My CJ750, or the story of how i came to be in China

[jape]

Who needs porn bots? Removed a couple of real nasties lately.
Does that mention Dhakar behind it? That would be fun!
Maybe sponsored by Viagra so it lasted a bit longer?
Ribbed for traction?
Shineray powered for vibration?

Reminds me of a bad english schoolboy joke, one schoolboy to another:
"Why do they have lights on the tip of condoms?"
"Errr, dunno!"
"For dim f****rs like you ..."

[Lao Jia Hou]

We've all seen some pretty crazy things in China. I've heard that India is comparable, and perhaps even more extreme. Never been.

But seriously, folks, can you imagine that mount joining in for a ride? I'd definitely break off from the pack if that thing was riding next to me.

I found the pic in a news article about "condom awareness" in India, and apparently the guy frequently rides his condom-cycle around town. Quite the celebrity, albeit missing a few neurons!

Now, given that this is a thread about sidecars ... imagine the condom cycle following this Russian sidecar guy in a pack ...

mooning.jpg

[jamewatson]

That all the pictures are very nice, and your stuff is really good with sidecar, I like your all pictures and they all are very clear to view, thanks for sharing a nice pictures.

[felix]

Since my dear CJ750 refuses to die, i thought i'd keep this thread alive too. In fact i can't believe i haven't updated in 3 years.

The front brake i was talking about a few posts above is installed and works as good as brakes are ever gonna work on a CJ. (ie: passable) Astute observers may notice the bike is now black, i preferred him in green but had to go with black to match the registration.

The only other major change is the leading link front end, which comes from a Xiang Jiang 750 (the police sidecars). It's a bit soft on flat roads but is far superior on shitty mountain roads, which is where the bike spends most of its time. And it doesn't dive under braking, it actually lifts the front up. Very strange at first.

Since i started this thread my career took a major direction shift and i am now a 'professional sidecar driver'. This bike became my work tool and, with that, up went the mileage. I've now put over 60,000km on it and it just seems to get more reliable with every kilometer. Of course it needs a lot of maintenance and has oil leaks and dodgy brakes and funny noises, but it has not left me stranded in years.

I just finished a nice little ride from Xi'an to Guilin where i will now be living. 4 days, 1700km and it never missed a beat. Despite all the hate that CJs get on this forum, i've never had such a deep connection with any of my other bikes.

Here are some pics from the trip!

[DanKearney]

Felix,

Very nice photos with your update Felix. Professional CJ Driver? There's got to be a good story behind that. Where do I sign up?

After 10 years of Ural hack driving I'm about to take the plunge on a CJ solo. Jim Bryant is out in Las Vegas, NV now and I'm trying to work a deal on one. I'm in the process of selling my 2007 F650GS to finance the deal. I insist on getting an M1M because I love the look of the flathead motors. Jim's gonna rebuild a complete drive train and motor for the bike.

Looking forward to hearing about some professional CJ adventures from you.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[felix]

Hi Dan, you sign up right here: http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...de-a-motorbike!

Best of luck with your solo, post some pics up once you get it! Flat head engine is a good choice, not fast but more reliable and simple to work on. Gasket replacement is a breeze, feels like pulling the top off a two stroke.

[Lao Jia Hou]

Despite all the hate that CJs get on this forum, i've never had such a deep connection with any of my other bikes.

No, we don't hate CJs ... just the dodgy "dealer" con artists ... times are tough for many of these guys, and they seem be getting more and more "creative". My shop/clubhouse is next door to one of the largest CJ builders around, so I have to "enjoy" the sight of them (in various stages of assembly/repair) every single day. Further, my clubhouse partner (a film producer by day) is doing a documentary on CJs.

IMHO, CJs are like 1972 Plymouths ... huge mother ships that shake, rattle & roll. Reminds me of when I piloted a massive Yellow Cab around in my uni days, doing the night shifts, running hookers to/from clients. CJs evoke that style of nostalgia in me!

Although CJs are nowhere near their heydays of 5 - 10 years ago, in Beijing, there are still some around. But with so many bike options now available, most riders I know have moved on.

A recent article, proving the CJ movement is not completely dead ...

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/79...l#.UfCi59JkP8k

Those are stunning pics, Felix - some real talent there!

[Lao Jia Hou]

Felix:

You might know these Beijing Sideways guys? The article just came out.

http://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/201...st-2013-online

You can view the article online. If you'd like, I can save a hard copy magazine for you.

PS: I'm a little surprised they showed a 00612 plate. Must be an expired 1997 issuance, because mine was the later number 00713 (a 1997 issuance)

[felix]

I don't know the big guy but i know Gael who is sitting in the bike. He runs Beijing Sideways, lovely, easy going guy.

Not sure about the vintage plate, probably just there to look cool while they have the real plates on the back and side.

[fizamalik]

I have read all posts.Really its very interesting.I have dreams, but no plans.Very weeks holidays a year isn't enough for that kind of riding.