The engine came up pretty well in the photos, not quite as nice in real life. I used a wire brush on electric drill along with a small brass wire brush, then degrease, pressure wash then 400 grit wet and dry. Pressure wash, dry with compressed air, heat gun and paint. Lockdown achievement accomplished 🙂

Starting to make some decent progress.

After much searching with Blue Wing Honda (found import records) and NZTA (couldn’t find it), VTNZ finally found the frame number in the Land Transport computer system. Now I know it’s been previously registered in New Zealand and I will be able to register it again, it’s time to begin.

After a thorough carb clean, points cleaned, it actually runs! Amazing!

Picked up what is possibly the rustiest bike I have ever owned. I won’t use the frame or wheels, but the rest of it will come in handy. Managed to get it just before lockdown too ?

The “Bitza” turned out alright in the end. Time for it to go to a new home.

And this is what happens when you buy the wrong length spokes….Doh! Next time I will not try and measure an old spoke from an 18” rim and then guess what length I need for a 17” rim. The spoke supplier did tell me and even had a chart, but I didn’t think he was right. I now know he is correct. At least I learnt the correct assembly process this time…

It was making a strange noise so I took the clutch cover off and found a broken gear tooth.
The engine had to come out and I split the crankcase to get to the broken gear. Luckily I had a spare gear and crankcase gasket in stock.
It took me 6 hours to remove the engine, strip down, replace the gear, reassemble and put back in the frame. Running great now, no weird noises anymore ?

These stripes should be good for at least another 10km/h ?

New fuel tank decals fitted and I must say, just for a change, I did a good job, no bubbles and straight ?