6 June 2004
Installed new handlebar bushings, the little rubber pucks that isolate
the handlebars somewhat from the triple tree. Reducing some of the felt
vibration. The existing ones were in poor shape. Storage tears and
somwhat compressed. The new ones make the bike feel much more secure!
Also tried installing a new throttle cable, but I had bought one that
was an inch or so too short, and had to put the old one back on.
Gapped the points, and set the valve lash for the exhaust valves. Didn't
do the intakes, as I don't have an 0.0024" feeler gauge, will have to
pick one up tomorrow.
Bike now runs smoother, and although I still need to balance the carbs,
pulling off one plug lead, cause the motor to slow down, as expected,
rather than die if the left, or nothing if the right. Probably was the
points gap, as it was fairly far off on the right cylinder.
22 June 2004
Had a problem adjusting timing, the points were wandering a bit.
Installed new Boyer Brandson electronic ignition system, cured the
points flap, although right cylinder is still weak (and runs rich) at
idle. Carb rebuild kits on the way, along with manual petcocks to
replace troublesome vacuum units.
26 June 2004
Replaced old fuel lines with new clear vinyl lines, including small
format inline fuel filters. Put rubber buffer bits around digital ign
module. Fixed short in flasher circuit that would blow fuses when left
turn signal activated (was a pinched wire.) Replaced dodgy inline fuse
holder with new, non-dodgy one.
3 July 2004
Installed new carb boots, (rubber part of manifold that goes between
carb and head) old ones were cracked and well, old. Also tore apart and
cleaned carbs. New jets, new gaskets.
Installed new petcocks, replacing troublesome vacuum units.
7 July 2004
Tinkered with carbs again due to off idle stumble, put old jets back in
(after cleaning) and tweaked timing/mix/balance of carbs. Much better
now. Don't think there was anything wrong with the new jets, just wanted
to return to a known condition.
Will be ordering "pod" style air filters to replace ratty airbox
filters, and open up a litte space, and let the engine breath a little
better. Will probably need to rejet the carbs at that time.
10 July 2004
A loud *clunck* announced the death of the clutch pushrod, so now the
bike sits at a friend's house, awaiting a few parts, and my return.
Hopefully, I will have the bike back on the road in about 4 days.
17 July 2004
New clutch pushrod, seal, new drive chain, and engine drive sprocket.
All installed with little fuss. Changed the oil at the same time, and
installed the new sump filter.
August
Been tardy with the website, didn't do much to the bike this month, just
check the valve lash, and tyres, chain tension. Little stuff. Oh, and
rode a lot :)