Much has happened since my last installment, and while the bike is running, it's not all good news! More on that later.
With the motor back in, it was time to bolt some extra bits on. I'd procured a NOS tail light and mount, but couldn't see how it was supposed to mount. I could see
where it had to be, but not
how.
A little investigation revealed that a mounting plate had been cut off my sub-frame, rendering it useless from a mounting point of view. I located one in the states, but shipping made it prohibitive, so I checked with Suzuki and they had a NOS one in Japan...last one! So, it was gonna be mine. I've said before and I'll say again, it never ceases to amaze me what is still available for old(er) bikes. At the same time, I picked up some original tank stickers, so now I can print out as many as I want, and I don't care how long they last!
Then with this sub-frame in place, I could mount the tail light and rear guard extender.
Chain and sprockets went on next. Front sprocket bolt was munted and needed to be drilled and ezy-outed. Carbie went on, after a good clean and a few bits replaced. Throttle cables were re-lubed and installed. Exhaust was cleaned and re-painted. Serviced the caliper and master cylinder and replaced the knackered brake line with a custom made braided line.
I sat down with the wiring loom and a diagram and went through it all, working out what went where and labeled accordingly, then hung the loom on the bike.
I found a speedo/dash on eBay and got that. It looked a little ratty, but cleaned up well with some TLC.
Mounted that with a new cable and clamp and all good.
And that's basically where she's at.
The story with the engine is not so happy
As mentioned, it was blowing a lot of smoke. A leak down test showed 25%, so that's not good. The head came off to reveal deep seated valves and the top of the piston and bore showed evidence of water sitting in it for god knows how long! So it's fcuked! Fortunately, I had a doner bike (well two), and the barrel on one was in excellent condition, so with a light hone, that's good to go. The head on the other engine (the one that resided at Abbeyard for a week or two), was in quite good nick, so that will be freshened up and used. A real Frankensuzukistein effort. I needed to buy a new piston, so that's been ordered from Zook and I should have that on Monday.
So, good and bad news, but progress is being made. Now, I'll aim for a debut at the AMTRA Three Bridges event.