If I say the words "motorcycle joy," what comes to mind? Chances are good that everyone reading this has a different answer, and maybe you'll even have more than one at different points in your riding career. But really, there's no single correct answer.
But if you're the type of person who loves seeing people revive and ride vintage bikes rather than just storing them away in a collection somewhere, then I hope you've already discovered Brick House Builds. And if you haven't, well, let me introduce you. It's a great YouTube channel, dedicated to the idea that bringing back old bikes to running condition and having fun with your friends is an excellent way to have a good time.
It's not about perfection; if anything, it's about patina. I didn't count how many times the word 'patina' came up in this video, but it was definitely more than a few. The point of the video, after all, is crafting a cool little parts hauler that hitches up to the back of the Honda Benly that the BHB boys recently restored. They got their hands on a vintage Radio Flyer wagon that had its own patina, so the next steps immediately became clear.
The majority of the video is spent mocking up, measuring, cutting, and welding the frame that will support the wagon, as well as the hitching apparatus to securely and (reasonably) safely attach the hauler to the back of the bike. It's a really cool process to watch, particularly if you've ever contemplated the possibilities of using square tubing and angle iron to craft something yourself, but maybe haven't taken the leap just yet. Or, you know, if you're a nerd like me who just loves process videos. Either way.
In any case, the original wagon wheels have to come off, and the rear two get replaced with some six-inch mower wheels. They'll need a little patina-izing to get them to match the aesthetic of the wagon, but these guys know what they're doing with regard to dialing the level of patina in just right (something else you'll see in the video).
How much would you love to see this setup roll up to you at your next vintage bike meet? A lot, I'm guessing. They're planning to bring it to Barber Vintage Fest next year if they can, so here's hoping BHB makes a whole lot of folks smile when they pull up.
