Today was another rest day visiting in Medford, OR. I travelled around with my friend, Dan, as he was doing work at several body shops around town. At one of the stops, there was this beautiful, old VW bus. Not fully restored but in wonderful condition. I'm not sure of the year but given the window configuration and the huge fabric sunroof I'm guessing early 1960's. The roof rack with wooden slats and antique gas can is a nice touch.
The current owner had purchased it a short time ago and it needed very little work to become his daily driver (summertime).I'm glad that I had put in the miles early in the trip as it's nice to have the extra time at this end. Tomorrow, I head down towards Sacramento and hopefully get through the area before rush hour. Santa Cruz is only another 450 miles from here according to Google maps. I took the opportunity to check things over on the bike and I'm happy to report nothing. The weird handling I mentioned in a previous post is still there so it wasn't the rear tire.
Posted with Blogsy
Beautiful old VW. Glad your getting some rest & have fair weather to ride in. Ride safe Richard!
ReplyDeleteThank you, it was a great old bus.
DeleteBeautiful bus! The wood rack is great. I knew someone that took oak slats from pallets and laid it for the rear bed of an antique truck. Same beauty.
ReplyDeleteSorry the handling issue is still there.
The "shimmy", for lack of a better description only occurs around a certain speed when riding in a lot of turbulence from trucks and RV's.
DeleteI have to add to the comments- that really is a beautiful bus. I remember the first time I saw driftwood being used as a bumper was on a VW bus. And in OR. Something about Oregon...
ReplyDeleteYes, there is something about Oregon...
DeleteRichard:
ReplyDeleteI know nothing but I was thinking that if you had two rear/dual shocks, one is not rebounding the same as the other. Newer designs only have one shock, or your rear tire is not in alignment. Did you check direction of rotation ? air pressure too low ?
I used to to have a VW Westfalia and I loved it. I would buy another one but they are too old now, and the new ones aren't the same.
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
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No, didn't check the direction of rotation of the rear wheel. Did check the front when reinstalling it. The rear swing arm doesn't have any lateral play. I checked that when pulling the rear wheel off. And also rechecked the front and rear wheel bearings. And the rear shocks are relatively new but preload is set to the lightest setting. I'll increase it by one click tomorrow morning. I completely forgot about that.
DeleteI agree with everyone else, that bus is really cool. Well if it is from the 60's maybe I should say it is 'far out man'.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a day to putter and enjoy the weather. Hope you have a great ride today and it isn't too warm.
Wonder what the handling issue is from if not the tire..........
I think today fell in the too warm category...
DeleteHaving a rejuvination day is just what every rider needs. Love the "hippy" bus.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the visit, and the heat didn't bother me too much today I think because I had the day off.
DeleteRichard,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the trip is unfolding well for you. The handling problem is troubling, I'm sure. Hope the ride to thru Sacramento and on to Santa Cruz is sweet.
~k
I'm having a wonderful trip. I'm not sure I mentioned this, but this is my first extended motorcycle trip. First time on steel grate bridges, multi-lane freeways, Interstates, cities, traffic jams, 100°F+ temperatures, a whole lot of firsts...
DeleteNot looking forward to the traffic in Santa Cruz.