1981 G/S makeover.

Tetley · Jun 11, 2020

Update 2

The exhaust is ok, so thats off to Zircotec to be ceramic coated in a hi temp semi gloss black, so it should look like the original. The bits for powder coating are ready to go. Including a set of OEM crash bars and rear rack supplied by Mikeyboy. The wheels rims are being polished and the hubs are being vapour blasted, again thanks to Mikeyboy.

So the front forks....the chrome bits are away being straightened and re chromed. The lower bits have been replaced with some excellent secondhand ones, vapour blasted, and they look like new. New seals, new progressive springs and we are good to go.

So that little lot cost about £850. Zircotec was £320 including collection and return.

DrFarkoff · Jun 11, 2020

Do you see those plates I have marked

If they are not flat ?? They should be :rob

both sides

scooter paul · Jun 11, 2020

Are you happy with the Zircotec? I’m considering having mine coated too.

Tetley · Jun 12, 2020

Frame

Yep that’s not a great photo, I did check the gussets after the frame had been stripped. I have the frame back from the coaters so here is a better one.

Tetley · Jun 12, 2020

scooter paul said:
Are you happy with the Zircotec? I’m considering having mine coated too.

I’ve used them before and been very happy. I’m going for volcanic black so it should look like the original finish. I will post up when it’s back.

jonnie comet · Jun 12, 2020

I'm a bit late to the party but I'm here now.

That frame looks lovely, it must really spur you on when you unwrap the refurbished parts and they look like new.

You're going to regret keeping such a close eye on costs....

(RIP) Spangle · Jun 12, 2020

PW Cymru said:
I've got a spare fork leg if your interested.

By the way it's no where near as bad as mine was when I first bought it.

Ffs...I thought you said 'pork' leg.

Ignore PM

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PW Cymru · Jun 13, 2020

I’m sure I could sort a Pork leg if required &#55358;&#56611;

PW Cymru · Jun 13, 2020

Where are you getting the forks rechromed?

I need to get my GSPD’s done

Tetley · Jun 13, 2020

PW Cymru said:
Where are you getting the forks rechromed?

I need to get my GSPD’s done

Mansfield Hard Chrome. £120 straightened and chromed. I have them back they have done a good job.

https://www.hardchromeplating.co.uk/

C

PW Cymru · Jun 13, 2020

Thanks for that

Tetley · Jun 17, 2020

Update 3

There is good news and bad news.....Looking back the alarm bells should have been ringing. The forks were bent, (by less than 0.5mm) the top triple clamp had been butchered and there were no front wheel bearings. I had checked the side gussets on the frame for flatness prior to coating but after DrFarkoff’s post I looked again. I was still happy (ish)
I was going over to see Gary at BaMW as he very kindly offered me a newer rear sub frame. We entered into a long discussion about checking a frame for straightness. Once I’d gone through the above details with Gary I was beginning to get worried. The kicker was the butchery of the top yoke to make it “fit“
Up to this point I had only fitted one fork leg as I had a faulty fork rubber. When I got home I fitted the second one and yep, it didn’t line up with the top yoke, so something is wrong. Either the headstock or fork yoke or both are bent.
After a few calls and advice from Mikeyboy at Overland and Classic, I have a plan. Motoliner in Maidstone can sort it and have done so many times on airheads. They have all of the standard geometry for the frame, so it can be realigned in their jig.
So now I have to build up a rolling chassis and get the bike to Kent for some straightening.
In the meantime I’ve had just about all of the parts delivered, exhaust is back from Zircotec, wheels all polished and off to be rebuilt. Paint booked in for the first week in July.
Onwards and upwards.....

timeandtide · Jun 17, 2020

Tetley said:
There is good news and bad news.....Looking back the alarm bells should have been ringing. The forks were bent, (by less than 0.5mm) the top triple clamp had been butchered and there were no front wheel bearings. I had checked the side gussets on the frame for flatness prior to coating but after DrFarkoff’s post I looked again. I was still happy (ish)
I was going over to see Gary at BaMW as he very kindly offered me a newer rear sub frame. We entered into a long discussion about checking a frame for straightness. Once I’d gone through the above details with Gary I was beginning to get worried. The kicker was the butchery of the top yoke to make it “fit“
Up to this point I had only fitted one fork leg as I had a faulty fork rubber. When I got home I fitted the second one and yep, it didn’t line up with the top yoke, so something is wrong. Either the headstock or fork yoke or both are bent.
After a few calls and advice from Mikeyboy at Overland and Classic, I have a plan. Motoliner in Maidstone can sort it and have done so many times on airheads. They have all of the standard geometry for the frame, so it can be realigned in their jig.
So now I have to build up a rolling chassis and get the bike to Kent for some straightening.
In the meantime I’ve had just about all of the parts delivered, exhaust is back from Zircotec, wheels all polished and off to be rebuilt. Paint booked in for the first week in July.
Onwards and upwards.....

Exhausts look great Colin - I’m tempted!

Tetley · Jun 19, 2020

Update no4

Mikeyboy pointed me in the direction of ST Motorcycles in Grantham for the straightening. A lot easier than going to Maidstone. So the rolling chassis is built up and the bike is off to ST tomorrow. It will take a week to sort so plenty of time to faff around on other bits.
I have already refurbished the front calliper, new seals, pistons and pads. The carbs are stripped and at Mikes for vapour blasting. Plenty to do.....

Santa-2512 · Jun 19, 2020

Tetley said:
Mikeyboy pointed me in the direction of ST Motorcycles in Grantham for the straightening. A lot easier than going to Maidstone. So the rolling chassis is built up and the bike is off to ST tomorrow. It will take a week to sort so plenty of time to faff around on other bits.
I have already refurbished the front calliper, new seals, pistons and pads. The carbs are stripped and at Mikes for vapour blasting. Plenty to do.....

Sounds odd, but thats a pretty looking caliper

MickDB1 · Jun 19, 2020

that ball peined hammer looks a bit on the light side Colin. Also I noticed a small patch of spilt oil on the floor in another picture, I hope that's been dealt with too

Tetley · Jun 30, 2020

Update no 5

The cost of the bent frame £350, bent yoke £45, bent forks £120, new top yoke £65.
So none of that was budgeted for. I think that’s the end of the unexpected costs, but I’m now over my initial estimate, oh well, it is a G/S after all. Gary Burton And Mikeyboy are always trying to convince me that their rebuilt bikes are great value, they may have a point.
So progress; the carbs are done. The front end is now complete and fitted. I used progressive springs and 10w oil. The wheels will be back next week along with the short motor.
Tomorrow I’m going to start on the headlight binnacle and wiring.

Posh Pete · Jun 30, 2020

timeandtide said:
Exhausts look great Colin - I’m tempted!

They do look good. Hmmmm ... Tried polishing same on the 100GS today. Phew! Coating would be a LOT easier!

Posh Pete · Jun 30, 2020

Re those carbs:

I made rhubarb crumble in an old alu dish and this is what the dish looks like now! Who needs vapour blasting?

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gog · Jul 1, 2020

Posh Pete said:
I made rhubarb crumble in an old alu dish and this is what the dish looks like now!

mmmm rhubard and aluminium oxide crumble

1981 G/S makeover.

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