Motoman1100
Well-known member
I have to admit sir that this is one thread I never grow tired of. Great job on the bike, and thanks for sharing!
Last edited:
Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT Mid-Century Moto Mecca Makeover
- Thread starter sakurama
- Start date
Workspaces between 485 and 705 squarefeet.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
strokinhorns
Active member
Hi Gregor,
I am a classic lurker here on GJ. i have been subscribed to your thread since you started. I stopped by the show on Friday afternoon hoping to get a chance to meet you, but you hadn't loaded in yet. i'm sorry i missed you. I am a fan of your many talents and am inspired by your creativity. On a side note, as i headed out to my grandson's birthday party at "the Lumberyard" i passed you on 84 driving your van. The spare tire mount is very distinctive, even from a distance and looks rock solid.
Marty
I am a classic lurker here on GJ. i have been subscribed to your thread since you started. I stopped by the show on Friday afternoon hoping to get a chance to meet you, but you hadn't loaded in yet. i'm sorry i missed you. I am a fan of your many talents and am inspired by your creativity. On a side note, as i headed out to my grandson's birthday party at "the Lumberyard" i passed you on 84 driving your van. The spare tire mount is very distinctive, even from a distance and looks rock solid.
Marty
LaCorski
Well-known member
After driving in the snow for 5 hours, I was able to make it to the show on Sunday morning. There was a great turn out and the weather wasn't too bad, about 20 degrees warmer than where I am now. The bike looked good Gregor, I was actually surprised to see it all muddy so soon! I snapped a couple of pics to post here of course. It was cool to see all of your work and GJ presentations in person, very cool! Lots of killer bikes to look at, some not so much but a good time all around. Cheers!
Attachments
Love the ADV article and enjoyed watching this build. I’m in awe of your fabrication skills...it never gets old!
This last quote in the ADV write up was interesting. My first thought was it probably applies to every bike you build!
“but this bike is truly a test mule for the next bike I’m designing”
This last quote in the ADV write up was interesting. My first thought was it probably applies to every bike you build!
“but this bike is truly a test mule for the next bike I’m designing”
Thanks guys.
LaCorski, I'm very sorry I didn't get to meet you. I hung out a bit at the bike but honestly it felt sort of weird to just stand next to the bike. Part of me loved talking to people and part of me felt like I was a sideshow at a motorcycle circus.
TrailTech got in touch with me over the weekend and they want to support me on projects going forward including taking the bike to the Touratech rally which I've been looking to get to for a few years now. So that was cool.
Locul, just so you know I've been talking to my friend Matt to gear up for video. I'm going to take it seriously and so it will take me some time to gather the tools and figure out how to get going with it but expect something in the next month or so.
In the mean time I have a house project on deck. I know, you probably could care less about building shelves right? I certainly am having a hard time getting excited about it after a solid month of motorcycle building. But dues have to be paid!
Gregor
LaCorski, I'm very sorry I didn't get to meet you. I hung out a bit at the bike but honestly it felt sort of weird to just stand next to the bike. Part of me loved talking to people and part of me felt like I was a sideshow at a motorcycle circus.
TrailTech got in touch with me over the weekend and they want to support me on projects going forward including taking the bike to the Touratech rally which I've been looking to get to for a few years now. So that was cool.
Locul, just so you know I've been talking to my friend Matt to gear up for video. I'm going to take it seriously and so it will take me some time to gather the tools and figure out how to get going with it but expect something in the next month or so.
In the mean time I have a house project on deck. I know, you probably could care less about building shelves right? I certainly am having a hard time getting excited about it after a solid month of motorcycle building. But dues have to be paid!
Gregor
Fast914
Well-known member
Hey Gregor, I don't chime in very often but love the thread and often find myself going back to the start....somehow I expect you will make those shelves just as interesting to read about as the bikes and van too. Much thanks as I cant imagine all the work to post the images and of course the ongoing story. Grant
Thanks Grant. I will do my best to make shelves interesting!
So a few more websites/magazines have been in touch to ask about the bike so I'll mention them when they happen. Getting this sort of buzz going is all about having a clean bike that strikes a cord and having good images.
Interestingly the bike was mentioned on a podcast recently:
https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/podcast/brap-talk-podcast-8/
It's a very long one so you can skip to 1:38:30 to hear the mention of my bike. It was very complimentary. I think the best compliment is that people who don't like BMW's really like the bike. That shows that there's universal appeal in the concept of a light, clean and lean adventure bike. Something I know to be true but how that resonates with others remains to be seen.
Gregor
So a few more websites/magazines have been in touch to ask about the bike so I'll mention them when they happen. Getting this sort of buzz going is all about having a clean bike that strikes a cord and having good images.
Interestingly the bike was mentioned on a podcast recently:
https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/podcast/brap-talk-podcast-8/
It's a very long one so you can skip to 1:38:30 to hear the mention of my bike. It was very complimentary. I think the best compliment is that people who don't like BMW's really like the bike. That shows that there's universal appeal in the concept of a light, clean and lean adventure bike. Something I know to be true but how that resonates with others remains to be seen.
Gregor
Arclitgold
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2017
- Messages
- 317
I, for one, am excited about Gregor-built shelves. This should be an interesting read
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Vertigo Cycles
Well-known member
It was all over my instagram feed from bicycle industry people...even people on the east coast and in the UK who didn't make it to the show. You really struck a chord with this one.
ryanhmusic
New member
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2016
- Messages
- 1
just read from start to finish...what a wild ride -- would love to get some house updates...what an incredible depth and breadth of skills
Coming to forum near you soon. Okay, once I catch up on all the work I've put off building the bike.
Man, another first time poster. Thanks. I'm hoping the expansion to video is as well accepted.
That's very cool. I think when you can reach people outside of your niche you have found something universal. It's also taken me a very long time to figure out that people really want to see one thing on your Instagram - over and over. And for most of my life I've rebelled against "one thing" but with this bike and hopefully the next one I'm really content to just keep doing it.
I'm gathering the things I'll need for video, looking at tutorials and trying to figure out how to do it. It's more compelling now because I think I have a very straightforward story to tell.
But, yeah, the bike looks cool and I took good photos of it. That goes a very long way. It's interesting because I've been asked by a few sites now for interviews for features. Each one reaches farther out and as the reach expands more people repost and it begins to be almost viral. It's fascinating to see it from the inside since most of my work is doing this for other people and products.
Okay, back to the photo set. Paying the bills by photographing tea boxes...
Gregor
PS Here's my post with the first attempt to edit video from the scraps of IG stories: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt8rRtLgj5g/ I don't think you have to be on IG to see the link. Not sure though.
I also am looking forward to it.
Don't get me wrong, the motorcycle stuff is neat, but i like seeing how you fabricate different things (cabinets, closests, tire carriers etc) and solve the issues that you run into....that's what keeps me coming back to this thread
BMWBOB
Well-known member
Greetings, Gregor - I'm relatively new to GJ, but enjoyed your prolific posts! Unfortunately, my time management style doesn't allow for me to do so...
But I am a recent BMW motorcycle fan - I say recent because I've had several bikes, but for my stage of life and interests these days, my 1600 GTL is the best bike I've ever owned!
Bob
But I am a recent BMW motorcycle fan - I say recent because I've had several bikes, but for my stage of life and interests these days, my 1600 GTL is the best bike I've ever owned!
Bob
elvee
Well-known member
And a write up on Bike Exif? http://www.bikeexif.com/custom-bmw-r100gs
Interesting comment at the end of the article regarding future projects.
Interesting comment at the end of the article regarding future projects.
I also am looking forward to it.
Don't get me wrong, the motorcycle stuff is neat, but i like seeing how you fabricate different things (cabinets, closests, tire carriers etc) and solve the issues that you run into....that's what keeps me coming back to this thread
Thank god you guys like boring stuff!
Tomorrow I'm going to get some ply to start on an intermediary project of "small parts storage" which is a riff off this thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=289281
That's one heck of a big bike. But that engine - so smooth.
An interesting bike well photographed - you're throwing chum to the sharks.
There's a couple other websites that have asked for or done interviews and now a German magazine is going to do a story on the bike. Part of my plan with this bike was to see how much publicity I could get with it. It's getting a lot.
So, yes, that last line.
I've been hinting at it for a bit but getting the invite to the 1 Show and then all the positive response I got on Instagram to the stories, then the response at the show, then the overwhelming response after the show. All of that has pushed my tentative plan into an active plan.
That plan is to build motorcycles. It's all I've wanted to do for the last 20 years and I'm at the point where if I don't do it I'll be very disappointed in myself. All the tools, all the work teaching myself to machine, weld and fabricate. Most of the bikes I've built have been collaborations or heavy modifications. I am not ready to build a bike from scratch on my own - and that's why I need to do it. Now.
Locul has goaded me into the idea of YouTube and I've been spending the last week or so buying mics, lights, cameras and watching endless videos about how to make videos. Like most things I don't know how to do it but I'm going to figure it out. I won't be very good to start but I'll get better.
So. My plan.
I'm going to do my first video about the shop as it is now, the bikes I have now and basically who I am and introduce my idea.
That idea is that over the next year I'm going to take my fathers wretched and worn out bike and turn it into something amazing. A no holds barred expression of my abilities and ideas as they relate to motorcycles. There will probably be a lot of side trips and lessons along the way - for both you and me.
After one year I want to have a finished motorcycle plus all the jigs and tooling to make copies of that bike. If there's interest I would like to build some copies and if there's enough interest that will become the next thing I do. Just like Walt.
So, it's a bit scary because I don't know if I can do it. But it's scarier if I don't do it.
Gregor
jlevers
Well-known member
Well I for one am STOKED to see what you come up with. I'm sure it'll be amazing, as always. I'm excited for your YouTube channel, too -- it'll be cool to see more of your work brought to life.
Good luck, although I don't think you need it!
Good luck, although I don't think you need it!
These are the types of things I read in web forums and I think to myself "hmm, hope this dude likes bankruptcy..." or "wow, this guy has no idea what he is saying."
However, I've been following this thread since about the first post. When I see you, Gregor, writing this I think "Well of course he is going to succeed; how could he not?"
Looking forward to it is an understatement. This will be fun to watch!
Hostyle
Well-known member
Get that channel up and you've got a sub in me!
Motoman1100
Well-known member
I second that thought! I spend way more time being entertained and educated by creators and makers on YouTube than I ever do watching Hollywood's idea of entertainment.
Thanks for the content and education Gregor I think that YouTube channel will be pretty successful.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Awesome plan. Looking forward to it Gregor and best of luck.
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I called my cable provider. They don't include the GFHN in my lineup yet. I'll live with YouTube for now but I expect to be watching the Gregor F-ing Halenda Network this time next year.
beetlepower
Active member
Can. Not. Wait
Count me in a a YT subscriber. Can't wait to see what you do next. And the house projects are always great. I've followed along since the beginning and really appreciate the craft and attention to detail across all your efforts. Truly inspiring.
I've got several vintage bikes that are heavily modified. Getting/crafting custom cables has always been an issue. Thank you for demystifying the process. Between your text and pictures I feel like I could tackle making my own now.
And the bike is gorgeous. Really cool that you let everyone in on the process.
Cheers
I've got several vintage bikes that are heavily modified. Getting/crafting custom cables has always been an issue. Thank you for demystifying the process. Between your text and pictures I feel like I could tackle making my own now.
And the bike is gorgeous. Really cool that you let everyone in on the process.
Cheers
Where does the line start? Can I be at the front??
Can't wait to see where you take this Gregor! Count me in!
slik560
Well-known member
Imagine: a YouTube channel where the host actually knows what he's doing. Love it. I'll subscribe, and I'm not even interested in motorcycles. All that machining and fabrication, however...that's gold.
Love it. I'll subscribe, and I'm not even interested in motorcycles. All that machining and fabrication, however...that's gold. I’m not even really a motorcycle guy and this has serious potential. The best thing about this whole thread is that you A) think deeply about problems to solve them and B) have the literary and photographic skills to convey the process. I may have to figure out how to use youtube just to watch this.
dhubbard422
Well-known member
This sounds interesting. I look forward to following along and I wish you only success! Oh, and Bob should win some sort of prize for “GFHN”.
You guys flatter me. I hope I can do as well as you expect me to!
It's funny because I knew video was the "next thing" 10 years ago and I tried to sit down and teach myself but it was miserable. I ended up directing video projects when I needed to and while I enjoyed the shooting aspect and the lighting aspect the editing was overwhelming.
Now, the idea of the video is secondary to the idea of the project. First and foremost I'm a story teller and teacher. My medium is photography but video actually opens up a much bigger vocabulary for me. I have watched enough videos to know what I like and don't so I think the biggest hurdle is just the having to learn something new. That's easier when you're motivated with a goal.
Thanks for the support. And remember we can all blame Locul.
Gregor
It's funny because I knew video was the "next thing" 10 years ago and I tried to sit down and teach myself but it was miserable. I ended up directing video projects when I needed to and while I enjoyed the shooting aspect and the lighting aspect the editing was overwhelming.
Now, the idea of the video is secondary to the idea of the project. First and foremost I'm a story teller and teacher. My medium is photography but video actually opens up a much bigger vocabulary for me. I have watched enough videos to know what I like and don't so I think the biggest hurdle is just the having to learn something new. That's easier when you're motivated with a goal.
Thanks for the support. And remember we can all blame Locul.
Gregor
paredown
Well-known member
I'm about half-way through, but couldn't wait to post a comment.
Parallel tracks--we're also still fixing up our MCM outside NYC (Rockland County)--one of those random experiences when we looked online for a modern house within striking distance of the city and ended up here more by accident than design. We even ended up with the same Liebherr fridge (we'd had one in Europe and liked it a lot)--although I did not make my own kitchen cabinets.
Anyways--thought I would say how much I appreciate your sense of adventure and craftsmanship--and your willingness to live semi-publicly while you figure stuff out.
I'll be sucking it up to tackle some case goods, and with your good example in front of me, will start making my own mistakes in the garage first.
Thanks,
Dean
Parallel tracks--we're also still fixing up our MCM outside NYC (Rockland County)--one of those random experiences when we looked online for a modern house within striking distance of the city and ended up here more by accident than design. We even ended up with the same Liebherr fridge (we'd had one in Europe and liked it a lot)--although I did not make my own kitchen cabinets.
Anyways--thought I would say how much I appreciate your sense of adventure and craftsmanship--and your willingness to live semi-publicly while you figure stuff out.
I'll be sucking it up to tackle some case goods, and with your good example in front of me, will start making my own mistakes in the garage first.
Thanks,
Dean
Terranova
Well-known member
View media item 90680
This is a hype video from several years ago for a semi professional marching band with several national championships in its history. It's a splice up of a bunch of movie quote pep talks. The visual might not do anything for you but the audio might. Lol
And lastly it's like they say, most people on their death bed talk about regretting things they didn't do, not things they did.
I bet if you put up a small kickstart/gofund me for the channel, you'd get severlal guys here and on IG that might help cut the bills for the AV equipment start up.
I'm not a motorcycle guy per se, but you might get me closer. Lol
Pressingonward
Well-known member
Hey Gregor,
It was a pleasure meeting you today and getting a chance to check out your BMW in person. Excited to see your new project come together and see what you come up with when given a blank sheet of paper to start from.
- Justin
It was a pleasure meeting you today and getting a chance to check out your BMW in person. Excited to see your new project come together and see what you come up with when given a blank sheet of paper to start from.
- Justin
Hey Gregor,
It was a pleasure meeting you today and getting a chance to check out your BMW in person. Excited to see your new project come together and see what you come up with when given a blank sheet of paper to start from.
- Justin
Justin,
Thanks so much for saying hi. It was great to meet you and see the whole Trail Tech operation.
I wasn't able to take photos as while I was there but I got to meet a lot of the people at Trail Tech, the motorcycle GPS computer folks, and learned about a lot of what they're doing which is more than I realized. Very cool people and very cool company.
Terrenova and Paredown - thanks for the props. I'm all in to do this so I'm going to start working on it now and hope to have something in the next few weeks.
I appreciate the idea of Patreon and GoFund me but I don't feel like I'm actually providing anything that people should pay me for. I'm weird about that. If for some reason I really fell upon hard times and couldn't work or was crushed by some kind of medical bill I'd consider it but I don't like to take money unless I've delivered something. I never bill a client until they're happy. Even asking for an advance on a job is hard. That was my grandfather's thing. I respected that.
So I consider the purchases to be expenses that will be amortized over the next year or so. They're also just part of the process of building this endeavor. It's my choice to do this so it's my expense. If at some point it makes money then that means I did a good job. I'll wait for that - I don't like debt or loans. I want to earn what I get.
Besides, I'm selling stuff off left and right to get the cash and the space - that's a win/win.
Gregor
Great response. Can’t wait for videos. You may end up with some ad revenue which could be cool.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Great response, I share your feelings. I can't accept money that I didn't earn.
Good luck in your next endeavor.
Andrew S
Well-known member
Gregor,
If you're not already finished with your parts storage cabinet, might I suggest this for more inspiration:
I liked it because it only used a few drawer slides, which cut the costs down considerably.
Andrew
If you're not already finished with your parts storage cabinet, might I suggest this for more inspiration:
I liked it because it only used a few drawer slides, which cut the costs down considerably.
Andrew
lilscorpion
Well-known member
The concept does kinda make sense if you allow yourself to go there. You’re going to publish content to YouTube which, for most including me, sometimes is more enjoyable than cable. Many evenings I lay in bed and wind down by watching the (You)Tube. Sometimes I can’t find anything I want to watch. Boring videos about peeps doing how-to’s that are either too remedial or they’re so beginner at video content creation it’s just bad entertainment.
So what would I pay if I found a channel that had the content I wanted to watch? If I would pay say $10 a month could the creator make a video a week? Now consider the interactive nature of a creator that’s willing to use all of the delivery channels - near real-time updates on Instagram, weekly on YouTube, plans for each of the builds. Now what if the creator would give additional benefits to those who were “sponsoring” him? Say the plans are free or you get additional content. Lots of value for $10.
mr_magicfingers
Well-known member
Can't wait to see what you come up with in giving your dad's bike a new life. Does this mean that you're planning on bike building to be your full time occupation? Will you still do photography work occasionally?
Good luck with it all, really looking forward to following along with your new adventures.
Good luck with it all, really looking forward to following along with your new adventures.
Builder302
Well-known member
Bike is awesome! Can't wait for the YouTube channel, sign up for patreon like this old tony and AVE. You'll have plenty of people to support you.