Author: Chris Tribbey

OK, now that Fred is home, time to begin the process of freeing up the frozen fasteners and components. I will be using Kroil (http://www.kanolabs.com/penLub.html). Other suggestions have been a mixture of 50% acetone and 50% ATF. For now it will be Kroil. Not much happens during this phase, just continually soaking and a little tap with a wrench every now and then. This is an extremely phase as damage can occur if you get too impatient and try to force fasteners loose. With a bike this old the last thing I want to happen is break or damage a components that results in it not being usable. Not an exciting phase, but very important! Next post will be looking at the carburetor while the bike is “soaking”.

So now that Kathie and me “consummated” the deal it was time for Fred* to move to Caledonia (southern suburb of Milwaukee).

*I have never named any of my 47 motorcycles. This motorcycle was an exception. This bike is now Fred, in honor of Fred Hazen, the original owner.

Paul was going to go with me but I decided to get am early start to make the 12 hour round trip journey. Therefore it would be a solo ride south and time to bond with Fred on the way home.

The journey was December 22, 2015.

Arriving at the storage facility where I would meet Fred for the second time, and take him “home”, I was humbled at the fact this was actually happening. I had to pinch myself that I was now the owner of a 105 year old Excelsior and and agreed to honor Fred and the Hazen history.

Kathie and I had a great “ceremony” passing the stewardship torch, toasting Fred and the new journey he was now on. Time to load him up and drive north!

So……Here goes. I receive a phone call from Paul (a friend I have known since 1989, artist, and avid motorcyclist). He tells me of a phone call he received from a friend selling an old motorcycle. He thinks it’s a 1913 Excelsior. I am intrigued. He does not know if it is all there, or if it is a single or twin, does not know condition, but has recommended I follow up with the estate representative to get more information. So I did. This is how I met Kathie. We spoke at length, I learned a lot about the family and current situation of the estate this motorcycle was part of. I was in Milwaukee, as was Kathie. The bike was in storage in Decatur, IL. But before we could go look at it (and I wanted to ASAP), we had a lot more talking to do. Kathie was concerned on the care the bike would receive. Kathie was concerned about my abilities and how I would “restore” the bike. Perfectly natural concerns. I invited her to my shop to feel the aura of the garage and to be able to listen to me as I described my philosophy on restoring bikes. I was able to show her several I had and how I documented the process. Let’s just say it was an awesome night together. We agreed on a road trip, along with Paul, to visit the bike in Decatur. Arriving at the storage facility we were able to visit the machine. And there it was……a 105 year old Excelsior. The copper gas/oil tank was perfect! Most parts were there, even the carburetor, and belt idler tensioner. The parts that were on the bike were all frozen tight, as was the engine (what I expected). But I was in love. Here are the first photos I took upon seeing the bike on this day. This was November 16th. Hope you enjoy these pictures as I did on this day. Next chapter – Moving to Milwaukee.

This bike was originally owned by Fred Hazen (b.1897) and his brother George. Thought to be a 1913 model, but further research appears to identify the bike as a 1911 model 4K (more detailed specifications in a later post). The bike has been in the Hazen family for four generations. The Hazen family lived in Champaign County, IL. Pictured here in the old faded photograph is Fred Hazen (taken in 1913). Quite the dapper gentleman! Special thanks to Steve for enhancing this old photograph.

Fast forward to 2015 meet Kathie……..to be continued………….