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Writer's pictureVtnightpainter

Excited about new high power canvas

For several years I have been an avid motorcycle rider. I quickly realized that a motorcycle is frequently an artistic expression of the rider. For many this may be their only visual artistic statement. Soon after purchasing my motorcycle I began to personalize it with both mechanical and visual custom features.

I did set up some guidelines for this expression. I thought it would be best if all modifications were entirely removable. This was because money spent on any custom features is money lost. Because these things are so personal, they don't appeal to wide enough audience to regain investment in resale. As a result I sought to make this a consideration when doing any visual additions to the motorcycle and found more satisfaction with the completed modifications. I think this is an example of the true home brewed problem solving that is custom hot rod culture.

The Purchase of the motorcycle came as the result of a personal change for me and marks the beginning some amazing things personally. That period in my life was neatly bracketed by the release and subsequent touring cycle of Clutch's tenth studio album "Earth Rocker". This CD was a favorite and spent a lot of time in my trucks disc player. The cover art easily integrated into the stock paint job on my bike.And yes its totally removable. I have done a few other fun add on's to this bike that I intend to share at some point.

My cat Chub's enjoying the drivers seat.
My cat Chub's enjoying the drivers seat.

I learned so much from my experiences with this bike, I decided to continue with a new even harder challenge. That was to find a non running but super cheap motorcycle and begin transforming it into whatever it becomes. The intended purpose of this art project has a few side goals and benefits.

First, with You tube providing me with free education on virtually any topic, I have begun working on my fear, and perceived handicap, in the realm of all things mechanical. This is indeed a daunting task as I have to learn basic things first. Stuff like how to read a multi meter and what the implications of those findings are on the functioning motor. Ie: basic electrical knowledge. Each stumbling block came with these elementary things I am knowledge poor in. Exactly the purpose! The bike is the teacher. That and the unfortunate people trying to help me make sense of this stuff.

Secondly, I can be bolder with this one because the purchase price was reasonable. Anything I do already adds to the value as its in terrible shape. As long as I don't spend too much to get it running and do my modifications. I will still hold to the cheap and removable line of thought. I'm interested in that and I have some ability to create products for the removable graphics realm. This one is going to be the true hot rod in the sense of not having to keep it stock for resale.

Jugs on a 1985 VT100c
Super Vee

I do have definite ideas about how this bike could go visually, but first things first. It has to function. So making a legal, safe, fairly comfortable, motorcycle is first priority.


I will be documenting this entire thing on video and perhaps I will share that at sometime. More to come on this.

Tim

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