Tanks!
The tank did come up pretty good after some sweating and cussing. The primer is there because no matter what, the dent was so deep, that it need
just a bit of mud to smooth out the metal. The paint I've used (really difficult to see from my phone pics and lighting) has a pearl under a semi-flat clear. So it shows every possible imperfection in the paint if you catch the light just right.
Spent a good while the other night contemplating a resolution to the "gap" I've had between the seat cowl and tank. That was the result of switching between 3 different tanks and 2 seats
after having welded in the seat hoop. Even now, thought I might revert to the Benjies tank, but have opted against it. So in a few weeks, I'm going to modify the hoop, modify the cowl, then repaint the tank and seat. Then, I will be done with this bike. Just in time for winter
I took the bike out for a quick test ride, first since the "boo-boo" event. Thought it might be ready to start riding again with it's ugly face on. Nope. Got about 250 yards out of the driveway, and bonk! Was lucky enough to have a huge break in any traffic (I live on a rural road, 2 lanes, 55MPh speed, and no shoulder) and get it across the road, into a driveway. My other boy was along on his Suzi. After tinkering for a couple of minutes, I jumped on his, dashed home, truck and trailer and towed it home. What a drag, 250 yard tow...
Turns out, carbs 3/4 weren't getting any fuel. Ah, the older boy strikes again! After the tank work, I had asked him to flush the tank
really well. Was getting debris into the fuel line. When I removed it from the petcock, it was dry as a bone, and so were the 3/4 carbs.
Think I've got all that cleared up, but I'll know later today after a test fire. If not, off the carbs come for a teardown and cleaning (again).
Clip-ons and clubmans: clip-ons definitely can create a great looking bike. But for an old man like me, they're not very comfortable. Plus, I've got some ortho damage to my left hand and wrist from a ports injury. Makes the pressure of that position pretty unbearable after a while. Nerve damage helps reduce the felt pain, but the joint starts howling like my wife after about 45 minutes of riding.
My clips are currently splayed a bit too wide forcing a long reach. But I also find that the wider position helps with some stability in the steering, so for my boys to ride this bike, I'm leaving it that way. At least until I get a stabilizer installed over the winter. Then, maybe I'll pull them in some.
The triple did clean up pretty well with a change in the bracket and the buttons just "worked" out through no fault of my own. Basically, I look at that as a lazy option, but a clever one, so thanks for the compliment. I'm going to use the same triple on the 572 build for my buddy, but in black, and I'll be using superbike bars on that ride. So I've solved the buttons and switch housings through different control units altogether. (I'm not really clever, I'm really lazy). Stay tuned on that thread for the pics.
To anyone that cares, or might be contemplating MotoGadget stuff, or electronic gauges in general: the M-Unit is unbelievably worth the money. Their gauge is down right pricey, but, this unit is an analog Tach with a small LCD screen that provides:
Electronic speed (magnetic sensor installed under clutch cover, reading magnet applied to sprocket bolt, thanks Devin for the great idea)
Electronic Tach
Voltage display
Odometer
Tripometer
Max RPM warning light
Max Speed retention
Oil PSI reading
Temp sensor input
And much more...
The backlighting is superb, neither too bright at night nor not bright enough to see clearly and quickly. The display is very legible and you can set it for 2 lines of info, or 3. I use 2 for simplification. You can even control how many "screens" you toggle thru (hence the left push button in my top clamp). Down right very usable, and very well made stuff.
Their wiring is extremely straightforward too. Two block connectors takes you anywhere you want to go (choose which functions you want, and wire them in).
I'll be using this system, their gauges, and their wireless key on all my builds henceforth. Way too easy and way too feature rich. Since I'm not doing restorations, and all these bikes needed full harness replacements anyway, it's just a win-win.
