How a free bike cost me over $1000

[indywar360]

You the man, man.  Even if it doesn't work, that is an s-ton of work and experience. 

[Chuck]

I owe an update.  I've been selfishly working on the bike without taking any pictures.


Full size: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/PICT1243.JPG -- Gallery: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/

This weekend I put on the tail plastics and signals while I was waiting for the paint to dry on the exhaust.

[Chuck]

Full size: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/PICT1222.JPG -- Gallery: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/

The paint was still drying, so I lasered the old frame to see how bad it is.  You can see with the naked eye that the subframe is all warped... but lasers are cool.

[Chuck]

Full size: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/PICT1225.JPG -- Gallery: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/

A close up on the laser on the suspension mounts.  The main frame is true.  Maybe I'll cut off the subframe and sell the the rest to someone doing a custom tail.

[Chuck]

Full size: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/PICT1235.JPG -- Gallery: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/

Stock carbs and airbox go on for now.  There will be no rejet until I confirm that everything works right in the first place.

[Chuck]

Full size: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/PICT1237.JPG -- Gallery: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/

Finally, the paint's dry on the exhaust.  Got it in there.

[Chuck]

Full size: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/PICT1238.JPG -- Gallery: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/

More exhaust.  The black is way better than stock ugly gray and rust.  However the painting process was hellish, I may not want to do it again.  Once again, everything is stock until I know everything works.  I will probably replace that can in the spring.

[Chuck]

Full size: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/PICT1241.JPG -- Gallery: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/

Umm, yeah, so I forgot to mention I got my Pilot Power rear today, so I mounted and balanced it, and slapped it on there with the modified brake torque arm.  I was able to bend it by heating it up with propane and hitting it with a sledge hammer (with a 2x4 between hammer and steel).  I repainted that as well, and it actually looks better than the rest of the bike.  (Ignore my smudgy hand print, that should wipe off.)  There's 7mm of clearance between the edge of the tire and the torque arm.  Happy day.

[Chuck]

Full size: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/PICT1242.JPG -- Gallery: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/

There's the Kat wheel, with the not-so shiny new Pilot Power (it's already rolled around the garage a bit), and the new chain and sprockets (doing a modest 15/39 here).  8mm between the chain and tire.  Yay.  This was the last thing I'll do for the next two weeks as I move on to traveling and Christmasy stuff.

[Chuck]

Full size: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/PICT1244.JPG -- Gallery: http://gsproject.codefarm.org/

There's the current state of things, along with a dusty Outback.  As you can see, I'll next have to learn about fixing upholstery (sheesh...).  I think the '01 bodywork with the black frame and gray wheels will look pretty interesting.  I should have set the fuel tank on just to see what it will look like, but I didn't.

[pantablo]

I can't wait for the update...
looks great.

[indywar360]

Lookin' sharp, lookin' sharp...  I dig the black and silver look.

[3imo]

awesome rebuild and kudos on the writeup.

any pics of the finished product?

I sent you a pm on the frame.

[yamahonkawazuki]

would you be interested in selling the old frame? (if it has a title)

[Chuck]

Yes, in fact I'm currently selling it to 3imo.  Sorry.  Pastrana has second dibs, you can be third.  However, tntmo has a frame for sale.  Or is thinking of selling it.

[Onlypastrana199]

Hey Chuck,

Heard you were in to donate blood the other day  They got a kick out of the fact that you've never met me.

[Chuck]

Yeah, then they kicked me out because they didn't want me to give anyone malaria.   oh well.  You should come over, I've got nothing to do today but shovel.