1980 Suzuki GS550L

[Landsvw]

Thread Title changes? Can a person edit their thread title?

[JerryHawk250]

Pics please. :D

[Landsvw]

I’ll get a few pictures today. right now it’s spaghetti wiring... first thing tho, I’ll pull off carbs. Inspect and clean. Then, start working on the wiring. Get the thing to crank, with spark. See where I can go from there!

If she runs, I’ll have to add to the fleet and update my signature, ☺️

[JerryHawk250]

Every time I run across a good project bike in good shape there's always that "No I don't have the title" statement. :ohno: My first bike I owned was a 6 month old Honda CB200 that the previous owner had completely disassemble the engine because it had a broken selector plate for the shift. He definitely wasn't a mechanic lol The guy told me if I wanted I could have it then handed me a box of engine parts and handed over the title. :D I had that thing put together and running the next day.

[Weldangrind]

Those are sweet old bikes; something about the sound is very appealing.

[Landsvw]

Yes, they are neat old bikes. I guess they caught on and sold like hotcakes back in their time. Suzuki must have gotten it right. I never had a GS but my dad had a GS1000 and rode it from Alaska and back a few times.

Price on this one was also, 0$.

Picture this: slightly modified GS550 Dual Sport. That’s my vision.

[Sport Rider]

do this to it!
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjpn-WtjOjmAhXrQd8KHc-LBgkQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcaferacerforsale.com%2Fad%2F1980-suzuki-gs550e-cafe-racer-nice-3%2F&psig=AOvVaw3LbFQzx6P2xRcoi6IVRPCI&ust=1578163690856994

[Landsvw]

That is actually really sweet. I’m 55 tho and married. I can’t see myself zipping around on that. First of all, would need ibuprofen after every ride, and second, the cougars already attack me because of my Boxster... my wife says it’s dangerous leaving me in it in the parking lot... cute car and wife’s cute tiny dog... the upside is, no cougar could fit on the back of that thing. And I could out run them!

[Landsvw]

I’m thinking more something like this:

https://purposebuiltmoto.com/how-to-build-a-scrambler/

[Sport Rider]

dude....I'm 59. pass 4 more ibuprofen please! :p

[Sport Rider]

seriously though...I did see a few nice scrambler examples too!

[Landsvw]

That’s a cougar magnet! Hahaha! Also, yes. TGFMI. Thank God for more ibuprofen.

;)

[cheesy]

Our own club shirt.
https://awesometeefashion.com/product/son-of-arthritis-ibuprofen-chapter-shirt/?attribute_pa_style=gildan-ultra-cotton-t-shirt&attribute_pa_color=dark-heather&attribute_pa_size=s&gclid=CjwKCAiA6bvwBRBbEiwAUER6JcOahRTcUv9lI9uKpC9S JCTMR2KMs2s_IKaFT_otsOMLrT34P-KhtBoCtPYQAvD_BwE

[JerryHawk250]

Our own club shirt.
https://awesometeefashion.com/product/son-of-arthritis-ibuprofen-chapter-shirt/?attribute_pa_style=gildan-ultra-cotton-t-shirt&attribute_pa_color=dark-heather&attribute_pa_size=s&gclid=CjwKCAiA6bvwBRBbEiwAUER6JcOahRTcUv9lI9uKpC9S JCTMR2KMs2s_IKaFT_otsOMLrT34P-KhtBoCtPYQAvD_BwE

:lmao: Wait i'm in that club. :ohno: I just push through the pain and deal with it then complain about it the next day. lol

[Landsvw]

Yas! We are teenagers in old fart bodies. How did that happen?

[Landsvw]

I played a staff vs 8th grade boys b-ball team game 2 weeks ago. I was good for 5 minutes a quarter. Of course, we won. But I tell yah. Ibuprofen came in handy that day... I still mentally, have the skills but my body was screaming what the heck.

[cheesy]

Yas! We are teenagers in old fart bodies. How did that happen?

I prefer Teenager in an AARP Body. I also never put any stock in “Act Your Age”.

Last week, it was my SIL and I against the grandkids in two hand touch football. They started out talking trash and the next thing they knew, they were down 36-0. Grandpa can still sprint. And paid for it the next three days.

[Landsvw]

ok fellers,
you asked for it. here's the carnage so far...

[Landsvw]

3 out of 4 intakes are bad. wiring issues, but i can easily fix that. not much else... carb 1 has a stuck slide and i drained them all and goo came out... so i'll be removing 4 bowls and cleaning 4 carbs. ugh... i will first do electronics tho. get spark and tidy everything up. know anyone who has some intake manifolds, cheap?
;)

[Landsvw]

looks like 4 intakes for 29$ on Ebay. woo hoo!

[JerryHawk250]

looks like 4 intakes for 29$ on Ebay. woo hoo!

That sounds cheap enough.

[Landsvw]

update: got the engine to spin. figured out a bit more of the electrics. worked on the front brake, as the caliper was seized but had a good used one. the master cylinder seems to have issues so i'll take that apart another day.

[Landsvw]

A little progress was made tonight. sorted some wiring and ordered an original fuse box with some undamaged wiring for 10$ from Ebay. Should be in next week. Evidently, original owner had tried to rig up aftermarket fuse panel, but, eliminated the pre-fuse (bigger one) and then, when they wired it all up, the ignition wouldn't turn anything off because everything had been run (the hot to the ignition and leading away from it) back to the aftermarket fuse box... was a mess... but, not irreparable. :)

Also found that the CDI ignition, the original one, was bolted to the bottom of the airbox. Someone had cut the wires and then just run it to another one (same kind luckily) and had it dangling in the frame... So, Not sure why they cut the wires and the plug off and then butt-connected it back together. I may fix it right or maybe just wrap the butt-connectors in black tape the way they had it...

I'd actually wager a bet that the original one works, seeing how this wiring is so crazy.

I absolutely love projects like this; when the machine is fundamentally sound but all this little cheap stuff is messed up. It's like a Jenga game with a running motorcycle as first prize at the end. ;)

[Weldangrind]

We all know you're gonna fix the CDI wires properly. :D
I watched a video yesterday where it was mentioned that multi-carb setups need to have the sliders set to the same resting height; I've never heard that before. Most of my experience has been with single carbs, so it never occurred to me that the resting height of the slider was adjustable. Is there a provision for adjustment on your carbs?

[franque]

It's probably just syncing the carburetors. Usually, you're adjusting the openings of the butterfly valve on the throttle so that the engine is pulling the same vacuum through each cylinder. It's easier than it sounds, as long as there aren't any air leaks.

On a non CV carb, I'd imagine it's like adjusting the play in the throttle cables, if it's one cable per carb, or I could potentially see it being like adjusting the idle on a single cylinder piston valve carb, as generally multiple carbs don't have individual idle adjustment.

On my R80RT, you have to balance the carbs, and there's individual idle adjustment for each carb. It's a bit finicky, but not too hard to do if you're patient.

[OneLeggedRider]

Those are CV carbs and easy enough to balance with the proper equipment and a little patience.

[Landsvw]

i ordered partial wiring with 2 fuse boxes from Ebay. should be in Monday. However, I'm mystified because the 'main' fuse, looking at the old one, and at the new ones, doing google research and also looking at the wiring diagram doesn't do anything! I wonder if it's a throwback useless fuse to before they switched to electronic ignition? the older bikes seem to have the same fuse, but not the larger 4 box... it's really weird. anyway, i'll still hook it up like factory, and this should eliminate all the home made wiring. Moving forward!

[Landsvw]

Today I finished the front brakes (disassembled master cylinder). replaced the fluid. took apart speedometer since screws had fallen out of the face and the face turned so I couldn't read the mileage. Has 17,000 on it...

hmm, what else? waiting for electronics parts.

Oh, i took off carb bowls. 1 and 2 nasty. 3 and 4 ok. will do a Redneck rebuild (carb cleaner and put back together) and i think things will work ok.

[Landsvw]

ordered the 4 intake manifolds... :)

[Landsvw]

here's the schematic for this weird separate fuse that goes nowhere. There is a terminal in the box, but why is this here?

I'm thinking holdover from earlier models with points, but what the heck?

it's actually a separate fuse holder, not a 5 fuse holder like the schematic shows.

the white box is the fuse to nowhere (Like an Alaskan bridge I've heard about).

I've confirmed this with multiple pictures and searches, and mine, which has most of the parts there (but not the 4 fuse box because it's been replaced with an aftermarket which doesn't flow the current correctly).

OK, update. Official Suzuki sites with parts schematics are calling it a 'power source'. So, maybe it was designed for just that. If a person wanted to run extra electrics on their bike, this is the tap for that.

[Weldangrind]

Cool! You could install grip heaters or a USB port for charging your phone.
Love your Neil Peart reference; Canadians are in mourning.

[Landsvw]

We old rockers love Rush. I saw them 2x. He wasn’t only an amazing musician but also a thoughtful amazing human. So are the other two.

Blessings

L

[Landsvw]

I got my little 10$ package of wiring in! installed in easily. too cold to go further today. lets see, other than that, when i can get a few free hours I'm almost ready to crank it to see if it has spark.

also, figured out the fuel issue. the automatic (vacuum activated) tank switch was stuck closed. fixed that (looks brand new too; not a speck of corrosion).

waiting on the intakes! :)

[Landsvw]

reassembled carbs. stuck the new manifolds on. got the thing to putt putt and verify that electronics work, etc. ran for maybe 5-10 seconds without choke or throttle cable hooked on.

but, something choke related is missing... seems to be the cable. Will investigate tomorrow. highly encouraged by what I heard tonight tho.

[Landsvw]

Carbs 1 and 2 are leaking so am working on that. Float needles are not sealing.

[cheesy]

Float needles or cracked float bowl overflow tubes?

[Landsvw]

Well, I’ve got the carbs on the bench. Attaching a fuel source to them makes gas pour out the back of the carb on the right two. I’m predicting float needles are still cruddy.

[cheesy]

I predict you are correct.

[Landsvw]

I’m trying to ‘get away’ with not buying any carb parts... ugh... might not. Figured if it gets running decently, I’ll run some sea foam through it and cross my fingers hehehe.

[Weldangrind]

You might be able to clean the seats with a Q-tip and some carb cleaner.

[Landsvw]

You might be able to clean the seats with a Q-tip and some carb cleaner.

Good idea! I was trying to think of how I could get down into that seat.

Wife has this tiny straw brush I was gonna borrow and return, smelling of gas... hahah!

[Weldangrind]

I use a toothbrush and carb cleaner for the needle and all of the other bits. Not my toothbrush though, that's gross.

[Landsvw]

Worked on the GS yesterday. 4 carbs is a pain in the butt. Got it reassembled and actually running for a bit. Wasn’t perfect and pretty sure I’m low on gas. Started feeling sick (our community has flu like crazy) so came inside. Airbox and carbs and throttle are on tho!

[Weldangrind]

I hope you feel better soon. Congrats on getting it running.

[Landsvw]

Still under the weather a bit. Been thinking about the bike tho. It has a prime and run on it. A vacuum fuel switch. I’m thinking if I turn it (uses a screwdriver) to prime it should fill the bowls. Then it should start!

[Landsvw]

Felt better today and went to work, but done at 12. Came home and worked on the bike. Put gas with sea foam in it. Attached the tank. Finally got it to run on its own! Still won’t idle. But, wired it at 2000 rpms and let it run for 20 minutes. Figured, get some of that sea foam into the carbs, get the engine and carbs up to operating temp and etc. then let it sit and soak and see what happens. Anyway, will report back later if things improve. Has a flat tire and no battery or I’d go drive it too, to help the situation.

[Landsvw]

Here she is so far.

[Landsvw]

Anyone close by want to trade for a 1 cylinder 1 carb bike? This thing is making me crazy...

[Landsvw]

Helpful link

https://youtu.be/95nlrP-yn2I

I have an idea or two and if I feel up to it, will try it today.

[Landsvw]

Hahah ok soooo I traded for a KX80...

Has a 100cc cylinder kit on it. Not sure what I’m gonna do with it, but at least ride it a few times then assess...

[Sport Rider]

I feel for you with the carb problem. the 4-packs on the kawasaki's can be pretty tough to get clean. Seafoam would not have solved your problem because you likely have some of the small passages blocked. with no treated fuel passing through them, the seafoam would not help. OTOH, the single carb on the other bike will be a piece of cake! :)

[Landsvw]

Disassembled the KX80 somewhat. Has an older pro circuit pipe and silencer on it. Silencer is very messed up. At first I thought I’d have to get a new one. But, I cut off about 1/2 an inch, got it round again and will weld it back together and to the expansion pipe. Was hose clamped to the frame and a rubber hose connected the two parts. Super bad setup and, the baffles inside were plugged with packing, which I’m sure wasn’t helping it’s ability to run. Haven’t started it yet.

Also learned that as piston size goes up, it doesn’t necessarily mean larger jets. Could mean the same or smaller. Huh. Didn’t know that. But have been doing research. Will examine jet sizes, repack and seal the exhaust and see how it goes, hopefully in the next few days.

[cheesy]

A cheap HF ultrasonic cleaner probably would have helped clean the Zuk carbs, but yeah, four carbs is two too many.

[Weldangrind]

I've found two strokes to be a fickle mistress when it comes to mods. It'll be interesting to see which jets work best for you. I find them to particularly sensitive to float level.

[Landsvw]

Got the air filter installed, carb cleaned and muffler welded and painted. Still have to pack it and reinstall it.

[Landsvw]

Ok! Got the KX80 running and ripping! Sure is fast and loud.

[Landsvw]

Rode it then sold it! Made a little profit of 800$. Trying to pay for my latest acquisition: 2002 Ford F-350 super crew dually 7.3 diesel.

Wife and I decided that our 2001 F150 wasn’t cutting it towing the 5th wheel so we upgraded somewhat. Super crew F150 is now for sale too.

[Landsvw]

The F150 sold today, and so now, on to the reviving of the F350! Mostly interior work like torn seats and super dirty... gotta install 5th wheel rails too.

[Landsvw]

Repairs done Saturday and Sunday
Turn signal switch
Window and radio hack (delay wasn’t allowing them to work)
Remove extraneous wiring
Cleaned interior (partially, like 1/4 so far)
Fix and clean dash, and reinstall radio
Oil and filter change
Air filter change
Add antifreeze stabilizing (ph balance)

[Weldangrind]

That F350 deserves a thread of its own.

[Landsvw]

That F350 deserves a thread of its own.

I kinda hope not! 😂😂😂

[Landsvw]

Let’s see, cleaned some more. Replaced a seatbelt... starting to like 7.3 stuff!

[Landsvw]

A friend cleaned his shop and gave me an old winch. Cable had come off drum and bound up. I loosened the brackets and got the cable sorted. Seems to work! Is a 2 speed 6000/12000 from a company out of Oregon who went out of business in the 1990’s.

[Weldangrind]

Does it have a freewheel device?

[Landsvw]

Does it have a freewheel device?

It does indeed freewheel for easy pulling out of the cable.

[Landsvw]

Waiting for driver seat cover (oem) and that will help the interior a lot. Meanwhile, been driving with no issues so far.

[Landsvw]

Busy Saturday. Installed the fifth wheel rails and fixed the electrical plug. Did a junk yard run for odds and ends. Removed the seat and took it apart in preparation for the new seat cover which came in.

[Weldangrind]

Please show us the seat cover replacement process.

[Landsvw]

I copied these guys

https://youtu.be/kWM1fDAxe3A

[Landsvw]

Traded old winch for a toolbox. Got it mounted.

[Landsvw]

Hope all are hunkered down and staying virus free. We are. Truck is mostly sorted. Had once incident when it wouldn’t start but the terminal on the starter was corroded. Then, got my bro in laws rototiller (Troy Bilt Jr) and have completely gone through it and hopefully getting it running today. Had many many years of use and neglect. But, fundamentally is good, and, very well built! I’m impressed with the quality.

[Landsvw]

Roto tiller part way. Through the reassembly and new engine installed. Old engine, Tecumseh, Had thrown a rod through the side of the block. Also, gearbox needed shimmed and, oil was milky white with water.

[Weldangrind]

I find that a ventilated block leaks out horsepower. Good thing you swapped engines.

[Landsvw]

This carnage is mostly for weldangrind. Here’s photos of the blown up rototiller original engine.

[cheesy]

That’ll buff out.

[franque]

Did it spit out the connecting rod? I've seen some b&s motors do that when used commercially, seldom getting an oil change.

[Landsvw]

Did it spit out the connecting rod? I've seen some b&s motors do that when used commercially, seldom getting an oil change.

Thinking it did? There is no con rod on the crank (looking through the hole), and, the other side where the camshaft is, is not looking too good either.

My bro in law was running it (is his, but now it’s ours) and blew up on him shortly after he bought it.

I dropped it off at the metal bin yesterday. But wanted to share the impressive carnage.

[Landsvw]

Not much to report! Possibly getting a 1972 Suzuki TC125, which was the same bike I rode as a young man during my high school years. In pretty bad shape but will be a nostalgia type project. Oregon is slowly reopening, and things in our county are looking good. Nice to see people put back to work.

[Landsvw]

Been a busy summer. Moved my mom from Alaska to Oregon. Was intense but smooth. Took around 21 days to complete the whole thing. Brought a SL100 down from Alaska. Then, yesterday, traded it for 2 (one running, one parts) CT90’s. A 1969 and a 1971.

[Landsvw]

https://i.ibb.co/K6CZtxJ/6-B712-FEE-53-FD-4421-98-AD-DB996-D5-BBC81.jpg (https://ibb.co/D43XBfZ)

[Landsvw]

Working on the 1969 primarily right now. Had a stretched timing chain and had worn the cam sprocket and the oil pump sprocket badly. Got both ordered plus a few other pieces from eBay. The 71 had stuck rings (rust) and so got it freed, did a sandpaper hone job and ordered some rings.

[Landsvw]

Here’s the 1969 all laid out

https://i.ibb.co/KKkRX1H/AB7-C388-B-0999-4-A1-E-B5-BA-67-E857-B04383.jpg (https://ibb.co/fD5B2c7)

[Landsvw]

Got 69 motor together. Decided the 71 is a better condition bike so have parts ordered. Reclaimed all the 71 parts that had been put on the 69 and making the 71 complete again.

[Landsvw]

Let’s see, latest update? Parts were taking too long to arrive so I installed 69 motor in 71. Runs great but have an oil drip from a gasket at the head. Got that ordered. Meanwhile, yesterday the final gasket for the 71 engine came in. I plan on assembling it today (this evening) and swapping the two motors around. Then, tomorrow, possibly going to a see a guy who has a bunch of parts bikes, and see if I can get more pieces for the 69. The 71 is all together and once the engines are swapped will be pretty much original and rideable.

2.0 saga: got the 71 engine in bike and completely hooked up and runs like a top. Buuuuuuuutttt... transmission issue of some sort. Weird clunky noise when engaged and spinning. Engine will come back out and I’ll tear into it... After I pull right side cover and just verify it’s not something I can get to easily.

Disassembled and had broken gear tooth. Ordered one, and a gasket. And put back together. Buut...

2.1 part of the saga: went to the old guys house and talked parts for the 1969. It’s such a weird year, with nothing really completely matching the later years. Turns out, this guy has about 7 of the 1969 specifically. He has probably, 40 bikes total decaying away in his back yard. It’s pretty cool ‘collection’. We talked a while, and have decided (but could change as nothing was exchanged) that I will trade the 1969 bike I have, with the running engine, for a 1972 bike he has, which is complete but not running. He wants to use mine to complete a good one for himself based on all the 1969 parts bikes he has. Seems like a good option!

Third part: traded for the 1972 Orange!

2.2 saga revisited: Reassembled the 1971, totally together, runs and shifts great. Unfortunately I think I either let the kickstart spring slip or I didn’t clock it right because it doesn’t engage correctly... sigh... gotta disassemble...


Here’s a great site for anyone wanting to rebuild a CT90 or, Trail 90 as it’s also called.

https://ct90restoration.blogspot.com/2018/05/ct90-engine-reassembly.html


It shows the kickstart spring (not the recoil, but a second one which moves a gear into another gear) for them going into a slot but I am positive I let the shaft slip downward, and then rotate the spring out... very annoyed with myself but will tackle it later today. About 1.5 hours to disassemble and maybe 2-3 hours to reassemble?

Update: came apart easily and I didn’t destroy the gaskets! Got the aligning spring problem corrected (yes, I did have it in the wrong spot) and am taking a break to get torque specs and get a drink. Had it torn down in less than an hour. Will add an update in a bit...

Second update: runs well! shifts well, starts well. Drove around block. Battery was low and also, carb seems to be leaking... charging battery tonight and will see what’s with the carb tomorrow.

Third update, Saturday: wasn’t charging. Traced it to the pink wire on the rectifier/regulator. Had another used one in a box, swapped it out and is charging like it’s supposed to. Still haven’t messed with carb but I think I’ll order a rebuild kit.

Ok, so 1971 red is mostly sorted and looking good. 1972 orange is waiting patiently. Should be a runner, since it turns over and has compression. I figure that one will go out to Bandon and be a run around bike in the salt air as it’s got pretty bad paint. The red one will stay at my house.

[Landsvw]

A few pictures of project

[Landsvw]

Been working on the 1972 Orange. Got the air filter off... was a squirrel storage unit.... And the foam was gone. Carburetor is surprisingly clean. Changed a fuel line. Need to get a battery and see if it will start. If it does, and seems to check out , will order some parts

[Landsvw]

1971 Red is running well. I took it on a 10 mile ride the other day, with no issues.

[Landsvw]

Got the 72 orange running. Has some very bad internal sounds. I’m thinking either piston slap or the rod is knocking. Will investigate.

[cheesy]

Got the 72 orange running. Has some very bad internal sounds. I’m thinking either piston slap or the rod is knocking. Will investigate.

Hate when that happens.

[Landsvw]

Yup. Connecting rod and crank are toast. So, on the hunt for a set or possibly, a lower engine.

[Landsvw]

I got 140$ worth of parts ordered, including a used crank, rod and piston. eBay. Will update as it goes!

[Landsvw]

Have engine back together and in the frame. Updates to follow... haven’t tried to start yet.

[Landsvw]

Red 71 running well!

[Landsvw]

Also, brought a wash tank back with me from Alaska when I moved my mom this summer. Had been in my dads garage for 20-30 years. Still in great shape. Anyway, got some wash tank solvent, 10 gallons, from tractor supply. Best price I could find. What a nice feature to have in the garage. Able to clean all the parts, all the goo out of the engine, and etc before reassembly.

[Landsvw]

Have 72 orange running! However, smokes... I’ve ordered rings and a timing chain as I think it needs them both. Won’t take long to change out. Has an oil leak on the left case. But I have that gasket as well. Making progress. Seat is recovered and also, have found that all the bulbs are blown out, so have to get them as well.

[JerryHawk250]

She's going to be nice once all done. :tup:
I have a 1977 Honda Hobbit i need to restore one day. She's in pretty rough shape.
http://www.chinariders.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=9129&stc=1&d=1490615748

[Landsvw]

Opened up the left side cover, to fix the leak and what do ya know, the Chain had been thrown at some time and broke a hole in the case... missing piece even. Then, someone tried to silicone it back together. Bad idea...

[Landsvw]

The guy who had done the trade with me happened to have an extra engine. Got it! Used most of it, but re ringed, new timing chain and gaskets applied. Almost together...

[Landsvw]

Ok, engine together. Had no oil, so wasn’t able to actually start it. I like to put the oil in, on the bench after a rebuild, and tip it around and get everything coated on the inside anyway, so, possibly later tonight I will put it back into the frame.

Other news concerning motorcycles... and another toy... might be on the horizon... will update tonight!

Lance

[Landsvw]

Update: Traded 2 of my 3 motorcycles for an electric Fiat 500e... no more updates on that, but def will continue with the bike I still own, and, the. Honda 90 rebuild... :)

Sad to see them go, but at the same time, rode like 2x last year. No point in having 3-4 motorcycles in the garage if not going to use. This weird car anyway, will be a super cheap commuter. And a daily use vehicle.

[Landsvw]

Yesterday was sisters bday! The 72 Honda 90 I’m rebuilding is for her. It’s not ready yet, but just for fun hooked up enough of it to get it to Puttt puttt puttt a few times. It’s almost there. This weekend should have it completely together and can give it a test run. A few other probs like the headlight is out and there is no brake switch. Getting close tho!

[Landsvw]

Ok, 1972 Honda 90 update. Runs well! Took it around the block. All together. Needs headlight bulb, chain and sprocket are kind of worn, and a brake light switch. Was a little lean at full throttle so will investigate. Ran with Choke Slightly on, very well. Making progress for sure. No oil leaks or weird noises.

[Landsvw]

Mostly done and running well.

[Landsvw]

This bike drove me nuts the last 2 days. Took it on a 11 mile ride. Did great until mile 9.5 when it quit. Almost felt like it seized! I pulled off the road and walked it about 1/2 mile. Then, if cranked right up and I drove it home, slower, but still running fine. It wasn’t idling right either, before or after. So, I pulled plug, looked good. Adjusted valves. Maybe slightly tight but not bad. Remedied that. Not sure what is up with this flywheel. I think maybe its from a different model but, the timing marks do not line up with the marks on the stator. I remember the 74 was actually different, but was almost positive I put the 72 stator and rotor in the bike? Maybe I didn’t. Maybe I put the 74 rotor in... not sure. I’ve since sold all the extra parts so can’t even compare them. I got the tdc corrected, set timing. Also, put the needle jet back to the middle position and cleaned the carb one more time just for fun. FINALLY it’s idling correctly and running well. Very suspicious over the quitting part. But has compression, isn’t smoking, not rattling... maybe overheated and piston skirt seized? Just not sure. Anyway, another round the valley trip is probably in order before I send it over to sis.

[Landsvw]

Bike is in sis’ garage! And, our childhood Honda Z50 came back home with me, to be somewhat restored since it’s got lots of teenager use since we got it in 1981.

And, I acquired a 2003 Honda Shadow vt1100 completely taken apart. Not sure yet, what I’ll do with it.

[Landsvw]

Basket case...

[Emerikol]

Basket case...

Lands, I have a motorcycle just like that! Everything is in a rolling shopping basket, so I suppose that makes it literally a basket case! When I'm done with the robocop-esque surgery, it's going to be a 1972 Honda CL450. If I ever get that far. It's sort-of, kind-of up for sale now. I figure with buying an airplane on the horizon (no pun intended), six motorcycles in the garage is a bit much...

Really happy to see the old bikes coming back around, though. You did a great job getting the 90 back together and I'm sure your sister will get quite a bit of enjoyment out of it.

[franque]

I assembled an Indian pitbike from the 70s in similar state, it was terrible! At least you can get a service manual for this one! Did they say why it was disassembled?

[JerryHawk250]

My first bike was a 73 Honda CB200 that was completely torn apart like that as well and had to reassemble the engine. I had to get a manual when i got to the transmission but got her back together and running in about a day.

[Emerikol]

I bought the CL450 mostly in pieces. Apparently it spent the past 20 years on its side in a field. The guy I got it from bought it as a labor of love project, and just lost interest. I only paid $100 for it, and it has an original 1972 title! That alone was pretty impressive. I finished taking everything apart, and then started cleaning things up and bagging and tagging everything. Then we moved into the new house and I started a new job and the project got pushed off to the side of the workshop. I came across the CB450 for $800 out of New York so I bought it and had it shipped out. The engine was bad in that one, but it came with tons of extra parts. I was also able to source a couple more engines and parts and odds and sods and such... The list goes on, and I'm pretty sure if I get another frame I'll be able to make three or four bikes in the end. If I can ever string two or three days off together, I just have to put the battery back in the CB, put the tank on and clean up some wiring and I'll be able to get that one back on the road. My intention was to use the CB as sort of a living model to get the CL put back together. But alas, life always seems to get in the way. Now that I'm in the market for an airplane, I'm thinking I'm just going to sell the Hawk, and both Hondas. Clear up some space in the garage. We'll see how it shakes out, I suppose.

[Landsvw]

I try and consolidate projects too, once in a while. And, actually have the Shadow listed on clist, with 2 interested parties. (Sold, see below). Not sure what will happen but would actually like it to go away I think? Have spent 300+$ on the old Honda Z50 to try and get it back tho some kind or shape so don’t really want to tackle the big bike, at least at this point. At minimum have to paint the frame. Weather too cold and wet, etc.

1969 Honda Z50a before I started. This bike has been in our family since 1981

https://i.ibb.co/cYZt7NC/72-F2-E048-5508-4051-A048-CEA82-D882-B35.jpg (https://ibb.co/NTJpHLm)

Note the handlebar damage lol. Multiple wrecks by teenagers...

https://i.ibb.co/MDHf74b/67-BF51-DD-FC6-B-4656-AAE0-FD0-E4767-E9-E0.jpg (https://ibb.co/990hWLJ)

All new bars and mounting parts are being installed

[Emerikol]

At minimum have to paint the frame. Weather too cold and wet, etc.

74* and clear sunny skies here in Phoenix today... :lmao:

[Landsvw]

I ‘think’ I have a buyer for the Shadow at 450$. He works at a powder coating shop so should have a nice way to finish the frame etc and make the bike look pretty. Anyway, I figured sell now, and get it out of my shop!

Oh, in reply to why was it disassembled. The PO wanted to paint it all up and make it look pretty. But that was 4 years ago. These disassemblies can get overwhelming when things come apart...

[Landsvw]

Shadow was sold! The new owner is really taking his time, powder coating it, and making it look pretty. Meanwhile, I also have our childhood Honda 50 torn apart and had it powder coated too:

Before:

https://i.ibb.co/8z3H7B2/F64-E9-B4-B-9-C64-4607-99-CF-A92071-DCDB33.jpg (https://ibb.co/3fXnCsW)

After:

https://i.ibb.co/WsMryqW/2261065-B-A99-E-4-AA4-B68-A-62-A74-C4-AFBFB.jpg (https://ibb.co/3kjxNGy)

And, acquired a 1972 Suzuki TC125, the bike of my high school years. Been looking for a one! Will need a little work...

https://i.ibb.co/pyQRK2k/17992-E35-E777-4406-B130-CCE3-F3623115.jpg (https://ibb.co/vYhQd1M)

Lots of fun on rainy winter days in Oregon!

[Landsvw]

The guy who bought the shadow also got me involved in getting the Honda Z50a powder coated. He then sent me a picture of where he’s at on the Shadow:

https://i.ibb.co/D4PSksY/881-AD897-87-B2-4495-8-EF7-A44-F7-F75-ACBB.jpg (https://ibb.co/R2GVPZN)

And, mini bike as of yesterday:

https://i.ibb.co/wCdpRXg/0-D8-EE8-E0-5-E13-4-CB1-8013-100-DC7087288.jpg (https://ibb.co/P4r1Nnj)

I have to swap the fork innards as I have them on the wrong side... brakes are on right, on these... oops!

[Landsvw]

And the tank and seat are ready and waiting to go on:

https://i.ibb.co/BTdHw8H/823-E1098-8-A4-A-4639-B85-F-386-C1799693-B.jpg (https://ibb.co/5stX2qX)

[Landsvw]

Honda 50 is advancing

https://i.ibb.co/HPTKx6Y/7611-A6-E4-217-D-4-E2-B-A653-991205-FC99-D7.jpg (https://ibb.co/bv562TL)

Suzuki is waiting on parts.

[2LZ]

The Mini Trail looks great!

If I recall, the TC125 was the "Prospector" with the dual transmission?....as opposed to the TS125 which if I recall was the Duster????

Love these old bikes.... Brings back my youth.

[Landsvw]

The Mini Trail looks great!

If I recall, the TC125 was the "Prospector" with the dual transmission?....as opposed to the TS125 which if I recall was the Duster????

Love these old bikes.... Brings back my youth.

I think you’re right on those labels. The TC125 has the dual transmission. I could shift it very easily with my heel back in the day, and never had any issues of it breaking etc. This one was labeled a TS in the ad, but when I saw the shift lever I knew it was a TC. The sticker confirmed it. And I’m pretty sure my bike in the 1980’s during high school was also a 1972. I actually had a second one in maybe 1987. I’ve always regretted getting rid of them. They were very gentle and easy to ride two strokes and the high low range was super handy.

[Landsvw]

The guy sent me picture of the shadow. It’s done and looks amazing

[Landsvw]

The TC125 is on hold as I wait for a base gasket... should be here this week. Evidently only England makes them... lol.

Honda Z50a is together but waiting for tank liner as there was a pinhole leak in the tank when I filled it up.

[Landsvw]

TC125 update. Gaskets and seals arrived. Got to this point!

https://i.ibb.co/LgXN12S/3-ABFFBA2-3-D92-463-A-AD8-B-B32295-D34148.jpg (https://ibb.co/c8SYQ7J)

[Landsvw]

Lots of eBay parts, but trying to get it right. I think the reason this bike was turned into a parts bike was, left crank seal had fallen out... wasn’t any good either. So, it quit running, no one could get it running and it slowly lost parts as people tried and failed. I got the flywheel and the stator plate off and sure enough, seal was hanging out...

[Landsvw]

https://i.ibb.co/z4607Bm/4-F3-E976-B-58-E2-4-F47-8627-2-F8-F5-CB2491-F.jpg (https://ibb.co/LZN2Jc0)


Runs! Many weirder small issues including a very large mouse nest in the expansion pipe that then plugged the exhaust. Took about 1/2 an hour after removing baffles to get it all out. Points were garbage. Got them filed tho and great spark now. Gas on/off valve leaked. Fixed that too.

[Landsvw]

Getting there. Got my seat recovered today. The 30$ seat cover arrived.

[Landsvw]

More parts installed. Chain guard, etc.

[Landsvw]

Got her running well, the rear rack on and rode 10 miles!

[Landsvw]

Not much to report.
But, found a little treasure trove of motorcycle junk. Bought some of it. A Kawasaki 125 and an XR80 engine.

Trying to sell the 1971 F6 Kawasaki 125, And my kayak. So far, no takers. A few interested. Organized and piled a few extra parts to go with it, including an upper end of a 1980-90 water cooled CR125 I also had laying around… spring cleaning. Heheh. Want to ride the Suzuki but it’s been 100 degrees here after work this week. Ugh!

Put together the XR80 engine and seems like almost all the parts are there. Looking for a rolling frame to put the engine in.

That’s it! Happy Thursday!

[JerryHawk250]

Want to ride the Suzuki but it’s been 100 degrees here after work this week. Ugh!


Just run it WOT to make the AC work better. lol

[Landsvw]

Got a ride in

[JerryHawk250]

What no ride report?? lol She looks nice. :tup:

[Landsvw]

What no ride report?? lol She looks nice. :tup:

Runs great! Took a 10 mile ride on her. Has power, shifts well, and runs like it’s supposed to. Had been working out the bugs until last weekend. Found the carb had a bad o-ring in it and was running rich. This bike has a carb with a removable from the outside main jet, which is in horizontally. So, where the main jet passage in the bowl hooks to the upright continuation of the passage there is an o ring. Had gone bad…

[Landsvw]

Got enough parts for 1 and 3/4 of an XL75! Working on it now

[herbie]

Cool project, I always liked those little bikes. I was at walmart yesterday and they have something new, it's a 3" thick by 2'x3' sheet of high density foam. If they had that when I recovered my seat I would have used it, may be good for your project. Best of all it was less than $8.

[Landsvw]

I did the electrolysis rust removal treatment on the XL75 tank and seems to have worked! Calcium carbonate, and a battery charger for like 12 hours. Negative on the tank and positive on the suspended anode in the solution. Bubbled away, creates hydrogen i think, and then rinsed with water and solvent at the end. Didn’t start leaking either which was my greatest concern…

Edit: it started leaking. Dang it!

[Landsvw]

Cleaned my shop and got a photo op of the ‘fleet’. Down to only 3 bikes dang it… :lmao:

[franque]

Time to buy another project/Chinese bike!

[Landsvw]

I keep trying to buy a Chinese bike, but used, they should be pennies on the dollar… but people want too much for them right now. When I find the 75$ one, I’ll def buy…

[Landsvw]

Haha I spoke too soon! Sooo, I ended up with an XR80 engine in pieces, for free… I assembled it. Then, wanted to help the neighbor kid have a bike, so his dad and I are working on making him a bike. Got a 1979 XL75 for 150$. And then, a 1974 XL75 for 50$, and THEN a 2003 XR100 for 200$… sheeesh… they are like rabbits! I’ve got parts on order for the XR100, the neighbor is painting the frame of the 1979 bike, the 80 engine will go into the XL, and the kid will have a bike. And, evidently, I’ll have a nice little XR100 in the fleet. The other parts? Who knows… might be enough left over for most of one more bike…

[JerryHawk250]

That's going to be one happy kid. :D

[Landsvw]

The 79 XL had a seized from rust engine, and a bad gas tank for starters. So, I got the engine free, had a cylinder and piston that had come with the XR80 engine, but was a 75cc, so have most of that engine back together but not the top end.

The XR80 was just disassembled and missing valve keepers and, a front timing chain guide, which I used from the XL engine.

The 74 XL is the older style engine, and hard to find parts for, so, probably won’t even mess with that one.

The XR100 is a weird case. Evidently someone had lengthened the swing arm from a CR type bike and had put it on the XR but the shock is a 14 inch so it wasn’t fitting very well. Was in pieces all over this guys garage. But, he had already bought an XR swing arm, but he didn’t have a shock. I ordered one for 35$ from eBay and it’s on the way. That should complete the frame issues. The second part of this story is, the engine is disassembled. The timing chain and sprockets are toast. Over revving? Never adjusting? Probably both. I have all those parts ordered too and it’s ready to be put back together. Again, just parts in cans, and etc etc. still missing some bolts I think, but between my bolt bin and the parts XL’s, should have plenty of Honda style bolts to reassemble the bike. Plastics and seat are good.

[Landsvw]

I have the XL75 getting very close. Has some weird features. The donor XR75 had triple tree from XL250 and who knows what forks, and the original wheels. All are now on the XL. Then, a XR100 front fender and number plate. Went with the original XL75 engine as I had an extra cylinder head and got the rings free, etc, plus honed out the cylinder (was rusty inside).

Meanwhile in the quest to get the 75 built, I get this XR100 for 200$. It’s also almost back together. Had stretched timing chain and bad timing sprockets. got them in from Rocky Mountain ATV (great company for OEM parts btw). It also had some kind of CR extended rear swing arm and was cobbled together with crappy welds, etc. so, an eBay swingarm and shock, a few other eBay parts, and it’s back to original.

Both coming along nicely. Maybe by the weekend my shop will be back to normal.

[herbie]

Nice!!! You mentioned Rocky Mountain for parts, you might want to check out carolinacycle.com they have the best prices and always have had things in stock or get them in very quick. I’ve used them several times, they get high marks from me.

[Landsvw]

A mock-up with tank and side covers

[Landsvw]

The Suzuki is officially finished

[Landsvw]

https://i.ibb.co/jgYMqD5/5-AD2231-F-5189-4-D5-C-84-AC-9-CC6-B16344-CC.png (https://ibb.co/pJTzNdP)

https://i.ibb.co/ZBcJYf6/4338-AC3-D-3012-4259-801-D-927-EDDA39395.png (https://ibb.co/bsN326g)

Suzuki is officially complete. Found some old pinstripes from a Ford project and threw them on…

[herbie]

Sweet looking bike, Nice job!! Man that thing brings back some memories

[Landsvw]

I also got the 200$ basket case XR100 back together. Spent maybe 350$ on it. Mostly eBay used parts. Runs well! I think I have a friend that wants to buy it, and all the extras. Will make a little $$ on it too, and pay for all the other bike silliness this last year…

[2LZ]

Sweet looking bike, Nice job!! Man that thing brings back some memories
Yer not kidding about the memories. I can smell the bean oil now.....

[Landsvw]

I had a TC125 in high school and so did my best friend. The bikes were perfectly equal in speed. I remember we’d race towards mud puddles and all sorts of things trying to be first. Really, the winner was the one who shifted right. Anyway, I sold it, then got another one first year of college. Kept that one until I was married and into the early 90’s. They are kinda slow but simple and fun to ride. The high low range is super awesome. This one I finally found last December, up in Portland in pieces (missing some things too). Enjoyed the process of putting it back together and completely enjoy the retro sound and feel of the bike. I’m not disappointed. Just like the 80’s!

[herbie]

When I was 14 yrs old I wanted to get a basket case motorcycle to work on during the winter. I advertised in the local paper and to my surprise a guy called me and said he has a Yamaha DT175 that he would sell for $100. That was the most fun you could have with your clothes on as a teenage boy. I worked on that thing all winter not really certain what I was doing with my dad peeping over my shoulder, not saying much unless I really was ready to screw something up. :lmao:
It didn’t have tons of power but was super fun to ride. I learned a lot on that project, and I think it made dad proud when it fired up and I rode it around the yard for the first time. Ah memories!!

[2LZ]

Neighbor kids I grew up with... the older brother had a TS125 Duster (5 speed) and the younger brother had a TC90 Blazer with the hi/lo. Is the TC125 a four speed like the TC90??

[Landsvw]

Neighbor kids I grew up with... the older brother had a TS125 Duster (5 speed) and the younger brother had a TC90 Blazer with the hi/lo. Is the TC125 a four speed like the TC90??

Not sure what the TS had. The TC is 4 speed tho, with a high low range so effectively 8 speeds. But very similar top ends, carbs etc to the TS. I had a TC90 for a while and didn’t like the rotary intake and carb being down inside the right side cover very much. The 125’s are way simpler.

[Landsvw]

When I was 14 yrs old I wanted to get a basket case motorcycle to work on during the winter. I advertised in the local paper and to my surprise a guy called me and said he has a Yamaha DT175 that he would sell for $100. That was the most fun you could have with your clothes on as a teenage boy. I worked on that thing all winter not really certain what I was doing with my dad peeping over my shoulder, not saying much unless I really was ready to screw something up. :lmao:
It didn’t have tons of power but was super fun to ride. I learned a lot on that project, and I think it made dad proud when it fired up and I rode it around the yard for the first time. Ah memories!!

Yah, my dad swore I’d never have a motorcycle. Until, in 8th grade, I found a running 1967 K15p Suzuki 80 Hillbilly for 25$…. His Scottish heart won out over his fear of me dying on one… so, the rest is history. Rode the tar out of that one, and then moved forward. Since, have owned 31 motorcycles… it’s a sickness…

[Landsvw]

The old Suzuki 80:

https://i.ibb.co/DL29LLY/75-B6-D980-F7-B2-4-B95-A90-D-06-FF9014-C227.png (https://ibb.co/HX8tXXC)

[Landsvw]

Well, sold the XR100 and alllll the tiny bike parts, plus some other stuff in the garage, for a tidy profit.

Still waiting on the rack and pinion for the Corvette, and, start work in 4 days. New school year!

Have a 1982 Honda Goldwing sort of waiting in the works, as a friend has one he made into a ‘cafe racer’ (yeah he admits its an oxymoron making a Goldwing into a cafe racer) and it won’t start. Hasn’t run for 9 years. I did a bunch of new wiring harness work for him on his 1964 Type 3 VW Notchback and he’s gonna give me the Goldwing. So, I guess it’s one giant chunk of metal, vs a bunch of smaller chunks of metal, waiting to be pushed into the garage…

[Landsvw]

Sold the ttr125, keeping the TC125, still have a Goldwing waiting for me (but will sell it ASAP as I don’t want it) and, probably going to buy an 82 XL250 in a week or two

Summers over; back to work. Motorcycles on weekends!

[2LZ]

Love the Suzuki 80! I had a Yamaha 80 that looked almost identical to it. Rode the piss out of it. Finally burned a piston.

[Landsvw]

Corvette rack and pinion parts in a FedEx truck passed us on the highway last night and went to Central Point. Hahaha! Well, hopefully will see them today or tomorrow.

School with kids today… first day back for them.

Suzuki TC125 had a flat tire but I patched it on Sunday and went on a great ride. Love the ring ding ding of that goofy bike. Trying to get some paperwork for it and get it registered.

That’s all for now!

Carry on! Stay well!

[Landsvw]

It’s a 1984 C4. My son bought it. Seems pretty good but the rack was bad. Got the rack today on a fed ex truck!

[Landsvw]

Delayed update. But, corvette back together and all is well with the steering. Runs well. A few drips from other stuff, but nothing serious. He loves it!

[Landsvw]

It’s an auto and has crossfire injection, etc which I think was a really early C4 thing only.

[Landsvw]

On the Corvette 1982 was the first year crossfire and 1984 was the last then in 1985 the tunedport injection started up. I have a 1984 too but mine has the DN4+3 manual and a dead LCD dash.

We took our dash apart (was also dead) took out the motherboard and my son baked it in the oven! He had done this a long time ago to an XBox which also had bad solder joints. Anyway, we put it back together and it’s worked since. Not sure that yours has same issue but lots of data online how to fix them. Their little daughter board power supply is a common failure.

[TxTaoRider]

Since this is Suzuki GS related thread (or started out that way), I'd throw out there that me and a buddy, both on 82' GS1100es are taking a road trip from DFW Tx area up to Petit Jean park in Arkansas in early November, avoiding interstate highways as much as possible and finding "fun" roads instead. If anyone has any old bikes and want to meet up, or join up, let me know.

[baovietgps]

The art of restoring old products is really good

[Landsvw]

Well, this might be the weekend I end up with a XL250. Pending… updates to follow!

[Landsvw]

Got the 1982 XL250R in the garage as of yesterday. Runs pretty well. Some updating and maintenance required…

[Landsvw]

Let’s see, pulled the (chinese aftermarket) carb… bike runs very rich and burbly at top end. a few things didn’t seem right on it, like a bent bracket and etc. main jet was 124 and I think is supposed to be 110. Talked to PO and he will bring me the original carb I think.

Ordered new air filter. The boot between carb and air box is super stiff and not wanting to mount correctly. Gonna try the wintergreen oil trick of getting the boot to soften up.

Bike is missing the bracket and cable for the auto compression release. I’m in the process of trying to get that sorted. 1982 is the unicorn year for these parts so may end up making my own.

Also ordered a battery.

That’s about it! Not finding anything majorly wrong with it so far. Gonna do some cleanup, oiling, waxing, oil changing, and basic maintenance and should have a decent mid size dual sport.

[Landsvw]

This bike is definitely running too rich, not lean. Plug is black. I got the new air filter yesterday and installed. Didn’t run it yet tho. But yeah, I figured the old one was super crusty (factory, as is the new one) so the new one should run leaner. I’ll try it today and if it’s still rich I’ll swap out the jet. I had a 118 jet in my jet collection and put that in. Will see how it does, but got a 110 in the mail this week too, and a battery.

Let’s see, replacing the tail light, over-all adjustment, tightening and maintenance and found a decompression cable and bracket on eBay so am bidding on that.

[Landsvw]

Mostly sorted and a test ride!

[Landsvw]

Been putting a few miles on the bike. 40 mile ride last weekend in the mountains, etc etc. got a small issue I’m fixing with the neutral light. The copper connection inside left cover was mangled, but I think I have the right part on its way.

My son rode the 72 Suzuki too and it also did well

[Landsvw]

Happy Thanksgiving all you crazies !

L

[2LZ]

Happy Thanksgiving all you crazies !

L
Same to ya, lands!

[herbie]

Mostly sorted and a test ride!

That's a good looking XL considering it's almost 40 years old! Did you have to do any engine work to it?

[Landsvw]

That's a good looking XL considering it's almost 40 years old! Did you have to do any engine work to it?

Got it from a semi local guy who I met through ADVRider. Umm, no major work. Had a stripped bolt in the valve cover but fixed that. A few valve cover oil leaks and got those fixed too. Carb was a Chinese knockoff and really new, but had wrong jets and one of the activation levers was bent so fixed those. Hmmm. Neutral safety switch didn’t work. Have a part ordered for that. Got a battery, air filter, and put on a new tail light. Changed oil. Running very well at this point.

[Landsvw]

Got parts from eBay for the neutral safety switch. Unobtanium from Honda, but saw a shift drum from a 1981 XL500 on there with the part and the seller was gracious enough to sell me only the tiny copper contact and the special washer (mine was mangled and missing, respectively). Got it installed and working! Nice to have a neutral light.

Also, weird story, but I sold a pile o’ parts and an XR100 earlier this year to a Facebook type friend (now ‘real’ friend I’d say, and loves motorcycles and has a ton of kids that ride them). But in the pile was an XL500 skid plate I’d had knocking around the garage for about 5 years. Sold it, went up the road to his house. Well, the XL250 has (had) no skid plate on it. PO’s couldn’t locate it. So, found that the XL500 shares a lot of parts with the XL250. Asked the friend if I could get it back and sure enough, still had it, brought it to me and fits! Back end of it fit perfectly and the front needed me to drill one extra hole in it… looks factory. So, solved that problem nicely. Gave him a few $$ for his troubles too.

I’m hoping for a little decent weather this weekend, so I can go ride around a bit. We shall see. No snow in the forecast but a little rain predicted…

[Landsvw]

Finally got the paperwork sorted and got registration and tags on the XL250. Title in the mail! Woo hoo!

[2LZ]

Finally got the paperwork sorted and got registration and tags on the XL250. Title in the mail! Woo hoo!
Did mine online for the first time yesterday for the DRZ. Felt kinda weird mailing my pink to them. The CA DMV site was actually easy to navigate and went quickly for a title transfer.
Sure am gonna miss standing in line.........NOT!

[cheesy]

Sure am gonna miss standing in line.........NOT!

What? You don't want to hang with Selma and Patty?

[Landsvw]

We have small town DMV so usually pretty good. They were on 49 and I got tag 53 when I walked in. Last time tho, it was driver testing day and a bunch of people were in there. Then the system crashed. The good news is, the crowd left, and since I was just there for a registration I got helped… heheh.

[Landsvw]

Took the XL250 for a short ride yesterday. Started and ran well even tho was pretty cold out. I know that I didn’t want to go much further because it was so cold.

Merry almost Christmas all!

[2LZ]

Took the XL250 for a short ride yesterday. Started and ran well even tho was pretty cold out. I know that I didn’t want to go much further because it was so cold.

Merry almost Christmas all!
You ain't kidding. It's been cold. Most of our snow finally melted off yesterday.

[Emerikol]

Would now be a bad time to mention it's been in the mid-sixties all week here in Georgia? :p:p:p

[cheesy]

100 miles on the Ural this weekend and the temps ranged from 28 to 42F. Just another ride.

[franque]

This morning was cold, around 72° with not much humidity. Thankfully, it recovered to the low 80s during the day :)

[2LZ]

So I'm a wussy now! When it's too cold, I wrench. Is it dang cold in my metal building? Yup....but at least it's not windy.

[Landsvw]

I grew up near Fairbanks Alaska and spent 28 years up there. But, I’m now acclimatized to southern Oregon haha! 52 and rainy is now cold to me ;) back in the day, that would be a warm spring day and I’d be running around in a T shirt no joke…

[cheesy]

I hear ya. I'm a cheesehead from N. Wisconsin. I was in South Africa for their winter 20 years ago. Stepped out of my hotel in shorts and a t-shirt and it was about 60F. I guess I didn't get the memo that I was supposed to bundle up in a stocking cap and down jacket.

OTOH, I was working in Australia the next year and it was 120 in the shade. And there was no shade. I was dying and the Aussies in the crew I was with were busting my balls about it. I did challenge all of them to meet me on the Chicago lake front in February but had no takers.

[Landsvw]

Let’s see, put rings in my TC125 and checked the water pump on my free Johnson 15. That’s about it! 125 runs a lot better to be honest. Pretty sure it was original rings.

[Landsvw]

Well, can’t remember what I last said or where, but, I think on the “what did you buy thread” I mentioned getting both a drill press and a 1976 15hp Johnson motor. The motor has been rebuilt, early 90’s but then sitting in a barn since then. That’s what I was told. Messing with it I have discovered, under the cowl things look great. But the throttle linkage was seized at the swivel. Got it apart and ordered some parts. It was plastic on aluminum so not sure what’s up with that. Lots of grease fittings tho and the pretty sure the motor hasn’t been in salt water. Looks pretty good over all. I got some parts on the way from eBay.

Giant Sears drill press is great. Meanwhile, my 325$ 1980’s Taiwan Chinese lathe… went to turn one thing and the DC motor burned out… soooo upgrading to an ac motor. No more variable speed without messing about with pulleys etc. I’m using the motor from my mainland Chinese harbor freight drill press (since I don’t need it any more). Also, have some belt pulleys on order for that project.

Boats…

Am looking at 2 different ‘free’ boats. A 1986 bayliner 18 foot cuddy cabin, with a force 85 that doesn’t run, 500$.

And, a 1988 Seaswirl 18 foot cuddy cabin, that has no motor but a professional mounted outboard pod is on it (used to be an inboard outdrive) This one is legit free.

Both have good trailers.

I guess, I am leaning toward the Seaswirl since it’s legit free and 5 miles from my house. But, no engine. That means, some amount of cash for an older 85-115 hp engine.

The Bayliner on the other hand, has the Force engine, but they were a strange brand and went out of business in about 1999 I think. They were a hodgepodge of Chrysler and Mercury from what I am reading. So, getting it might not be beneficial as I could probably spend 500-1000$ on a decent mainstream brand engine and be better off in the long run.

Going to go look at the Seaswirl today.

[Landsvw]

Nope on the Seaswirl. Guy said it had professional engine removal and engine bracket. Neither are true. I think he’s honest but naive. Engine/stern drive was removed, a plate of aluminum on the outside and a piece of plywood on the inside, and a floorboard installed. No outboard pod at all. Right now, the boat is just a giant canoe. Lol. So, passed on that ‘free’ boat.

The bayliner… talked with wife and half convinced her to go look at it this next weekend. 400-500$ isn’t bad and, it has the engine with it already even tho it doesn’t run. And, it’s a legit outboard.

Another possibility is I found a 12 foot aluminum boat on a trailer for 500$. I could hang my 15 hp on the back and use it without going into the open ocean. Will check that one out too maybe?

[Landsvw]

Gonna look at the bayliner tomorrow…

Updates to follow ☺️

[2LZ]

Gonna look at the bayliner tomorrow…

Updates to follow ☺️
I had my one boat. 18' Sea Ray bow rider I turned "casual bass boat". That was enough for this Toy Head. Next one will be a 12' aluminum I can drop into any pond.

[Landsvw]

Got the bayliner. So, it’s a 17 foot capri 1988 with US Marine Force 85 hp. 450$. What sold me was, his ad said no spark. I got there and instead he says, it doesn’t do a thing when the key is turned. But he had, a month ago, jumped the starter solenoid and sprayed fuel in the carbs and it fired. I knew then the engine was ok. Is just a wiring issue of some sort. Controls aren’t frozen. Has super nice galvanized trailer. Never seen salt water. Towed home with not an issue. Sitting in car port waiting for some tlc.

[Landsvw]

Interior cleaning and mods…

[JerryHawk250]

A coworker f mine had that same boat and engine. Probably about the same year model. Looks good. :tup:

[Landsvw]

I’ve got my seats almost mounted. Used the two doors from the Cuddy cabin for their base plates, since I will never reattach the doors, and, the laminate fell off all of them. I figured they are marine plywood so saved a few bucks there. They fit perfectly on the top of the seat boxes and give me the opportunity to anchor them down to the seat boxes. No one will ever know, except you guys who read this hehe.

Also, soldered new battery terminals on the battery cables. Turns over really nice and fast now. Not tried to start yet. Still working on rear hatches over battery and cooler well. Got tank and lines for the kicker motor, and an outboard lift for 40$. But haven’t installed yet. Found a guy with a yard full of boats about 10 miles away, and he’s happy to sell stuff cheap. Various other cosmetic and anti rattle (loose screws) fixes throughout the boat.

That’s it for now! I think the weather is going cold and possibly flurries for a few days so won’t be messing with it much but maybe back at it next weekend?

[Landsvw]

Got the interior almost done.

[cheesy]

How's that vacuum cleaner staying put?

Looks good.

[2LZ]

How's that vacuum cleaner staying put?

Looks good.
FM, of course....

[Landsvw]

Wow, been a while! Took the boat on a voyage in a lake near us. Did well! Steering is stiff so I will be trying to get the cables greased or oiled, or whatnot. Really want to go to Diamond lake this Memorial Day weekend for some boating. Still snow in the campground tho, so, not sure yet the plan…

Had a good ride (and met some new friends) on the XL250 a few weeks back

Got a mild case of covid and survived

Doing a lot of mowing as things are growing super fast around here and has been pretty wet.

12 more days of school and I get my summer!

Hmmm. That’s about it!

[Landsvw]

I teach school, and one of my gal students did a paper on her KTM. Today she’s bringing it (with principal permission) to school for a show and tell. I’m gonna ride the Honda and we are going to park them both in the classroom. Should be a fun morning!

[JerryHawk250]

Oooh!, Oooh!, Oooh!,
Mr. Kotter, Can I bring my Hawk?
https://townsquare.media/site/838/files/2016/01/Horshack.jpg?w=980&q=75

[Landsvw]

Oooh!, Oooh!, Oooh!,
Mr. Kotter, Can I bring my Hawk?

Heck yeah! :clap:

[Landsvw]

Let’s see, kind of a boat summer. Got the Bayliner doing well and have made one trip in it. Then, given an old Bass Tracker. The hull is welded aluminum and great shape. The rest of it was rotted out so I stripped it and am making a normal runabout skiff type boat. Happen to have a spare Johnson 15 so that will go on the back.

Not a lot of motorcycle stuff but a little. Buzzed around on the TC125 the other day. A 3 hour ride on the XL250 with some friends a month or so ago.

[Landsvw]

I rewrote a song:

On the first day of summer Craigslist gave to me;
(And) a Honda XR250
2 KTM’s
3 Husqvarna’s
4 Kawasaki’s
5 Yamaha’s…
6 Bultaco 2-strokes
7 Maico Star’s
8 Beta Evo’s
9 Suzuki TC’s
10 Gas Gas E3’s

[Landsvw]

Got another project for the winter. 1972 TS125 Suzuki. Pretty bad off, but will see how she can come together as we go through the winter months…

[Landsvw]

First thing I’m doing is ungreening her - removing the teenager rattle can paint job:

[Landsvw]

Long story short update… sold 4 motorcycles, and a car, then bought a car, then bought a project 1988 KLR250 for 100$.

Still have the boat and am eagerly waiting for summer and some boating.

Meanwhile, getting the KLR sorted for some riding.

That’s about it!

L

[Landsvw]

Both are 1988. The paint must have been on sale that year. Anyway, some summer fun planned using my cheap toys.

[Landsvw]

Boat and bike update. Awesome trip around Puget Sound last summer. Then Diamond lake, and then Lake Shasta this spring. Boat is great. Down to 1 Motorcycle, the KLR250. Planning a 2 day dual sport ride in June and a boat trip to Friday Harbor this summer. That’s about it!

[Thumper]

Alas... So much for the GS550!

I had a standard (first year -1977). Spoked. What a wonderful first road bike.

I traded it with my brother for a 67 Nova, then bought a 1978 GS550E (mag wheels were the only substantial difference)

Again, FANTASTIC little bike. 6 speed with digital gear indicator, HP built to ~50 at 6000 rpm, but it was no slouch between 2000 and 4000. Such a smotthe, sweet ride. I paid $1560 for the 1977. No kidding. I will never forget that number. Showroom new, 0 miles.