Motorcycle Club

Get revved up. Learn how a motorcycle operates, have input on the design, and get hands-on experience rebuilding a bike for resale.

The first task of the rebuild was to wash the motorcycle. (Greg Cherin photo)

Did you know that Rocker is a vintage British term for a motorcycle rider? Get up to speed on your motorcycle terminology, and more, by joining this exciting new club.

Adjunct faculty member Monk Schane-Lydon advises on the basics of tools, engines, oil changes, and brakes, and how it all works. Learn about safety, both in the shop and while riding a motorcycle (“dress for the slide, not the ride”), and have input on the overall design—from the seats to the paint color. When the rebuild is done, the motorcycle is put up for sale.

“The Motorcycle Club isn’t just about building, it’s about learning.”
-Monk Schane-Lydon,
Club Advisor, Bard College at Simon’s Rock

Bringing Back the Bikes

It started with former Bard Academy residence director and advisor Sean Lamoureux, who introduced Academy students to the world of motorcycles during a spring workshop in the 2015–2016 academic year. He helped the students restore two disassembled 1970 mini bikes donated by Wheels Through Time transportation museum in North Carolina.

In the spring semester of the 2017–2018 academic year, several students and a parent expressed a renewed interest in the motorcycle workshop. Under the advisement of Monk, a motorcyclist himself, an official Motorcycle Club was established in April. First-year student Billy Power was elected president, and future elections will also include secretary and treasurer positions. Anyone is welcome to join the club.

Sean Lamoureux (center) with Wheels Through Time founder Dale Walksler (right) and a member of his team.

Club Kicks Into Gear

For the club’s first rebuild, Monk acquired a 1995 Honda Magna that at one time was owned by Charlie Derr, director of instructional technology at Simon’s Rock. This motorcycle is considered a cruiser: low, powerful, and comfortable for cruising around. Other types of motorcycles include a sport bike, a café racer, a touring motorcycle, and even a scooter or vespa. Read The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Types.

honda-magna The first task was to remove the hand grips, the seats, the rear backrest, and the broken front fender. Then the club washed the bike and polished the rims. The bike was fitted with new hand grips, rear backrest, seats, front fender, fork seals, and battery. It also got a fresh coat of paint. Monk says “the trick with body work is sanding and getting it smooth. Scratches, divots, etc. are enhanced by paint.” Learn how to paint a bike.

The club turned around its first rebuild in a month and a half, starting in April 2018 and completing it by mid-May. The Honda Magna was sold to a local rider and the profit the club made will go toward the next rebuild.

A Lift and a Logo

Bill Power, father of Billy and Academy student Kate, donated the money to purchase a lift. Other contributions were grips donated by community member Greg Cherin and the new seats were donated by a friend of Monk’s via the Cycle World forum.

What is a Motorcycle Club without a logo? First-year student Isabella Cho worked with Monk to design the logo, which was imprinted on shirts made by Blue Point Design in Sheffield, where Simon’s Rock alumnae Amanda Johnston ’11 is a production assistant. You can get your own shirt for $10 (you don’t have to be a member), just email Monk.

Want to Join?

The club meets during the fall and spring semesters in the welding shop behind the Daniel Arts Center. The availability of a bike will determine when the rebuild begins, but the club can always use nonbuilding time to learn more about motorcycles and kick around ideas for the next rebuild. No matter when a bike rolls into the shop, each rebuild should be completed before the end of the spring semester, since spring is a good time to sell.

Elisha Explores an Interest in Mechanics

Sophomore Elisha Eisen loves working with his hands on mechanical things, so when he heard about the club, he said “sign me up.” Elisha, who is concentrating in computer science, is really excited for the next rebuild and being able to further explore his interest in mechanical processes.

“I have learned a great deal about motorcycles from the club and have enjoyed applying my previous mechanical knowledge to the craft.”
-Elisha Eisen

Elisha Eisen (left) is a member of the Motorcycle Club.

Audrey Steps Out of Her Comfort Zone

Sophomore Audrey Russell’s academic interests are biology and global public health, and she enjoys running, cross-country skiing, and learning foreign languages, but she saw the Motorcycle Club as a chance to step out of her comfort zone and gain skills she may not have learned in other clubs or activities.

There is also a broken down motorcycle sitting at home in Alaska that Audrey wants to get running again. She had never worked on a motorcycle before, so the club was an opportunity to gain some insight before taking on a rebuild of her own.

Simon’s Rock provides many avenues for you to pursue your interests or try something different. Don’t see a club that represents your interests? Start one.

Learn More About Student Groups and Organizations

“I had a small amount of experience using tools and solving mechanical issues, and I was eager to expand on these skills and apply them.” The uniqueness of the club, and the enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of those involved, is what excited Audrey about joining.

“The people I worked with really inspired me to continue working with motorcycles.”
-Audrey Russell

The Next Rebuild

During the 2018–2019 academic year, the club will work on a 1978 Honda CX500. It came with a spare motor from a 1982 Honda CX500, as well as more spare parts and the shop manual.

What needs to be done? Everything! Victoria Loughborough ’14 will get a start on sorting and inventorying parts this summer.

Building your own Motorcycle

So you want to build or rebuild your own motorcycle?

First, it’s helpful to know how a motorcycle runs. Main components include the engine, the brakes, and the carburetor. Here are a few videos to get you started:

Then you need to find a motorcycle to rebuild. Here are some tips from Monk:

Mention to everyone you know you’re looking for a project motorcycle. The more who know, the more help you’re likely to get; someone may even donate a bike.
It’s easier if you find a complete bike. Better yet, find a complete bike that comes with a box of spare parts or a “parts bike”—a spare bike that can provide parts.
Know what paperwork you will need. For example, some states want proof of ownership (the title) and/or a bill of sale.
Is the bike running? If the bike doesn’t run, you’ll want to ask why and did the owner try to fix it. A nonrunning bike may end up costing you more in the end than buying a running bike. If a bike is not running but free, and you have the time and budget, then go for it.
Dream, do your research, and get excited about the end result. A motorcycle can be as individual as the person working on it. If you’re rebuilding for resale, consider the market or the buyer.

“The bike is all about you. You make it your own.”
-Monk Schane-Lydon

Buying a Motorcycle

You joined the Motorcycle Club, got your hands dirty, and learned how a motorcycle runs and how to be a safe rider. You have your license and you’ve taken the safety course, and now you want to buy your own motorcycle. Here’s a primer on How to Buy Your First Motorcycle.