Bare Bones

The last Bike Club session was spent getting the bike down to the bare bones component parts.  The cosmetic refinishing will begin as soon as the last few tabs have either been removed, or in the case of the steering stop and brake stay tab, added.

The rear wheel came out fairly quickly, and while the front steering races were being removed, the springs were next.  The bearing races came out easily, and the good news is that new tapered steering stem bearings are available for this model.  Mr. S ordered a set on the weekend, from club sponsor TransCanada Motorsports (check 'em out on the right).

The last of the electrical components were removed, bagged, labelled and stored.  We want to make sure none of this stuff is lost or damaged while the bike is apart.

The brake stay components are removed.  We'll need to create a pile of things to be blasted and coated, and keep the rest boxed up and safe.  At this point we were on pace to get the final pieces off in the time allowed.  The only question mark was the swingarm and shaft drive.  Aside from the manual, Mr. S had no experience working with this type of drive system.  I guess everyone was going to learn something new in school today!

When in doubt, take a deep breath, and read the instructions.  The swingarm came off without too much drama, and the drive shaft slid out with ease.  Everything looks to be in great shape, so despite the age of the bike, it was obviously well lubricated with gear oil, and there was a pile of grease present in the swingarm.

We need to weld on a bracket for the brake light switch.  This pic will serve as a reminder as to where it needs to go on the frame.  We'll go about fabbing that bracket next week.

Job done!  Nothin' like getting your hands dirty!  Some time with the orange pumice soap, and the hands will be clean.  You need to leave a little under your fingernails, just to let people know you still spin wrenches, old school!