Work outfit

[guest7]

I got the 650 cylinder head back today, along with a bill for £70 

In case I can't get the motor sorted for the Dragon I have been potching with the 500 motor that is fitted. I have played with various bits and pieces in an attempt to stop the worst of the oil leaks. I also cured the clutch problem (as discussed elsewhere).

I need a new chain and sprockets so I bought a CB500 rear sprocket (40T instead of the XBR's 36T) from Ebay for £12.95 and a front sprocket for £6.00. I'm bidding on a chain, but I doubt it will stay in my price range so it will probably be hello again to a Triple S cheapie

Jethro has ordered a variety of bushes and bearings for me so when I do the chain I will also do the rear wheel bearings and swingarm bushes.

Next job on the list is to get the RHS footrest hanger lugs welded up as they have started cracking. After that I will modify the Predator exhaust to accept a proper silencer clamp.

Cheers
GC

[guest7]

I gave up on getting the footrest hanger lugs welded and instead added a u-section alloy bar behind the lugs, used longer bolts and tightened it all up with nuts holding the bar againsdt the lugs, thus reducing the movement of the bolts.

Then I ground the inadequate pinch bolt lugs off the silencer, cut three more slots (so the slots are now at north, south, east and west) and refitted it with a proper silencer clamp.

The silencer (and footrest hanger) are now solid for the first time in two years.
GC

[guest7]

I completely failed to change the chain and sprockets before the Dragon and I can now report that I have eked 8,100 miles out of a standard Triple S chain.

Andy, your cheapskate crown (blagged from a hen party no doubt) is mine 

GC

[guest7]

The Triple S chain managed an amazing 9,500 miles in the end, but eventually it had to go as it was making a nasty noise as it dragged along the ground 

Just as the new chain and sprockets were fitted the frame gave up the ghost and cracked right through above a sidecar clamp. Then I noticed that the bottom of the same tube was also cracked. I added a brace to stop the broken parts from flexing too much and this weekend I finally got the tube welded up. Of course as soon as that was fixed I realised that I may have a charging problem.

Ho hum.

GC

[guest7]

Well... where are we with this?



I fully intended retiring the old bus this year. However, it dawned on me that its only real faults are engine related. Also I've spent a lot of time sorting out the niggles with this bike and I think it would be daft to subject another outfit to the abuse of being used as a works 'van'.

So... I intend fitting my 650 lump into the bike, tarting it up and sorting out my box body for it. I have a set of leading links for the XBR and a 15" rear wheel (with a rim that accepts car tyres).

As for the CB500 I intended replacing it with, I am fitting a Ural chassis to that for the '09 Elefant rally and when I get back I will be fitting an old style Watsonian enclosed chair so i can take the kids out for a spin.

Cheers
GC

[guest7]

I have been busy tarting up the box for the sidecar outfit. It was very tatty and requires some repairs, but it's all solid enough.

I have sanded and filled the body and given it a coat of primer:


Next step is sorting out the repairs.

Cheers
GC