Okay, we all like to have a little go at the PO
Actually I was present when Tony opened this thread, so I was aware of what was being written. I have punted around enough barbed comments to others in the past. I cannot expect never to be on the receiving end - especially when it is warranted.
1. Frame paint and tank dent. It is no secret that I was very disappointed with the powder coating on the frame of my bike, right from the outset. This is more down to the poor job carried out by the powder coaters that the process itself, as it was put on far too thick. It was a cost compromise forced on me by my long suffering wife, when I let slip how much the proper paint job was going to cost....That'll learn us! However, the fading is an issue and goes to show you that some colours are more susceptible to fading than others.
The tank dent was caused by the BMW side stand collapsing, which they are prone to do, so be warned. That said, you could regard it as 'Patina' as it tells a story......
2. Drive shaft, I am assuming that the play is in the sprung area, as there is a little bit of 'take up' when you let the clutch out in first gear, when moving off, some times - you learn to let the clutch out gently. It is not an issue once on the move. Remember, this bike has done over 110,000 miles. We will also be looking at the splines and UJ in the drive shaft as well, but they were okay when I first built the bike and this issue was present from day one (well 2001). but for all the play in the spring area, it will never fail, unless brutalized by a Muppet.
3. The saddle is slim, but like everything, you get used to it. Having said that, I would not necessarily like to tour France on it. It has more padding in it than the previous café racer seat, but then you are sat back, and more upright. I have ridden it for an hour or more, each way and been fine.
4. Wiring. when I stripped out the indicator/Hazard warning and utility wiring from the original harness, I lost 50% of the original loom. Under the tank could do with a little tidying, as it was wired with what I had left over from the original loom. But I never had any issues with it and it has lasted far longer than a Honda warrantee! (Tony works for Honda). I just clamped it down under a cover and forgot about it.
I am hopeful that Tony can fix these minor issues, and refresh the bike so that it does not need to looked at for another 20+ years or more. With the lessons I have learned, he should be able to achieve this. As long as the accountants do not step in and force any more compromises!
I am letting Tony do all the stripping down, so he can familiarize himself with the bike. I am around for consultation and the occasional lift. He is aware that for all its issues, he has got a pretty good deal, with all the high value accessories fitted to the bike. Surefoot stand, wire wheels, ebc disk, stainless steel braided hose, Koni shocks, post 81 unleaded heads, new pistons, exhaust mods, headlight ears, speedo, polished triple trees, recent tyres, alloy mudguards, etc.
Having said that, the first real issue we are going to face is getting the old powder coating off the frame? Can it be sand blasted like paint? Or do we have to resort to another process?
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