This bike sat in a field for 12 years, so I thought it was kind of pricey at $150, but I wanted a project....and it sure turned out to BE one. The engine was ³loose², but I had to remove the heads to lap the rusty valves and scrub out the cylinder bores. When I learned that a pair of head gaskets would cost more than half of what I paid for the whole bike, I took a second look at the OLD ones and was quite pleased at their condition. -They¹ve been holding compression, oil, and coolant for 1200 miles now! Similarly, I took apart the two master cylinders and three calipers, cleaned the muck out of them, and reassembled them (without rebuild kits), and they all work great, with NO leaks! (Don¹t fix it if it ain't broke!)
.....I was mainly inspired by a bike that had been in a fire and was ash gray from front to back with all of the plastic burned off of it, and at first glance I didn¹t know WHAT kind of bike it was...but I LIKED it! Also, because in years gone by I had several Trumpets, Beezers, and a Nimbus Four in my garage (such handsome machinery!), I wanted to try to give it a UK/Euro look, which I think I achieved, and, just for fun, I added a pair of 'LOADSTAR 1600' badges pilfered from an old milk truck to further disguise its identity. It¹s a blast to ride, and it always draws a crowd of people who are willing to offer (incorrect) opinions as to what it could be! (Sometimes I¹ll ³admit² that it¹s a 1949 Valkyrie)
Total Expenditure, including 2 cans of black paint, 2 new tires, and a license plate: $300.00 !!!!

Thanks, guys, I really enjoy your site!

Maryjane Dave

a.k.a. 'Junkman', Louisiana