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 ?
Another one finished
The “Bitza” turned out alright in the end. Time for it to go to a new home.
Chaly Sorted :-)
1974 Honda Chaly CF50
Picked up this ancient Honda Chaly from Taumaranui.
Lets see how much work it needs to be a good runner…
Wheel Lacing Delays
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…
Gearbox fixed
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 ?
Stripes installed
These stripes should be good for at least another 10km/h ?
New Decals Fitted
New fuel tank decals fitted and I must say, just for a change, I did a good job, no bubbles and straight ?
The Triumph comes out to play
I finally figured out why the Triumph wouldn’t start. It was the points, they were soaked in fuel and grease. I think I over zealously tickled the carb which then leaked all over the magneto. Oops, I’ll know not to do that again.
A quick squirt with brake clean then compressed air and voila! away it went.
I’m surprised how fast it is, quite, I think it will do the ton. I’ve swapped out the front brake shoes and the brakes are a little better, still some fine tuning to improve them to be done though.
New Exhaust for my CG125 Tracker
I managed to source a new exhaust for my CG125 tracker that is just perfect! The end of the muffler is in line with the rear wheel spindle and it doesn’t foul on the stock kick-starter, bonus!
Coming Together Nicely
More progress on the Bitza Build. Got my ignition switch mounted, made one of the missing top engine mounts, made the coil mounting bracket fit, painted the shorty mudguards (not my finest work, to be fitted after compliance with a smaller tail light), fitted the exhaust from my “good” CG (not sure I like this one anymore so a new one coming for my “good” CG). Engine starts easily and runs well. Valve clearances need doing, but there is an odd noise coming from the bottom end. A sort of clicking, doesn’t sound like it’s from the engine, maybe clutch or gearbox. Further investigation required.
Even more progress!
On the home straight now! I even routed the wiring through the handlebars. Now I need to get an exhaust sorted. I’ve had it running too.Sounds ok.
