Thanks - I'd be lying if I said I never play that video now and again. More than a few bike builders have said I was off for taking on a non-running bike as the basis for a refurbish/build. And even now, I'm still worried that my stator charges my battery and my clutch is fully functional.raiddrten wrote:Yes, the weather sure took a turn here as well after a very mild November and December. I have a wood floor shop, but built a hasty wall floor to ceiling and about 8x10 floor area. There are two glass patio doors framed large enough to bring bikes or at least parts of them inside to work on. A small heater takes the edge off. I should show this stuff over on my project, i suppose.
But I just want to congratulate you on getting your bike to run. I have to do my water pump and timing belts before the radiator even goes on. Then the carb kit. It iS a really big deal to hear that engine run the first time [at least mine will fire the pistons] and a lot of people give up because it takes planning, work, and discipline
Given this, I'd be interested in thoughts moving forward. Plan A - tank back on and functional, new rear tire, rebuild/refurbish rear brakes, put rear end back together, swap out fork on front end, get it road worthy....basically continue on with my build in hopes that with all this work, such things like the clutch, stator, etc. are all ok and its worth my time to build this bike right...OR
Plan B, put everything back on the bike (rusty tank, 20 year old tires which hold air, and all), use an aux tank flowing directly to the engine, check the front brakes to make sure at least THEY work (don't worry about backs), and see if I can take it out for a test run of some sort.
Plan B was suggested this week by a bike builder who was concerned that even though the motor runs, too many other things could be wrong with the bike that you would'nt know until you can test ride it. So before putting any more real money into it, he suggested I get it test-drive worthy to see if the clutch works, the stator charges, etc.
I'm into this bike for about $1,000 ($500 purchase and another $500 parts/materials) and my budget was $3,000 total to get it like I want it (figured it would take me 2+ years). Honestly, it's been fun just jacking with it and knowing from the pics on this website that it can be unique some day.
Radar - send me pics of your bike-man-cave. Any space like that where you can crack a beer, put on tunes, and turn some wrenches year round sounds great to me. I imagine there's already a thread on here somewhere for rooms/garages/spaces like that too. Add a small bar, some Jameson and Spotted Cow in a kegerator, coupla bar stools, a flat screen, outdoor speakers, and a crappy sofa so my friends and I can sit around and talk about nonsense - sounds like heaven. (A urinal'd be nice.)