Big Projects - what have you learned?

prelude91 · Post by **prelude91** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 9:52 pm

Glad you're back, doggo. First impressions, none of these jobs are insurmountable, given time. The only area where large single expenses are necessary would appear to be the chain / sprocket kit and the exhaust.C/Sprocket wise, if the chain adjuster on the rear swingarm is at full adjustnment, then no debate, replace the chain, if both sprockets have no sharp points to the teeth or deformation, you may only need to replace the chain. I generally only have to replace one set of sprockets to every two chains. Exhaust- wise, O.E replacement(s) are going to be quite expensive (250 -3000 per side). You may consider a single aftermarket exhaust at probably 100- 150. Next item: Full service. If the tappets / shims were only done 1500 miles ago, they don't need checking for at least another 6 to 8 thousand miles. A service would therefore mainly involve oil and filter change, not much else to go wrong or be adjusted.

prelude91 · Post by **prelude91** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 9:53 pm

Sorry, 250 -300, not 3000!!

prelude91 · Post by **prelude91** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 9:56 pm

Swining arm -wise, the rust is unlikely to have gone through the whole of the metal, more likely just superficial rust, Honda bikes were built well, of good quality materials. This should be easy, dismantle effected items, paint strip or whirewheel the whole item, etch primer and paint, either rattle cans or hammerite smoothrite. 2 pack spray if you can afford it or have a mates rates in mind.

prelude91 · Post by **prelude91** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 10:00 pm

brake lines / hoses. Order a full set, front and rear from any dealer. Do not buy O.E. nylon / rubber ones, horrendous price, buy a set of goodrige or HEL, whichever you prefer, should cost approx. 150 quid. Caliper seal kits should be about 15 quid a piece, don't bother about O.E. aftermarket ones are just as good these days. Attempt to do one caliper at a time, you'll appreciate the practice, as you have two more to go.

prelude91 · Post by **prelude91** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 10:04 pm

You may also need a seal kit for the master cylinder as well, which will also need stripping, cleaning and bleeding. carbs; No real issue with these, simple fix is to leave them in place initially, unscrew drain plug from bottom of float bowl and see what fluid/ crap comes out. You may get away with flushing them in place rather than having to remove them. Suck it and see approach. Notwithstanding, advice available on all steps necessary for all these repairs, just shout if needs be.

prelude91 · Post by **prelude91** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 10:05 pm

P.S. There's a tidy low mileage FN for sale not far from me for 1400 quid if you want another to get you by.

Post by **Doggo** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 10:23 pm

This is all good stuff, cheers!

I've read previously that CBR thou's don't like single exhausts (for some reason) so will go for a double - but might look for S/S used.

I might post the odd pic of sprockets for opinion when I get to it!

For the swingarm you're saying what I was hoping. Obviously need to check carefully but it sounds like it might be worth investing in something with a motor to de-paint/de-rust.

For hoses I won't begrudge braided - the brakes have always been "Mans" brakes and needed a decent pull, so probably won't hurt.

Caliper seals sound reasonable. Oddly I'm a bit concerned about how easy or tricky it'll be to do the calipers. I guess swapping the calipers for recon will be a lot more?

Carbs sound optmistic. I also once heard of someone using compressed air to clear them?

I have no idea about flushng or drain plugs but may ask when I get near!

I know if I bought another I'd never fix mine.... and It was a great bike.

Thanks a lot for the detailed response. Really appreciate it.

3rdGenSteve has also been in touch to offer to help, Gent that he is.

Feeling a lot more optimistic about getting it sorted , I have to say

prelude91 · Post by **prelude91** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 10:36 pm

Hi doggo, agreed on the 'zorsts, stick with known quantities. Pics of spkts would be appreciated. 'arm, buy an electric drill and use a wire brush attatchment, flapdiscs are even better, wire wool it if you have the time and patience, or Nitromors. Caliprs, easy stuff, just be methodical, disconnect brake lines before dismounting the calipers from the forks. You may need to use an airline to get the pistons out if they are seized, but you may want to check the brakes efficiency while still on the bike, from what you;ve said, they seem to still work O.K. but seals are easy to replace. Carbs, be optimistic, a good flush through with several products available on the market can be a quick fix, taking off carbs on an inline for is easy, getting them back on can be an absolute pig, so try easy fixes first. Look at the carb bowls, there should be a drain screw on the bottom of each on the outboard side of each carb bowl. Agreed, fix yours rather than buy another.

Post by **Doggo** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 10:36 pm

Incidentally, this is the lass in question....

prelude91 · Post by **prelude91** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 10:38 pm

Nice one, where's the photo taken, certainly not Clapham High Street!!