Important reminder:

it's finally Spring again! The sky is blue, nature stirs itself from its wintery slumber and daylight saving time is in effect, so to those of you who can, I say "GO RIDE!"

Ogling my chopper...

I know that this blog really ain't what it used to be, but rest assured that all is well at the garage and I may even be able to get back in there a bit more often in the very near future; at least to tidy up, take stock of what each bike needs (surprisingly little as it turns out!), and prepare for the three outings planned for this year.

Last time I was at the garage I started looking around and made a plan; then I fixed a few small details on the Sportster that were annoying me, and once I was done with that I took the cover off the BSA and reveled in its glory. It really is a beautiful motorcycle (I suggest you click on the photo to look at the full-size version):

You may remember that uncle Fester had already sorted out the broken gas tank mount last year, so the bike is pretty much good to go again; I'd like to go ride it a little bit before I take it on one of the aforementioned three outings, more than anything just to re-acquaint myself with it. So I've started by doing an oil change, checking the battery (it's dead, not surprisingly, I'll need to get a new one), the usual stuff.

Somewhat worryingly I found a fair bit of metal particles in the oil, the magnetic plug in the sump looked like a Christmas tree when I pulled it out (nod to Brian...). They are very fine particles, and the magnet obviously caught them so I won't worry too much about it. It goes without saying that the right thing to do would be to fit an external oil filter, but I don't think I'll do that just yet.

Before I actually start the bike, I'm handing it over to uncle Fester again for a special project, hopefully it'll turn out great (and it should be reversible, just in case anyone is worried about ruining those perfectly proportioned lines...); I'll keep you posted!

The nocturnality of motorcycles - 7

Happy new year.

Behold, as our Great Leader rides bravely into the future!

Let us all follow him fearlessly and hope we can actually go motocamping again this year...

Favorisca patente e libretto.

That is one of the most soul-crushing things you can hear on an Italian road.

Thankfully though, this lovingly restored Moto Guzzi Nuovo Falcone 500 belongs to my friend Brian, and is no longer in the hands of the fuzz:

This bike has never looked this good I'm sure, and I'm glad to see it complete with its lovely panniers...

Enjoy the Falcone Brian, just remember you might want to cover up that insignia next time you're down this side of the border!