I think I know what God feels like. No, I can't make the noonday sun vanish nor can I make it rain over parched fields, causing weary farm hands to start an impromptu rain dance. Let me assure you, I have no God-like magic in my finger tips. I once tried to part the water in the kitchen sink but nothing happened - just got a resounding thump on my head from mom. I even tried to walk on water but the result was a very embarrassed me and a pair of soaking wet sneakers. What I can do, however, is infinitely less impressive than that. I can bring motorcycles that haven't rolled in decades back to life. The feeling of content is comparable - the Good Lord gazing lovingly at the world that He created and me delightfully gushing over the restored motorcycle.
About my mechanical prowess, well, I will have you know that I can give you a not-so-brief description of a motorcycle saddle and how different it is from the fuel tank. But as they say, sometimes, enthusiasm and patience is all that is needed for the job.
I have been working on a few machines off late. And by 'off late', I automatically mean a period of at least five years. My Matchless G3L is now put together, and is rideable. Well okay, so what if the seat is still bare and for the good of my rear end, padding in the form of a bundled up old rag has ingeniously been improvised. It's road worthy (in Namibia, perhaps) but the bike now needs a coat of paint. All was well and going according to the five-year plan, but then in came a James ML and took all my time away. The ML is fighting fit now and now assumes pride of place in the patio of my home, completed. I had a Triumph tucked away and decided that since the Matchless vaguely resembled a motorcycle, it was time to tackle the Meriden single. The bike was stripped in a day, engine and gearbox came off and took about a year to overhaul and put together again. Then, I got home a stray BSA from my friend's place. Started on that one, got the cogbox working and sent the engine to the turner to get the bushings done. Now, I'm back on my Triumph and this time, I'm determined to finish it by December. Yes, the December of this very year.
The cycle parts are nearly back on. She's been painted in a combination of silver and black. Some may argue that it might not be the original shade, but hey, this is my bike, okay. Go and get your own, I tell you critics. The gearbox has been mounted on as well and this weekend, it's going to have it's cycle stand and engine bolted on hopefully. In another week or two, the girder should be fit to be plonked on and wait, I think I'm actually going ahead of schedule. Best I slow down a bit, there's plenty of time left. Wish me luck, then!
