MT 500 Scrambler

[Bonnielad]

[Bonnielad]

More wiring done. Battery on - only to find it needs recharging before I can check the electrics through. side panels made and ready for paint. I had to sacrifice the Armstrong side panels to rob the mounting pins. Not too much of a problem, they were badly scratched anyway. Gary, you was right (again!) I really should have painted the engine.

[Bonnielad]

'til I can get her running I can't check the exhaust. I'm a little bit concerned it might catch the chainguard when the suspension is compressed. Forgive the horrible exhaust clamps, as I said this is only temporary for Wales. I will have a bespoke Stainless Steel one made when time allows. Another thing on the electrics, This fancy new headlamp hasn't got a sidelight so I've wired straight into the dip. Does anyone know if I need the front sidelight for the MOT? I would guess not because most modern bikes' headlights come on with the ignition anyway.

[Drifter]

You could use an airbrush to paint the engine. That way you wont get much overspray. Thats how I painted mine without having to take casings off.

Sent from my GT-P3110 using Tapatalk HD

[Bonnielad]

Good point. I don't have an airbrush (cos I'm bald!) but I do have a mini spraygun that will do the job. Maybe if there's time before Wales...
It would be worth it though.......

[Ash8760]

As soon as I saw the pic I new you would end up spraying the engine!! Your a perfectionist, and it will be worth it!!!

[xjjagman]

Almost there Steve, can't wait to see it with the tank on!!
I shouldn't worry too much about about painting engines and unsightly exhaust clamps, just get it running reliably for Wales, then you can spend time titivating ( Is that a real word?) and get the fiddly bits up to perfect without pressure when you return.

[Bonnielad]

Working away this week and taking SWMBO away for the weekend so frustratingly little movement this week. I've found a man to make the number plate exactly as required (legal reflective yellow, pressed aluminium, smaller bike-sized digits). I nearly had a fit when he told me £28 (inc. delivery).
I've also spoken to Dave at Cyclops Helmets and he reckons I should be able to pick the tank up on Sunday on my way home.
Getting close now.

[Nico]

I found using tin foil an excellent way to mask various parts of the bike to avoid overspray. I have recently sprayed my honda engine with a three stage VHT paint from a company called something like
USAutos......was more expensive than rustolium but the results looked factory finish after Tcutting. It needs baking to cure it, or running up the engine 3 times for 10 mins then 20 mins and finally 30 mins.
Might be worth a look after Wales bud.
Nico

[Bonnielad]

After a weekend of 'downtime' I'm now getting back into the swing. the tank isn't quite ready yet, it'll be a few more days so as a temporary test measure I've re-fitted the old tank after patching up the leak. I've sealed the back of the clock/ignition with a bodge of painted plantpots and tigerseal - a better job will be sorted after Wales.
I've fired her up and she ran well for a few minutes before backfiring and dying, after which she refused to go again. I think the new carb will need setting up. I tried to get her warm and ticking over in order to do some adjusting but she refused to co-operate.
I'll try again tomorrow.
Sad to report the idea of the wooden leg starter isn't really up to the job now I've got full compression. it might work if I made one more substantial but then it can't really be carried on the bike so (forgive the pun) it's a non-starter! (bu-bum).
My remaining major issue is the routing of the exhaust. I've realised that the pipe will foul the chain guard if I bottom out. If that happens it's highly likely that it will lock the back wheel so all my working and welding has been for nothing. I will have to start again, bring it over nearer to its original route out of the nearside. This is one step away from the classic 60s look I so wanted to create but its no good if its not safe. If I can get it running well enough I'll ride it to the exhaust man and get the job done properly.