Oct 252009
 

Parts ordered from eBay in the UK and the US have started to be delivered.

New adjustable control levers, one chrome rocker cover, exhaust gaskets, polished cam covers, riser cover, standard exhaust tips etc. I have placed a few more bids on eBay. It is a great pity that US suppliers like Pinwall insist on using UPS for delivery instead of USPS. Courier companies are most unreliable here where as USPS comes with the postman to the door.

Front mudguard removed and I found that the bolt that holds the chrome trim on was badly corroded and wouldn’t come off. Out with the dremel and a cutoff disk and I now need to drill and tap the hole for a new bolt. I took the mudguard to a local painter who I have used before and they will treat the rust, respray the outside to colour and treat the rust on the inside and paint with black stone chip for about 100€. I just need to get the pinstripes.

I removed the headlamp shell and the indicator warning lens had gone brittle and broke when I removed it (another part to buy). I found that the front left indicator mounting rubber was split and held together with tape (another part to buy). I got the part numbers for these and went to my local motorcycle repair shop gave him the numbers and he ordered them for me and they are due on Friday (2 day service). I removed the windscreen mountings and found them all to be very corroded.

The parts from Midlands Superbikes arrived but only half the indicator peoices necessary so I will have to wait for them to send me the other pieces before I can fit it.

I found that the previous owner liked leaning the bike to the left whilst riding it, two of the exhaust headers and the engine protection bar are worn away where the bike has been grounded whilst cornering, so more repairs necessary here too.

I took the saddlebags to the leather repair shop in Javea and they will refurbish them and re-dye them for me for a maximum of 50€, which I think is a lot better than replacing them. I have also found someone in the USA who makes inserts for the bags that stiffen them to prevent the sagging. I just need to find out how to get a money order in Spain so I can get a kit ordered.

A busy but satisfying week.