Sunday, December 27, 2015

Friday, October 23, 2015

Replacing GSXR clutch pushrod seal without splitting the cases!

       A 2007 GSXR1000 with broken chain and destroyed pushrod seal came to the shop.
This is always bad, because the cases have to be split, just to install a $10 seal.
I decided to come up with a better cheaper way. Some design and machine shop time later, I now have a proven way to install the seal in about an hour.



Old seal out

Tool jigged up and running

Surface milled and seal installed

New retainer and bike back together



Sunday, September 13, 2015

The correct part is important.

A GS750 came into the shop with a charging problem, it had been taken to another shop,but they couldn't get it to work.  
    This is the original part that was good.


The new wrong part,that was wired in wrong.
An 18 field stator will not work in a 12 field rotor. I replaced the old part and wired the regulator rectifier properly and it amazingly worked.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

RM 100 Rebuild

After powder coat, paint some new parts etc. A brand new 1979 RM 100


Before

Thursday, May 28, 2015

1972 Yamaha 125

 
Barn Find !!
 
A good cleaning and a little bit of work and this will be ready to go.
I don't think this bike has ever been dropped or abused.
All original and check out the mileage .
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

RM100


The RM 100 will now be sporting an older style tank. The 1980 unit is a bit large and the lines aren't as good as the older models.







Sunday, March 22, 2015

It was something important.

      First no chrome ride of the year. It was actually Thursday the 12th of March, I had taken a few rides already this year but this was the first day that we got together for a ride. Mark showed up on his Drifter, which doesn't officially qualify as a no chrome ride. Chet rode his 1990 Harley, which also isn't exactly a no chrome candidate. Brian usually rides his 84 Goldwing but it is under repair but should be back soon. He rode a CB360T that is actually a great bike but was found in a junk yard about 6 years ago, so it automatically qualifies despite having good chrome. I rode my 1969 SL350 one of my all time favorites that we found in a garage a few years ago.

       Earlier that day I cleaned the carbs on the SL and gave it a good washing, checked the tire pressures and oil, lubed the chain and gave it a good going over. I planned to start riding it from the house to the shop daily since the weather is warming. It ran great on the way down and on the return about 5 miles from the shop it went bad. I felt a drop in power and thought I needed to switch to reserve, but just as I reached down and turned the petcock valve, I noticed some smoke. I rolled out of the throttle and looked in the mirror and then the engine let go. I rolled to the side of the road and the guys pulled over too. I think it was Mark that asked ,"What do you think it is? To which I replied, I don't know but I am pretty sure it was something important. When I get a chance I will definitely rebuild the engine. The SL350 is without a doubt my favorite barn find of all time.

      It's funny but the rides we remember the most are the rides like this one. The weather was great, the ride was better and it ended with something to remember. I'll take a ride like that .over not riding, any day.

Friday, February 20, 2015

15 Years Under A Tree



I was told this Honda CB350 sat 15 years under a tree, before the current owner rescued it. He tried to get it running but gave up and brought it to me. Checked compression it was good. Then I tore the carbs apart and put them in the ultrasonic cleaner, new o- rings and two new floats, plugged the wiring in correctly. Hit the starter button and it fired like it had ran yesterday. Idles great and sounds great. Now he is going to clean it up and ride it .


Saturday, February 14, 2015

New Logo, New Name



I still do café racers, and Old School Café Racer will still be here at the shop, but I think it is time for a new name and a new website. The website is under construction and so is some new apparel.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Bad electrical connection



This bike had a charging problem, needed a new stator, new regulator/rectifier, and the starter was dragging. I pulled the starter cover off and noticed the washers stacked under the screw head. Then I checked under the melted starter wire cover. I think I have found the problem. Should the starter have 1/4 end play as well? NO.

Sunday, February 8, 2015

First Ride of 2015

  I have been wanting to get out for a ride for a few weeks, but the snow and ice or low temps have kept me from going. Yesterday the ice was rapidly melting and the temp was in the mid 40's so away I went. I took a 68 shovel-head that I just finished the engine rebuild. Might as well have a productive ride as well as enjoyable. A couple of stops to re-torque and check everything out, and then a good long ride. Not bad for Feb 7th in Indiana.


Tuesday, February 3, 2015

1943 WLC

1943 Harley WLC with Sidecar For Sale


I am in the process of going through this cool old bike and making sure it is road worthy. The work was done a few years ago, and I have no idea how long it has been since it was last started. It looks like it shouldn't take much. Then out the door it goes.