Tuesday, 15 January 2013

Right then.

Right! So, it has been far too long and I've failed to mention how everything ended before the snow fell and we've been disconnected from the world.

So after replacing the spark plugs, the battery and whatever else and coming up short I chose to take the bike to the neighbourhood mechanic, Kenny, who did wonders and got the bike running!

He'd cleaned the carbs, and temporarily fixed the pressure leak on the air filter casing (plastic is cracked). As mentioned before it then ran! Quite well in fact, Kenny's words to be exact. He himself was actually quite impressed with the motorcycle and had kind words to say about it. Said it's a good project bike as long as I don't get carried away and take it too far. Not quite sure what he meant by the latter bit.

This was back in early November, perhaps October, and as of a few months ago it has been winterized and sitting quietly in my landlords garage.

Until the next warm days here is a parting picture of roughly what it looked like at the end of its season.

Doesn't show it off too much to be honest, and I've removed the mufflers since then and the bunny ear rear view mirrors. Don't really like those too much to be honest. Come Spring it'll be coming out again to get work done on it.

My question is, do I stay with the standard wheel setup? Or, do I go get me a set of 18" spokes on both ends? Not going to lie I'm leaning towards the latter.

Well there we are, farewell and albeit a bit late, Happy New Year to all!

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8 comments:

  1. Miguel16 January 2013 at 06:15

    "My question is, do I stay with the standard wheel setup? Or, do I go get me a set of 18" spokes on both ends? Not going to lie I'm leaning towards the latter."

    I think it would probably look better with 18" on both ends, but is it legal to do that change? I've read in some sites that: the bigger the wheel is, the harder it gets to ride (don't know if it's true). Maybe you should ask on a cafe racer forum...

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    1. Miguel16 January 2013 at 06:17

      One other thing: Would you need to change other parts, to do that change? (like the fork or the breaking system)

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    2. Unknown16 January 2013 at 08:29

      Changing the size of the wheels would indeed change the riding position. As far as the legal side of things, I'm not sure whether or not that's a factor, I will look into it though!

      The brake system should be fine as it is because the front is a 19" so the current discs would suffice for a smaller wheel. The rears are merely stabilizers to begin with so I imagine they'll be alright as well.

      The forks don't really NEED to be changed, however I would like to change them personally as they are the old "air suspension" system where you pump them full of air to adjust them.

      Thanks for the comments Miguel, gave me a fair share to think about!

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    3. Miguel16 January 2013 at 18:32

      I'm the one who have to thank you, for sharing what you're doing! :)

      During the weekend, I'll try to post some questions/doubts I have.

      One of them has to do with the tires: You mentioned that you're planning to use a smaller one (in height), but didn't mention the width. When I wrote all the previous questions, I was in fact thinking on the width factor.

      I'll also ask about the seat, the electrical system and the suspension (that you mentioned).

      Here's another interesting blog (with lot's of details): http://anatomyofacaferacer.blogspot.com

      Didn't find the result as interesting as others I've saw, but anyway it looks amazing if you compare it to the original model.

      Take care,
      Miguel

      (sorry for any mistakes on my english, as it isn't my first language)

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    4. Unknown16 January 2013 at 20:45

      Ah yes I see what you mean, valid point.

      Tire and rim width should in theory be fine, I've looked at some rims on dimecitycycles.com and they've got a wide selection that'll fit.

      As far as the electrical system, this will have to be tackled once (or after) I start installing the seat. The simple solution will be to strap it down and hide it under the new seat & seatpan. I could possibly think of something more "proper" later down the road after I pry the thing apart. I have a seat picked out so I more or less know the route I'll be going.

      Thanks for the blog man! It definitely gives me some hope, he had pretty much the same bike as me (19" front, 16" back "american" style) Interesting setup of 2 carbs on a 4 stroke.
      He had a bit more of a "common" platform to work off, CB750 cafes are relatively "common" but still good to see, gives me an idea of what is ahead.

      And hey, your English is great. Zero mistakes that I see =]

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  2. Miguel30 January 2013 at 13:13

    Hi there.

    I'm still around.

    I found this on a blog: http://inazumacafe.blogspot.pt/2013/01/lagoon-rats-juicy.html

    A lot of ideias to get from this pictures! :)

    Take care,
    Miguel

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  3. Miguel12 June 2013 at 09:31

    Hey man.... good weather is here! :)

    How's your bike project?

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    1. Unknown12 June 2013 at 12:56

      Hey buddy,

      I'm humbled and impressed that you still follow this blog/build haha thank you so much

      But there is a new post! So check it out. I promise more will come, I'm finally about to start ordering parts

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