Old bike restore

[JimW]

I traded some junk for this old Suzi, and planning on a restore. I just need to pick it up and get started. The engine runs good and other than the tires and seat it appears to be in pretty decent condition. All the chrome is good with very minor rust and other than missing the rack on the rear it's complete. Its a 1970 Trail Cat 120 with the Hi/Low range 4 spd trans.
http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/zz64/JimW_photos/suzi.jpg

Here's what it looked like new. Hopefully, I can find the right color or something close and the tank decals
http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/zz64/JimW_photos/1970_TC120II_Cat_450.jpg

[Weldangrind]

That's a neat project. Is the high and low range operated by cable? I'm asking because of the two cables that feed into the clutch cover.

BTW, you might be able to commission a forum member to create decals for you. :wink:

[JimW]

Actually I'm not sure how it shifts from hi to low? It's been to many years since I've even seen one 8O . The hondas I had with dual range shifted on the tranny if I remember right? My first actual enduro was a Suzi TS90 that I got new in 71 but it had the standard 5spd. That was a fast little enduro at the time. The dang thing would run 75mph and out run my cousin's 71 Yam 100 enduro. I've been looking for one of them to restore just for old times sake but haven't had any luck so far.

[FastDoc]

GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What an interesting project!

I love these old bikes, but my KZ400 and GS750 I think will be a lot easier to find parts for. Actually the GS is already restored, and the KZ about 95% but already on the road.

I will follow your restoration carefully. Very interesting!

[JimW]

W&G It has a lever on the side of the trans that shifts it low/hi. I'll get some pics of it.

Doc, I found a guy that has all the part so for it, so hopefully I don't have any problem with parts at least.

It actually runs pretty darn good, but does need some tuning up. I'm going to get it rolling first and make sure everything is well before I get to deep into it.

[FastDoc]

W&G It has a lever on the side of the trans that shifts it low/hi. I'll get some pics of it.

Doc, I found a guy that has all the part so for it, so hopefully I don't have any problem with parts at least.

It actually runs pretty darn good, but does need some tuning up. I'm going to get it rolling first and make sure everything is well before I get to deep into it.\

Cool. How did we do things like this before the internet?

Now I'm also wondering about thte extra cable into the clutch cover.

[katoranger]

It looks pretty clean. Should be an easy restoration.

[JimW]

I'm hoping it'll be fairly easy. It's still pretty tight all over and the strange thing is everything works. Lights, speedo and all. Pretty happy about it :D I think after 40 years of service the ole girl needs a little pampering.

The net is a cool place, doc. A man can get anything he wants and even some he don't. No doubt it makes things easier. I'm sure most everyone on here can remember the days without it. Snailmail and all.

[FastDoc]

I know everything is more complicated than it seems but it looks like all you need is a seat cover, some air in the tires, and probably some carb work and you're good to go.

I think I got lucky with my KZ too. I took it for a decent ride yesterday and nothing seems seriously wrong.

Some people will just stuff a good bike in the corner of the garage for a few decades and think nothing of it.

[JimW]

The guy told me to tubes were shot, so he gave me some new tubes for it. I'm goin to put them in it, clean the carb and tune it up then take it for a ride. If it all runs good and nothing appears bad, I'll sand it all down and spray a good coat of the closest original paint I can find on it. Have some decals made for it, and try my best to make it look as original as possible. Might even put some new tires on it in time.

[SpudRider]

That little bike is in amazing condition after 40 years! I will enjoy watching your restoration, Jim. :)

Spud :)

[Reveeen]

Now I'm also wondering about thte extra cable into the clutch cover.

Oil injection pump.

[katoranger]

Will the turtle be staying. :?

[JimW]

Not sure about the turtle, but don't you think it adds character? :lol:

Yup, thats the oil injection.

[katoranger]

Maybe it means something :wink:

[JimW]

I think it means that it needs to come off. I don't think my son in law would let me live it down if he saw me riding it with it on there. :P

[SpudRider]

Not sure about the turtle, but don't you think it adds character? :lol:

Yup, thats the oil injection.
I was wondering about that green thing attached to the handlebars, but I was afraid to ask. :lol:

Spud :)

[JimW]

Actually it's a horn off a girls bicycle I think?

[JimW]

Well, I got the tires fixed, carb cleaned and it'll start on the first kick. I feel like a 10yr old with a new bicycle :D Brakes are all good and no jumping out of gear in either range. Now the fun stuff begins.

[Cal25]

I dont think I remember seeing one of those and i am from that era. Looks complete and in excellent condition. Did you get a title for it? that would be fun to roam around on.

[JimW]

Hi Cal. No, I didn't get a title, but I'm going to talk to the tag office and see what I need to do to get one. I'm from that era too, but I can remember them, tho somewhat vague, since a cousin and I spent most of our time after school hanging out at the bike shops in Liberal Ks.

[Cal25]

In Texas I think you can do a bonded title. Mabe somthing similar in Oklahoma.

[katoranger]

In GA that old of bike doesn't even need a title. Just a bill of sale.

Here is some OK info.

http://www.tax.ok.gov/faq/faqmv20.html

[JimW]

Thanks guys. I'll see what i can do. I didn't get a bill of sale since I just traded some junk for it but I bet the guy will mail me one.

What part of Ga are you from Katoranger?

[katoranger]

I am NE of Atlanta about 40 miles.


Allen

[JimW]

Ok. I was just curious because my ancestors all migrated from Nc thru Ga and lived in the south east corner of Al until 1890. Then they migrated to east Tx and from there dispersed to several different states. I've always wanted to go see the homestead in Al since it's still in the family, just haven't taken the time.

[FastDoc]

Well, I got the tires fixed, carb cleaned and it'll start on the first kick. I feel like a 10yr old with a new bicycle :D Brakes are all good and no jumping out of gear in either range. Now the fun stuff begins.

You lucked out buddy! I'm currently in carburetor hell with my antique! Good for you though. Ride on! Does that cool tranny transfer case work?

[katoranger]

Ok. I was just curious because my ancestors all migrated from Nc thru Ga and lived in the south east corner of Al until 1890. Then they migrated to east Tx and from there dispersed to several different states. I've always wanted to go see the homestead in Al since it's still in the family, just haven't taken the time.

I am originally a midwesterner. SD/IA/MN with a good portion of my family still in the Netherlands. We got here right before WW1.

Allen

[JimW]

Thats cool. Mine are all from Eng and Scot and came over here in 1690. Can't remember the name of the ship off the top of my head. I've always found learning different cultures interesting.