MAY
Old motorbikes trace the past | |||||||
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Danny Dung thinks an old vehicle is closely connected to its owners, so he always tries to get as much information as possible about them when he is buying motorbikes. He can live another life when he rides it, if he knows enough, he says. Dung is known as one of the real fans of old motorcycles in Saigon. It is his and his friends’ strong love for the machines that started the trend of buying classic bikes in the densely-populated city. As a child in Vietnam, Danny Dung showed his interest in engines, but he could only afford old bicycles which he customized. In the early 1980s, he made bikes with strange lights and sounds, which his friends still remember. Danny Dung emigrated to the US in the late 1980s and took a course in mechanics. He joined a Harley Davidson club in California. “Perhaps Asian people are ashamed of their small body, so they don’t like big motorcycles.” There were only a few Asians in the club he says. “For me, whenever I heard the sound a Harley made, I felt mesmerized by it and I decided to save up for one to join the club.” Danny could afford to buy one second-hand. He traveled and met many Harley fans in the US and found collecting old motorbikes was interesting. Danny believes old motorbike lovers always have a philosophy about their hobby. He says, “For me, old motorbike users are historians of mechanics because they keep track of human inventions.” In the early 1990s, Danny returned to Vietnam for a visit. A short time later, he and a few Vietnamese friends established an old Vespa club, the first in HCMC. The old Vespa scooters came back to life again and became objects of pride. Lots of youth, middle-aged people and foreigners came to Danny to find a bike. When old Vespa scooters got hard to find, Danny started to look for old German BMW motorbikes from1945 to 1950. It seemed like Danny waved a magic wand and turned piles of old engines into luxury toys for BMW lovers. Saigon saw the reappearance of vehicles that produced powerful sounds. “Most old BMW customers are foreigners living and working in Vietnam,” Danny said. “Their big body is suitable for western people, and they are very expensive. The cheapest one is over US$5,000.” His reputation traveled far and foreigners came from abroad to Danny to buy an old BMW. Customers tried to find him because he could make old engines work as well as new ones. He could also keep the original color and shape of the vehicles and add something decorative. Then old BMWs became rare too, but Danny’s old motorbike passion was still strong and he saw a man on an old Harley Davidson. He began another hunt and has bought a dozen of the classic American machines. He spends his time and energy repairing and restoring them and sharing his interest with others. Most people who come to buy old Harleys from Danny are foreigners. Danny is willing to sell them to anyone who is passionate about old motorbikes and knows their value. However, there is one exception - the Harley Davidson that was used to escort the former Saigon Regime’s president Nguyen Van Thieu. One person offered US$10,000 for it, but Danny refused. Apart from old Harleys, Danny has rare motorbikes like a German TWN and old cars like a Chevrolet Impala, a Camaro, and a 1955 Ford Customline. Some film makers have rented Danny’s cars for movies, giving his old cars new lives and greater value. Danny has also found a market for spare parts and set up a busy little factory for hand-made parts for the old motorbikes and cars. As a result, he has an income to fund his passion for classic vehicles. While everyone is moving forward with modern equipment, Danny and his friends are finding value in old machines. He says, however, he doesn’t feel excluded from the modern flow because everyone has a past. | |||||||
Buying a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle is fairly easy. All you have to do is pick a model, visit local dealers, test drive the Harley, and pay in financing or in full. However, buying a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle is a different story. Since it is already used, you should be more extra careful in closing your deal immediately. Here are the things you should consider if you want to buy used Harley-Davidson motorcycle:
Motorcycle history
Since you are not aware of things that have happened while you are yet the owner of the motorcycle, you need to know its history. Here you will learn if it was involved on accidents or have been submerged under water. These information are vital since you want to buy a good used Harley.
Price
One of the reasons why you buy used Harley-Davidson motorcycle is because you want to save. If you are not aware of the current market value of the model you are buying, then it is time for you to make some research.
Overall Condition
Whether you are buying a 1978 or a 2005 model, you have to consider the overall condition of the motorcycle. Never disregard this since you will be the one who will take the whole responsibility of your purchase in case you have bought an ill-maintained motorcycle.
Exterior
Check the exterior or the motorcycle as well as its performance. Like buying used cars, you should check everything and test-drive the vehicle. Check the sound and the engine. Check for rusts, dents, and other things that may affect the price of the Harley.
Mileage
Since the mileage reading is the main basis of the price of the any type of used vehicle including the Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you must check it and base it on the price being offered.
Proximity
This may not be very important for some. But for those who want to get to see the used Harley motorcycle being sold, location is very important. If a Harley-Davidson seller happens to be near you, you can easily visit and have the deals made fast.
Owner’s background
This does not mean you have to investigate thoroughly the owner by hiring an investigator and make a report for you. All you have to do is to ask the seller questions related on how does he take care of the motorcycle while in his possession. Or, if you happen you have a chance to meet the owner, be observant on the things around him. Surely, you will get clear idea on how well he is as a motorcycle owner.
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Those who continue to ride through the winter will still benefit from some of these tips to keep your ride in top shape. While many reading this are already in the grips of winter, it is never too late to prepare your Harley (or other equipment) for that long winter's nap.
Below is a check list for basic winter storage that will help make sure your ride survives until spring.
1. Stabilize the fuel
Modern unleaded fuel only has a shelf life of 3-4 weeks before it begins to deteriorate. Some believe that draining the tank and float bowl is all that is needed to prevent the gasoline from turning to sludge. In my opinion there is no way to completely drain every drop of fuel, especially from all the small passages and jets in the carburetor.
Add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer to a full tank of fuel, then run the engine for at least 15 minutes to work the stabilized fuel throughout the engine. This will prevent the remaining fuel residue from oxidizing and turning to varnish. There are several brands of fuel stabilizer but be sure to purchase a reliable brand.
2. Change your oil
Now that your Harley is warmed up after running the stabilizer through the engine, change your oil. Residual fuel and contaminants in the oil can oxidize during prolonged storage or inactivity. Changing your oil now removes all the sludge and dirt that would otherwise start to deteriorate. In addition, changing oil now guarantees fresh lubrication when it comes time to remove the bike from storage.
Don't go cheap on the oil like some sites encourage. Use a quality oil that you would normally drive with. I recommend synthetics which will survive much longer into next year's riding season, but the choice is up to you. Run the engine a few minutes to disburse the oil through the engine.
3. Prepare the Battery
Lead-acid batteries should be kept under a constant charge in order to prolong their life. Attach a Battery Tender or specialized charger that won't overcharge your battery. A trickle charger may be used but must not be run for more than a half-hour each day. This could be accomplished using an appliance timer. If your motorcycle will be stored where freezing temperatures are likely, remove the battery from the bike and place in a warm dry place. The battery should be kept charged regardless.
Battery storage myth: Placing a battery on a concrete floor will not discharge or drain the battery. Lead acid batteries by nature slowly discharge however, a concrete floor has no effect on this.
4. Clean and Lubricate
Dirt, sand, and road salts will begin to corrode and damage metal surfaces if left during storage. Give your bike a good cleaning before putting her to sleep for the winter. Lubricate the chain as discussed in last month's newsletter. That article should appear shortly on the Tech Tips page or contact me and I'll send it to you. Lubricate all moving parts such as cables and use a metal protectant spray on the underside of the frame and drivetrain. This will combat any rust on areas exposed from pitting or scratches. As I mentioned last month NEVER use WD-40 on your Harley, ever!
5. Check your Tires
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. If you have a compressor then deflate your tires first to expel any moisture, then inflate with clean compressed air. You should repeat this step before riding again in the spring.
If possible, elevate your Harley so both tires are not under load. This is especially important if the bike will be stored in freezing conditions. Make sure your bike is secure. Motorcycle lifts with bottle jacks have been known to fail when left under prolonged load.
6. Cover your Harley
Even when stored inside, your bike should be covered while stored. Use a cover that can breath and not a plastic tarp. Moisture should not be allowed to become trapped under the cover on your bike's metal surfaces. If your storage is in a barn or similar place, cover the exhaust's to prevent any unwanted creatures from making a winter den. Place plastic bags over the intake to keep moisture out.
That's basically all there is to storing your bike. There are a hundred more suggestions out there (filling the tires with nitrogen, etc.), but for the most part these steps will ensure your investment gets a safe winter's rest. Once stored, resist the temptation of periodically starting the engine, or at least until you are ready to drain the stabilized fuel and start riding again. While your beauty is sleeping it is the perfect time to work on those maintenance projects you have been putting off, like changing the fork oil.
