Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader - January 2009 - (Page 98)

MONTHLY FEATURES BIKER OF THE MONTH Positive Attitude Axel Buhck the Kawasaki Z Connection By Mike Brown “ I t all starts with everybody’s first bike, doesn’t it?” Biker of the Month Axel Buhck said in reflecting on the road that brought him into the motorcycle business. Specializing now in vintage Kawasaki Z motorcycles, a big favorite of speed demons in the 70s, Axel’s first mount was a much more humble Zundapp moped. Still, the speed signs were already emerging. “I started out at 15 on a moped, but I altered it so it would go faster,” he said. At 19 Axel stepped up to his first real motorcycle, an XT 500 Yamaha, a Axel takes a break to enjoy the scenery during one of his favorite rides, a tour of the Alps. bike he still owns. business and the knowledge gap many customers “Looking at it now these days,” he said of the motorcycle, “it’s almost embarrassing. had with respect to what it really took to do first-rate repairs soon had him searching for an I altered it 80’s style. It’s a really loud disco alternative. styled enduro now, but it’s part of my history.” By the early 90s Axel earned a living The U.S. became part of Axel’s history in 1987. On a visit from his native Germany he was exporting classic American cars and parts to Europe and in so doing became aware of another repeatedly offered employment as his skills as a opportunity, also from a distant country, this factory trained Mercedes mechanic were in high demand. After turning wrenches for about a year time Japan. “The U.S. in the 90s was chock full of these in the U.S., Axel decided to open his own bikes (Kawasaki Zs). Nobody wanted them and European car repair shop, but this turned out a nobody really appreciated them. At that time just short-term venture. Axel said the nature of the about any Japanese motorcycle was a throwaway, like a disposable lighter,” Axel said. However, across the opposite ocean many European bikers were more than mildly interested in Pacific imports, something partially the result of differences in the motorcycle culture there. “Riding motorcycles in Europe is a little bit different from here because the living conditions are much tighter,” Axel explained. “Not having all those big empty spaces there is a tendency for smaller vehicles that are more practical.” Axel said less room also creates a very active motorcycle scene because the much shorter distances from city to city make motorcycle connections easier. In good weather, for example, Axel need only drive a maximum of 200 kilometers to find a good motorcycle event on Axel customized this 79 XT, his first real motorcycle, “disco” style he’s a little embarrassed by it today but won’t part with it because it’s, “part of my any given weekend. history.” 98 January 2009 | WALNECK’S CLASSIC CYCLE TRADER® I WALNECKS.COM http://www.WALNECKS.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader - January 2009

Classic Cycle - January 2009 Contents American The Buzz with Buzz Walneck 1970 Harley Davidson FXS - Low Rider Motorcycle Tips with Mike Brown 1970 Harley Davidson Super Glide Cal Rayborn’s 1973 HD SRTT 1978 Harley Davidson XR 750 Bench Racing with Mark Zimmerman Events Listings & Advertisements British Chain Anyone? Barber Vintage Review Biker of the Month Parts, Accessories, Want Ads The Art of Dismantling Why Do We Do It, and When? Buffing Metal Old Blue, Deja Blue and the California Hot Rod A Fat Daddy I Call Friend 7th Annual Concours European Teacher Knows Best … Mike Brown The Midnight Whizzer … Mark Zimmerman Madman … Somer Hooker Buzz Japanese Motorbikes & Scooters Memorbilia Antique Cycle Clubs Competition How to Place a Word Ad How to Place a Photo Ad Area Code Directory How to Subscribe Let Us Help with Your Event

Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader - January 2009

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