This is the unfortunate result of two guys who got in an argument two nights ago. I met Lou through a GS750 he built and did a great job bringing out the vintage feel that I like.
We spoke several times about that bike and others he had built. We started talking about the next project bike for Lou. We were very similar in our vision. We both were after the board tracker look and were discussing other old bikes. Lou asked if I knew of Servi Cycle, I didn’t so I researched it and liked some of the aspects of the bike. I went to see him and discussed the design. It was a kind of give and take kind of affair and a rough design was made. We discussed engines as Lou had several, and the XS400 was chosen due to its light weight, appearance, power and sound for this project.
That is when I joined XS400 to learn more about the motor. Shortly, after I started the thread and told Lou about the site.
I was going out almost every day, helping with the project, but Lou was working on it full time and I was only part time as I have a day job as well. Lou was making fast work of the bike and I was not able to keep up at times. I took things home and worked on them there to help and kept coming up on revisions. I missed a few things like curving the backbone to match the tanks, as Lou was going forward as he should.
We had long discussions about the electrical box design, front brakes, bars and color. I won on the brakes; Lou didn’t want to run a front brake, after prodding he came up with the great design for the front end. I asked him if I could post his video, he was cool with it. I also won on the color and pinstriping and Lou won on the electrical box (which is awesome) and bars.
I spoke to Lou about his business plan and my desire to help him grow “Loubuilt.” Lou was excited about it. Two days later we were having lunch and he said he liked his business the way it was and did not want to grow it. I listened to the frustrations he had with his previous cement block business and that he was looking for a simpler life. I told him he was lucky to know what he wanted.
During this time I shattered my wrist, this really slowed me down and Lou was moving full steam ahead on the bike
As the bike was being sprayed and final assembly Lou told me he was leaving for three or four weeks to South America. So we brought the bike to my home for the baffles, front brake issues, assembly with locktite and color sanding. I also paid him in full for the job so he could be prepared for his trip and support his family. I also told him he could have the bike for any show he wanted if he wanted to use it for marketing.
When he got back, I took the bike back to his shop as I could not figure out the front brake as it acted like it had a leak but Lou figured out it was improperly lined up with the rotor and re-shimmed it.
The last thing outstanding was the carbs. They needed jetting so Lou picked up some jets, borrowed some jets and put it together.
After a ride and a few starts in the garage it did not want to start and the plugs were fouled from being so rich. I called Lou on it and he said that is the way old bikes are. I said not if you jet them right and set the bowls it should be nice and brown. Maybe we were both tired at the end of the day, maybe the stress of the holidays. But the conversation did not end well. I told him I would take care of the carbs and not to worry.
We still have unfinished business with a kicker revtech transmission and a custom frame that he thought he could help move.