Mike Swope's CJS bike
Mike is a long-time motorcycle enthusiast who needs a new bike. For a few years he'd been looking for a vintage bike that he could afford. When his neighbor told him about CJs he knew he had found the machine. (Mike looked at Harleys, Indians, BMWs and others, but by the time one buys & rebuilds an old example, they're just too expensive.) Therefore a CJ completely rebuilt to look like a classic BMW seemed to be the answer. After some price checking & talking to other members of this site he decided to have Shao build a 1969 PLA M1 into a BMW replica. To Mike, having someone else build the bike seems odd since he made show cars for a living until a year ago. (But the price is right.) He'll update this page with pictures as the rebuild progresses. Mike will also shoot pictures of the delivery as well as the finished bike.
Mike's bike was built by CJS.
It's a small world indeed.
Look what turned up at some local Fourth of July festivities Mike was attending— Luke's F4.
July 12, 2005  
Click here to read Mike's thoughts on the CJ buying experience so far
The latest from Mike:

"The bike has arrived. It looks great. Defiantly vintage. I have a few things to sort out but nothing too difficult I don't think. The emblem I had Shao install was installed a bit strangely but nothing I can't fix. I need a new gasket and the correct screws and I think it will be fine.

The system does not seem to be charging. At least I think that is the problem. I have not started to look into it but one of the warning lights is on so I have to sort that out yet. It was almost nine last night before I got it running so I just parked it after one trip up and down the street.

There is a knocking sound coming from the right bank that is somewhat concerning but not sure yet. My bet is either timing or I have the advance lever in the wrong position. Was not sure where it should be when starting and idling. I could have been hearing valve ticking also just not quite sure yet. Will sort out shortly."

The bike looks great and after the shakedown it will likely run every bit as good as it looks.
March 25, 2005  
Next stop...
...CLEVELAND.
March 25, 2005  
Mike's bike will be going into hibernation for a few weeks as it makes its way across the Pacific and ultimately, to Ohio.
I wonder if Shao has a hard time letting some of these bikes go after devoting so much time and effort to building them.
March 31, 2005  
A few last peeks at Mike's bike prior to shipment.
You can imagine the comments and questons this bike will generate.
 
 
 
 
March 25, 2005  
The final drive and front brake housing are nicely polished—just like the engine and gearbox.
They really stand out on a black bike like this one.
 
 
 
March 21, 2005  
Feast your eyes on this.
That pinstriping turned out pretty nice, don't you think?
BMW-style coffee can traillight.
This bike is going to get attention.
This is my favorite side because the hand shifter is visible.
The polished engine and gearbox stand out on a black bike.
The final drive and driveshaft are polished.
This is quite a bike.
March 11, 2005  
Who'd believe this is the same tank pictured below?
It turned out good.
March 5, 2005  
Mike's engine and gearbox after polishing and reassembly.
It's amazing what can be done with aluminum.
March 3, 2005  
And here are two of the wheels—painted, laced and trued.
March 3, 2005  
The front fender and tank are starting to look good. The mounts for the front fender license plate will be deleted. Mike says the waiting is the only bad thing so far.
Anyone who's ever ordered a CJ from China knows what he means. It can take a couple months for a bike to reach its destination once it leaves PRC.
March 1, 2005  
Mike's gas tank is being prepped for paint.
All the imperfections have been filled. The first coats of red oxide have been applied and wet sanded.
February 25, 2005  
Here are some sheet metal bits being prepared for paint.

The tank has been modified to accept a pair of vintage BMW emblems furnished by Mike.
Obviously the filler hasn't been applied yet.
February 23, 2005  
Have you ever seen polished aluminum that looks like chrome plating?
Now you have.
February 2, 2005  
The cylinders are powder-coated 1970 PLA production.
Shao is using short-skirt high-compression pistons and Japanese bearings.
 
The valves are 1968 PLA production, ready to be installed. On the right is the engine during disassembly. Mike says he is constantly and pleasantly surprised by Shao's professional and accommodating manner.
He has dealt with car and bike builders for years and will tell you that many aren't like that in the USA.
January 29, 2005  
Mike chose a 1969 model CJ for two reasons—his wife-to-be was born that year, and also because a bike over 25 years old is easier to import. This is a 6V PLA bike that will transformed into...
...this. (But in solo format.)
Here's how the frame looked when Shao tore the bike down.
And here is how it looked after it was stripped.
This is the powder coated finished product.
Some of the sheet metal awaits refinishing.
And here's the heart of the machine, a 22HP 6V M1 engine. It will look very different when Shao is finished with it.
January 26, 2005