Hope Springs Eternal

Yesterday I was reading about a young man who inherited a 1982 Kawasaki KZ 550 from his grandfather. The young man is in the process of restoring the bike to its former glory. 

Reading this, reminded me that life has an expiration date, and in a couple of weeks I am turning 70. Even though I still feel young and 1982 looks like just the other day, truth of the matter is that it was a long time ago. Heck, 1982 was 44 years ago and I was only 26 years old. 

Ideally, I would love if my grandnephews took care of my bikes and other collectibles when I am no longer around. These things have monetary value but most importantly, to me they also have a lot of sentimental value. Hope springs eternal. 

Maybe I am overthinking things too much. The way things are going in this chaotic unstable world, we could all die in a nuclear explosion tomorrow, so all my stuff will be vaporized with me. Hahaha.

A Nostalgic Reminder Of Great Times

It is being said that acknowledging the need for honesty with yourself is a courageous first step toward clarity and personal growth. For that reason, I have to be honest and confess that for reasons I won't get into it here, initially I wasn't open about using AI in photography, until now. 

First, let's go back 40 years. In 1986, a few months after graduating from MMI, I purchased a SuperFlow 110 flowbench. For my own selfish reasons and to save money in the process, my initial interest was to build my own Kawasaki drag racing cylinder head for a Kawasaki dragbike I was putting together at that time. The SuperFlow 110 flowbench was the best motorcycle tool to optimize performance I've ever owned. 

Unfortunately, taking selfie or casual photos was not a common trend back then. Throughout the years, I recall having maybe three images of my SuperFlow 110 flowbench. The selfie pic sitting next to the flowbench disappeared years ago during one of my many moves; only the two images shown here have endured the test of time. 

That is where AI comes in. For the past two weeks, I've been using AI to create motorcycle scenarios using old photos taken years ago during motorcycle events and gatherings I've attended. 

I made a decision last night, to try to recreate a SuperFlow 110 flowbench using one of the remaining flowbench old photos taken in my Brooklyn apartment. I gave AI a few prompts, and in less than 5 seconds the application created the amazing photo featured on this post. 

It even shows a Mitutoyo Micrometer, the Neway Valve Seat Cutters and a Mitutoyo Dial Indicator with a Magnetic Base Kit.  I know is not the real thing, but to me this AI caricature is better than nothing. It is also a nostalgic reminder of great times during the first part of my life as a motorcycle technician. 

The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

While browsing through a flash drive for old images, I found a picture from 2020 shown at the end of this post. This is the copy of a picture taken when I was helping a friend cleaning and synchronizing the carburetors, and replacing the battery of his daughter Kawasaki EX-250. And troubleshooting his Honda VTX-1800 starter relay electrical issue.

Looking at the image I realized I don't have many recent pictures of myself working on motorcycles as I did when I was a lot younger. Right there and then, I decided to try to create an AI image of it. All it took was one try, and the picture was completed as envisioned. Amazing!

No One Likes Bullies. The Orange Turd Thinks He Can Bully The Entire World Into Submission

Cuba is next. Our murderous fascist government is saying that in the next two weeks we will attack, invade and incur wrath upon Cuba. Death and destruction against a nation that we have imposed a stupid and unnecessary economic embargo for more than 66 years. 

The Castro's are dead, yet because the United States had their feelings hurt when the Cuban people chose to be independent, and the Orange Turd has certainly gotten his panties in a twist, we are still starving the Cuban people to death with a 66-year-old economic embargo.

Earlier this month we conducted an alleged drug trafficking operation and bombed Ecuador, just like we did in Venezuela. Just like we did Nigeria. Just like we've done to Iran and Siria. Like we've threatened in Panama, like we're threatening against Greenland and Denmark. We've not even taken military action off the table relative to Canada, our peaceful and one of our longest allies. The Orange Turd is a sociopath, a murderous dictator wannabe.  

No one likes bullies. The United States is a bully. The Orange Turd thinks he can bully the entire world into submission. Often uses its superior economic, military, and diplomatic power to coerce other nations, enforce compliance, and dictate global norms to suit its own interests. 

It is a mystery to me why the United States get their panties in a twist, when other nations choose to be independent? If we follow that logic, does that means that the United States should've preferred to be still part of England, instead of entering the American Revolutionary War and fighting for their own independence?

Just as a reminder, on July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Honoring the birth of the United States of America.

Every nation has an inherent right to independence and self-determination, just like the United States did 250 years ago. 

Making My Motorcycle Look Good and Run Well

Warmer weather is here. Time to change oil, filter, check air tire pressure, chain lubrication and install the battery on my bike to get it ready for the season. Routine maintenance is also crucial for performance. Afterwards, I plan to take my bike to the car wash to make it look good.   

Suck It Up, Buttercup

I am getting a little tired of hearing MAGA's complaining about the war with Iran. Not even a week into this war and these MAGA are already grumbling. Last time I checked, your dear leader said, "It's not a war, we don't have boots on the ground." MAGA's keep complaining, "I can't pay my bills, I don't have any food in the refrigerator, my child is starving, my medical insurance premium went up." Suck it up, buttercup.

The labor market lost 92,000 jobs in February. Count your blessings you still have a job, others are not that lucky. Besides, your dear leader reassured you that Americans have to sacrifice, that this is just a temporary hiccup. 

Gas is too expensive for you? Buy a Tesla. Your dear leader told you last year from the White House lawn to buy a Tesla from Elon Musk. If I am not mistaken, your dear leader make believe that he purchased a red Tesla from Elon Musk. Buying a Tesla will save you all the high gas prices you are complaining about now. If you are a true MAGA, you will follow your dear leader advice and buy a Tesla. Or as he said yesterday concerning rising gas prices, "... if they rise, they rise ...."

It's really sad to see all these MAGA supporters crying about not being able to pay bills, not being able to put gas in their cars. Your dear leader told you we are going to experience a little temporary pain, so pull yourself up by your bootstraps. Your family is starving .... for peace in the Middle East. 

Remember, your peace president is asking you to suck it up, buttercup. And boots on the ground, has not been rule out. The body bags are compliments of the Orange Turd and the drunk Pentagon Secretary of War.

Let's Go For A Bike Ride

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, Spring 2026 is here. It's time to get the bike ready for the season, change oil and filter, and take a test ride. Let's go!