ozark mountain scramble 2011 pics

Now that cold weather is creeping in, I'm even more amped for next years ride. I've been getting a good amount of commitments from all over the US, so it sounds like it's growing a fair bit. If you haven't rode through the Ozarks, then you need to make this run a priority.

ozark mountain scramble 2011 pics

More pics from this years run.

kz400 build/entry : part 18

Videos. Keep forgetting to post these. Nothing special, but some closure on the project.

ozark mountain scramble 2011 pics

I've done a real crappy job posting up pics from the ride this year. I actually only took about three photos in total, while the rest had been taken by Brad and his wife Daphne. Really it's hard for me to focus on taking pretty photos, when I'd rather just relax and enjoy the ride. The Ozark Mountains harness some amazing roads, and this run covers a major percentage of the best it has to offer. I originally wanted to change the route this year, so we can hit other roads, but really there isn't really much room for improvement. A tweak here and there, but for the most part we'll probably be running the same route.

kz400 build/entry : part 17

Friday evening a member of the kz400 forum mentioned my carb cover looked like it was restricting way too much on airflow which could cause a rich condition at half throttle on. Well, it just so happens I've been battling the jetting from half throttle on due to a rich condition. Duh! Pulled the carb cover off and ran her down the block to test it out. Sure as shit, she ran great all the way up to WOT! Decided to run a sheet of corrugated aluminum and cut the top of the fence post cap off to make a sort of velocity stack look. Ran it about 100 miles or so Saturday without a hiccup. I love the internet, but more importantly I love this motorcycle.

I've been lazy getting any updated pics since completion, but finally snapped a few today.

Previous carb cover:

Updated carb cover:

Side shots:

ozark mountain scramble 2011 : done

What do you say after a journey like this? I mean, there are so many things to sum up over 3 days and 600 miles of riding, it is hard to put into words.

First and foremost I would like to thank everyone that made the run what it was/is. I know I couldn't be any happier with the way things went, and only plan to tweak a few things for next years ride. For the most part repairs were at a minimum. My bike seemed to be the most erratic in behavior, but nothing a handful of spark plugs, a couple fuses, and a ton of oil couldn't fix. Five riders in total had the gusto to join, and despite the low numbers the fun meter never dwindled. All riders but one fit all three criteria, but considering he became our Unofficial Road Captain and fit two of the three rules there is no reason to gripe. Good times had by all. See you next year!

ozark mountain scramble

Tomorrow the madness ensues throughout the Ozark Mountains. Ride your motorcycle.

cb450 build/entry : part 13

Ready to ride.

Brad

cb450 build/entry : part 12

Here's some pics. All I'm waiting for now is the side covers which an artist buddy of mine is lettering.

Brad

cb360-2 build/entry : part 1

Just thought I should let you know I am still in the game. I had been swamped with work for a while. The basket-case CB350 was just not going to make it. My friend Brad found a '76 Honda CB360 for cheap, and talked me into buying it, and starting over with a running bike. Of course I immediately had to make some changes. I put on a CB500T tank. It has the style I wanted, and has about twice the capacity as the 360 tank. The 500 tank was badly dented. Long story; my fancy pin-welder-dent-puller idea went south, when I popped a hole in the tank, on the first yank. Brad was a big help in welding that for me. Last weekend, I layed-down some mud and then some candy-apple red.

The seat and rear fender didn't turn out like I wanted, but it will do for now. I think I'm going to like the rear-set shifter. I hooked up the fuel-lines (no leaks) and it started on the second kick. Still have some work to do, but it's do-able. Your post reminded me I need to get the tags and insurance. I should be ready to ride soon.

Rand Man

ozark mountain scramble

Just a couple weeks before the OMS kicks off! I've got a couple loose ends on the kz400 to take care of, but nothing that can't be done in an afternoon. It's going to be a real humdinger! Also, don't forget to check out ozarkmountainscrable.blogspot.com for any further info needed.

cb360 build/entry : part 2

Frame and tank have been painted and reassembly has begun. Parts have been coming in at a steady pace with a few hiccups along the way. Hopefully we can wire and fire it this weekend to hear it run for the first time. I made up a kick only wiring diagram that is untested at the moment. We'll know if something explodes soon enough. Here's some crappy pics to prove all of the above.

kz400 build/entry : part 16

Took the bike on it's maiden voyage last night at around 10pm with no front brakes and dodgy rear brakes at best. Considering it hasn't been jetted outside of the stock cr125 settings, it ran rather well. Still running rich, but nothing that can't be sorted with some tinkering. Also whipped up a more current wiring diagram that may be of use for others out there with a kick only setup.

kz400 build/entry : part 15

Wiring is on the verge of being finished, just lack a brake light switch to consider it done. Installed some new stainless allen head case cover bolts, so good riddance to the old phillips head shite. The last of the main checklist include seat mounts, install fork seals, brake pads front/rear, and tuning the carb. Not far off at all now.

kz400 build/entry : part 14

It's alive!



Fired up on the second kick. I didn't expect it to go so smooth, so the camera wasn't even near for the first fire. I got it idling for the most part, but it's running pretty rich on the idle circuit. I also found a couple oil leaks that can be ignored for a little while, but a topend gasket kit is in order. The intake is definitely favoring the left side of the motor, but we'll see what happens when it gets down jetted a bit before making any modifications to it.

kz400 build/entry : part 13

Somehow the stock seat made it's way back on the bike, and I think it's for the better. I love the new look, and it's way more comfortable than the camping mat setup. The pan is super rusty where the seat cover attaches, so hopefully I can salvage it with some self tapping screws or rivets. The cover has a small tear, but it adds some character. It also affords me a crap ton more room to hide a battery and electrics, so that's another plus. Just have to make some new mounts, and it should be good to run.










Also finished doing the wiring for the rectifier.



New brake shoes front and rear are on their way, along with fuel line, filter, and fork seals. Should have things wrapping up at a rapid rate of speed now.