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VOLUME IV : HOW NOT TO REBUILD A VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE Or How to Fail famously with out even trying!!! by G. Mattson____________________________________________________ _____________________ |
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Step 1 |
Finding the dream. |
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After researching motorcycles extensively, I decided on looking for an older honda with leading link suspension. I liked the Hondas for their parts availability and the C110 for its (alleged) simplicity. Since I am not mechanically inclined, I wanted to start simply and then graduate to a Benly or Dream later. Or maybe just stick to programming J |
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Step 2 |
Buying the dream. |
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After several months of looking, I finally found one on ebay. It was tired but looked mostly complete. After losing out to another bidder, I later noticed that the winner flaked.What good fortune! I quickly offered the owner $100 and the deal was done. That weekend I drove to Reno with my wife (she thought we were going skiing J ) to pick up the "gem". The owner was very nice and had a large collection of vintage bikes. I was surprised at his selection and was tempted towards the Benlys and Dreams but kept faithful to the C110. Hmmmm |
Now that is a ride that is sure to impress . . . |
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My first impression was "Wow - its small!" (I have heard that before). Pictures make it look the same size as Benlys and Dreams while in reality, it is about 7/8 size. |
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Step 3 |
Fixing the dream. |
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After taking inventory, I set about fixing a laundry list of items. Quickly started rebuilding the engine and crankcase (kickstart spindle was sheared off) and repainting the frame. I spared no expense when it came to paint (definitely can not chintz there). I ponied up $2.35 for a half pint of semi-gloss rustoleam. The seat is being recovered and a bucket full of parts are pending delivery from ohiocycle.com.Even though it was not missing many parts - they magically seem to be the expensive ones. Regardless, I venture on. It is only after rebuilding the crankcase, painting, and polishing that the bike seems to be taking shape (this takes a lot of squinting and an active imagination. Drugs help too). It is only after I get the gaskets and rings that I have a revelation : I am not exactly sure how to put it all back together. Do not get me wrong, I know where MOST of it goes - there is just a few doodads that look a lot like extra parts. I lie to myself and say I probably never needed them. (It is probably my wife playing tricks on me. Yeah - thats it) Fear sets in . . .and I am fearless. What is it they say about parents of ugly babies? |
Wheres the beef?
Going nowhere fast big fella? |
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Step 4 |
Moving forward - feeling backward |
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Installed the piston, rings, gaskets and miscellaneous nuts and bolts. As I install the head, it makes me wonder if I really NEED a torque wrench or if its a nice to have (This feels like 8 pounds of whatchamacallit to me). As I am rebuilding it, I become brutally honest with myself. I seem to enjoy the cosmetic stuff more than the mechanical. Perhaps it's the lack of tools (e.g. Tonight on NBC - "In search of . . . the abomidable Torque Wrench") or an eye candy thing...regardless, I really like the polished chrome, the tank badges, and the luggage rack. After mounting the finished engine, I realize that the carborator is not as complete as I thought (see 'Mostly Complete' comment above). Oh well, back to ebay... As an interesting side note, I buy the original 1960 owners manual for my hog. Interesting read! I am surprised to learn that the 1960 Sport 50 cub gets 254MPG!!! I'll say that again. 254 Miles per Gallon in 1960. My wife thinks I should get a personal License Plate that says 'Go Tard' on it. I think 'GRN MCHN' is more like it :) |
Torque Wrench! I don't need no stinkin' torque wrench!
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom . . .Not |
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Step 5 |
Finishing Touches... |
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Things have slowed down lately as I try to find the carb parts I'm looking for (Bowl/Float). Ebay has a new carb for $125 but I'll see if I can find one used (Did I mention that my wife calls me the cheapest man in the world?). I did get a new seat for it. If you look closely, you will see the leather buddy strap and pegs - for all those long distance cruises. Chicks dig the 50cc...
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