The objective of the project was to completely disassemble the motorcycle, and then learn each aspect of motorcycle maintenance and repair during the build. The goal was to end with a functional, rideable and legal motorcycle. I cleaned, inspected, repaired and or replaced every single part of this bike and she is a treat to ride.
I had been interested in customizing a motorcycle for some time before taking the first step. I stopped short because there were certain skills that I did not have such as welding and sheet metal work, and I frankly had never turned a wrench on a bike in my life. In May of 2021 my wife and I were at the hospital awaiting the arrival of our son, and that was when I made the decision to find a bike and to do whatever I had to do to make it my own. I decided that whatever skills that I did not have I would acquire, and then have someone to pass them along to when it was time.
I think the most interesting bits are parts that you cannot see. Along this build journey I acquired a metal lathe, and was able to use it to good effect. I I designed and turned a pair of swing-arm bushings out of SAE660 Bronze. I also turned a pair of brass needle jet nozzles for the carburetors that solved a very persistent rich running issue.
I am also very pleased with how my sheet metal work came out to include the side covers, skid plate and the front fender.
I very proud that the bike is still recognizable as the original make and model even with the work that has been done. I get alot of smiles from guys/gals who were present in this bike’s era when I ride by.
“That looks just like my first bike!”
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2 Comments
Why didn’t you use the giant picture of the finished bike that I sent to you Dennis Kirk?
Fantastic work