MT 500 Scrambler

[Bonnielad]

Managed to get some time in tonight - spot the difference.



Spooky how the headlight is on.....

[Minter]

Coming on now Steve.. Engine looks nice and black!

[frenchy3]

Very nice project

[Bonnielad]

Lots of odds and sods refitted like the front engine mount, engine protector and skidplate, Brake lever, footpeg and side stand.
Most of the loom in place - lots of work to do on it though at the front end because I won't be fitting the pod back on, and of course it will have all new lights.
You'll notice that the front mudguard is temporarily sat on a block and taped in place. This is because I am trying to determine exactly where to mount it. I find it interesting that you can almost judge the age of a scrambler / motocross bike by the distance between the tyre and the mudguard. From very close in 1950 to the BMW beak. Whatever next??? Personally, I think 3-4 inches looks about right.

[xjjagman]

Getting better every day, hmm, reminds me of a song, showing my age now!!! Anyway looking good, swift progress, keep up the good work, we'll be watching. . .

[Bonnielad]

Well progress is still there but nothing much to see. I've been trying to sort the exhaust but it seems the Bonneville silencer I had planned is just too long. I could fit it but my right leg would be very warm so a rethink is on the cards for that. Then I started looking at the electrics. I've pretty much worked out how to mount the speedo and warning lights but I've got to work out how to keep them dry yet tidy and presentable. so I decided to give my brain a break and fitted the kick start, gear lever, carb & decrompession cable.
The good news is that I went autojumbling this morning (PROPER shopping) and got my mudguard stays so they should be on tomorrow.

[Bonnielad]

Progress is slowing down now as I get to the nadgery bits. I'm also starting to panic a bit because I know how long these things can take and with my forthcoming work and weekend commitments the clock is ticking too fast. I've got to be careful because I've already started cutting corners to beat the deadline. My attitude now is not to aim for perfect, just 'ok for now'. Then anything I'm not altogether happy with I can tweak if I get any time at the end of the project. If not they can always be sorted after Mondo Conwy.
Mudguards are now on. Oil pipes fitted. Air filter and oil bought but not put in yet.

[Minter]

Whos been busy this weekend then!? Looking good Steve, shame the exhaust is giving you problems..

[Bonnielad]

I've also been concerned about the back of the frame. Now the mudguard is lower, the frame is sat high to the rear with nothing to do. Some have suggested cutting it off but if I can, I want to leave the frame intact. This way if I go off on an expedition I can still refit the MT luggage rack and pannier racks onto their original mountings. Also, if ever the DVLA or MOT type people ask questions, I can honestly say that I haven't altered the original integrity of the frame/engine/running gear. All changes are cosmetic.
So I came up with the idea of adapting an old Triumph rack to fit neatly onto the original mudguard mounts. It's quite a bit smaller than the MT rack, looks quite tidy and gives a reason for the frame and mountings to be there. But for now that's a job that can wait till last because its not critical.

[Bonnielad]

I also had a bit of a super-numpty mis-hap which cost quite a bit of time (and money!).
It seemed sensible to replace the rubber oil feed hose into the primary filter. I know fitting these can be a bitch so it would be better if I warmed it up to make it more pliable. Now Mr Health 'n Safety has always used a cup of boiling water in the past. Today I decided to pop it into the microwave while I went for a pee. Mid-stream the smoke alarm went off. By the time I got downstairs the house reeked like I'd burnt a pile of tyres and there was a neat little fire in the microwave. doh!
Plug out. Microwave thrown into the yard. Battery ripped out of the smoke alarm, then spend the next hour trying to get rid of the smoke and the black dust that settled over everything downstairs.
Ho-hum. Looks like a trip to Currys tomorrow.