The Wrench Log and Ride Log have a new home. That home is now over at Salzmoto.com. Although Salzmoto is much more than just a new home for that blogging. Salzmoto is actually my moto-centric company. Salzmoto is also a destination.
Nearly two years ago, The Mrs and I embarked on an adventure to Chicago. We each had work opportunities too good to pass up, so we left the Twin Cities for Chicago and all the challenges that living in one of the world’s largest cities would bring. In short, it’s been fantastic. Our professional experiences have been terrific and we’re both thriving in our new digs. Beyond our working life, the move to Chicago meant getting to know an entirely new motorcycle and scooter community. It’s also meant big changes in my fleet of bikes and significant adjustments to when, how and what I like to ride.
From day one, I knew I wasn’t going to leave my GL1100 alone. The whole point of owning the bike was not just for its size and capability, but as a project. I’ve long admired many of the “naked” Goldwing projects I’ve seen. Last season, I was able to bring the bike up to mechanical snuff. This season, in a terrific change, I’ve mostly been riding it. Sure, I replaced the fuel pump and un-linked the brakes, but besides a failed starter relay, most of the work I’ve done to the GL this year has been elective.
There are few certainties in life, yet there’s one thing I know for sure: I married well. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve heard a guy say “I used to have a bike, but my wife made me get rid of it.” I have one consistent, unapologetic response:
“It sounds like you should have married better.”
A huge welcome to anyone visiting from BikeEXIF today! I am absolutely thrilled to see my 1974 Honda CB450 featured on what is easily my favorite motorcycle blog. For new readers, I write a lot about my own adventures in fixing and customizing bikes, so do please have a look around. You can find more – Read More –
I have a question for you, my handful of regular readers. As many of you know, I write regularly as an automotive journalist for MotoringFile.com, BimmerFile.com, and ScooterFile.com. I also spent a year as BlueCat Motors’ official documentarian, writing a weekly story about what was going on at the shop and some of my own – Read More –
Back in March I paid a visit to a Chicago-area motorcycle institution. Each Sunday morning, bikers of all sorts descend on the Full Moon Diner for the weekly motorcycle gathering and ride.
At this point, my home shop is about 50% set up, but it’s still allowing me to get a lot done. It’s become an inspiring, energizing place where problems get solved and motorcycles get fixed. After successfully buttoning up the CB750, I’ve turned my attention back to my GL1100. Late last season I’d swapped the handlebars on the GL for a black set of superbike bars. These gave me a much more aggressive riding position than the stock touring bars, but without making me lean way over for clip-ons or clubman bars. While pretty comfortable, they weren’t quite where I wanted to be on the bike.