So I wanted to go riding the bloody thing. That required me to stick the engine onto the frame – and then a few other minor details like wheels, lighting, license plate and such. Little did I know what I was in for…
Frame
Largely untouched apart from cleaning and internal repaint with Hammerite anti-rust. Given the enormous 1 bhp engine output, the frame remains surprisingly true and my only gripe with this part has been seized bolts.
Front fork
Take the suspension apart and smother internals with grease. I could do with a pair of new fork legs – but the OE’s will have to do for now.
Rear swinging arm
Link seems to be solid. Move on…
Wheels
Disassembly. Clean drum brake housings + replace linings. Reasssemble + grease. Surprisingly easy.
Handlebar assembly
This bit is somewhat of a headache, as it’s a thing I’ve devised myself and had a mate weld up. Definitely not OE quality. Definitely not OE function. But it still looks better than the OE collapsible monstrosity. At some point I’d like to replace it with a CT70 trail handlebar assembly from the mid-80’es, which is what the current DIY bits aim to replicate. Oh well, silver rattle-can-paint to the rescue for now.
Lighting
New headlight reflector. Exchange all bulbs to 12V. Done.
Stand & sidestand
OE sidestand and footrests deteriorated beyond repair. Replacement OE kit unobtainable. Okay, let’s try with a chinese knock-off.
Again; crap. OK solid, but so big I end up putting it into the blacktop on cornering. OTOH I now have a centre stand…
Muffler
Needs a replacement. Bodged up the existing – now for the third time. A proper OE replacement costs a fortune 🙁
Seat
Needs work. Postponed, as the existing seat will do its job and I have no intention of riding in rain.
Chrome, fenders and bling
Polished up what could be rescued, replaced what couldn’t. Definitely not cheap, but since chrome is a central part of the bike’s expression, it had to be done.
There’s just so much chrome – more area than on a modern-day car I should think.
Oh, what joy it is to mirror yourself in these ridiculously flash fenders. Proper ones, not the ugly (both shape and colour) german types.