March 2013 Bike of the Month

[FromMaine]

This was a tough decision. There were a number of candidates on the shortlist that merited consideration but there can only be one and I made the choice. I will say though that one of the ones under consideration is a definite future BOTM.

This months winner is known to us all here even if you have only joined recently. He is very generous with his time, knowledge, tools and his garage. I know this for a fact as I was in his driveway with my Sabre's rear wheel and shaft torn apart checking a damper problem 3300 miles from my garage with my daughter while we were going cross country in 2010. He has also helped other Board members with their bikes, or sent parts or loaned tools as needed. As far as Board members go, they don't get any better than this one.

He also happens to rebuild V4's with an eye to detail and a proficiency that I can only hope to achieve, and in case your wondering, yes, I have stood inside the fabled "Living Room Garage".

Congratulations John Hilmer, your Vf500F is March 2013's Bike of the Month.



A link to Johns thread on the rebuild.

http://v4hondabbs.com/index.php?topic=52432.0

[CraigT]

Yep, that's a sweet one alright. a well deserved kudos to you John!  :thumb

[chazglenn3]

I cannot think of a more deserving member than John Hilmer.  Congrats, John!  That bike is actually nicer than when new!   tenof10 :thumb :bow:

[Stretch]

And rightly deserved. Congrats John.

[Miecul]

There are only good words that can describe John Hilmer. What Michael said and a whole lot more. His work reflects the kind of man he is. Although we've never met face to face, (I hope that will change someday) I've come to know him a little more each time we write. I also know he hates being the center of attention, but work like he has done so many times, can't be hid away. I only hope I can learn 50% of what he has stored away in his head. Well done John. The world's a better place with you in it.  :thumb :beer: :thumb

[Hopit88]

Even if his bike didn't look so amazing, he's always in the running for member of the month! I send that pic to anyone asking about a 500 rebuild. Bravo!

[Six7390GT]

Great Choice. I've never met John either, but I think if the rest of the world was a little more like him, it would be a better place.

[The Dutchy]

A well deserved spot...

Congrats John, you are a great guy. Don't know how the forum would be without your posts...

Dutchy

[John Hilmer]

Michael & All,

I'm not real good with words, especially when trying to express my feelings at a time like this. There are so many excellent restorations and projects all across the country and beyond that I have to say that I believe that this honor is not for this build being the best. I see it as just my turn in a string of really superior and stunning efforts by many of us. I could list quite a number of folks and their works, that I'm sure are better than my own. I won't try to list them, we all know who they are, and I'm sure that Michael will be tapping them soon.

I'm just one like the many here that enjoys the process, sometimes more than riding.

When Michael was here and working on his Sabre, I tried to help a bit, but he did the real work. While he was wrenching I started to clean and add some polish to the pumpkin. When He saw this his comment was, "What are you doing? Are ya trying to turn it into a Magna?"

It is just a habit Michael, I can't help it.

Thank you all so much,

John

[Jeff in Franklin TN]

If I ever see that bike in person....... ;D........I'm going to drool all over it. (black wheels make the bike faster though)  ;)

[v65infla]

Recalling what I can of the build and the effort that went into it, I think it is a candidate for bike of the year!

[Jeff in Franklin TN]

Recalling what I can of the build and the effort that went into it, I think it is a candidate for bike of the year!

I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING!!

[Capt. Capsize]

If I had an Interceptor that looked like that I would park it in the living room too.

[v4forever]

Congratulations John on being the BOTM.
As I have only seen this bike in unassembled in your carpeted man cave, it sure looks nice now.
And yes John's work is museum quality.
Not sure if we will swing by your place this year, vacationing on Vancouver Island this summer.

[Howtech]

When this topic opened this was the bike I first thought of.

Congrats Mr. Hilmer.

:beer:

<><

[OregonMike]

Congrats  :beer:  Well deserved recognition!

[Doc4pcs]

I agree with the others, you deserve it. That's a beautiful bike.

Congrats John!

[TarHeelV4Rider]

Very nice, indeed! Congratulations, John! tenof10
Have a good'ern!
Hunter

[klopperg]

Recalling what I can of the build and the effort that went into it, I think it is a candidate for bike of the year!

I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING!!

AHMEN TO THAT!!

[N2BRK]

Awesome choice; owner and bike  :beer:

[Big Al in NY]

If I ever take my "fix my bike" trip I'll schedule a week for John, lol.

Congrats, it is sweet looking!

Big Al

[Stretch]

Is your living room on the first floor?


;D

[EV]

I know the effort and determination you put into this bike John, congratulations on a magnificent restore, just beautiful,  :thumb



Earl

[klopperg]

There is only one flaw in that bike, it is to clean to ride.  :wal:
Well if it was mine, it would have staid in the living room as an ornament.  ;D

[BILL PERDUE]

 :thumb what they said. Great job

[mloaks]

congrats

[mxdadx2]

totally awesome john. i likey  :beer:

[Raymond in Houston]

Nice bike... well deserved........ :thumb

[djohnson3626]

Sweet looking machine, you deserve the honor John!!

[John Hilmer]

Folks,

I was planning to wait until Friday the 29th to reply thinking that all replies would be received by then, but it seems that this is complete now.

To me, what makes this honor of the highest value is that he who selected this machine and those who have commented are probably more talented and capable than I. So it bears witnessing that I hold these folks and more in high regard.

There are members here that deliberately avoided making comments; I assume for different reasons. Some probably because they like me shun the spot light and others that are just plain thinking this sort of thing is not of value.

I have to answer the last implied because I was reticent to allow my bike to be considered knowing it's faults.

The turning point in my allowing this machine to be considered, was when it was suggested to me that if I allowed this to happen, it might get someone to try to improve what was in hand.

To me saving these machines, whatever the flavor, is the golden purpose.

Clearly I am humbled by the honor and look forward to see the following selections as well as those posted in the restoration threads.

John