Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1513811
January 2024 37 Upon closer inspec on, and familiar with Can-Am faults, we found both lower frame tubes were cracked behind the foot pegs. Fortunately, it proved to be no problem as a buddy of mine is a welder by trade and he made short work of welding and gusse ng the chromoly frame. Within a few days, parts started showing up. eBay can be a great source for these odd machines so loca ng consumables like air filter, rubber bits, and wheel bearings was no problem at all. As for res and tubes, we spooned on a set of take-off Vee Rubber VRM 109 vintage pa ern knobbies le over from an old project. They look period-correct, and the rubber compound is s cky, perfect for our New England terrain. About a week or so a er dragging the old Qualifier home, we were ready to fire. Ligh ng off an old bike that's been si ng for decades never gets old. In reality, it's not magic. As long as it's got fresh fuel, spark, and compression the bike should run. Even a er playing with these toys for literally decades, it's always a rush for me. Once everything was addressed, this bike only took three kicks to snap it back to life. The whirring sound brought me immediately back to 1977 with such a pleasant and unique tone. Within minutes, the stench of old dank basement soon cooked off the motor and we were ready for a test ride. Like most old motorcycles, the clutch plates were stuck. A quick rip while stomping on the rear brake while pulling in the clutch, soon rec fied the problem and we spent the rest of the weekend ripping local trails and camp roads as we did during those wonderful glory years! Finding an old bike can be a pre y fun experience. It can ald be an interes ng peek into someone's life. Waking up an old ride like this can provide tremendous personal sa sfac on. Waking up something that brings you back to such an enjoyable me in life makes these projects even more fun. As for Al, he's a friend whom I've long lost touch with but would greatly enjoy mee ng up for a beer or two someday. I'd even invite him out for a trail ride on the same bikes we traveled so many miles together! -Kurt