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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: EldoMike on June 08, 2018, 10:13:53 PM

Title: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: EldoMike on June 08, 2018, 10:13:53 PM
Brought this home..been sitting inside a dusty garage but looks like it will clean up pretty good...belonged to Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse.  I had no idea who he was until getting the bike. 

(https://photos.smugmug.com/1993-MG-1000S/i-rQG3bvw/0/c644f7dc/S/11634-S.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/AdventureRider/i-zbfwjM2/0/204ff53e/XL/20180608_105734-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Idontwantapickle on June 08, 2018, 10:21:16 PM
Congratulations! That is a great bike, enjoy it.
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: oldbike54 on June 08, 2018, 10:40:30 PM
 That's pretty cool Mike .

 Dusty
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: fotoguzzi on June 08, 2018, 11:02:26 PM
 :drool:
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: EldoMike on June 08, 2018, 11:09:52 PM
The person I got the bike said he actually liked riding his Eldorado more....I brought it home also..

(https://photos.smugmug.com/AdventureRider/i-hfBDrxN/0/5bef702a/XL/11640-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/AdventureRider/i-6zSmnpL/0/f38693b1/XL/20180608_094420-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Tusayan on June 08, 2018, 11:22:17 PM
The 1000S would be my choice but regardless a bike with a story is a nice thing, I've always enjoyed the history of used vehicles that I've bought.


(https://thumb.ibb.co/j6RdL8/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/j6RdL8)
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Shorty on June 09, 2018, 12:04:09 AM
You da man, Mike!   :thumb:
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: jas67 on June 09, 2018, 02:07:41 AM
Wow, congrats.   I'm green with envy!    I really, really like (and want) the 1000S!
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: pebra on June 09, 2018, 02:38:54 AM
Well now. I hadn't heard about Sparklehorse before.
Hope there's no bad ju-ju with the bikes.
Beautiful 1000 S!
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Unkept on June 09, 2018, 07:54:25 AM
Here's a video of Mark and some of his collection back in 1998. It appears that the Eldo was his wife's bike at the time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpae8Nn3_iw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpae8Nn3_iw)


I found out about Mark Linkuos through this video, and then I found out how he worked with Daniel Johnston (another eclectic musician) through listening to a cover of one of those songs by Beck Hansen.

So Sparklehorse has connections to a few of the musical circles I follow. They don't have a lot of songs I remember, I'll admit, but one song called "Saturday" is a favorite of mine and I learned a simple cover of it on guitar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cEcGJY_iiA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cEcGJY_iiA)

I'm always sad thinking of what happened to Mark.  :cry: I'm happy to see his bikes live on! Thanks for sharing your story, when I found a musician who played a bit like me, and who loved Guzzis... I just felt a bit of a kinship.
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: EldoMike on June 09, 2018, 08:11:57 AM
Here's a video of Mark and some of his collection back in 1998. It appears that the Eldo was his wife's bike at the time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpae8Nn3_iw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpae8Nn3_iw)


I found out about Mark Linkuos through this video, and then I found out how he worked with Daniel Johnston (another eclectic musician) through listening to a cover of one of those songs by Beck Hansen.

So Sparklehorse has connections to a few of the musical circles I follow. They don't have a lot of songs I remember, I'll admit, but one song called "Saturday" is a favorite of mine and I learned a simple cover of it on guitar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cEcGJY_iiA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cEcGJY_iiA)

I'm always sad thinking of what happened to Mark.  :cry: I'm happy to see his bikes live on! Thanks for sharing your story, when I found a musician who played a bit like me, and who loved Guzzis... I just felt a bit of a kinship.

Thanks for the post...amazing talent
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: ctk111 on June 09, 2018, 08:57:53 AM
Thanks for the post...amazing talent

Very cool.  He was from central VA.  Where did you buy the bikes from?
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: EldoMike on June 09, 2018, 09:36:57 AM
Very cool.  He was from central VA.  Where did you buy the bikes from?

They were left to a longtime childhood friend who also passed away...I bought them from is wife who was also a longtime friend of Mark...they lived in Atlanta and NC
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Dave Swanson on June 09, 2018, 10:46:32 AM
Great find with a special history.   I know you will give the bikes their proper respect. 
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: EldoMike on June 09, 2018, 11:23:01 AM
The Eldo has this complete exhaust system...it is stainless..anybody know the maker?

(https://photos.smugmug.com/AdventureRider/i-KdQWCCn/0/b80c7a39/XL/20180609_104513-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/AdventureRider/i-b5KscVf/0/c2daa993/XL/20180609_104523-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: ctk111 on June 09, 2018, 11:25:21 AM
They were left to a longtime childhood friend who also passed away...I bought them from is wife who was also a longtime friend of Mark...they lived in Atlanta and NC

Great story.  Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: John Ulrich on June 09, 2018, 11:26:58 AM
Wow, What a score.  How many Guzzi's came home with you????
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: EldoMike on June 09, 2018, 11:41:07 AM
Wow, What a score.  How many Guzzi's came home with you????

I've bought 5 Guzzi from them...as well as a 1956 Zundapp Bella scooter(not for sale :-)
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: guzzisteve on June 09, 2018, 12:10:50 PM
The Eldo has this complete exhaust system...it is stainless..anybody know the maker?

(https://photos.smugmug.com/AdventureRider/i-KdQWCCn/0/b80c7a39/XL/20180609_104513-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/AdventureRider/i-b5KscVf/0/c2daa993/XL/20180609_104523-XL.jpg)
Those look like Mistral's, MG Cycle used to sell a set like that. You may want to check w/them.
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: BonnevilleQuin on May 26, 2019, 04:50:27 PM
My absolute dream bike! If you ever want to sell it!  :drool:
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Cam3512 on May 27, 2019, 11:05:40 AM
Brought this home..been sitting inside a dusty garage but looks like it will clean up pretty good...belonged to Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse.  I had no idea who he was until getting the bike. 

(https://photos.smugmug.com/1993-MG-1000S/i-rQG3bvw/0/c644f7dc/S/11634-S.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/AdventureRider/i-zbfwjM2/0/204ff53e/XL/20180608_105734-XL.jpg)

For some reason the 1000S photos don’t show up for me.   Gimme another fix Mike!
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 27, 2019, 11:32:21 AM
Cam,  I bought this 1000S from Mike last summer and have been working on it.  I have a thread over in the rebuild section.

(https://i.postimg.cc/gkTCJsr5/IMG-3333.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Mv1P3y7b)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Y9P6gvgp/IMG-3344.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G8kTnhqN)
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: EldoMike on May 27, 2019, 11:35:06 AM
Dave did a fantastic job on it... Check it out
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 27, 2019, 11:36:17 AM
Dave did a fantastic job on it... Check it out

Thanks Mike!

I have quite a ways to go, but should be on the road by end of summer.
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Cam3512 on May 27, 2019, 11:49:04 AM
I’m a dumbass.  Didn’t even notice the thread was a year old.  But thanks for the pic Dave!
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 31, 2019, 05:44:42 PM
I found an interesting picture of a Sparklehorse performance or a photo shoot with the 1000S in the background.

(https://i.postimg.cc/C1r0xgMG/sparklehorse1.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/KcVFXxHF/sparklehorse2.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Dave Swanson on July 06, 2019, 09:10:12 AM
Here is a not so good picture of the Sparklehorse 1000S when it was kept in one of the band mates basement. 

(https://i.postimg.cc/BQjhr2w2/IMG-4781-2.png) (https://postimg.cc/TpXqm5xP)
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Dave Swanson on July 14, 2019, 07:47:49 PM
I have always wondered what the back story was regarding the light road rash on the left side of the bike.

(https://i.postimg.cc/9QwSQvrW/IMG-4871-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JsmKTYNg)

I have been in touch with Mark Linkous' old riding buddy and he told me the story.   Around 2003 they were riding when it started to rain hard.  They rode to an overpass to park under.  Just before Mark was completely stopped he dumped the bike in the gravel.  Mystery solved!   
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Dave Swanson on July 23, 2019, 10:01:35 PM
The 1000S is on the road and running great!  I spent some quality time with it and my Carbtune Pro tonight and went out for a ride.  What a machine!  It pulls hard!  Love the motor!

From a year ago when EldoMike dragged it home.

(https://i.postimg.cc/nhDwHbvb/guzzi-5.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

To this.  The only tasks left are some fiberglass repairs to the shroud for the clocks and having the trim ring for the headlight chromed.  Stoked!!

(https://i.postimg.cc/JhF8SQqp/IMG-4935-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rd57rx74)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Ls5RyWzq/IMG_4942_(2).jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3ksPNnf7)

Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: guzzi ride on July 24, 2019, 03:45:29 AM
Looks great ! almost factory fresh.
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: canuck750 on July 24, 2019, 09:32:14 AM
Well done :bow: :bow: :bow:
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: wirespokes on July 24, 2019, 07:04:52 PM
Well done, Dave! I'm jealous.
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: JJ on July 25, 2019, 12:32:07 PM
Simply...FABULOUS!!! Well done is a gross understatement!!!  :thumb: :cool: :wink: :smiley: :smiley:


(https://i.ibb.co/9q8JPQN/Screen-Shot-2019-07-25-at-10-30-27-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/9q8JPQN)
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on July 25, 2019, 12:42:11 PM
this thing looks so great! just the perfect amount of restoration!
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Dave Swanson on July 27, 2019, 04:21:15 PM
I was able to have my first proper ride on the 1000S today.  The 1000S was the picture of perfection throughout the day.  The fueling is amazing. The bike handles the twisties with aplomb!  The sound from the Staintunes from idle to cruising to full chat is glorious! 

I loaned my Griso for the day to a buddy I am trying to convert to MG.  He loved the Griso.

We made a couple post ride toasts to Mark Linkous.   I thought of him while riding today.  I have heard from a number of people how special this bike was to him.  Now I fully understand why. 

(https://i.postimg.cc/wvn1NmZ4/IMG-4978-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2bFjRVzn)

(https://i.postimg.cc/wv1t3Vfs/IMG-4971-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gXPcTvPY)
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: tazio on July 27, 2019, 07:45:47 PM
Sweet photos.
Present and future Guzzi classics :thumb:
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: HarveyMushman on July 27, 2019, 08:35:24 PM
I was able to have my first proper ride on the 1000S today.  The 1000S was the picture of perfection throughout the day.  The fueling is amazing. The bike handles the twisties with aplomb!  The sound from the Staintunes from idle to cruising to full chat is glorious! 

I loaned my Griso for the day to a buddy I am trying to convert to MG.  He loved the Griso.

We made a couple post ride toasts to Mark Linkous.   I thought of him while riding today.  I have heard from a number of people how special this bike was to him.  Now I fully understand why. 

(https://i.postimg.cc/wvn1NmZ4/IMG-4978-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2bFjRVzn)

(https://i.postimg.cc/wv1t3Vfs/IMG-4971-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gXPcTvPY)

Truly a Sad and Beautiful World. Well done.
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Dave Swanson on August 17, 2019, 07:53:09 AM
Here is a short startup video of the bike which will always be known to me as the Sparklehorse 1000S. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkLFxVlf-3o&feature=youtu.be

From reading Mark Linkous interviews and articles I found that the naming of his band as Sparklehorse was inspired by his love for motorcycles.  When I first heard of Sparklehorse the name seemed a bit odd to me, but makes complete sense now.

I have heard more from Mark's friends and the universal thread is how much he loved this bike, it's sound, and how thrilled he was when he bought it.   While riding this bike, looking down at the instruments, and listening to the glorious music it makes I sometimes think about how many times Mark enjoyed the same sights and sounds.   It can be just a bit surreal at times.

One thing for sure, this bike has some special magic in it!  It is a fantastic bike to ride, and has a strong character different from any other Guzzi I have ridden!   I now understand why Mark loved it so much. 

(https://i.postimg.cc/wBqhRR7z/IMG_4983_(2).jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LJWqrXtQ)



Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: jas67 on August 17, 2019, 08:10:04 AM
That's a beautiful motorcycle, with cool provenance too!
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: Dave Swanson on August 17, 2019, 09:32:07 AM
For those with the interest this is the best article written about Mark Linkous that I have found. 

https://pitchfork.com/features/article/9745-the-sad-and-beautiful-world-of-sparklehorses-mark-linkous/

(https://i.postimg.cc/DyxCyVZ3/guzzi1000.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: Sparklehorse's 1000S
Post by: usedtobefast on August 17, 2019, 10:11:51 AM

Thanks for posting up all the pics and info!  Great story and machine and glad it ended up with someone that could take such great care of it.