Trying to Pass the Torch

[Patrick DeZeeuw]

Howdy!
Our journey started 2 years ago when my son Zeke, then 9, told me he wanted to learn how to "build" motorcycles. Two years later we have built two motorcycles.

We tried to join a local community college for their motorcycle course but they wouldn't let my son in because of his age and liability. So we joined two forums Hondatwins.com and Dotheton.com. The members of those forums poured their knowledge and patience into our threads to teach us. If you look at those threads you will see how "green" we were.



http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=45872.0


We took that motorcycle to the Barber Vintage Festival where we met John Viviani, curator for Mr. Barber's Lotus Collection. Mr Viviani introduced us to Bryan Fuller. Mr. Fuller gave Zeke his first TIG welding lesson. Several people we respected said that Zeke needed to learn how to Oxyacetelene weld. So we bought a cobra torch and a rig and built our first tank out of steel. We have 100's of hours in that tank and as many mistakes.


Http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=52299.0

Zeke is still working on his craft and wants to build a tank for this bike out of aluminum this winter.

We were referred to this forum by Constance who works for Mr. Kent White and so here we are.

[Pokie]

I'm envious! I wish I had a dad like you. I learned using the bash and tinker method, it didn't always work. I'm dying to see what he will achieve in a few short years.

[Patrick DeZeeuw]

Originally Posted by Pokie

I'm envious! I wish I had a dad like you. I learned using the bash and tinker method, it didn't always work. I'm dying to see what he will achieve in a few short years.

thanks Pokie part of the story is I was listening to the radio before we got our first motorcycle and they said the problem with Zeke's generation is that they didn't "tinker" and that tinkerers are inventors and we need more inventors like you.

It is the "bash and tinker" method that pretty much describes what many kids need to learn. Zeke is no exception. It is their learning style. Unfortunately we are sometimes more worried about them getting hurt than allowing them to learn that way. Up until last week I didn't know that metal fume was an issue until someone pointed it out to me.

[crystallographic]

Originally Posted by Patrick DeZeeuw

thanks Pokie part of the story is I was listening to the radio before we got our first motorcycle and they said the problem with Zeke's generation is that they didn't "tinker" and that tinkerers are inventors and we need more inventors like you.

It is the "bash and tinker" method that pretty much describes what many kids need to learn. Zeke is no exception. It is their learning style. Unfortunately we are sometimes more worried about them getting hurt than allowing them to learn that way. Up until last week I didn't know that metal fume was an issue until someone pointed it out to me.

Hey Patrick,
Sure enjoyed seeing your 175 doing the hot runs. That one mph can sure be elusive, eh?

Good to see Zeke taking this on. My own son was taught from a very early age (5), setting rivets, pressing, drilling. By age 9 he could handle a torch, and was so focused that he would weld off the end of the frame and onto the concrete floor! He is an excellent weldor now, having done yachts in Newport, aerospace and undersea robot power arms in CA, and now hi-po diesel.Colin riveting.jpg

Keep those projects coming his way, and Zeke will continue to make things happen. Good lad.
You guys are in Austin? I get out to San Antonio a few times a year. It would be good to meet up.

[Patrick DeZeeuw]

Originally Posted by crystallographic

Hey Patrick,
Sure enjoyed seeing your 175 doing the hot runs. That one mph can sure be elusive, eh?

Good to see Zeke taking this on. My own son was taught from a very early age (5), setting rivets, pressing, drilling. By age 9 he could handle a torch, and was so focused that he would weld off the end of the frame and onto the concrete floor! He is an excellent weldor now, having done yachts in Newport, aerospace and undersea robot power arms in CA, and now hi-po diesel.Attachment 30478

Keep those projects coming his way, and Zeke will continue to make things happen. Good lad.
You guys are in Austin? I get out to San Antonio a few times a year. It would be good to meet up.

Hey Mr.White its nice speaking with you again oh it's Zeke. It's awesome tho now that I'm not the only 11 year old welder. I told my dad I wanted to go to one of your seminars. We actually live in Dallas,TX we just filmed in Austin.

[Michael Moore]

Hi Patrick,

you and Zeke will find a lot of good information and friendly help here.

cheers,
Michael

[Patrick DeZeeuw]

Originally Posted by crystallographic

Hey Patrick,
Sure enjoyed seeing your 175 doing the hot runs. That one mph can sure be elusive, eh?

Very elusive. One of our members on another forum taught us about the cosine effect on radar. Mom is a math teacher and was able to use it as an object lesson in class. Unfortunately you can't use it to get yourself out of a ticket.

The Bostrom's said it was the fastest 99mph they have ever gone. The best way I can describe riding a motorcycle with a dustbin fairing in a crosswind is to watch a pitcher let go of a knuckle ball when you crack the throttle your don't know what side of the track you will end up on.

Zeke wants to replicate our fiberglass NSU Sportmax dustbin fairing and fashion one out of aluminum for greater Stability in the future.

Kevin Schwantz said the same thing you did to me when we returned to the pits. Then he smiled and said, "I know a rider that can take it to the ton"

image.jpg

[crystallographic]

Originally Posted by Patrick DeZeeuw

Very elusive. One of our members on another forum taught us about the cosine effect on radar. Mom is a math teacher and was able to use it as an object lesson in class. Unfortunately you can't use it to get yourself out of a ticket.

The Bostrom's said it was the fastest 99mph they have ever gone. The best way I can describe riding a motorcycle with a dustbin fairing in a crosswind is to watch a pitcher let go of a knuckle ball when you crack the throttle your don't know what side of the track you will end up on.

Zeke wants to replicate our fiberglass NSU Sportmax dustbin fairing and fashion one out of aluminum for greater Stability in the future.

Kevin Schwantz said the same thing you did to me when we returned to the pits. Then he smiled and said, "I know a rider that can take it to the ton"

Attachment 30479

Rollie Freed? His body position on the salt was Unique!

[foamcar]

Patrick
What a great father/son hobby. I am sure Zeke will remember this experience throughout his life. Great to see a child that age have so much interest.
Phil