Loadstar

The LOADSTAR 1600 (Before and After)

This bike sat in a field for 12 years, so I thought it was kind of pricey at $150, but I wanted a project... and it sure turned out to BE one. The engine was loose, but I had to remove the heads to lap the rusty valves and scrub out the fuzzy cylinder bores. When I learned that a pair of head gaskets would cost more than half of what I paid for the whole bike, I took a second look at the OLD ones and was quite pleased at their condition. And they have been holding compression, oil, and coolant for 2000 miles now! Similarly, I took apart the two master cylinders and three calipers, cleaned the muck out and reassembled them (without rebuild kits), and they all work great, with NO leaks! (Don't fix it if it ain't broke!)

I was mainly inspired by a similar machine that had been in a fire and was ash gray from front to back with all of the plastic burned off of it, and at first glance I didn't know WHAT kind of bike it was... but I LIKED it! Also, because in years gone by I had several Trumpets, Beezers, and a Nimbus Four in my garage (such handsome machinery!), I wanted to try to give it a UK/Euro look, which I think I achieved, and, just for fun, I added a pair of LOADSTAR 1600 badges pilfered from an old milk truck to further disguise its identity. It's a blast to ride, and it always draws a crowd of people who are willing to offer (incorrect) opinions as to what it could be! (Sometimes I will 'admit' that it's a 1949 Valkyrie)

Total Expenditure, including 2 cans of black paint, 2 new tires, and a license plate: $300.00 !!!!

Thanks, guys, I really enjoy your site!
Detroit Dave