by Stu » 05 Nov 2019, 13:46
So, thought about deleting the post above, but finally left it in situ... I've pretty much been through this phase with every project I've ever done, so anyone following this might well be having similar issues. I think the Hailwood Replica I built took me 5 years to finish and get on the road properly... this one's only been 3 and a bit so far!
Point is, I finally got out in the garage again last week and did a bit of work. We're in that part of the year when it's too unpleasant to want to ride (I now have a very tidy, low mileage, 2007 BMW R1200GS in the garage - jury's still out) but not so desperately cold that I don't want to be in the garage.
What have I done? Not much, but it's movement.
The carbs are now back on... I took them off over a year ago to fit the cam chain tensioner. In the process I replaced all the fuel and vaccuum hoses with nice new silicon stuff from eBay.
The exhaust is finally fitted. The bracket that was fouling the swingarm has been ground away until it clears, treated to a coat of Hammerite, and bolted into place along with the headers, exhaust gaskets and retaining springs.
I finally got some new caliper retaining bolts (stole the last set for the Versys) and refitted the calipers which have been loose for a year or more.
And fitted all the throttle and choke cables, at least at the carb end. Also fitted the clutch cable, but it was a goner, so I've ordered a new one - if you've ridden 60 miles home with a broken clutch cable you won't risk a frayed one again! My clutch feels nasty... hoping it's just the cable. I did strip the cover off and check everything, but all looks good internally. Will check again with new cable in place and fully adjusted.
If I'm honest with myself, I could probably have it finished (well running and roadworthy) in a couple of long weekends... God knows why it's been sitting unloved for the best part of 2 years.
Next steps... find someone to make me up some new oil cooler hoses, stick some oil in, refit all the electrics... and maybe sometime in the near future fit a new battery and see if the thing will start!