Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT Mid-Century Moto Mecca Makeover

[Choirboy]

"This is also why you generally want an “air barrier” on the “warm side” of your wall assembly (I.e. the same thing can happen in humid, air conditioning circumstances.)"
This is a problem where I live; which is the warm side? 3-4 months of -5*f to 15*f, 3-4 months of 85-95*f with high humidity...

 

[nicholam77]

You've been through a lot, Gregor, but I too am excited about this next chapter for you. I think I've said it before — everything you do is interesting and enjoyable to read about, but I've secretly been wishing you'd get back to the house someday. Houses like this need saving. So many midcentury or modern homes get demolished or are poorly remodeled until they are unrecognizable or fall into disrepair. I can't even begin to comprehend the amount of work you've already put in, or where you're going to take it, but I have to imagine Saul Zaik would be very proud of the effort you're putting into it.

Also, Nadia's dream house design is really nice! Love the central atrium garden and now I kinda want to live there!

 

[Finallygotit]

Sorry if this is boring, ............

Not in the least.

 

[tap1970]

Gregor,

I am so sorry to hear of your split. I am glad to hear you have been able to keep your home and I sure this brings some familiarity and comfort for the kids. Keep up the great attitude, you are one of the best craftsman and creative people on this forum. I am looking forward to your home and garage updates and all your rabbit holes you take us down.

You are a inspiration to us all.

Tom

 

[GeddyT]

...To avoid this (without the complication and extra thickness of making an effective ventilated cavity) you want a layer of impermeable foam insulation on the outside of the deck (or sprayed directly on the bottom of the deck) with batt insulation in the cavities below. Usually the foam should be at least 40% of the total R-value of the system...

This is exactly what I was asking. Is there room beneath the roof deck to spray enough closed cell foam to get the desired R-value without spoiling the desired look? Sounds like the answer is no, as the exposed beams go all the way up to underside of the roof deck, with no cavity above. I know there's nice looking T&G on the ceiling, and covering that would be sad, but it seems like the only options here are to pile foam board above the roof deck (which it sounds like you're not a fan of the look) or spray foam beneath (at R-7 per inch) and install a new ceiling below this. Costs a fortune, but it is what it is.

On the bright side, my understanding is that if you spray the foam beneath, that becomes the impermeable barrier, thus anything you pile above doesn't have to be 40% of the R-value to satisfy code requirements. So, for instance, you could spray 3" of closed cell for R-21, stuff R-15 mineral wool batts beneath that (for cost savings over more foam), then nailers and T&G. Above the roof deck, you could then get away with an inch of PI for an extra R-5, which wouldn't make the roof too thick, and the PI wouldn't have to be 40%. That's R-41, which has to be a hell of a lot better than what's there, with the downsides being cost and losing most of the exposed beams (3" of foam + 3.5" of mineral wool + 3/4" T&G = exactly the depth of a 2x8 rafter, assuming that's what's up there).

 

[Seagoon]

This is exactly what I was asking. Is there room beneath the roof deck to spray enough closed cell foam to get the desired R-value without spoiling the desired look? Sounds like the answer is no, as the exposed beams go all the way up to underside of the roof deck, with no cavity above. I know there's nice looking T&G on the ceiling, and covering that would be sad, but it seems like the only options here are to pile foam board above the roof deck (which it sounds like you're not a fan of the look) or spray foam beneath (at R-7 per inch) and install a new ceiling below this. Costs a fortune, but it is what it is.

On the bright side, my understanding is that if you spray the foam beneath, that becomes the impermeable barrier, thus anything you pile above doesn't have to be 40% of the R-value to satisfy code requirements. So, for instance, you could spray 3" of closed cell for R-21, stuff R-15 mineral wool batts beneath that (for cost savings over more foam), then nailers and T&G. Above the roof deck, you could then get away with an inch of PI for an extra R-5, which wouldn't make the roof too thick, and the PI wouldn't have to be 40%. That's R-41, which has to be a hell of a lot better than what's there, with the downsides being cost and losing most of the exposed beams (3" of foam + 3.5" of mineral wool + 3/4" T&G = exactly the depth of a 2x8 rafter, assuming that's what's up there).

If you loved MCM architecture as much as Gregor (and me) you wouldn't dismiss the idea of hiding the beams in such a cavalier fashion.
As Ben is an architect and as much of an artist as Gregor I suspect between the two of them they will come up with a left-field solution that will surprise us all.

 

[gasgas17]

If you loved MCM architecture as much as Gregor (and me) you wouldn't dismiss the idea of hiding the beams in such a cavalier fashion.
As Ben is an architect and as much of an artist as Gregor I suspect between the two of them they will come up with a left-field solution that will surprise us all.

Ha, these places are tear downs where I live now, so I don't think he was being too cruel. lol. Personally, I get the slim lines and openness of the space but the the world has moved on from homes with no building envelope about 30-40 years ago. If it were mine I would just build the insulation on top of the existing roof. A 2x10 on edge would give enough space for 4 inches of spray foam, a batt of r-15 mineral wool/Roxul and 1.5 inch air space. Then sheath with strapping 16inches O.C. (ventilation in both directions) and install a steel roof with vented ridge. Done forever for most people reading this thread. A multi layered stepped fascia detail would return the slim lines and also bring ventilation into the roof.

 

[GeddyT]

If you loved MCM architecture as much as Gregor (and me) you wouldn't dismiss the idea of hiding the beams in such a cavalier fashion.
As Ben is an architect and as much of an artist as Gregor I suspect between the two of them they will come up with a left-field solution that will surprise us all.

If it weren't for Gregor, I may still have no idea that Garage Journal exists, so there's no need to sell me on these guys. I, too, have faith in their ability to solve this problem, so I hope you don't think I was implying otherwise. This is a discussion forum, though, so I was discussing. At the end of the day, physics are physics, materials are materials, and building code is building code. It's like the old "cheap, fast, good: pick two" saying, only in this case it's "have insulation, have thin roof, have exposed beams: pick two." And I'm curious. It's not cavalier, it just is what it is.

Edit: Looking back at the recently posted pictures, I realize my question and everything that followed is a bit of a moot point anyway, as the gable windows are flush with the ceiling, making any insulation below the roof deck impossible anyway. As always, definitely look forward to seeing how you two tackle this one.

 

[bdking]

Nailbase above the deck with roofing over that will give a good thermal envelope and will look the same from the inside, largely the same from outside. It’s the right answer.

If we insulated below the deck and dropped a ceiling my architecture license would be burned and I’d have to change my name.

 

[GeddyT]

Nailbase above the deck with roofing over that will give a good thermal envelope and will look the same from the inside, largely the same from outside. It’s the right answer.

If we insulated below the deck and dropped a ceiling my architecture license would be burned and I’d have to change my name.

Yeah, I was editing my post as you posted this. It's definitely the only way to go.

 

[rabakoe]

Glad to hear you’re using rigid on the roof, @bdking. It’s a great choice. My cautionary advise with nailbase is to obsess over the air sealing details. Too many cases of SIPs and nailbase rotting due to warm air infiltration through the seams. Multiple layers of rigid foam with offset, taped seams is a good way to mitigate this. One layer of nailbase is a bit riskier without getting the details absolutely perfect. Building Science Corporation is a great resource. But I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, am I?

 

[tjpavlov]

Ben, what is the R-value that you are shooting for on the roof? Are you trying to meet a code, or is this a situation of just trying to make things better than they currently are?

 

[bdking]

Ben, what is the R-value that you are shooting for on the roof? Are you trying to meet a code, or is this a situation of just trying to make things better than they currently are?

There’s no code requirement given we‘re just improving an existing situation. We haven’t discussed it in detail but it’ll probably be about budget and clean detailing. Insulation is great but in the end the house has single pane glazing and air infiltration is just bonkers I’m sure. Anything will be a significant improvement.

fwiw here code has vaulted ceilings at R-30, though when the ceiling is over 50% of the heated floor area it’s R-38.

 

[Nolift911]

Congrats on the new chapter - definitely sounds invigorating. Excited to see this continue -

Jeff

 

[fastev]

Ben talks the talk and walks the walk. Wish I knew he was my neighbor when we set out on our remodel…
Whatever construction package he comes up with will be correct for the local and architecture of the house. Have no fear.

Gregor, happy to hear the house is yours. MCMs rank only second to Victorian in my book, and, no doubt YOUR place will be a destination to gawk at when done. Time is a resource I can’t seem to find enough of these days, but if I do find any to spare, I’d love to on know that I played a part in contributing to the epic that is your adventure. (Not to mention, I’m hoping to sign on to one your PNW tours one of these days). Please keep me in mind if you need help with anything.

 

[burger]

Hello Ben,

I have followed this thread for a long time. I am super interested in what you plan to do. I follow threads like this so I can learn. The link you provided was very informative, I read about unvented roofs, though I think a few diagrams here and there would have made it way more educational.

Thallon’s Graphic Guide to Frame Construction was how I figured out how to build things. It has diagrams of nearly every framing situation you could think of. Probably the most important book I’ve ever read. Others might cite literature, but that was the formative book of my youth. That and the McMaster-Carr catalog.


Happy day,
Ed

 

[bdking]

Thallon also did a good graphic guide to interior details, good primer on finish carpentry. He actually taught at University of Oregon when I was there for my Masters but I didn’t take any classes from him. He probably still teaches there.

I’ve had the cad file of Gregor’s house open in a window on my Mac lately, noodling on insulating details. I’ll post when we get some direction and things are moving.

 

[WoodsTruck]

I'm interested in following along with the home improvement process. I had this bookmarked a while back. Maybe there is something here that might help in the insulation process.

Radiant Barrier Insulation - Innovative Insulation

Radiant Barrier insulation starting at $65 per 1000sqft roll for homes and commercial buildings. Innovative Insulation Barrier.

www.radiantbarrier.com

 

[H1Pete]

Am I the only one who was hoping for an over engineered solution like a vacuum pocket (like a thermos) or some other such elegant and mind bending project?

Joking aside I know you guys will do it right.

 

[Gammaboy]

OK, the IG post about "unpacking at my new place" makes sense now.

Yeah, that threw me too!

 

[hewey]

Looking forward to seeing you hook in to the house Gregor!

 

[octane_matty]

It's been a few years since i've caught up on your thread Gregor and that was a rollercoaster!

Really looking forward to more MCM renovations (gives me some inspiration)

Keep up the good work

 

[555]

I was following the discussion on framing and realized I know very little about framing a building. So I ordered a copy of the Graphic Guide to Frame Construction. It arrived today and apparently I've been doing things wrong for years. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[gasgas17]

This guy has good Youtube vids on building science. Not always relivent to your geographic location, but always good information. https://buildshownetwork.com/blogs/...PlGoxg50JrPUfwbbwvmHmhfcbK08r-FsKkwyl5-cDqcI4

 

[burger]

Hello Ben,

Just chiming in to Gregor’s thread to tell you that I picked up a copy of Thallon’s interior book only to realize that I already own it! D’oh!


Ed

 

[Mr. Asa]

Gregor
Been lurking here for a while, for some reason I never clicked on your thread, then a month or so back I was re-reading a favorite thread on another forum and saw a link for this thread. Idly clicked on it and... great jumping jesus.
Finally got through the thread tonight.

So many ups and downs. Watching your kids grow up, watching your abilities grow, your father's dementia diagnosis (my Grandfather for me,) Jorge, your successes with your job(s) and your builds. So many times I wanted to post and give some help or point you in a direction (especially with the wood staining,) but it was years in the past, such a frustrating feeling!

Over the weeks of reading I had the same thought over and over and over again which basically centered around how interesting it could be that someone from such a different background had so many similar passions. Photography, fabrication/metal working, mid-century modern, cooking and home-made pizza, off-roading, antique fans, and so many others; I'm not as much into two wheeled vehicles, and I'm betting is just a matter of time before you start casting metal, reviving old boats, and other areas that I've been delving into, but the overlap is incredible. (side note, if you do decide to get into old boats and motors, I'd bet you'd love the look of Waterwitch and/or Bendix outboards)
Such an overlap that I needed to show you all the stuff I have to look into more in depth. These are all the links from your thread that I opened and have yet to research. There's probably another two dozen that I've already looked into and closed out.


I truly love your attention to detail and your abilities with welding.
Your trips have also re-awakened my wanderlust. I was in the military when I was younger and took every opportunity to drive any random place I could, I haven't done that in many many years. Seeing your pictures of the road, reading about the journeys, I realized how much I've missed it.

So thank you, for all of this
Please keep up everything that you do. I'll read about it and cheer you on from here in Florida.



On a more personal (most personal?) note, I'm very sorry to hear about you and your wife, not quite to that end myself but unfortunately this is another similarity we share. The below passage in particular hit home for me in my current situation. We are working on it.

A lot of the reason that house projects slowed down is that the relationship was broken. I am a person who thrives on encouragement and positive feedback and this disappeared many years ago. If everything you do for someone is not appreciated you get to a point where you don't want to try. That happened about 4 years ago.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Gregor,
It's been a while since I caught up with your thread, but damn, talk about some life changes!

I feel like I can especially relate with you and what your going through. Those of us that shoot on a very high level, in my mind have struck the lottery when it comes to jobs, we get paid to go do what we love, and when we are not "working" we enjoy ample time to pursue our passion projects ( my friends joke that I am retired half the year). The problem, is thats hard on relationships... I dont know of another high level photographer that hasn't had issues with it. At the end of the day, I think its tough for significant others to really understand and grasp how what we do is work, and to be able to truly relate to it and support it.

The problem is, a lot of the time, when we leave to go on a "job" its often the type of trip that others would dream of doing, but for us, it truely is work, and we are busting our *** the entire time to make it look as good as possible, despite what the reality of the situation may be. Then once we are back home, we have long hours of editing over a short period of time, but after that are free to pursue our passions. I think the problem lies in that when we are gone, others think we are on a dream vacation, and when we are home, working on personal projects, they dont understand how those relate, to our "day jobs". In your case working on your motor cycles and doing your builds, is certainly why you have the rep you do in the arena you work in, and its why you get a lot of the jobs you do. Its hard for others to see that and understand it. To them, its you just having fun. In reality its part of the job, and to compete on this level, you have to be all in.

Part of being a successful photographer is being truly independent, and very passionate about the subjects you shoot. I think its hard for others to understand that dedication and to understand that when it looks like we are at home not working, we are usually doing personal projects that latter bring us the paying jobs, but its hard for people to grasp that. Especially when your significant other sees that you make an entire years income in just a "hand full of work days" while they are doing a traditional 9-5.

I'm a firm believer that at the end of the day, the only person that can make you happy is your self. If you pursue your passion and stay true to it you will be happy. The right person, will see you for who you are and understand it, but for it to work, they have to be truly happy with who they are and and their own life as well. The problem is people change during relationships. Especially if they burn out on their job or living situation, then it becomes really hard for them to relate to you being happy with doing what you have always done.

 

[sakurama]

Gregor,

Any plan of attack now that things are sort of settling into place?


Ed

Okay, very sorry for being absent. I think if I pass by one notification from GJ (Oh, I'll click on that when the kids go to sleep) then it thinks I need no more and I have no idea others have responded. So sorry about that.

Yes. And no. I had this idea of a plan of attack to do the roof in July. That was back in May when I realized that I'd actually get to buy the house. Then May/June became the month of fixing things and closing and I ended up spending two weeks packing up Judiaann's things and then unpacking mine from the POD. And here we are, the end of July and it seems all I've done is move boxes.

The roof is still the big goal - I can't go through another winter of rain without fixing it but at the same time I can't afford to pay someone to do it. So I need to get work to afford what Ben has assured me with be an expensive materials list and then find the time.

The good news is that I've been very busy with work. I am saying yes to any and every project to make sure I have a cash reserve and hopefully soon money enough to do the roof. The bad news is that I'm booked pretty much solid into Sept. Well, that's good and bad. Mostly good.

You've been through a lot, Gregor, but I too am excited about this next chapter for you. I think I've said it before — everything you do is interesting and enjoyable to read about, but I've secretly been wishing you'd get back to the house someday. Houses like this need saving. So many midcentury or modern homes get demolished or are poorly remodeled until they are unrecognizable or fall into disrepair. I can't even begin to comprehend the amount of work you've already put in, or where you're going to take it, but I have to imagine Saul Zaik would be very proud of the effort you're putting into it.

Also, Nadia's dream house design is really nice! Love the central atrium garden and now I kinda want to live there!

Back in Sept when it became clear I'd lose the house I was very sad but tried to look forward to the next chapter. I felt awful that I wasn't going to get to "finish" this project. I'm still in a bit of a state of shock that the house is now mine. The yard, the garage, the driveway... I still look at it all and can't believe it. Little by little it's sinking in and as it does I am allowing myself to dream about it.

I was thinking that maybe I'd only stay for another 2-3 years but then I know how long these things take and I truly love and adore this house. I want to make it amazing. Ben has been a huge supporter and also instigator as he will subtly drop little hints, "So I've been sketching ideas for an addition on top of the garage..." and that sort of thing rolls around in my head.

The biggest issue I have with the house is that it's small to contain all my different ideas and projects. I need a bigger garage and I need space to be able to shoot. An addition over the garage - a extra room that is large and spacious - would allow me to set up photo equipment and leave it. Right now I had to take the dining room apart and make my set and it's tiring and crowded. An addition isn't a simple thing but it's something I'm seriously wanting to do.

Gregor
Been lurking here for a while, for some reason I never clicked on your thread, then a month or so back I was re-reading a favorite thread on another forum and saw a link for this thread. Idly clicked on it and... great jumping jesus.
Finally got through the thread tonight.

So many ups and downs. Watching your kids grow up, watching your abilities grow, your father's dementia diagnosis (my Grandfather for me,) Jorge, your successes with your job(s) and your builds. So many times I wanted to post and give some help or point you in a direction (especially with the wood staining,) but it was years in the past, such a frustrating feeling!

I truly love your attention to detail and your abilities with welding.
Your trips have also re-awakened my wanderlust. I was in the military when I was younger and took every opportunity to drive any random place I could, I haven't done that in many many years. Seeing your pictures of the road, reading about the journeys, I realized how much I've missed it.

So thank you, for all of this
Please keep up everything that you do. I'll read about it and cheer you on from here in Florida.

I'm always surprised when someone finds the thread and starts from the beginning and reads the whole thing. I don't even know if I've done that but I've certainly skipped back in time. To think that my father was alive when I started this, that he sat in the garage and helped me sand boards that are now my kitchen drawers. It means a lot. So thanks.



Wow. So Judiaann didn't actually get the last of her things until the second week of July. Most of the first few weeks of July was packing her things into boxes and unpacking mine. Even now I'm still unpacking boxes of my things. Yesterday the kids helped me unpack boxes of books and put them on the shelves. Nadia has a great sense of design and inherently understands the "vibe" of the house.

The first week the kids went to Judiaann's new place was strangely quiet. They'd been with me for about a month and we had a good rhythm and suddenly the house was very empty. I wasn't, as you might imagine, lonely or sad. It was actually really wonderful to not have to think about them or their needs. Don't get me wrong, I missed them and I love them dearly but it was the first time in years that I could just relax and think about me, my life, my plan and not have to "check in" with anyone.

I sat in my chair and read a book in silence. Then decided to take up a friend's offer to go to the beach. I hadn't really gotten the chance to do nothing and ride my motorcycle so I did.



I put on the old wheels and "street" tires, the new Mosko Moto luggage, packed a change of clothes and a bottle of wine and took off. I had an issue with the bike at first where I'd accidentally swapped out the front header O2 sensors and Rick, our local KTM guru, figured it out and fixed it with the help of his OBD reader and now the bike works.

Not just works either - it's the best motorcycle I've ever ridden. Period. It has power like you can't believe, it's light, the dash and screens are amazing, it's super comfortable and the sound is amazing. I could not wipe the smile off my face for the entire ride to the coast. Or the ride back. It's literally perfect. I want to change nothing on it. I can't believe I built it or got it so right.

I want to catch up a bit so I'll check back tomorrow with another update - not house related yet but I'm getting settled enough to start thinking about that.

Thanks so much to those of you that signed up on Patreon - it means a lot to me. I'm still waist deep in boxes but making lots of changes and getting settled.

Gregor

 

[quadrcr87]

Life certainly threw a lot at you at once but I’m glad to hear you were able to get out on a ride on the bike and enjoy it! It’s a rewarding feeling when something you poured so much into works as good as you imagined. Looking forward to follow along as your journey continues.

 

[comradecasey]

Just joined the Patreon. Glad you're keeping the house!

 

[vr4joe]

Damn Gregor. I had no idea about the separation and very sorry to read this news. However, I'm glad to hear that you were able to keep the house and I'm very excited to see some more house/bike projects. I also have been meaning to tell you that I truly enjoyed the YouTube videos you used to post. Especially the first bike build. I love the format. You are truly an inspiration and we all love your energy and enthusiasm. Keep up the great work!

 

[sakurama]

Hey guys,

Sorry for the lack of updates. It's been a crazy summer and up until a week ago I was still unpacking and breaking boxes down. In fact, just about 10 days ago the kids helped me break down the last of the moving boxes and I finished my Garrett Wade shoot and the house was clean, empty and really looking nice - for the first time in forever. My fans were back on display and I had three motorcycles in the dining room. I thought to myself, "boy I'd love to be able to have party..." and then realized that I could - I didn't have to ask anyone.

I invited a few friends over and we had a small dinner party. It was so much fun and reminded me how much I enjoy entertaining. I have an amazing house - one built for entertaining - I am going to do that.

As much as I wanted to be able to use the summer for some house projects I've been busier than ever with work and my priority right now is to get my savings back after the purchase which wiped me out so I'm working as hard as I can, not saying no to any project. Soon enough it will slow down but until then I'm going to work my *** off.

But I wanted to share with you my last week - what is quite probably the most rewarding and exciting week of my entire professional career and that's really saying something.

Last week my team covered the US press launch of the new Ducati Desert X. Not just that but I was selected to plan the route the journalists would take. It was a massive responsibility because the route really will help define the first impressions of the bike - too easy and the bike seems boring, too hard and the bike isn't any good because of the skill gap. Get it right and you're a hero.



We got it right. Ducati got it right.

The location was already chosen for us - Aspen Colorado. The bike is named the "Desert X" and so all the initial imagery was desert oriented. Which is fine but this bike is a big deal for Ducati - they're late to the market and need the bike to have wide appeal and be taken seriously. It means the world to me to be chosen to help define a new bike and I knew exactly what I wanted - which is exactly what I'd want - a route that combines all the things I love; twisty pavement, flat out smooth dirt roads and some technical double track and hero sections to see what the bike can do. We were in Aspen three weeks ago and scouted out a route that was all of that.

For this shoot 10 bikes were air shipped to the US - the only bikes in the country. Our first day was to capture the "hero" photos for the week - these are the shots that show the bike kicking ***. Shots intended to set the mood and put a stamp on things. Our pro riders were Jordan Graham and Jake Zemke. I've known Jake for a while and it was great to work with him again but Jordan I only knew from social media. He turned out to be not just one of the coolest guys I've ever met but someone who I know I'll be friends with forever. And he's also a bonkers good rider.



To watch them both learn the bike in real time and then start to push was probably one of the coolest things I've even seen. I know what it's like to learn a new bike but these guys did it record time. My second shooter was Scott Rounds who I've been working with for a few years now. Like me he was primarily a still life shooter and also a motorcycle racer but years ago I knew he had raw talent and with this shoot he just blew me away capturing things I didn't see or didn't think of. It's inspiring when you see someones growth and Scott hit it out of the park.



It was a also an amazing shoot for me. I went with my strengths but also tried new things. Our goal was to show the bike as a serious threat to the established adventure bike hegemony. Which it is. But that hasn't really been shown - stuff out of Europe is a bit boring and from all the photos you've seen of the bike so far the thing that I kept hearing is, "how is it? Is it as good as the Honda?" which to me means you've missed the mark. The Honda is a low bar. This bike is aiming at the KTM and it is absolutely a shot across the bow. Our photos needed to show that - aggressive, in your face and over the top.



I pretty much destroyed my little Sony A7C this week with the tracking shots in the dirt - there's so much dust inside I don't know if it will ever be right again. But it was worth it. Each day we shot better and better stuff.

Probably the best thing was that everyone, everyone had an amazing time. The Ducati staff said it was the best launch and best route ever. The journalists said it was the best photos and videos they've ever received and that the route was perfect. Literally nothing went wrong all week. Okay. We did drop one of the bikes and smashed a fairing and tank but Jordan was riding through a rock garden on spent tires...



The garage shots were "fun" shots - just things we wanted to do but weren't on our shot list. Scott and I found and created these from nothing with nothing and it's exciting when you're on your game and doing the best work of your life.



There was a lot more that happened including meeting a potential bike build client but some of it is still under embargo and I won't jeopardize anything there. But I will say that the bike was amazing. I want one. I want to build one. That's going to happen.

This past year has been difficult, filled with heartache, lots of patience and a lot of work - this past month I've seen the payoff of all of that. I'm so much happier at the moment - my kids are happier and things are going well. This last week was just icing on the cake.

Gregor

 

[APEowner]

Thanks for the awesome update! I'm so glad that things are settling down and going well for you and the kids. I'm also happy about the bikes in the dining room.

 

[Bad Mojo]

I have been following along on Instagram and I was hoping for the behind the scenes post on Garage Journal and here we are.

 

[trytochaseme]

those photos are incredible! amazing work as always!

 

[hewey]

Great update Gregor! That Ducati launch sounds like an amazing project to work on, and lots of elements to consider and pull together. The amazing pics are just the icing on the cake. Likewise the settling in to 'your' home and having the bikes on display and dinner parties sounds awesome too. Good to see you get some clear air after some turbulence.

 

[Trapps]

Gregor, I’m sure you see your work in many places. Here is one example from Detroit. This showed up in my feed and I knew instantly the back story from your post. Amazing shots!

 

[GeddyT]

Oh wow. Those shots are amazing!

Edit: When you say this bike is a shot across KTM's bow, are you talking 1290 ADV or 890 ADV? Your 890 ADV review above was pretty glowing, so curious.

 

[sakurama]

Oh wow. Those shots are amazing!

Edit: When you say this bike is a shot across KTM's bow, are you talking 1290 ADV or 890 ADV? Your 890 ADV review above was pretty glowing, so curious.

I think this bike is competitive with the 890. I was not able to ride it aside from around the parking garage - it's the curse of this job that we are working constantly and by the time we finish the bikes are loaded up and sent off.

But! It's a v-twin so the bike is narrower between your legs and the weight seems lower and the bike feels lighter than the 890. It's not, it's maybe a little bit more but those are some really heavy wheels. But when you sit on it it feels smaller and lighter and that's something that caught most everyone off guard. Only the KTM and the Ducati have the full suite of traction control and ABS and while the Rally Mode of the KTM is nearly perfect the Ducati allows much more customization.

The electronics package is really a big deal anymore. We had a few very novice off road journalists (which is normal - they always invite a spectrum) and at the start of the big hill climb we set their traction control, power, ABS settings down low and they were able to climb some pretty technical sections of four wheel drive track with no problems. That's a pretty impressive thing for a bike with 115hp with 50/50 tires on steep loose dirt. To me that makes the bike very accessible.

The Tenere just isn't really in the game with way less power and sophistication. But it's also way less $.

If I were in the market I'd be leaning towards the Ducati because I prefer a v-twin and the bike is way better looking than the KTM. In fact, I actually met someone who's asked me to build one so I may be getting one sooner than later.

Gregor

 

[sakurama]

This summer has been amazing. While I haven't had the chance to do much riding because I've been working I'm much happier right now. Being able to invite friends over has been such a nice change and something I didn't realize I missed until I was able to do it again.

But one of the unfortunate aspects of being so busy is that I don't really have the bandwidth to focus on other things like the tours. I canceled the spring one because of closing on the house and now with the fall one just over three weeks away I have not done a single thing to promote it. Not exactly a stellar business plan.

Nonetheless I want to move forward with it. With time running short I am going to make this trip very small, low key and mostly a scouting trip.

We still have reservations at the French Glen and Gieser Grand but I think after the Alvord we'll explore and see what we find. I've wanted to explore the area around Owyhee reservoir for a while.



Of course, right after I think to myself, "just go for it, you need to make this happen" Ducati calls with a job that week but I'm going to prioritize this. It's important to me to keep moving forward with this.



So the trip will be the same idea - to enjoy a fantastic adventure and have great food and experiences along the way but just slightly smaller and the last part will be a bit less planned. Open for exploration.





Still staying at the Frenchglen Hotel.




Still making pizza on the Alvord desert.



But when we get here there won't be a plan. We're going to just explore the roads and trails and see what we find. Might be a disaster or might be amazing. If you're curious to find out let me know here. The trip will much less because we are going to wing part of it - so it's more like a scouting trip or friends and family adventure. All expenses save for gas will be included for the week for $3000 and that includes the photos and we're going to make another coffee table book.



If you're interested get in touch with me here via PM or through the saku-moto.com site. Sorry I have taken too long to pull the trigger on this - it's been a busy summer and I've had a hard time finding time.

Hopefully by next week I'll start to wrap up the rest of my work and will put time into some route planning.

Okay, back to work on Oprah's favorite things...

Gregor