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INDEX
To Our Members
Members Comments & best wishes to GY & MY
President's, Vice President's and Membership/WebMaster messages
AMCA Schedule for 1999
Parts, Services and Ads
101 Association changes / application for AMCA
Problems encountered putting together a 1923 Scout
NEW ADS!
TO OUR MEMBERS: 1998 was the lst year George and Milli Yarocki were at the helm of the 101 Association. in the 15 years since it's inception it has grown to an International Association renowned for it's services to it's members, the quality of the information disseminated, and the camaraderie of the members themselves. It has remained apolitical and without the petty cliquish squabbles that "grace" so many other clubs. For this, we have them chiefly to thank. They have acted in a true and sure fashion and given unselfishly of their time, resources, generosity and even room and board!
So, with editorial prerogative, we dedicate this issue, our first, to these two wonderfully vibrant 101 members who have made the 101 Association what it is today.
Thanks, George and Milli - we all truly appreciate everything you have done and continue to do for all of us. R&J
Member's well - wishes and stories about George & Milli
George has taught me you don't have to say much bad about anybody. I rarely hear him speak negatively. I think he figures people will show you their bad side all by themselves. Milli is a friend to all - she truly cares for everyone at the meets - and believe it or not, she is sincere in this . They both care about different things, but do it sincerely and KINDLY. That's something worth learning in life. Joan Kirdulis, #4
THE FIRST TIME I MET GEORGE AND Milli was in 1985 at the "DJ" run in Denver, Colorado. George came out in his motor home with a trailer behind it, loaded with his 101 Scout pulling a trailer with a spare engine in it. The run started and I took off on my 1930 Indian 4, which I had ridden from Glendale, CA, unaccompanied to Denver. When the run started, as usual, I was ahead of a lot of riders, and when I came to a junction in the road I decided to wait for awhile. Soon I heard a noise like a package of fire crackers going off, and here comes this 101 puling a trailer with George in the saddle and Milli perched over the rear wheel on one of those old fashioned buddy seats. By the time he got to where I was, it died completely. George said it has a fouled spark plug. I said it sounded worse than that. He changed plugs, and it still wouldn't start. I suggested looking into the mag. for moisture. George said, "That can't be, it is sealed with silicone". I said, "all the more reason to check it". We finally pried the cap off the mag. And almost got drowned with about a quart of water that was in the mag. While George was wiping and drying the mag., Milli said to me, "I'm glad you were here". Soon we were on our way. This chance meeting in 1985 has since developed into a wonderful, lasting relationship with 2 people devoted to 101 Scouts. How nice our hobby is to join so many avid fans together for mutual enjoyment. Max Bubeck #7 (see pictures on back cover!)
Dear George and Milli ---- I write this after thinking about you stepping down as President, Treasurer, Secretary, Technical Advisor, Magazine Composer, etc., etc.. While the people coming in behind you are sincere, hard working and dedicated, they have some big shoes to fill. You are leaving them the Best Little Motorcycle Club in the world. All 101ers will miss you: GOOD LUCK---------101ER Tom Bresnahan #8
George Yarocki has been my friend and patron for many years. Every year of this decade I've visited George and Milli - every year! He has given me complete access to his amazing literature library which is a fantastic resource for a writer of motorcycle books. You will find George in the acknowledgements section of every book I've written in the past ten years. George also has given me lodging, which started out to be bed in his office, and now has advanced to a private room. Though I've stayed weeks at a time, George and Milli always have tried to get me to stay another day or two. My late-night bull sessions with George have spanned the history of American motorcycling, from Ace to Yale. With a shared passion for the subject, we have often talked at length and in depth in a way that we can talk to few others. George is just plain fun. He has a terrific sense of humor. He is every good thing that spells "friend." I consider myself blessed for knowing him well
A little story about George: In 1987, George and Milli rode his 101/sidecar outfit on the Rocky Mountain Chapter sponsored AMCA National "DJ" road run. George was a little nervous, because he carried a complete spare 101 engine/transmission unit in the sidecar. One night, somebody jacked up the motorcycle just
enough to get the rear wheel off the ground. George started the 101, put it in gear, released the clutch, and of course, experienced zero acceleration. After trying again, to ensure he had the transmission in gear, he killed the engine and dismounted, convinced he would have to use his spare power plant. With a deadly serious look on his face, he removed his tool box from the sidecar, and started pulling tools out. Before he got in any deeper, somebody rushed up to tell him the score. At that moment, I don't know what was redder, his face or his Scout. Jerry Hatfield #9
I am enclosing my membership for another year in the 101 Association. I find the newsletter very informative, and one day my 101 will look like some of the bikes featured in the news. I thank you and all the other hark working members of the club for the effort you put into the club to make it what it is. Thanks again, Francis Koppe #51
Dear George and Milli: In Oct., 1997 I stayed with my family for a few days in Norwalk, CT, visiting friends. So I took the chance to make a trip to Torrington. It was great to see the man standing behind the 101 Club with all his engagement. George showed me all his workshops and it was unbelievable for me to see all that 101 Stuff. It was like in "101 heaven". 10 days later I was glad to go there for a second time. Leaving George and Milli, I had some copies and original literature with me, which they sold to me. Thank you both for all your engagement and efforts! Regards, Uwe Graeber #73
George Yarocki: Intelligent, Dedicated, Considerate, Modest, Way Too Polite, Self-Starter. Needs no direction (just try and keep up with him), Gets along well with others (as long as you are on a 101 Scout), All around good guy (he likes to buy lunch). Too bad he's retired, I'd hire him! Milli Yarocki: All of the above with a softer touch (she makes George buy lunch!). What can be said of their idea to cast the Indian 101 Scout in our hearts and minds forever? INCREDIBLE FORESIGHT! INDIAN SUPREMACY AT IT'S BEST! I know - they are both up on my mantel - next to Hedstrom and Hendee, of coarse. Randy Zorn #77
Thank you, George and Milli, for all your unselfish work during the years. And whenever you are visiting Europe, please come to Göteborg on the Swedish west-coast (V. Frölunda is a suburb of Göteborg). My wife and I would welcome you and open our guestroom to you! Leif Jostrand #109
Got your note on the tribute issue to George & Milli. I have never met either of them but I hope to in the future.
I don't have any personal stories to tell about them only that the effort that they have put into the Association has made the process of rebuilding my 101 a much easier and more enjoyable task. Their work is much appreciated. Mike Zeigle #111
It is remarkable how much George and Milli Yarocki have done to keep the 101 Scout Alive and well. Their efforts are very much appreciated! The old slogan, "You can't wear out an Indian Scout" should be changed to "If you do wear out an Indian Scout Yarocki can help you rebuild it." Woody Carson #147
I purchased a 101 (with Goulding sidecar) out of a collection in Japan. When it finally got here to Connecticut I called George and asked if he would go over it with me. Being the generous guy that he is he replied "sure, bring it up."
I live about an hour away from George, so I unhooked the sidecar and brought the bike up in my truck. George took one look at it and said "We'll have it running in no time." Now this bike had not been started or run in over 10 years, and we had no idea what we'd find once we started fooling with it.
To make a long story short, George worked on the bike for perhaps a few hours and found the only thing wrong with the bike was the carb. He dug through his boxes of spares, and whatever he couldn't find, he made right there and then in is shop (sure wish I had a shop like his, or even his skills in it!).
Then, after working on my bike for at least two hours and giving me parts for it he, Millie and I went out for lunch and he fought with me for the check. Imagine that, he donated his time, skills and parts and wouldn't even let me buy him lunch!
After lunch we finished the repairs on the carb and George and I took turns riding the 101 around his neighborhood. What a great and generous guy! I'm a big fan of George, who has taught me almost everything I know about Indian 101s. He's a great guy, a total gentleman and one of the most generous people I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. Buzz Kanter #254
Many thanks for the ever endless help in my 1931 101 restoration. Tracking down supplies and putting me on the right track for completion of a 20 year project. Many thanks to Milli and George from a Canadian Friend. Greg Hutchinson #224
George and Milli, the King and Queen of the 101, Thanks for helping to start a great Association of 101 riders and promoting a great bike. Your friend, Rocky Halter #263
I've had only a couple of exchanges with George (I spoke with him briefly at Oley, but people were literally waiting in line to talk with him!).
After my 101 arrived in a crate, I called George to ask him where to check the oil level in the crank. It occurred to me that it was a pretty basic thing to be approaching the president of the association about, but he was gracious and patient and also told me about bleeding the air out of the line leading to the oil pump.
I can't be certain, but I thought I detected a note of trepidation in his voice when he told me: "You know, these motorcycles were designed with the assumption that the owners would be heavily involved in maintenance." Bob Kelley, #329
Thanks, George and Milli for your many helpful hints and technical assistance with my 101s. Your dedication to the 101 Club has helped put many 101s back on the road where they belong. Many Thanks, Ian Davidson #380
Concerning our former president and actual vice, I can only congratulate us -the members. And this is because his efforts to get the club running without any overhead and to bring the overhaul manual on the way have helped me and -I'm sure- many, many other restorers and especially those outside the States to bring these old motorcycles really back on the roads. Daniel Harnasch, #391
Thank you Milli and George for all the work you have done for the association. Before I bought my first 101 I had heard about the association but I had no idea about all the technical support I could get from it. It is a pleasure to be a member in an association where everything is so well organized. Magnus Backstrom #399
I have been truly amazed by the amount of information contained in the 101 R&O manual - this is great for me as I enjoy doing as much of my own work as I can - fabricating and repairing my own parts. I am starting with a very rough 1929 101 45", which I acquired about a year ago. It had been used and abused and used some more until someone gave up on it with no rear cylinder for several decades....I love a challenge! It's great to see that the people in this organization are willing to share 101 information through the R&O manual to an extent which I had never seen before in 20 plus years of messing with antique motorcycles. Keep up the good work! Victor Blake #412
If any man was responsible for the perpetuation of the 101 Scout - it is George Yarocki.
The 101 Scout was extremely popular from the time of it's birth until many years later when most were finally worn out or pushed, in obsolescence, to the back of the barn. Through your untiring dedication to keeping the torch alive, the 101 has seen an unprecedented revival. Your research into the 101's long lost past has solved many "what" and "why" mysteries that would have otherwise caused roadblocks for many restorers. Your encouragement, generosity and enthusiasm have been the impetus behind the unprecedented number of reproduction parts and services available today.
As I look back over past issues of WOW, I see photos of many different enthusiasts in your shop learning about 101s under your able tutelage. You and Milli have always welcomed us and unreservedly shared your knowledge and experience. I was privileged to enjoy that hospitality last year when you, Doug Strange and I spent several days unraveling the mysteries of a Splitdorf NS-2 magneto. It was one of the most pleasurable few days I'd spent in a long time.
George, thanks for being there when so many of us needed your advice, support and encouragement. Without you, many of us would not be riding 101s today. Steve Blancard #413
I remember the 1987 National Road Run in Colorado. George had his 101/sidecar rig shipped out by crate to Jeff Grigsby's shop where he and Milli flew out to meet it. The Scout performed flawlessly on the Road Run but on the final leg of the trip George zigged when he should have zagged and ended up hopelessly lost. This little mishap caused George to endure the affectionate handle "wrong-way Yarocki" for several years thereafter. George is the embodiment of the definition of ENTHUSIAST. Dennis Craig #417
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: We have had many changes in the past few months. Some may have been seen by some as good, some not, but I guess that's what life is about! The interests of a group of enthusiasts from all avenues of life have come together for one thing - the wonderful Scouts! And we can all thank George and Milli for giving up most of 15 years to help all of us out of our dilemmas. For this club is one of a kind - a working club for problem solving, learning, and just enjoyment. Just these 2 people have changed most of our lives and probably some careers - as they did mine. For without them, I would not be in this profession of making reproduction parts and working on machines and being able to say, "Boy, this is a GOOD bike!"
Now the torch has been passed and so some changes are occurring as we move forward. Our Volume 16-1 was put together by Joanie, my right hand (and sometimes left too!). She is also our web designer and has started a discussion group for 101 members only, which has 40 members in just 3 months!
Our National meet will be at the Yankee AMCA meet in Hebron, CT on August 14-16 at 11 AM on Saturday so we can have our judging right before the road ride (get 'em dirty AFTER you show 'em - new idea!). Yankee Chapter is thrilled to have us back and is having a SCOUT theme and special Scout awards! So get your machines ready! R. Walker
VICE-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Seems so "different" as our WOW is right now being put together some distance away for the first time in fifteen years.
Our Repair and Overhaul Manual is very popular and is being discovered by non-101 persons. This is fine as all sales benefit our Association. It is also kind of an honor to have this document so well received.
Included with Vol 16, No 1 is a page 40N and 40o dealing with the taper roller bearing rear wheel. The only wheel left to do is the ball bearing front wheel. Also included are four pages dealing with the Battery Box. These are pages 7C, 7D, 7E, and 7F supplied by 101er C.E. Renquist. Mr. Renquist has supplied many pages of drawings for our manual and I wish to thank him at this time. We all owe him our appreciation.
I am working on pages 14F and 14G, which are assembly pages for our 101 engine. I am totally dismayed at the way most of these engines have been misassembled over the years and I blame the Indian Factory for not getting the proper information out to it's dealers and owners until around 1940. G Yarocki
MEMBERSHIP/WEBMASTER’S MESSAGE: What a task! Taking over the publications from George, the membership and Treasury from Milli and getting us an Internet presence!!! LOVE IT!
Thank you to all the 101ers who have submitted articles for this issue - as you can see I didn't have room for all of them, but those that didn't make it will be in the next two issues and I WILL return your photos! Thanks again!
As of my writing this, we have 255 paid up 1999 members, 98 1998 members who have not renewed and 97 still unrenewed from 1997. I am going to send these folks reminders!
Internet-wise, we have picked up at least 10 new members through the internet. When I am done with this WOW (and then finish my taxes!) I am going to make our web site (101Scout.com) capable of memberships and renewals by charge card on-line with a secure sever! We have a members-only discussion list (to subscribe, go to http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/101Scout) that has over 50 members at the moment. We also have a BOD discussion list so the Board can discuss problems and vote on-line (8 out of 9 members are online!). If I can be of any help to you or point you in the right direction for motorcycle related questions on the Internet, please email me at RWMC101@aol.com! Joan Kirdulis
Hi, Randy --
This is 101er Bob Kelley. I get the impression you may be on your way to becoming the person in charge of the association newsletter, and I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed writing the article a couple of issues ago on learning to ride a motorcycle on a 101 (I'm getting around like a champ now, never dropped it once!) and may want to write something else down the road, if the topic presents itself. The problem is the piece I wrote was sort of a one-shot deal, and right now I have no highway adventures or mechanical insights to share with the other members.
I have enough fun riding my 37'' near home that I haven't gone very far afield, but there have been some stretches when I rode nearly every day. Once I get out there in the wind riding briskly enough that the popping exhaust note drowns out the engine's mechanical clatter, I don't want to go home, and I often do an impromptu final loop before shutting down.
My bike has too many non-original parts to be even a good starting point for a show bike, but I just wanted a dependable 101 that hadn't been customized or deliberately taken away from the stock appearance. People don't write about this much, but I happen to think the 101s LOOK great. Maybe it's the small scale, or maybe something about the shape of the front fender, but I think even the leaf-spring front doesn't detract from the overall profile (same as on the early '40s Chiefs, but there it's the skirted front fender that balances things out).
Anyway, the association has been an invaluable resource for me, and I wanted to thank you for your role in it. Don't hesitate to get in touch if the spirit moves you at bkelley@phillynews.com (note spelling Kelley). I realized too late that I should have included that at the end of my article in case any 101ers wanted to respond. I'm sure there were one or two horrified at the prospect that a beginner might be subjecting DG1080 to abuse, but I proceeded with extreme caution and respect for the machinery.
Yours in 101 Mania,
Bob Kelley, #329 Collingswood, N.J.
This article will appear in the next WOW!
Excerpts from Problems encountered while putting together a 1923 Scout
By John Mishanec
Because of the success of George Yarocki and his 101 newsletter, there are lots of 101 Scouts up and running. There are few early 37” Scouts around and with the almost yearly model changes, it is difficult to restore a 20-28 Scout. Back in the early 80's, I found a set of fenders and I thought the rest would be easy. I've been collecting parts for more than 15 years and there are still things I doubt I'll ever find. Seat spring parts have been particularly hard to locate. Fabricating unfindable parts is the only solution.
For a long time, I wanted to build a 1920 Scout. I had a 1920 motor and many of the special parts unique to the 20 Scout. Probably the most rare was the special transmission with the bracket for the kick start cast into the side. Indian had problems with this system so in 1922 they went to the kick start on the seat post like most later Indians. I had the 1920 gas tank, fenders, front fork, motor, wheels and all I needed was a frame. After 3 or 4 years of looking at all the swap meets and various adds, I finally gave up and traded my uniquely 20 parts to Bill Patt. He had the frame but I couldn't talk him out of it because he was born in 1920 and wanted to build a 20 Scout. Very understandable. I did finally manage to find a 23 frame. Dave Leitner had one that was a bit sawed up but he threw in an extra 26 frame for parts in the deal.
Anyone who goes the “piece it together” route needs to know what they're looking for. You study various bikes at meets. You pour over parts books and literature. You ask a lot of questions. You soon learn who is looking for the same parts and you form a sort of small club of searchers. I've helped others and they've helped me in my quest. Now that I had the big things, the small parts were slow in coming. A rear brake drum here. A set of handle bars there.
To read the rest, JOIN!!!
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