Smokyjoe a/k/a Brad

[smokyjoe]

Been into Diesels seems like all my 1/2 century- plus some. Used to design automotive electronic systems, aerospace electronics, fix diesel construction and farm equipment and over-the-road trucks, but that was in a past life. Been working on, restoring, and building bikes since I was about 12.

Presently own a small (just me) model shop building prototypes of everything made of plastic or metal for whoever wants to pay me, and work a second part-time filler job to make ends meet (hopefully).

Bought a Suzuki GS550 over 20 years ago with a seized motor in order to build a Diesel bike. At the time I wanted to use a Kubota tractor engine, but couldn't afford one. The bike sat in storage until I scrounged a Hatz E79 at an antique engine show last Spring. That got the juices flowing and I started working on it. Then, a friend gave me most of a Honda CB1000, and a week after a Kubota 950D fell into my greasy hands for cheap money! I am working on the Suzuki (heretofore known as Hatzuki!) now with the Honda-bota in mothballs. I figure that I'll make my mistakes on the Hatzuki and do a bang-up perfect job when I get around to building the Honda-bota. Both bikes will use a CVT, I have a Comet 40 for the Hatzuki (I know, limited ratio range) and will probably use a Comet 90 on the Honda-bota. The Honda is a shafty, which is staying. I like to do lathe work, so don't mind the extra complexity.

The Diesel bike will replace my Honda Metro 50cc scooter for commuting around on nice days, so I don't have great expectations, anything's better than 30 MPH on a flat! As long as I can get the same 100 MPG, and burn veggie oil, I'll be happy.

The only problem is that I am either REAL busy with work (and have some money at that time), or have time on my hands, but NO MONEY! Isn't that always the case. Luckily I now have all the major bits I need, but am working my tail off!

I really enjoy this forum as it is great to see all the creative and really professional builds out there, and it gives me incentive to get in gear and work on the bike whenever I get a chance.

[Stuart]

HI Brad,
yeah that's always the trouble, either no time or no money I never have enough time for anything lately Here's hoping that you finished one of your bikes soon