference. Thanks shannon hill for the junk cylinder:)

So here are some pics to illustrate things...look at that stubby piston! Watcha think?

A little sunday-gay ride....

2011-03-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

Its pretty nice out so we decided to cruise around a little. Took Chelsea out on the stock magnum to get a feel for mopeds again. She hasn't ridden since her accident, but we will get her brave again. Drove around lake washington for a bit, stop a stared at the water and headed home. I like it.

Its coming.

2011-03-04T01:12:00.000-08:00

Been getting stuff done.

2011-02-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

Yep, getting back to the routine. No job yet. The Baretta 38 just got a new 21 carb, filter, tailight, pads, exhaust as well as finally wiring up the lights correctly. I even have a brake light! Once it warms up i will get out and tune her.

On the Baretta Magnum I havent done much but get her running and mount a stolen (from roommate) ev pipe on it. I did have my seat reupholstered for it by a way nice guy named John. He runs a small operation but does great work. His site is www.js-upholstery.com Yay!

IM BACK! Got a new baby too, did I mention Im in Seattle?

2011-02-16T22:54:00.000-08:00

Oh SNAP! Im in seattle! Ive met quite a few rad people: Jihee, Travis, the Berrends, others, YAY! Finally situated, almost have a job, and am starting to get back into the rhythm of mopeds. Pinball is fun too! COFFEE! I have a small enclosed garage that gets cluttered real quick and I think I can finally say that I have now owned every moped that I have ever dreamed about...yes, I found the elusive Baretta Magnum, its even the awesome patina as my 38! YIPPEEEEEEE! Some guy named steve may be mad though...sorry. Super clean tank, no spark, stuck motor, perfect. I promise to get back to blogging here soon!

Yay Christmas!

2010-12-25T16:30:00.000-08:00

Who said little jew boys dont like christmas, cause this one sure does! It was nice, hung out with friends and got some goodies! I did get two sweet ass Kangols since my dog chewed up the one I got from france when she was a puppy. Also, everyone pooled together and got me a HUGE air compressor, 30gal, 5hp, and enough CFM to run any tool......YES! I love my friends and Chelsea!

Why I love Arizona winters.

2010-12-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

Cause we can ride bitches! Tuesday we lucked out with a 64º night. Worked out great and we had nine bikes out (coulda been 12 but some technical difficulties). Made it out to tops to catch a drink and and cause problems. Here are some crappy pics RIGHT HERE

DISK BRAKES FOR PUCH SNOWFLAKES!

2010-12-21T18:53:00.000-08:00

Just got my preliminary batch in today for you guys. No need to be pros with this. The disk and spacer bolts right on, space out for EBR's and tomos calipers just like my other kits. Since this installs onto one of the extra REAR wheels you have laying around you will need to with a grinder, lathe, hacksaw the threaded portion of the wheel that the freewheel spins onto. After that, just pound the bearing cup back in, set your bearings, center your wheel and add a caliper. Yay!

Big deal, I just want a shirt.

2010-12-16T20:11:00.000-08:00

Its nice, weve been riding more (hah! winter actually brings us arizonans out to ride), and yes, I want a motordivision shirt!

Stolen Magnum

2010-12-12T20:38:00.001-08:00

Ugh, I guess it was bound to happen. Marks Magnum was stolen outside of one of our frequented pubs. Really lame since mark had just got it running perfect and we both had a lot of sweat equity in it. Pretty easy to pick out in AZ since there are only like five magnums here and I have probably owned or had my finger in all of them. Currently its tan, one red on silver snowflake, black simo, polini, bing, 2.75" gazells. If you are the guy who stole it and read my blog, watch out. Sigh....

Im the worst blogger ever.

2010-12-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

Seriously, its hard to get around to this sometimes. Im working more since the holidays are coming but still finding time for the ped stuff. Its starting to get cold but we are actually riding more as a gang, even have a whopping three new prospects rising in the tom cruiser ranks. Its nice to get new blood and new bikes flowing. Other than that im developing some new shite for the community, working on a requested adapter for dio blocks to hobbits so you wont have to mod the case, but hell, how do you guys stuff it in the subframe?!? Snowflake disks will be here soon as well as a new batch of 5 star disks. If you have other ideas im open to them as it seems the tomos intakes are on the horizon too. Here are some pics of the last ride, yay!

Just been doing stuff.

2010-10-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

Well, whats been going on this week? New guy johl came by and worked on his sweet hobbit. Apparently he did not realize the arrow on the piston points down and toasted the original. Its running a DR kit, proma pipe, blue springs but he still has to dial it in. Marks almost done with his magnum and is putting the final touches on it while I type. Its Running a e50 with a metra 65, a reworked simo (by me of course) and a bing. So far a good runner. Me, well I happened upon a good deal for a polini powered maxi that was totally built to 90's spec and a UPS magnum, and yay, Ive owned all the magnums except that one...it is in pieces though. Hey you, know anyone who wants 3 busted za50's? I got them cheap just for you!

Intakes! Thats why I havent been updating.

2010-10-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

Sigh... a sigh of relief since Ive been slaving on this order for a friend. Lots of intakes. Look forward for some big ol 24's for your gila or malossi reed polini kit. What, you have a treats read kit and need an intake for a four petal setup? No prob. I even have some 19 intakes for you dudes rollin dirty on your athena sachs (Not for the novice though). Word. More disk, clutch rings etc. Whats new with you?

Easy Halogen Headlight

2010-09-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah so Cody wanted to upgrade his headlight on the Pinto since it has the treats CDI. It was pretty simple to do actually, 10 minutes tops. We took the OG bulb holder out, trimmed off the back portion, filed a groove in the halogen bulb assembly itself so the retaining clip would work, wired it in, started it up and BRIGHT light action. He used a 9006 bulb, 85813 harness and a few electrical connectors. Take a look at the pics, it should make sense. Terry made an appearance and shot the shit as well. Yay.

Sachs Uber Clutch

2010-09-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Ahh, it been a while since Ive been on here. IM starting work on a friends Sachs, he had a kid and has become too lazy to tinker. We had already installed an 80cc athen kit onto the bike as well as simo snail exhaust and a 21mm carb. We actually milled 2mm off the base of the cylinder since we found a HUGE squish clearance. Since this was an A engine we opted to do so since the D engine have a 2mm longer stroke (or rod?). Its a ripper, as in rips the clutch appart. Justin did manage to score one of these Uber clutches from germany any I have high hopes. One thing I doo like about it is that the big washer thingy had been milled down in the center to give more room for a lock washer. I will let you know how it works out.

blockhead...

2010-08-14T14:50:00.001-07:00

Nothing really new, Baretta runs good, gonna try points to see if my CDI is faltering. STILL waiting on my parts from the water jet guy, and its hot. I like blockhead.

Blah.......!

2010-07-28T22:33:00.000-07:00

Fucking minarelli is pissing me off. No matter what I do I just cant get the right side of the cylinder to seal. Ive used all sorts of different gaskets, non hardening sealants and even RTV (bleh). Still.... Only thing I can figure is that the cylinder is interfering with the little raised section on the case. Soooo, im just going to pull the whole damn engine off tomorrow yank off the top end, remove the studs and just study it. I had no problem on the first kit sealing with the wimpy little paper gasket. Oh, another thing, the stupid aluminum head gaskets are only fucking good for one torque, I hope my copper ones are done soon.

Another note is this puch with 31 miles on it that I picked up. From what I can tell its true milage because how clean all of the hidden spots where. I just fixed up a few issues, got rid of the 1hp cylinder and sold it. Yay.

baby bear, mama bear, papa bear.

2010-07-22T17:04:00.001-07:00

Nuff said:

:

My moped wants to kill me....

2010-07-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

Seriously, shes trying to kill me and herself. First I go tearing down the road and hit the brakes....SHIT....no brakes. Apparently the fluid window chipped and leaked out all the fluid. Managed to get home and quickly swap out the unit from the garelli so I could commute 12 miles to work.

Today is my day off so I have been chasing leaks. The intake isnt sealing like it did on the old cylinder, gasket after gasket. I also found the base gasket to be leaking so I started pulling off the cooling system. Lo and behold I find the source of my crazy vibrations that turned up. Fuuuuuuuuuck. Especially fuck since chelsea's new job requires me to commute on the peds and now I have no functioning peds. Fuck.

Good news is that the tubing for the new line of intakes is done.....Sigh.

Me need your input!

2010-06-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, I do. I have to roll out some new products.

If I were to hypothetically make some intakes for the malossi 4-petal reed blocks, what way would I point them. Would I make a hard right or left? Would I just make a slight turn, just to clear a tire with a long filter. What size, 19, 22.5, or 24?

Maybe if i were to a similar thing with a hobbit, how should I do it?

Is there some sachs lovers in the hood with kits? Which way would you you point a 19mm intake.

What else do you think at least 10 people would want...hmmmm

Please post your input on this, whoever is the 10th poster will get a super awesome intake or something like that...

Rad.

2010-06-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was productive, one armed men, tripeds, what more can you ask for.

2010-06-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Ah, I finally had a day off and got some ped stuff done! Yes!!! Started out with a guy I have named Triped Walt coming over for some help with his Pryer or Pryor moped, whatever. Just needed a quick carb clean, a proper plug, and some jetting. Interesting thing though, I have renamed the guy to One armed triped Walt! Turned out he only had one arm! He was a interesting guy and I got him going. By the way, riding a triped is fucking scary.

Also nate came by to button up his maxi, and for once is free of air leaks. We will see how long that lasts. Hmm, what else, stupid baretta is leaking at the base gasket. Damn that bike. The garelli is running awesome, that Malossi kit is dreamy, the heat prompted a down jet, running about 52mph. I need to throw Chelsea on it so I can hit 55!

I got some good news from Benji, you can go to treatland.tv, or look to the right hand side of this post.

Wrapped up the evening hanging out with Daniel and Mark, did some drinking, reckless riding, and some dart throwing. Ahh, I slept good afterwords.

Kinda slow here...

2010-06-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

This is for you entertainment.

Ahhhh, just finished some intakes...

2010-05-28T22:54:00.001-07:00

There seem to be enough demand so hopefully I will be making some intakes for the malossi reed blocks....for now, I just finished these for a friend.

Little bit here, a little there....

2010-05-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Finally got to tinker today. Daniel came over with his amf + polini kit + ev pipe and I helped him put it together. Nice simple install. He is still running a 14:12, eeek, but we managed to jet it out and finagled the carb slide to help it idle a little better. Hes ordering a 15 as we speak. Also, the garelli is up and going with the malossi kit, nice and smooth, finally idles and shit, di I mention its actually idling! The polini kit always wanted the smallest idle jet out there (32) and this one begged for a 50.... Finally got a choke on it, timed, steering stop installed and ready to put the tin back on. Im going to hold off on the new tank until chelsea gets more comfortable on it again. Shes topping out at around 50, not to bad but I hope for more in the future. Im going to want to tinker with the clutch more, when she gets hot it likes to grab at a lower rpm but I recall having the springs in it almost fully compressed to act right. I think im going to search out stiffer springs for it...somehow....Yay

Daniels Bike:

My big forehead dropping the needle: :

Chelseas:

I am so F-ING Happy! Garelli time!

2010-05-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?!? Thank you so much Steve Pappas for the hook up on the most amazing garelli kit ever!

Clarification: sigh

2010-05-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

Enough said. I love mopeds.
-Mike

Heres a kitty to soften the mood:

A productive day.

2010-05-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hmm, normally moepd days are not productive, you know the two steps forward, three steps back. I made a couple intakes to go out...Sweet. Mark Bedson and Daniel came by to work on bikes. Put a 50cc kit on marks magnum as well as a pipe. Bolted right together and ran like a top. Went super smooth except for mark installing his piston upside down! Hah. Daniel need to put some puch EBRs on his AMF/Minarelli bike. Pretty easy, all I had to do was reposition the brake stop, bolt up and go. Never expected it to be that easy. Im happy, their happy, I have some extra loot in my pocket, Chelseas baking in the kitchen, hell, can it get better? I was too busy to take pics so here is one of my dog. Yay!

Shall I do it????

2010-04-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Yes, Angelo scored me a 50cc reed kit for Chelseas Garelli. Expensive but worth it?

A pouty day :(

2010-04-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

Its a sad day...I sold the derbi to a guy name Tim. At least he's the brother to an old member. She will be missed, such a good bike.

Intake here, intake there, not much new

2010-04-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

Yep, just churning out a few intakes here and there. I did just make this intake for a guy with a morini. Should be good. Makes me want to remake one for my minarelli out of the big stuff. Nothing too exciting. Let me know what you want. Oh, buy my derbi.

Derbi springs and intake things...

2010-04-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

I was just curious and installed the red derbi springs into the TT clutch. Im kinda not sure how I feel yet. She sounds really rad and jerks on the launch but im not sure if its good. Dunno, I bet I would be rad with a kit though. A note, I believe these springs could be used in the minarelli and morini clutches. Made a few more intakes to be shipped out. I think I sent poor Conrad one thats pointed in the wrong direction, but I will clear it up...Mental note, dont pack boxes sleepy. The derbi is up for sale since I have bills to pay and she is the youngest in the herd. Let me know if you are interested in her. Sigh.

So, how do YOU want your intake?

2010-04-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, I ask that to you metrakit, gila, and polini 4-petal owners. How would you like it? I had some extra flanges and material bent so I can help some fellow moped enthusiasts out! Flanges are water jetted out of 3/16" plate. Tube ID can be had at 19mm or 22.5mm all bent on a tight radius mandrel. You want it to point forwards, backwards, sideways? Angle up high, low, level? Ill custom build one for you to your specs with a two day turnaround. I only tig so quality will be superb and flange super flat for no leaks. Items will be unfinished and ready to paint, but I could have it powdercoated if you like. Im thinking $30 ready to go plus a shipping rate of $5 for a flat rate priority box. $10 more for powercoating plus an additional week for time. If you want you can also buy the flanges and bends separately for your own super secret super custom intake or exhaust flange.....

Derbi got some big ol' shoes

2010-04-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

Yep, the lady was in need of new tires so i picked up some big ass 2.75 Chen shings with some gnarly tread on it. Looks pretty boss if you ask me. Been tinkering with the vario weights and now have two in it with some ball bearings stuffed inside. Still peppy with the big tires but lost a few mph so im topping at 36.8. Still pretty happy with that since shes basically stock! Should be going camping tomorrow at Tortilla Flats so I think I will be able to take her to romp around on the trails.

She does look proud.

2010-04-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

Worked on tidying up the derbi today with some brake cleaning, oil changing, general cleaning, etc. I also machined off the lip on the variator cheek...hahaha, now I have a two speed because of the worn grooves in the ramp plate. Gotta learn how to tweek her a little, either lighten the weights or a stiffer spring to get a little better launch. I like this bike.

I guess derbis are that cool....

2010-04-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

FInally got that damn Derbi TT running. Turns out it need crank seals and base gaskets. I threw on an ol hacked estoril from a tomos and a 15sha. This damn thing actually hit 39.2! Im going to start cleaning her up and fixing the brakes. Tank turned out not to be bad but I did have to rig up a fuel nipple from ace hardware and lawn mower pieces. Guess im going to machine the variator cheek and see what she does.

AHHH! They are multiplying!

2010-04-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

Fuck, must be the weather or something. Just picked up this moby with 6stars. Some poor kid janked it up but it should be easy to fix. Had the nastiest smelling fuel in it :(. Started right up with fresh gas...think ill put a 14:12 sha on it instead of that gutner. Id like to keep her but i think shes one to flip, so if you are in AZ or LA and want it, hit me up! Yay!

Slides...amazing what they do.

2010-04-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

So I finally got back to the minarelli project and sealed up the base gasket. I dropped the 45 jet to a 37 since it was bogging after the atomizer change (*gasp*). Fired her up and started tuning the idle circuit. Filter on and running it would net me a blaaaaaack plug, real black. Also, in order to idle the idle screw had to be all the way in. Um, weird. Also, the blip test would only net me a crisp response with the mixture screw all the way in, wtf, its a 37 idle jet for gods sake. I started considering what affects the idle...the jet, the screw and....wait for it....the slide! My bike had the small cut 30 slide in it so I decided to drop in a 40, no other changes. Started her back up and the bitch was idling crazy high. Screwed the idle out almost all the way to get an ok idle but still fast. Now I started turning out the mixture screw and the idle began to drop...turn idle screw in. Ultimately I have the mixture out like four turns with the smoothest idle ever and the most crisp response of any bike I have. Now I think I can go back up to a 45 idle and wrap things up and work on the main jet and needle. Goes to show there is a lot more to tuning than just the jets and the needle. I think the atomizer is a legitimate issue for those with certain issues, but I also think you should take into consideration your slide as well.

For the real Garelli Bad Dudes, Metra bad dudes, Polini bad dudes, Gila bad dudes.....etc

2010-03-31T14:21:00.000-07:00

Picked up a package of solutions today. Ive got some spacers for the folks requesting something different for their garellis. Ive also have some gila flanges for the 19-21mm carbies and a few for the BIG BOYS. Oh, some 19-21mm flanges for the polini 4-petals so you wont have to cut those precious fins. Oh wait, some fine ass flanges for those metrakit owners wanting 19-21mm carbs. Theres more! The mandrel bent goodness will be ready this friday to partner up with these flanges....oooh tight radius too....no need for those big carbs to get starved pointing at the sky! Inquire for options, maybe you just want a flange? Maybe you just some mandrel bent tubing for the custom intake or exhaust, hell you might want a whole intake?!? Powdered? Sure! Yay, life is sooo much better with cheaper higher quality options!

Another day, atomizers, dog, stuff...oh and a derbi

2010-03-29T18:36:00.000-07:00

Kind of a lazy day, I feel exhausted. I ported a e50 for no reason, with no kit in mind and no puch for it to go in. I think im going to try my hand at porting a stock magnum #2 cylinder to attempt a 50/50 setup. I use a small port metra pattern for the transfers.

My atomizers and bushings came in so I started tinkering. With the 262AU atomizer and bushing there has been some significant changes (I had the 262AN). Ive gone from a 102 to a 92 main and am still stroking at the very top. Its also begging for an idle jet smaller than the 45 in it, probably try a 42 or 35 next. I did go from a w9 to a w3 needle which is richer. They have the same tip diameter and 20mm long taper, but the w3 has a body diameter of 2.45 versus the 2.50 of the w9. I like them more since they have a longer taper than the w7's (20mm versus 18mm). I however discovered a air leak in the base gasket and called it quits for the evening.

Cody worked on his TS185... :( yuck.

Of course some dog wrestling.

Oh, did I mention a $80 derbi?

My junk, their junk, atomizer flaming....

2010-03-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, another day of working on other peoples stuff. Decepticon Nate came by to finish sealing up his maxi while Cody has been chasing air leaks on his metra 80. I will tell you I have lost faith in metra since this kit has had the lousiest finish in the world. Port, transfers and cylinder are sub par. The area arount the intake studs are raised a good .5mm, bleh. WTF were they thinking. On top of that there is all this atomizer BS going on. Yes, dont panic, you may have them tuned just right but there are those who havent been able to get it and it may be due to another tuning point in your carb. Im going to try it since I have at least 75 different main jets, 10 different size idle jets, 4 different slide styles, 5 styles of needles and I still cant get the garelli to like even the smallest idle jet out there (thats a 32 BTW). Sooo, that said, Im going to ask "what about the atomizer". Fuck it.

Chelsea vs. Cody.

2010-03-22T22:56:00.001-07:00

What? You thought this was an informative blog?!?

I hate garellis. Morini exploded.

2010-03-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

Seriously, but im at fault most of the time. I raised the ex port up 1mm to bring the blowdown up to 25º from 22º. Ugh, killing me cause I cant get to the powerband at all. Nothing like a 30mph kitted bike right? Looked into the atomizer thing and found that the bushing came out with great ease. I also disassembled the morini today to combat the case leak. I really didnt notice a crack in the gasket in the perceived area, but the engine has at least 7000 miles on it, and thats before kitting...definately getting some new bearings. Morinis are nice and simple on the inside like a minarelli. Oh, siezed the fresh polini on my bareeta last night, wtf! Jet reads good and dark at WOT, but seized at 1/4 throttle. So you know I run a w9 needle (richer than a w7) at the richest clip.... Sigh... I place alot of blame on this newly realized atomizer issue. I cant believe that every carb I have bought has been a 4 stroke setup. Parts are on the way though! Little 320 grit ant the minarelli was good as new, gotta love those cast iron cylinders.

The culprit atomizer. The proper style is in the back.

Sploded morini.

Chelsea touching up some of codys ink.

Stupid atomizers!

2010-03-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Both of my PHBG's have the AN style atomizer in them. AN is for four strokes, AU are for two strokes. Its all making sense now. damnit,.. check your carb fool Thanks for the heads up Crazy Wayne!

garelli headache...

2010-03-19T17:49:00.001-07:00

Been back to the garelli now that the clutch is good. Had to weld of the damn kickstand mount, cracked on me the other night. Got the taillight working again. Decided to try retuning to see if I have overlooked anything, but alas it still wants a tiny idle jet, tiny like less than a 35 tiny. Made a post on MA and crazy wayne suggest it my be a port timing issue with the kit and suggest raising the exhaust port 1mm to combat this problem. Im scared to though...fucking out of production kit....

Link on his info.

Garelli Update...

2010-03-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

I always expect the worse when I build something custom...I guess its some sort of self doubt thing. I decided to open the clutch up today to inspect and tighten the springs some more and alas everything is perfect. Got a new air filter for the bike and have been re-jetting, timing etc. Managed to get the ol girl up to 50.1 which means chelsea, 70lbs lighter than me, should hit about 54... Im getting fat. I hope to have some goodies to share soon.

For those of you with interest...

2010-03-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

A file... a file that will change your garelli forever....

Top secret garelli clutch revealed!

2010-03-13T15:49:00.000-08:00

So fed up with the rubber garelli clutches I have taken things into my time consumed hands. BRN has had clutches on treats for a while but for a kick start. I picked one up to measure up and see what I could do. I decided to go with a minarelli bell and starter mechanism. I proceeded to give the ol' switch-aroo to the drive gears. I found that this assembly was @ 5/16" deeper than the stock setup so I turned to a neighborhood friend for his machining skills and shop, from this a spacer was born. Bolt things together and bam! No more rubber clutch! YAAAAAAAAAAAY! Unfortunately the two shoe only has one spring per shoe so it doesnt grab as hard as the three shoes that have two springs per shoe.... Time to clean her up, put the tin back on and swap on the fresh tank. Enjoy

Pouting....

2010-03-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

This is just me posting on how I cant go to the LA rally. I hate being poor. Ugh.

Nothing really new.

2010-03-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

Just been tuning the ol' minarelli a bit while Charlie and Cody scramble to get their bikes together for the rally. Played with the gearing some, gonna do it some more. Down jetted a little, probably will do it some more after I put a few more miles on it. I hope I can get her to 55 but 53.1 is a good start.

Im too into this blog stuff....

2010-03-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

Seriously, but i think its due to the freedom. Forums can get congested and are not always the best for sharing all of the meaningful yet boring stuff that one does. Anyway heres a pic of Charlies "murdered" out pinto. I think it will be pretty rad.

I fabbed her up a nice 19mm intake with one of my custom flanges. Nice tig-ing with none of that messy mig stuff those other guy do. Want one? Ask me, it would cost half as much than the others and look nicer.

Pinto madness...

2010-03-07T14:26:00.001-08:00

Charlie and Cody are back over to try to get her pinto ready for LA. Will it happen?!? I had charlie working on her intake, cody on cdi, me moding the long seat pan...

Of course chelsea is there to supervise....

She' back!

2010-03-06T22:16:00.000-08:00

Finally got the baretta back in action! Still have to retune her but thats to be expected. Had to take the carb, brakes and pipe off the sebring, but hey, gotta do what you gotta do. Cody was over to work on his ladies pinto so Chelsea got the camera to record the shenanigans:

SHENANIGANS

2010-03-05T19:59:00.000-08:00

Since im at a standstill on the Sebring due to what appears to be a case gasket leak :( I decided to pillage parts to get the Baretta back on the road. My friend Charlie came to put her freshly powder coated pinto back together. SHe should have a ripper with her gila and destroyer powered bike!

I need money, buy these from me! $100 fro the new style shipped, $80 for the last old style.

Plug at 115? headache for sure...

2010-03-03T16:38:00.001-08:00

Success! (mostly)

2010-03-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

Haha! I got the four petal mounted last night! She rips with 19mm on it. Only problem is I have an airleak between the polini block and adapter (with a 110 jet I had a snow white plug, whaaaaaaa?) Gotta get some more gasket paper and rtv (bleh). Should be good in the long run because she pulls like a mofo now in the mid. I think im gonna put a 30 rear sprocket on the rear next.

Tuning...

2010-03-02T12:50:00.000-08:00

Just loafing today while cody tunes his fresh 80 metra. Got him working through the jets on the 19 dellorto. Hey what are you running in your metra 80 jet wise? Ah, now I have to go move my art out of a gallery...not bueno.

Nothing new...

2010-02-28T08:53:00.000-08:00

I need cash for parts so Im at a standstill. Cody got his crank in for his metra 80 e50 so hes going to get that together. Sigh, can you loan me a 20?

Oooh, headway on the baretta!

2010-02-25T08:05:00.000-08:00

Yup, new three shoe clutch from ed "mopagen". Kits on, temporary pipe on courtesy of Cody Cain, upjet for break-in. Now ive got to get a new caliper setup for her since I put hers on the sebring and Ive got to roll a pipe up too. Sigh, to many projects!

Oh yeah, posts to more pics:

2010-02-23T18:02:00.000-08:00

cut and paste:

http://gallery.me.com/mike.thomas1#100225

Ahhhh, goodies!

2010-02-23T17:51:00.000-08:00

Ive been working on a better intake for my morini, the TINY reed block is no good for a 19mm carb so I figured I could adapt a polini reed block to my setup. Of course I will have to make an intake for it but I think it will work. See more pictures here and give me some feedback!

Just picked up some goodies from the waterjetters! Yay, new disk, new intake parts, and a stack of exhaust! Gonna be busy here!

Back to the old gal'

2010-02-21T21:52:00.000-08:00

Ive been neglecting my first and favorite bike, the Baretta 38.

First bike to take me over 50, learned so mucha bout her.... Finally replacing the topend with something new. I had got at least a 1000 trouble free miles out of her and then started to fuck up the ports with a file and eventually split the clutch bell. A fresh polini with the bad areas being addressed:

Now I just have to roll up a new pipe, and retune it...

Bored, cold and wet....

2010-02-20T10:23:00.001-08:00

WTF, this is AZ! It should be 75 degrees and sunny right now so I could tune my bike. Figure Id snap a pic of the finicky sebring while standing around. Should probably be sending out applications though.

Here is a teaser of the clutch im working on for chelseas bike....sigh, yet another project...

Sealed!

2010-02-20T09:53:00.001-08:00

The head is sealed! I officially have no head leaks! Weird stuff is happening like supper upjetting and junk....waaaah?

Stuffing it...

2010-02-17T19:22:00.000-08:00

Since I have a polini piston port reed kit on my case inducted morini I have always known I have had some excess case volume. I decided to quickly make an aluminum filler to see what I could get out of it.

Peek at the filler slug: Not Pretty!!!

Ive also been doing battle with a leaky head since I got her running. Ive milled it, sanded it on glass and put a fresh annealed copper gasket in it....still leaks! Fuck! Gonna try gluing it again.

Was it worth it? Well I seized it shortly after riding it. Not sure if the case volume changed up the mix or if I sprung a leak. After resealing things I took her out again but ran upjeted to a 78 from a 74 and she took it without hesitation. I did pick up top speed from 43.9 to 46.9. 3mph sounds good but the plug isnt dark enough for me. I think im going to glue the head down and upjet even more...I know I should be down jetting while tuning but WTF, weirdness....

Finally on the blog bandwagon....

2010-02-13T19:04:00.000-08:00

Well I figured it was time for me to start a blog. I enjoy reading about all of the crap you do so figure you must want to know what im up to.