Project 53 KL 04

[Green Goblin]

Hi all, as mentioned in previous post I collected a couple of MT350's on Saturday which where won in the Withams tender. After a bit of carb swapping I have had both bikes running. 53 KL 02 came with no tyres, no carb no side panels and other various little bits and pieces missing. Also after removing the back wheel the sprocket came away from the wheel and there is no cush drive. 53 KL 04 is in one piece and after swapping the ignition barrel with 53 KL 02 I got the bike running. Today I took 53 KL 04 out for a quick ride to see how she goes and to identify any problems. First off the she seems to handle a bit different to my MT500 and the front end is stiff. The stainless end can doesn't run parallel with the back of the bike, is this normal? Also the rear mudguard isn't straight I know they can end up out of shape given the bikes history. I just hope the bike isn't bent it goes down the road ok in a straight line? All suggestions welcome, do MT's bend? All being well I'll end with one on the road and the other may turn into a long term project replacing what 53 KL 04 uses.

[Apophis]

well done mate in getting a pair of runners

that rear can looks ok
put the bike on the center stand with the front wheel straight and then get on your hands and knees and see if the wheels are in line this is a fairley good way to check if it is straight

[William]

GREAT FUN


wish you the best of luck mate

[TDIPower]

You need to get the front end off the floor to check the head bearings. either get a jack under the bash plate or stick it on the centre stand BUT set it up so the centre stand is on a block of wood (30mm ish thick is enough) OR so the arse is handing off the curb. Stick a bit of weight on the rear rack. Feel for stiffness/notching when you turn lock to lock.

Their is a difference between the the 350 and 500 as the suspension on the 500 is lower so its a bit different when turning in.

Pete

[TDIPower]

Just noticed how much 'modification' that one previous owner has done to the fuel tanks!!! they only take 12ish litres normaly.... must be down to 8 litres now!!

Pete

[Bunker]

Oh I share your joy. I can honestly say I understand why women often want another baby once theirs have grown up a bit, there is nothing like the feeling of bringing home a 'newborn' MT...! Good luck and enjoy the project!

[Green Goblin]

Just noticed how much 'modification' that one previous owner has done to the fuel tanks!!! they only take 12ish litres normaly.... must be down to 8 litres now!!

Pete

Yeah I agree about the fuel tanks. A mate suggested trying to get a couple of pound of air in the tank to see if the dents will pop out. Going back to the handling its when turning in it feels a bit strange so I'll check the head bearings out. I suppose the handle bars could be slightly bent as well.

[William]

a good tried and tested method of getting rid of dints is a block of wood in through the filler cap and a big hammer, its much easier to do on a 500 as a i belive they have a larger filler cap so more space to "move about" try a plunger

[ellrider]

Excellent, great pair of bikes, renovate no further, ride them as they are they look real nasty.

[Franc]

Just noticed how much 'modification' that one previous owner has done to the fuel tanks!!! they only take 12ish litres normaly.... must be down to 8 litres now!!

Pete

Yeah I agree about the fuel tanks. A mate suggested trying to get a couple of pound of air in the tank to see if the dents will pop out. Going back to the handling its when turning in it feels a bit strange so I'll check the head bearings out. I suppose the handle bars could be slightly bent as well.

You could try tack welding some bolts to the outside of the tank and pulling them out, grinding the welds off after. Just make sure you empty the tank, and remove both the petcock, and the fillercap before you try, also a good Idea to vent the tank for a few days too, heating it with a hairdryer to remove the fumes, or do what I did and chuck it on a bomfire for a few minutes, no evidence of any petrol after that I can tell you.