Things got a whole lot more exciting tonite.. for starters we finished the exhaust system, pannier mounts, bars and  bar mounts.. the only MFG left to do is attach upper fairing mount lug, lock to lock stop lug, Do the slash cut on the tailpipes, that we are finishing tomorrow.. 

Then its strip her down and send off to the sandblaster /Powdercoater.. 

 Yep we are in the home straight now... the finish line is still a ways off but it's in sight.. the wiring is gonna be the last thing I reckon.. that and the painting.. then its fire her up and get her moving ..sort out the bugs ..see if anything needs altering adjusting then its just bums on seat and build up some miles to bring out any flaws..a day spent at the track to give her a good floggin' then zoom zoom we are ready for The Great Ride Down/Across ... 

Hate being sick... the weather has been playing up a bit lately .. the last couple of days have been UK'ish Cold Wet Windy downright miserable .. the only upside is that the rain has been falling in the catchment areas .. 

A couple days ago we had a major upheaval in the Force .. a notification that shook the empire .. ripples spread rapidly around the Globe affecting many many many peoples .. GPz900r Collection 4 Sale on Ebay ..  damm what a shock .. 

I have been in contact with said seller and I understand where he is at and why he is testing the waters .. in theory I agree althou I did suggest a couple of changes ..ie keep the Green Meanie - finish it ..with help if needed from US .. 

Also have said to seller that The Great Ride Down/Across for me was special in a huge part due to sharing 99.5% of it with him .. so told said "Useless Ol' Ph*#ker ;)" (his words, not mine) that his ass will be coming, either aboard one of his .. or on the back of "The Hulk" 

OOooppss

What a difference a few days makes... I discovered I made a big Ooppss .. The setup for the speedo sensor is from a ZX636 NOT a ZX10R .. I only hope now that the young  Spod (legend) can save me and work out how to make it work .. I have complete faith in his ability to find a solution .. We are so close to finishing I can smell the paint and exhaust fumes..I sometimes try to imagine the sound ..but that eludes me still ..I long to feel her under me ..If it's half as good as I hope, I'll be a very happy chappy .. Damm better finish up and go to bed gotta get up in 5 hrs ..work calls ..

electric string

As I write I'm thinking ahead to tomorrow, to as Spod calls it, The joys of Electric string.

Yep once more I'm getting out of my comfort zone and playing with the miles (well it seems like it) of electric string, Althou I've had a moment of clarity regarding the speedo sensor, I'll try to backtrack as I go forward, I need to isolate the switchgear clocks and speedo sensor as well as the ignition. 

When it gets a little too much I can ease the tension by smoothing out the seat foam mods.. tomorrow nite out to the shed and Young Mick, to see if we can finish up a few more bits and pieces..

School's In......

Have taken the steps necessary to learn more about the internal goings on of the engine and electrical installation.. as I've mentioned before, in the past I'd just ride in and say to my race mechanic ..it's doing this when I do that, at this point that's happening etc etc I don't have that luxury anymore..althou Young Mick sure is switched on and knows his motors..it's just a time thing..He has so much going on in his life, his pride & Joy the HotRod gets neglected when we work on the bike, and it's such a Kool car, and there's the Skirtster (anniversary model HD sporty) that he's remodelling to suit a more aggressive riding style... a pure play toy.. 

I'm sure that with patience and by carefully reading the manual and by following  Spods directions I'll be able to complete the task, giving me a satisfaction that paying someone else to do just cant compare.. That's one of the biggest things about this build.. the sense of achievement of doing it all ourselves..when asked who built it, I can proudly say I/Me/We .. So School's In..which is ironic as it's actually school holidays for the next 2 weeks :)

It's like an addiction.....

I hate it when I take a day or so off from doing something either to the bike or in prep for the trip.. I'm fidgitty, preoccupied, vague, a little stressed. 

Time it's the enemy here, guilt comes into play, For the month of Feb and half of March I get to spend 15hrs with SWWBO, and you have to factor sleep time in there as well.. It's like an Addiction...

Ever since I started this journey of Building "The Hulk" it's like the Universe has been doing everything possible to make it Amazing... A life long dream that started way back when I was but a very small boy..  I started with a Doable idea ..within my limited expertise to accomplish.. But then the Universe stepped in and lay before me Tools People Ideas items opportunities.. It's been pretty Kool.. I'm very grateful for all of it.. and not only did it do that which is amazing ..no not happy with that..just the building of.. Nooo what's the point of building it if you have nowhere awe inspiring to ride it To ! Enter The Great Ride Down/Across ... wow and then You can't just do it..who Knows maybe dementia will one day kick in..Lets make a DVD ..you follow my drift....It's like an Addiction..and the Universe is feeding it...Aint life Grand   :) 

Getting Ready....

Today went to Steve's place, he needed a hand to do the brakes and fire up the Ol' Girl.. no not his missus ..his GS1000 that he's just finished rebuilding.. has taken 3 yrs and he's done a fine job.. Althou he probably said every day of the build.. should sell it and buy a GPz900r .. Love that one you had Paul, gotta get me one.. so Steve's getting it all together to come along .. depending on prior family commitments will determine where he starts from.. would love to do Brissy down..but maybe will meetup in Wagga Wagga.. 

Young Mick is also getting it together.. he's in the process of refitting the Skirtster out for the ride.. has changed ride position.. more lean forward with drop bars and rearsets as well as a new custom made exhaust and cone style can.. 

Young Chris has said he'd love to join up somewhere as well.. will talk to him about putting his race bike on  display at the track..

Then there's the Isaac on the A7 and Gareth A1 and his bro and his 900 who'll also catchup somewhere... 

"if you build it They will come"  how true...........

It's not just the Ride....

It's not..there's this sense of belonging that I have when I read updates, posts threads emails..from the guys/gals in GPz OC .. there are so many different characters, personalities nationalities living in regions and countries so diverse, we are married, single, Old'ish, Young'ish, Male,  Female, our bikes Red, Blue, Black, Green, WW, :) .. 

But all a part of that which we love and share .. The Almighty All conquering GPz900R .. since becoming a part of the madness, my understanding of the Ol' Girl has grown immensely, and continues day by day.. through the teachings (via posts and emails) of the OC.. SWWBO said something last nite that has stuck .. she said " life goes so fast, and it takes most of it to work out how to get it right" "some people work it out early but most muddle their way along, not noticing the signs, for direction, guidance, inspiration that can lead them to a happier more fulfilling life""

She's right, most people are too scared, embarrassed or even lazy to take those steps, to ask for guidance, I learnt many years ago that asking is the best way to do almost anything.. even if you know the answer, it always helps to see another perspective.. questions I have so many.. answers I find all the time on the pages of the GPz site.. So I thank you all, each and everyone of you.. either for your instruction, inspiration, direction or encouragement.. 

So Close .. Yet

"The Hulk" all the  major things are almost done..it's the home straight ..well as soon as I go round this bend ..Then it'll be the home straight ..  

As for the ride .. I picked up the Bike camera and all connectors yesterday.. the storage device will be next pay.. Tankbag has been fixed..clear cover needed replacing.. 5mths to go.. shit Do I have enough time .. one day at a time and we'll be OK ..

our brotherhood

The ride is gonna great..the great part being it will shared.. shared with a good mate, a bro-in-law also a good mate, and mates who I haven't met yet.. mates because we share a passion.. the all conquering almighty GPz900R.. 

In years to come we will still talk about it.. reminisce whilst watching it on DVD.. telling the little ones how great it was ..and how such and such did this and how funny that was and OMG can you believe that happened and my Ass ..My Ass..did I mention My Ass.. what a ride..Can't wait to do it again...LOL

Decision Made

Ok ..I'm blessed..to have a mate like Young Mick..I've been pondering over this dilemma regarding the new engine thingy..Do I sell ZX10R and spend nearly $11,000.oo on a bite ya nuts Off Race engine.well really that's what a 185+ horsepower dyno'd at rear wheels is ..Do I need or is it just adolescent want.I even dreamt about it last nite.. I know I want it..But waking up this morning I realised I don't need it..what I do need is a strong reliable motor that will take me troublefree over 2000, 6000, 20000 klm's and when I feel the urge too, to crack open and blast off.. 

 

So today the Mikuni's arrived and I took them out to the shed to show Young Mick, very Purrdie they are, he agreed.. at which point I told him about the forbidden fruit tree of knowledge you beaut bite ya nuts off engine offer.. after some serious discussion we came up with the right answer..Get Young Chris to pull down 1000Rx engine go over it make sure that all is OK and then slide in some of the good bits.. Old heads prevail..common sense wins out.. an email has been sent outlining needs ..awaiting answer.. will sleep soundly troublefree tonite :)

Time...Panic almost setting in............

Time where the hell is it going.. I need more hours to work on my bike... wiring need to be able to splice and clip and make sure that it'll work what it's s'possed to..

Spod (what a legend, I'm so thankful for him) he is sending me step by step colour coded messages.. bless his cotton socks.. 'cause I'm a dill when it comes to this stuff.. 

Another thing about time .. it lets me think.. which usually means more changes to my baby ..meaning more time needed to finish .. meaning less time available before D-day .. meaning Panic almost setting in ...............  

What can I do .. I want her to be perfect .. well for me at least .. you guys .. build your own :)

Life ....

Life ... aint it wonderful.. on a daily basis it gives you interesting unexpected moments to define tempt dissuade persuade alleviate dedicate medicate meditate and just relate.... I love it... never a dull moment.. 

for instance.. today, saturday, a day of leisure for me, which only just recently started.. for a few years now I've been running the weekend shifts ..thats Sat Sun Mon Tues.. on the crew, Thurs in the office..as well as backup relief officer.. add to that fri and sat nites driving Pizza delivery for my mates Restaurant..(Rugantino's) I do that just for the social relaxation networking side..I love to drive/Ride..I love my music loud ... every one is always Happy to see the Pizza guy.. Money for Jam..Not that I do it for the money..it's my release from the stresses of My daytime job.. anyway I digress .. 

so today..Sat I wake.. mmmm  maybe cuddle time ;) .. 7am ..Ding Dong What da F*#k ..  It's my Bro in law.. are you still in bed ?? he casually asks.. what are you doing today ??.. my inner voice answers (well I had planned on jumpin' ya sis' but thats now gone) He wanted to go to a swap meet, sorry bud other plans... Ok so brekkie is being made ..toast is on potatoes is being pan fried crispy some Tomato, Coffee's perkin', just cracked the Egg into the Pan, 8.45am Ring Ring ..My Boss ..dilemma, todays duty officer ..car trouble .. can you take the crew..shit no. got Plans ( one of which was maybe havin' a cuddle in the shower ) then Guilt rolls in..Ok I can go down and hold the crew until said officer can arrive.. he goes on  Many thanx you da man Blah Blah etc etc .. thats OK 3 hr callout double time ..Thankyou .. I was home by 10am .. 

Finish Brekkie.. Log on check my mail.. an answer to an enquiry to my mate Chris from Mongrel Ninja Racing..GPz900r Class Winner '09.. He tells me that he is building himself a Kickass new Race engine.. I asked what would he suggest for me as a good reliable everyday punter for "The Hulk"... his answer came in the form of an Apple dangling Temptuosly from the forbidden fruit tree of knowledge..

The dream would be;

CARRILLO RODS
1039 WISECO WITH TEFLON SKIRTS AND CERAMIC CROWNS, WEIGHED AND BALANCED (can go bigger but requires sleeving)
KPMI 1.5MM OVERSIZE BLACK DIAMOND VALVES 
APE VALVE SPRINGS AND KPMI RETAINERS
APE CAM CHAIN TENTIONER
APE CAM WHEELS (I have good timing specs but that'll cost you)
WEB 236 CAM
KPMI GUIDES
CC AND FLOWED HEAD
CYLINDER MACHINED TO GIVE 12.5:1 COMPRESSION
10mm REAR CASE BOLTS (my secret)
CRANK LIGHTENED AND BALANCED
OTHER CASE FLOW MODS (my secret)
UNDERCUT GEARS
HD SHIFT AND DETENT SPRING AND ROLLER ARM

DYNA 2000 IGNITION
KEIHIN FCR 39 CARBS
K&N LONG POD FILTERS OR STOCK AIRBOX WITH K&N FILTER AND RAM FLO TUBES (HARD TO GET)
SIGMA SLIPPER CLUTCH OR A ZX7 MODIFIED 9 PLATE SLIPPER CLUTCH 
LASER HEADERS WITH YOSHI TRI OVAL MUFFLER OR A GOOD CUSTOM 1342 FLOW PATTERN

As per all rebuilds, all seals, gear box washers and clips, gaskets, crank bolts etc should be replaced.

185 PLUS, VERY RELIABLE HORESES!!!!!   

..So I replied.. I have a '07 ZX10R just sitting in the shed waiting to be cashed up and converted into 185 PLUS, very reliable horses.. How Much ??

What else could I do..If I dont I'll always regret not.. and well it's only money.. I was watching a doco movie on a woman named Uschi oobermeier or something similar to that ..she was a lover of Keith Richards (Rolling Stones) back in the day '73 .. anyway .. a Poster she hung on the wall of her camper read. 

Don't Dream Life..Live your Dream

I'm a firm believer of this philosophy, live every day like its your last.. one day you're gonna be right.. and that's probably why I gotta go ahead and run this engine...  

Life...  Love it 

 

Bike freight booked

Well I booked  transport for "The Hulk" today and given a great price so if any more wanna come to Brissy.. give me a hoy and I'll give you the details .. 

She'll be leaving Lyndhurst Depot heading north to Brisbane Monday 15th Feb, and will ready for me to pickup when I fly in on Thurs 18th .. 

A couple of days spent with my 2 eldest kids and my 2 grandsons, Let my boy drool over her..take the younguns for their first ever ride .. 

Meetup with Ynot then 6.30am 21st feb leave Mobil The Gap ..YeeHaa ..giddyup ..

All the Way and back

The Great Ride Down / Across now has a new meaning for me, SWWBO has given me the go ahead to do Maleny To Perth.

Logistics gonna need to do some figurin' out.. will cost a few $'s to do this.. Luckily we've got a few months to get it all together.. Woohoo now I'm really excited .. 

..Wiring, so many colours so many connectors, what does what to whom and who isn't get any???

 Thank the Almighty for Spod .. He is generously wading thru the schematics of both bikes the GPz900R and ZX10R in order to locate the bits that need connecting. once he's done that I'll then hook it all up and fingers crossed zoom zoom rev rev blink blink ..

Out at the shed tonite, we started in on the mufflers again, cutting welding grinding, burning .. the last part was just me or rather my Sweat top, sparks and nylon are a no go.. for such small mufflers they sure take a lot of work .. but we know that they'll be worth it .. as are the headers, tank, fairings, swingarm, rear shock, frontend, handle bars, headstock, rear brakes, switchgear, steering damper, pannier rack, taillight, mirror indicators, headlight, frame cradle, frame bracing, rearsets, pillion pegs, sidestand, oil breather, temp sensor, speedo sensor, sprockets, rear brake caliper mount, front spindle bushes, rear spindle bushes, carbies, rims and the wiring to name a few things that I've touched fiddled with and improved.. loving the bike.. lovin' "The Hulk" soo lookin' forward to riding her .. always had a thing for Amazonish women .. 

Big Gut .. Big Ride

Ok ..So I've put on a winter coat.. make that a snow jacket ..you know the type ..the big fluffy dacron filled ones..yep that's it..Well with the Great Ride down getting closer and closer each day.. best I shed a few layers and get back into shape.. Over the last couple of months..training has been put on hold..The Young fella Mick had a slight excursion on his dirt track outfit and popped a shoulder..has been a concern these past months..and well it's been winter and "The Hulk" needed finishing, so training slipped as did my waistline..soooo slack one will need to shift his shabby ass and get back into shape ..otherwise the ride will be a long hard one rather than enjoyable..also leathers wont fit.. so as of tomorrow morning back in the gym build up my cardio and slowly get back into some resistance training...

As for the bike..tomorrow will be put to good use trying to fathom the wiring loom..GPz900R with ZX10R swithgear, Clocks, Speedo sensor.. as a sidenote discovered an A6 owner living not far from me, tomorrow I'll drop him/her off a poster thingy with sidy's route description, fingers crossed .. 

little steps

Yep Little steps.. a lot of little steps, each one getting me closer to the prize..The completion of "The Hulk" when I first joined this motley crew here in the GPzone I was so sure that completion was but a mere few weeks away, and had it not been for that I probably would have been finished but not happy.. My initial design has undergone many changes.. now as the end is insight we are happy with the concept we have.. so all the little steps are worth it.. life is a journey ..not a destination.. we need destinations to give us direction, drive, ambition, goals.

Today my head was just not into what I was trying to accomplish, and that was the changes to the foam on the seat..I wanted to sculpt some foam from the riders seat and add some foam to the pillion seat..OMG talk about tricky..Old shitty foam trying to slice it with a super sharp bread knife,  just rolled, it, the new addition piece well it sliced like new bread, still as I say my head wasn't in it and well it ended up lumpy .. But thanks to Bry (Straker) and his tip about using a grinder I'll give it a go and see if it cleans up..

As for the Great Ride down / across ..  need to start my video record .. I'll get young Mick involved and see what his answers are

A warm and heartie thanku to the esteemed taxman who Today for me has funded the Great Ride Down/Across.. yep that's right campers today I got my Tax refund back .. so that's eased things up a bit.. Now for some serious planning.

Preliminary Checklist...

1/. "The Hulk" in the process of being Built (near completion)

2/. Reliable easy to use Digital Audio/Video recording gear, Bike mounted

3/. Digital Audio/Video recording gear hand held

4/. Small Tent

5/. Self Inflating Mattress & Pillow ( Yeah I know ..Pussy.. hey I'm Old 'ish)

6/. Snuggly Sleeping Bag

7/. Full Dainese leathers boots gloves Helmet 

8/. One piece wet weather oversuit ( summer HOT) wont need Dri Rider gear

9/. Panniers ..To carry T's Jeans Jocks, Socks,  Oils & Tools 

10/. Pannier Rack & Top box mount for Tent mattress & Sleeping bag

11/. Tankbag for cameras phones maps, snackies, Drinkies, First aid kit, meds

DVD questionaire

Was just sitting here thinking about the ride (red wine in hand) and thought better get this on tape, you know ,my feelings thoughts etc, it was then that I realised that if we are serious about the DVD then in order for it to be professional and flowing then maybe a good idea would be to have a sort of script to follow, and that would include a form sheet of questions, so that when it comes time to sit down and edit this into some sort of well watchable event then a running link between each member could be the questions that we each answer.. a uniformity but with individual differing fields of view... 

So over the next week or so I will draft a list of questions that we can answer on air so to speak.. apart from the ease and flow of the DVD it will also make it easier to interview ourselves.. I've broached this plan with Big apprentice SWWBO (she who will be obeyed) Eldest Daughter the gorgeous Abby Bella.. awaiting her reply and input....

What a crazee day...Started out by getting a few more photocopies of the Poster Thingy and Sidy's info page on the Ride.. headed off to the local bike shops to hand them out.. only a luke warm reaction to what we are doing .. I put it down to age.. Youngun's in the store's .. no sense of the  occasion, a long ride to them is a quick blat around the block in colour coded leathers and then park it near a coffee shop and watch their own reflections in the windows while texting each other across the table.. majorty of their bikes get more lean angle on the side stand.... That's the thing about Youth, it's wasted on the Young .. anyway as I was passing my local newsagent I popped in to checkout Rapid bikes..yep there it was on pg 24 Big D's notice .. Got me excited again .. 

Out at the shed tonite we finished a few little fiddly jobs that eat up time..a plan was made to spend sat morning finishing exhaust system

I hope we get a good turn out for the ride..meeting up in Wagga Wagga is gonna be such a blast especially if say there was 40+ GPz900R's there..how Kool would that be .. a convoy of Geeper Nutters cruizin' down to the island..wow just thinking about it gives me goose bumps.. footage from front and rear mounted cameras would be awesome ..the comaraderie ..the conversation.. the retelling of sagas/journeys to Wagga Wagga from the various riders attending..History in the making..

Painting "The Hulk"

Tonite had an opportunity to go to the Paint Supply shop and price the paint...
 
2K base basecolour Kermit Green 1 litre $85.oo
2K Base top colour Zircon Atomic Metallic 1 litre $130.oo
2K Clear coat 1 litre $55.95
VHT Satin Engine 2 x Spray Can $31.90
VHT Wrinkle Finish 1 x Spray can $18.95
VHT Flame proof Header 1 x Spray can $16.25
KRH Bumper Black 1 x Spray can $16.95

It's pretty exciting now..  
Tomorrow gonna price the sand blasting & powder coating and get a quote on Painting.. 

GPz900R
1 x Upper fairing
1 x Middle fairing
1 x lower belly fairing
1 x rear ducktail
2 x sidecovers
1 x Tank
1 x front guard
1 x Rear Monoseat

Z900
1 x Tank
1 x rear ducktail
2 x sidecovers

Streetfighter
1 x KTM Headlight surround
1 x ZX10R front guard
1 x ZX10R rear ducktail

As soon as I can I'll send the bits off ..
Tomorrow nite it's finish the exhaust system and cradle...