VOLUME IV : HOW NOT TO REBUILD A VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE

Or

How to Fail famously with out even trying!!!

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Step 1

Finding the dream.

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 it’s (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

Step 2

Buying the dream.

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’s a ride that’s sure to impress . . .

My first impression was "Wow – it’s small!" (I’ve heard that before). Pictures make it look the same size as Benlys and Dreams while in reality, it is about 7/8 size.

Step 3

Fixing the dream.

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’t 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 wasn’t missing many parts - they ‘magically’ seem to be the expensive ones. Regardless, I venture on.

It’s 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’s only after I get the gaskets and rings that I have a revelation : I’m not exactly sure how to put it all back together. Don’t get me wrong, I know where MOST of it goes – there’s just a few doodads that look a lot like ‘extra parts’.

I lie to myself and say I probably never needed them. (It’s probably my wife playing tricks on me. Yeah – that’s it)

Fear sets in . . .and I’m fearless.

What is it they say about parents of ugly babies?

Where’s the beef?

Going nowhere fast big fella?
To be continued . . .