Project MT350e Green Laner

[Minter]

As a back ground activity to my other little projects I intend to turn this pile of bits....

.... into a lightweight green laner..

It will of course be blue! And will look like Blues younger sister. It will have the added luxery of an electric boot, digital speedo, chain tensioner etc etc!

She will be for sale at the end of the project.. Price TBC

Now the discussion bit!
Do you all ride/buyMT's because of their historic military back ground?
Because they are green?
Because they are a robust, easy and cheap to maintain? - Regardless of colour!
Because they are fun to ride?
Because I can attend MT weekend ride outs / contribute to this forum?
Because I enjoy spending most weekends getting sand out of my carb, trying different jets modifying the exaust/airbox..
Mopping up all the oil i spilt whilst servicing it!

I'm sure there are plenty of other reasons why you all buy MT's - Would you buy a civilianised one?................

[Franc]

I kept mine as standard looking as possible, colour and body panels, but tried to do away with all the problems that MT's are known for.
I am now reguarded as a Philistine by the purists, I guess the monoshock was a set to far for most folk, but I consider changing the panels (overall appearence) more detremental.
I think more people would be interested in a well sorted bike, highly tuned, with the luggage capability than anything else?
As a "green laner" I guess the suspension would be the biggest issue?

[Wirralman]

I'm sure there are plenty of other reasons why you all buy MT's - Would you buy a civilianised one?

I had my eye on one because they were different. I bought it first then found the forum. If it isn't green, sand, red or white, then for me it would look like any other 'normal' bike. It's only when you get into them that you can appreciate the work you've put in to 'blue'.

If you are looking to maximise resale value, I think it needs to be green or sand, with panniers and gun box.That way you appeal to both existing and prospective owners. Anyone who wants to can remove panniers/pannier mounts and gun box.

The immaculate look would appeal to both collectors and those who want to ride their bike. But then how many people have done restorations and then been reluctant to get them mucky? I suppose if you haven't put in the hard work yourself, you mightn't have that hang-up.

I think a civilianised bike has a VERY limited market, some would see it as devaluing the bike. I think your normal 'top quality' standard would only only be appreciated by someone who sees it in the flesh. Many of these bikes are bought on the strength of a picture, so if you're just doing a bike for re-sale, you'll probably over-do the cosmetic side.
My twopenneth, Eric

[Barrie]

Good luck with all these rebuilds!

Do you all ride/buyMT's because of their historic military back ground? Yes
Because they are green? No
Because they are a robust, easy and cheap to maintain? - Regardless of colour! Yes
Because they are fun to ride? Yes
Because I can attend MT weekend ride outs / contribute to this forum? Yes
Because I enjoy spending most weekends getting sand out of my carb, trying different jets modifying the exaust/airbox.. Tinkering, yes
Mopping up all the oil i spilt whilst servicing it! Haha NO!

Barrie

[Minter]

Work on the 350 continues! Its time for the engine rebuild..

Progress so far..


Nice Stand!



A good decoke, polish and valve regrind should have this running a treat. The cylinder and piston are like new!

[arceye]

I take it you didnt go Trialing today then ?

[Minter]

I take it you didnt go Trialing today then ?

Nope not today mate i'm behind schedule with the rebuilds!

[MT glass]

Nice Stand!

Colour looks fine to me!

I can see were Eric is coming from on a resale value, will look nicer with a proper blue paint job, but just throw a bit of green at it and twice the resale price.

If you'r doing it to sell on let the 'green'bs' have it, it will be cheaper for you!

All the best and enjoy the rebuid, that's what it's about after all.

David.

[Minter]

Frame dropped off for sand blasting and spraying today..

[Minter]

Whilst all the frame bits are away being sprayed its time to pull the engine apart. The 350 head is not too bad a little bit of leakeage around the exhaust valves so should be good when reground...