My Bikes & Van
I bought my first motorcycle in 2006 and my first van in 2015. My daily driver is a truck so all of these vehicles are just for fun. I tend to keep and customize what I buy. My vehicles are not for sale but I have let a few go over the years.
My Bikes:
- 2004 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom (XL1200C)
- 2008 Harley Davidson Road King Classic (FLHRC)
- 2003 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Roadster (XL883R) [SOLD]
- 1976 Honda Z50A "Evil Monkey" (aka "Snow Monkey")
- 1977 Honda Z50A "Monkey Chop" [Currently in pieces]
- 1978 Honda Z50A "Electric Monkey" (aka "Thor")
- 2001 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom (XL1200C) [Currently in pieces]
- 2019 Honda CRF250F [SOLD]
- 2021 Honda Grom
- 1979 Honda CM400A "Hondamatic"
- 1976 Triumph Bonneville
- Early 1970s Snow Company (SnowCo) Tri-Scat
- Early 2000s Schwinn / Orange County Choppers Stingray
- 1999 GMC Savana (Jayco Conversion) [SOLD]
- 1978 Dodge B200 Tradesman
2004 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom (XL1200C)
This is my first motorcycle and it's still my favorite, even if it's not the most comfortable thing to ride. It was practically stock when I bought it and made a lot of changes over the years including multiple iterations of the rear end. The paint is rattlecan that I did myself. I've ridden this bike to Sturgis twice (2007 & 2009) and all over MN & WI.
- Purchased: October 2006
- Mileage: 8,000 when purchased, >47,000 as of Dec 2025
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): XL1200C
2008 Harley Davidson Road King Classic (FLHRC)
I bought the Road King brand new. I got it before my wife and I had kids and we were wanting a more comfortable bike to be on together. The Road King is a fantastic bike for trips - you can load up gear and ride all day in comfort. I have deliberately not modified much about the bike to emphasize reliability. My wife and I rode it to Sturgis (2008) and there have been a couple of times I let my dad ride the Road King while I rode my Sportster (Sturgis 2009 and a trip to the Gunflint Trail).
- Purchased: May 2008
- Mileage: 0 when purchased, >38,000 as of Dec 2025
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): FLHRC
I bought this bike specifically for Moto Mania. I was looking for a Sportster to make into some sort of scrambler/tracker style for the dirt track. I had no intention of going too fast - I just wanted something that could handle some dirt and gravel. I wasn't seeking out the flame paint job, but I did fall in love with it. This bike was so photogenic! This is the only bike I've crashed but I luckily managed to ride away with a sprained ankle and some bent parts. After a while, I just didn't ride this one as much as my others and decided to let it go.
- Purchased: May 2015
- SOLD: June 2022
- Mileage: 10,000 when purchased, 14,000 when sold
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): XL883R
1976 Honda Z50A "Evil Monkey" / "Snow Monkey"
My garage was getting full with the 3 bikes above but I had just enough room to squeeze in a mini bike. I bought a beat up (but running) Honda Z50 and this was the first bike that I fully disassembled (not the motor) and put back together. Rebuilt with a mix of new and refinished parts, it was reborn as the Evil Monkey. I painted the tank using the evil monkey character from Family Guy as inspiration. As time went on, I put an 88cc big bore kit on it and built a ski ("banana ski") for it too. With the banana ski up front and a studded tire in the rear, it transforms into its alter ego, the "Snow Monkey"! Most recently, I swapped the original motor for a Lifan 125cc. This bike has been so much fun!
- Purchased: April 2016
- Mileage: ?
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): Evil Monkey
1977 Honda Z50A "Monkey Chop"
I picked up a pair of non-running incomplete Honda Z50s. I was planning to restore one for my kids to ride and then make the other into a crazy chopper. Unfortunately, both projects got shelved when we decided to move later that year. I still have a vision for this bike and might get around to building it eventually (I hope)!
- Purchased: January 2018
- Mileage: ?
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): Z50
1978 Honda Z50A "Electric Monkey" / "Thor"
I had the best intentions of restoring this bike soon after I bought it but life got busy and the project was shelved. As my kids got older, I got my daughter an electric Razor motorcycle to ride and, when she outgrew it, my son rode it. While my daughter moved on to different hobbies, my son still wanted to ride. As we headed into the winter of 2024, I decided not to do a traditional restoration and instead do a 48V electric conversion. This wasn't a kit made for Z50s. I custom made a lot of parts out of aluminum and, because I can't tig weld, I used rivets, riv-nuts, bolts, and bends to make the platform for the battery and motor. I cut the bottom out of the tank and hid most of the electronics inside to preserve the vintage Z50 look. The end result is very unique. In hindsight I could have gotten away with a smaller, lighter battery as this thing will go for many miles without needing a charge. My son loves it, named it "Thor", and it's awesome to ride side-by-side with him.
- Purchased: January 2018
- Mileage: ?
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): Z50
2001 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom (XL1200C)
I decided I wanted to finally build myself a chopper. I wanted a running bike to start with and then I'd swap everything. I rode it for a bit and then tore it down. I got a frame, front end, wheels, tank, seat, and more for it. As things started coming together, I realized it would require more welding than I anticipated and my skills and equipment at the time were very limited. On top of that, the COVID pandemic broke out and I just lost motivation. I still have all the parts, I'm just trying to get this project going again. Hopefully soon.
I decided I wanted to finally build myself a chopper. I wanted a running bike to start with and then I'd swap everything. I rode it for a bit and then tore it down. I got a frame, front end, wheels, tank, seat, and more for it. As things started coming together, I realized it would require more welding than I anticipated and my skills and equipment at the time were very limited. On top of that, the COVID pandemic broke out and I just lost motivation. I still have all the parts, I'm just trying to get this project going again. Hopefully soon.
- Purchased: March 2019
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): none
2019 Honda CRF250F
This was the second bike I bought brand new. I had always been interested in dirt bikes but never rode one. The XL883R gave me a small taste of offroad but was very heavy and not made to truly go offroad. I didn't want to spend the money on a motorcross bike so I went with the 250F which is made for trail riding. I am really glad I tried it. Riding through the woods was fun and challenging. I never great at it and never went very fast - for me it was more about the scenery. Ultimately, riding solo in the woods in places with sketchy cell service was pretty dangerous and I gave it up. I'm just really glad I tried it and enjoyed it while I had it.
This was the second bike I bought brand new. I had always been interested in dirt bikes but never rode one. The XL883R gave me a small taste of offroad but was very heavy and not made to truly go offroad. I didn't want to spend the money on a motorcross bike so I went with the 250F which is made for trail riding. I am really glad I tried it. Riding through the woods was fun and challenging. I never great at it and never went very fast - for me it was more about the scenery. Ultimately, riding solo in the woods in places with sketchy cell service was pretty dangerous and I gave it up. I'm just really glad I tried it and enjoyed it while I had it.
- Purchased: July 2019
- Sold: October 2022
- Mileage: ? (never kept track of hours)
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): none
2021 Honda Grom
I was wanting something small that was street legal (unlike my Z50) and found a used Grom that didn't appear to be abused (people love stunting with these things). I mostly just ride around the neighborhood when I want a quick ride and would often take my kids for short rides too. It's so small, it tucks into my van really well if I want to leave the van parked and use the bike to ride around.
I was wanting something small that was street legal (unlike my Z50) and found a used Grom that didn't appear to be abused (people love stunting with these things). I mostly just ride around the neighborhood when I want a quick ride and would often take my kids for short rides too. It's so small, it tucks into my van really well if I want to leave the van parked and use the bike to ride around.
- Purchased: September 2022
- Mileage: >1,900 as of Dec 2025
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): Grom
1979 Honda CM400A (Hondamatic)
I am a 3rd generation motorcycle rider and my kids are 4th. My grandfather had a Harley (I wish that was still in the family!) but as he got older, the last bike he owned was a 1979 Honda that he pretty much rode to the bar and back. After he passed, my aunt held onto the bike for years. She worked with a shop to get it running briefly but then it got stored again. It was out in a shed and unfortunately became a mouse hotel. I ended up having it shipped to my house. I wanted to restore it to stock but ran into issues with the carburetors and they just don't make parts for it (it's not a valuable or desirable model). To make it run, I'd have to change some things and, if I was going to change things, I figured I'd change a lot of things including the whole rear end. It's a little more brat-style than true cafe racer. I'm very happy with how it looks and it does run but it's never run quite right. I really need to get it tuned by an expert and I think it will be better.
I am a 3rd generation motorcycle rider and my kids are 4th. My grandfather had a Harley (I wish that was still in the family!) but as he got older, the last bike he owned was a 1979 Honda that he pretty much rode to the bar and back. After he passed, my aunt held onto the bike for years. She worked with a shop to get it running briefly but then it got stored again. It was out in a shed and unfortunately became a mouse hotel. I ended up having it shipped to my house. I wanted to restore it to stock but ran into issues with the carburetors and they just don't make parts for it (it's not a valuable or desirable model). To make it run, I'd have to change some things and, if I was going to change things, I figured I'd change a lot of things including the whole rear end. It's a little more brat-style than true cafe racer. I'm very happy with how it looks and it does run but it's never run quite right. I really need to get it tuned by an expert and I think it will be better.
- Acquired (gift): January 2023
- Mileage: >4,000 as of Dec 2025
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): Hondamatic
1976 Triumph Bonneville
My father bought this bike when it was brand new and he held onto it the whole time. For some years, it was in pieces but seeing this bike in the garage when I was a kid was probably a big part of the reason for my interest in bikes. He customized it over the years too, making the sissy bar and side plates and getting them chromed. That too was certainly an influence on me. The bike is in great shape and just needs a little work on the fuel system.
My father bought this bike when it was brand new and he held onto it the whole time. For some years, it was in pieces but seeing this bike in the garage when I was a kid was probably a big part of the reason for my interest in bikes. He customized it over the years too, making the sissy bar and side plates and getting them chromed. That too was certainly an influence on me. The bike is in great shape and just needs a little work on the fuel system.
- Acquired (gift): August 2023
- Mileage: ? My dad replaced the speedometer with a tach many years ago.
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): none
1970s Snow Company (SnowCo) Tri-Scat
Before the Honda ATC craze of the 80s, 3 wheelers looked a bit different in the 70s. With 2 giant wheels in the back and a small little tire way out front, it's more like the cross between a go-kart and a chopper. Many companies sold similar-looking vehicles at the time but the one I got was from SnowCo out of Nebraska and might have been made around 1972 (not sure). It has independent band brakes in the rear which can help turning, especially on snow and ice. The original motor is long gone and someone had put a Honda GX270 on it which worked well. For winter, like my Z50, I made a ski for it. It's fun to have vehicles to mess around with year-round. I added lights and re-did some things. I'd still like to do some fiberglass repair on it.
Before the Honda ATC craze of the 80s, 3 wheelers looked a bit different in the 70s. With 2 giant wheels in the back and a small little tire way out front, it's more like the cross between a go-kart and a chopper. Many companies sold similar-looking vehicles at the time but the one I got was from SnowCo out of Nebraska and might have been made around 1972 (not sure). It has independent band brakes in the rear which can help turning, especially on snow and ice. The original motor is long gone and someone had put a Honda GX270 on it which worked well. For winter, like my Z50, I made a ski for it. It's fun to have vehicles to mess around with year-round. I added lights and re-did some things. I'd still like to do some fiberglass repair on it.
- Purchased: October 2023
- Mileage: ?
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): none
Early 2000s Schwinn / Orange County Choppers (OCC) Stingray
I was minding my business, scrolling on Marketplace when something popped up that I just had to have. Someone was selling an unfinished project where he was putting a 50cc scooter motor in a bicycle frame. I understood the vision and had to have it. It was a lot more work than I anticipated, but it was fun. The end result is over the top and ridiculous. I did all the paint and visually I wanted to mash up vintage Schwinn Stingrays, the early-2000s (maybe 2004?) Schwinn/OCC collaboration, and the Corvette Stingray. The bike is blue with waves and stingrays all over it. I even used a little gold leaf for the first time. Some Schwinn/OCC Stingrays came with a motor but not this one and not this type of motor. This is a 1-of-1. You'll never see another quite like it.
I was minding my business, scrolling on Marketplace when something popped up that I just had to have. Someone was selling an unfinished project where he was putting a 50cc scooter motor in a bicycle frame. I understood the vision and had to have it. It was a lot more work than I anticipated, but it was fun. The end result is over the top and ridiculous. I did all the paint and visually I wanted to mash up vintage Schwinn Stingrays, the early-2000s (maybe 2004?) Schwinn/OCC collaboration, and the Corvette Stingray. The bike is blue with waves and stingrays all over it. I even used a little gold leaf for the first time. Some Schwinn/OCC Stingrays came with a motor but not this one and not this type of motor. This is a 1-of-1. You'll never see another quite like it.
- Purchased: February 2024
- Mileage: ?
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): Stingray
1999 GMC Savana (Jayco Conversion)
I had high hopes for this van. It was supposed to be a fun vehicle, something we could use for trips as a family, and maybe something I could use to haul a bike. Being a Jayco conversion, this thing was plush and comfy for everyone. I started some mild customization of the interior with LED lights and I painted the grille. The problem was the van was simply unreliable. I had it in the repair shop multiple times for engine work, leaking gas lines, and other issues. We got one long trip out of it, to Ohio and back, but that was it. When it sprung a gas leak for the second time, I was done. I never knew if the latest repair would last 10 more years or 10 more days. It wasn't my "dream van" anyway but I was still a little sad to let it go. It had so much potential for fun road trips.
I had high hopes for this van. It was supposed to be a fun vehicle, something we could use for trips as a family, and maybe something I could use to haul a bike. Being a Jayco conversion, this thing was plush and comfy for everyone. I started some mild customization of the interior with LED lights and I painted the grille. The problem was the van was simply unreliable. I had it in the repair shop multiple times for engine work, leaking gas lines, and other issues. We got one long trip out of it, to Ohio and back, but that was it. When it sprung a gas leak for the second time, I was done. I never knew if the latest repair would last 10 more years or 10 more days. It wasn't my "dream van" anyway but I was still a little sad to let it go. It had so much potential for fun road trips.
- Purchased: February 2015
- Sold: December 2015
- Mileage: 110,000
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): Savana
1978 Dodge B200 Tradesman
Patience paid off... nearly 6 years after selling the GMC, this beautiful black Dodge popped up in Marketplace and I didn't have to fly to the west coast to get it. Amazingly, it was a 2-owner original Minnesota van that hadn't been heavily customized and hadn't been driven in winter. It did have original gray shag carpet on the walls and ceiling but it was pretty much a blank canvas, exactly what I was looking for! Since buying it, I've changed quite a few things and I gave it a (hopefully tasteful) 75th Anniversary Harley-Davidson theme (since Harley's 75th was in 1978). I made a lot of parts for the interior including the bench seats, drink tray, table, and frames. I reworked an old Sears console to add more speakers and a TV as well. My friend Nate covered the bench seats and doghouse in beautiful diamond stich upholstery. On the exterior, I swapped the wheels, switched to LED headlights, repaired the visor, and added a vintage stainless steel wing. A lot of people comment how "clean" the interior is and that is deliberate to ensure it remains a bike hauler. I do sleep in it but just use a twin size air mattress between the bench seats (the table is removable).
Patience paid off... nearly 6 years after selling the GMC, this beautiful black Dodge popped up in Marketplace and I didn't have to fly to the west coast to get it. Amazingly, it was a 2-owner original Minnesota van that hadn't been heavily customized and hadn't been driven in winter. It did have original gray shag carpet on the walls and ceiling but it was pretty much a blank canvas, exactly what I was looking for! Since buying it, I've changed quite a few things and I gave it a (hopefully tasteful) 75th Anniversary Harley-Davidson theme (since Harley's 75th was in 1978). I made a lot of parts for the interior including the bench seats, drink tray, table, and frames. I reworked an old Sears console to add more speakers and a TV as well. My friend Nate covered the bench seats and doghouse in beautiful diamond stich upholstery. On the exterior, I swapped the wheels, switched to LED headlights, repaired the visor, and added a vintage stainless steel wing. A lot of people comment how "clean" the interior is and that is deliberate to ensure it remains a bike hauler. I do sleep in it but just use a twin size air mattress between the bench seats (the table is removable).
- Purchased: October 2021
- Mileage: >100,000
- Blogpost Labels (Tags): 78 Dodge
