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Post by timpa136 on Jun 15, 2017 11:59:53 GMT -5
I read once that at least one Japanese manufacturer, perhaps in the '60's, measured the size of hundreds of Caucasion hands to find a handlebar diameter for their bikes that would better suit the broader market. Now that's attention to detail. Yamaha probably achieved more than they intended, pushing Suzuki into ignoring fine (and not so fine) details which all assisted in the ultimate failure. Mind you, Yamaha had a complete fail with the TX750, an existing technology and thus pretty inexcusable. Now this is completely comfortable.
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ap951
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Post by ap951 on Jun 15, 2017 16:36:57 GMT -5
TX stored inside the house as "A favour for a friend." Your incorrigible Wayne...however that sure is a good looking TX. Someone put a lot of time in that. There is something special about a 360 degree parallel twin
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Post by wayne on Jun 15, 2017 19:17:21 GMT -5
There must be something about them AP, I seem to hear more about TX owners than RE5s. Here's another case in point. Interestingly both TX restorer's own RE5's. Underdogs ? Lost causes ? Note the oil cooler on this one. Both the former and the one below are exceptional restorations. Below the TX, this man's RE5 which once graced the cover of our Board calendar. Worth another look:
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ap951
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Posts: 280
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Post by ap951 on Jun 16, 2017 21:35:01 GMT -5
I'm intrigued with that TX Wayne. I agree with your observation that it looks a lot like the RZ and they must have been in development at the same time. Both Suzuki & Yamaha were looking for direction & Yamaha chose to produce the TX instead of the RZ. It was only produced for 2 years (just like the RE5) I can't remember ever hearing one run however I would imagine it would sound similar to a Triumph Bonneville.
Thank you for posting the editional pictures. As you stated, exceptional restorations. Indeed
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Post by timpa136 on Jun 18, 2017 15:25:15 GMT -5
Tim will probably remember better, but I think the blue bags were made by Bates. The Yamaha 750, oil would leak out as fast as we could pour it in on the first ones. Jeff I would guess either Wixom or Bates as well, both local manufactures as I recall. Anyone else recognize these rear bags?
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Post by wayne on Jun 20, 2017 0:31:36 GMT -5
Thanks Tim. I'm not sure who made the more common RE5 bags but I guess that both the bags and the fairing were all made in the USA (?). Some of my original bag locks have USA stamped on them somewhere. I'm surprised by just how many of the bikes back in the day had fairings if the owners who turned up to this event are a reasonable sample.
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Post by timpa136 on Jun 21, 2017 9:15:52 GMT -5
Thanks Tim. I'm not sure who made the more common RE5 bags but I guess that both the bags and the fairing were all made in the USA (?). Some of my original bag locks have USA stamped on them somewhere. I'm surprised by just how many of the bikes back in the day had fairings if the owners who turned up to this event are a reasonable sample. I'm not sure who made the Suzuki fairings or bags either, Wayne. Suzuki played those cards close to the chest. My only hint is an accessory manufacturer with AA on it made a backrest that exactly fits up to the Suzuki rack. One member here, some time back , mentioned that he had a AA rack . Tim P.S. Those bikes are beautiful examples for sure. Is that a movie set canvas painting background ?
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Post by jm0406 on Jun 21, 2017 12:03:43 GMT -5
A&A was an accessory company in Placentia California. They made racks and sissy bars and such for all the bikes. They had a Tiger in a cage when you went into their lobby. Jeff
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Post by wayne on Jun 21, 2017 20:21:39 GMT -5
[quote author=" timpa136" P.S. Those bikes are beautiful examples for sure. Is that a movie set canvas painting background ? [/quote] Photoshop's a wonder ! All his bikes look like that, CBX, Z9 etc etc Maybe if I lived in such a gorgeous setting, rolling hills and all, I could pump out similarly beautiful bikes. Or more likely not. Only just outside Sydney too. PS I might have to go crawling around the attic and find my backrest, see if it's got something stamped on it. The style of rack they used, the BBQ grill (or men's urinal if you're less kind) is still about today and can be bought new on US ebay.
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ap951
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Posts: 280
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Post by ap951 on Jun 22, 2017 5:09:32 GMT -5
some of my old magazines from the 70's have advertisments for Calafia (located in Brea, Ca) I'm pretty sure they made a saddlebag but I haven't been able to find any pictures. Also years ago I had a bike with Pacifico (sp?) bags. (also southern Ca if I recall)
I'm sure Tim remembers these brands but I can't seem to find any information on them
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Post by timpa136 on Jun 22, 2017 16:13:27 GMT -5
Hi AP,
Calafia was more popular in my local area making fairings, Saddlebags, Saddles, as well as Acclaimed Riding Suits, one I wore for years.
I have one or two pics with a Calafia fairing and center boot at the seminar if any interest.
I had a friends RE I purchaced with a large Pacifico ( I believe) fairing. Most Fairings used the Vetter front mounts as I recall.
Others will add more information I am sure.
Tim
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Post by timpa136 on Jun 22, 2017 18:22:30 GMT -5
A&A was an accessory company in Placentia California. They made racks and sissy bars and such for all the bikes. They had a Tiger in a cage when you went into their lobby. Jeff I got gas at ENCO and got "a tiger in my tank"!? Tim
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ap951
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Posts: 280
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Post by ap951 on Jun 22, 2017 21:33:08 GMT -5
Thank you for that Tim,
I vaguely remember arguments in the late 70's that a fairing had to be frame mounted for a motorcycle to handle well. And the other side would argue that the fork mounted fairing still allowed for the headlight to turn with the forks so a rider can see where he is going at night.
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Post by wayne on Jun 22, 2017 22:09:24 GMT -5
Just had a look at my backrest which was on a fully tour kitted bike in Sam's museum. No identifying marks on it at all.
Doesn't bear close scrutiny either. If it wasn't for the "S" Suzuki logo, I'd say that someone whipped this up in their home workshop.
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Post by timpa136 on Jun 25, 2017 17:48:40 GMT -5
I will comment, that with rebar heated and driven into the side rails and spot welds to secure to my rack, that it supported and held way over loaded with items for many miles.
Tim
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