Topic: Terry Bob's redneck F-ing K2 bitsa project!

[Terry in Australia]

'Twas a might cold when I got home from work, with only 1 month out from the start of summer we're getting winter weather again this week, but as we all know, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these Rednecks from the swift completion of their motorcycle builds" so I just soldiered on, regardless of the freezing temps.

Redneck Thursday night shenanigans by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

First job was to replace the "too stiff for my poofy old wrists" throttle spring, with this new one, as recommended by another member in another, much less interesting thread.

Redneck Thursday night shenanigans 4 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

It was a little bit tricky getting it hooked up without removing the tank, but eventually all was good, and the throttle does feel lighter, but the slides still snap closed once I let go of the throttle. I did think about installing the "push" cable, but have decided that's unnecessary. (Famous last words? We'll see)

Redneck Thursday night shenanigans 5 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

Sadly my oil leak from the alternator cover hadn't quite fcuked off, so I decided to replace all the rusty JIS screws with some old allen bolts I had in a drawer. None of them match, but you can crank 'em down hard, unlike the JIS screws. Of course I had to break out the new Vessel Megadora Impacta screwdrivers, and I have to say, they're worth their weight in good corn whiskey, very impressive indeed!

Redneck Thursday night shenanigans 1 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

Dirty Bling!

Redneck Thursday night shenanigans 6 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

Fingers crossed, it looks like the leak has stopped! Next cab off the rank was the weird high beam light staying on, even when the lights weren't on phenomena. I removed the headlight from the bucket, and after a little head scratching, realised that last time I had it out, I'd connected the earth wire for the high beam light, to a power wire! Oops! Only Honda would run black power wires.............

I'd machined up another alloy spacer to pull the exhaust in 14mm on the gear selector side last week but couldn't get to it with the bike on the bench, so I took the opportunity to install it tonight, and I think the pipes look pretty even now, and are tucked away well.

Redneck Thursday night shenanigans 7 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

Redneck Thursday night shenanigans 8 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

I'd been smelling leaking gas, and decided that the float bowl gasket on #1 carb needed replacing, but then just carefully added another gasket, and that appeared to seal it. If you'll recall, that was the carb that had a crack that I fixed with metal putty. God those JIS screwdrivers are good!

Redneck Thursday night shenanigans 2 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

Finally, I hooked up the voltage meter to see how the charging system is working, and was very impressed, all going well, I won't have to worry about a flat battery. What were those "Anti electronic ignition experts" crapping on about electronic ignitions robbing power from the poor old OEM charging system? My Dyna III doesn't seem to be affecting very much, apart from the extra sweet running of my engine! Cheers, Terry.

Redneck Thursday night shenanigans 9 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

[strynboen]

good old battery boiler..those toasters..i just got one last year..in biltema.

.this worldspred
 svedish shop..vho is like IKEA just car and boat stuff..vhy dont they build both shops in one..så i can bay tools and vify can bay usless stuff..vho dont fit together..ups that must be moved to the fzuk tread..do you gave biltema dovn under..or only ikea..

[PeWe]

good old battery boiler..those toasters..i just got one last year..in biltema.

.this worldspred
 svedish shop..vho is like IKEA just car and boat stuff..vhy dont they build both shops in one..så i can bay tools and vify can bay usless stuff..vho dont fit together..ups that must be moved to the fzuk tread..do you gave biltema dovn under..or only ikea..

I have Biltema close. I need to visit for Acetone and windscreen ethanol.
I add some photos of a Biltema gadget you might have. Could not resist to add some CB porn 
PS: 23.5 is better 

[MoMo]

That is the same set of drivers I bought, now my go to driver instead of Snap On ...LBB

[Terry in Australia]

Thanks boys, no Biltema stores here yet, but it'd be nice to have a big box auto store that something more than just fcuking car seat covers and air freshener! I love those screwdrivers LBB, very impressive, maybe more so than a CB450?

Per, your pic reminded me that I need to do the ignition timing. Having run EI's in all my bikes for so long, once set there's no need to ever check them again, so I'll have to try to remember how to do it!

 I know I've got a timing light in a cupboard somewhere, I think last time I used it was when I set the timing on my K1 back in 2004, or 2005? Geez, I hope it still works.........

[PeWe]

I do not know how often I really need to adjust the timing.  It is a good idea to check it once a year to avoid issues, another thing if an adjustment is needed.
I have change the engine all the time so I needed to adjust very often. I'll wait to change cam when I have to remove the ign plate for the degree wheel. Frame kit makes a cam change to a quick and easy job.

[Terry in Australia]

Another wet cold day today, but the good news is that it's Friday, and I'm facing the prospect of a four day long weekend! I rang Jeff at Ace this morning and booked the bitsa in for a Roadworthy Inspection. I made some bullsh1t excuse and snuk out the door a couple of hours early, and drove home.

I needed to fil the tank before riding over to Ace tomorrow, so I took off just as it started raining, and even though I wasn't wearing a jacket, I only copped a few large drops. Tomorrow will be it's longest ride so far, probably 20 minutes of riding each way with a little freeway work, and a fair bit of suburban streets. I'm looking forward to it!

Redneck Friday tank fill by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

[disco]

Looks good Terry. Strangely, I love those bars you've got on it. Much like an old Triumph. Can't say the same for the mirrors (though I guess they fit the Redneck theme!)

[Terry in Australia]

Thanks mate, you're correct on both counts, the bars are repro's of old BSA (Beeza) bars and they're a nice position for a fat old man like me. The mirrors are cheapo Chinese items with mirror heads that I had to turn around the wrong way so I could get thru the gate, and forgot to turn back, once on the road. They actually look a bit better when turned around the right way. They'll do until I find something better.

Redneck Friday Test Ride 7 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

[PeWe]

Malteser mirrors?
https://www.aliexpress.com/cheap/cheap-mirror-motorcycle-malteser.html
https://www.ebay.ie/sch/Vehicle-Parts-Accessories/131090/i.html?_sop=18&_nkw=malteser
Redneck enough?

[Terry in Australia]

Ha ha, very nice Per, especially the ones with the built in LED flashers! This bike almost got a Maltese Cross tail light, I've got a box of them in my garage from the 1970's that I bought on EBay in 1999. I dithered over it for awhile until I found an OEM unit in a crate, and just went with the small OEM light. I did have a "Tombstone" tail light on my first K1 though, so if I can find a nice old "Made in the USA" Tombstone tail light, I may have to go for it......

[Terry in Australia]

Ah, finally Saturday has arrived. And not just any Saturday, but "Roadworthy Test" Saturday! Of course it was cold, overcast and raining, so I made myself some bacon and eggs on toast, and waited out the rain.

Redneck Saturday bike fixings by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

Finally the clouds parted, I fired the bitsa up, and rode over to Ace Motorcycles. I was quite happy that nothing had fallen off between my place and Ace, although it disgraced itself and dripped some gas on the floor of Jeff's workshop.

Redneck Saturday bike fixings 1 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

Unlike most bike shops in the area, Jeff will take on just about any type or age of bike, making him the patron saint of most of the Cafe Racer/Bobber owners, plus anyone who rides old POS bikes like us. As you can see, his shop is always pretty full.

Redneck Saturday bike fixings 2 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

Anyway, apart from a dribble of gas and more oil on my sidestand than there should have been, the bitsa flew thru the Roadworthy Inspection, and so now I just need to fill out a form, get it signed by my club registration guy, and I'm on the road!

When I got home I figured that I may as well so the ignition timing, so I found my old Lucas timing light, but it didn't work, dayum! Who'd have thought something electrical, made by Lucas "back in the day" wouldn't work?

Redneck Saturday bike fixings 10 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

I dug deeper and found this Optilux light, it worked fine to start with, but then started missing and farting, what a PITA! I'm glad that I only have to do this once, gotta love electronic ignitions! Anyway, the timing is now spot on, so I'm happy.

Redneck Saturday bike fixings 5 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

Jeff liked my bike, but made a rather disparaging remark about the rusty screws on the engine, so I thought I better do something about it.

Redneck Saturday bike fixings 6 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

I pulled out my super dooper screwdrivers, and even got to use the "Impacta" drivers to loosen some of them, geez they're good! Anyway, I found some more stainless screws and I've gotta say, they do look nicer.

Redneck Saturday bike fixings 7 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

I removed the alternator cover and gear selector cover and cleaned the gasket surface for the alternator cover, and added a little sealant. Hopefully it won't leak now. I took the bearing retainer off to see if I could get rid of the 2 busted screws and replace them, but it was a "no go", so I'll think about it and see how I can get those busted screws out. 

Redneck Saturday bike fixings 9 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

I was gonna replace the float needles but was feeling a bit tired and thirsty, so I'll do that later.

[vfourfreak]

Good old Lucas - the Prince of Darkness !

Kev

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Lucas reliability!

[Terry in Australia]

Thanks guys, well to be fair, the inductor thingie on the Lucas light got a bit melted when it came into contact with the exhaust header on one of my bikes many years ago, I'm not sure why the Optilux light sh1t itself though, so now I need a good timing light, any suggestions?

I've seen some nice looking Snap On lights, but I'm also thinking I like the battery powered ones, only problem is I use them so infrequently, the batteries would need to be taken out after use so they don't rot inside the light. Thoughts? Cheers, Terry.

[MoMo]

  I have two Snap On and one MAC, can't go wrong with either....LBB

[BobbyR]

Thanks guys, well to be fair, the inductor thingie on the Lucas light got a bit melted when it came into contact with the exhaust header on one of my bikes many years ago, I'm not sure why the Optilux light sh1t itself though, so now I need a good timing light, any suggestions?

I've seen some nice looking Snap On lights, but I'm also thinking I like the battery powered ones, only problem is I use them so infrequently, the batteries would need to be taken out after use so they don't rot inside the light. Thoughts? Cheers, Terry.

My old man was a make it yourself from the old German school. He made one out of a flashlight housing and a small neon bulb. Some of the Auto parts chains will lend you tools here in the states.

Now, you wanna be real redneck Hoss? You go buy one at some big box place, use the sucker and bring it back saying it don't work. 

[Terry in Australia]

Well if Larry Billy Bob would loan me one of his timing lights Bobby, I wouldn't have to go to that trouble! Ha ha, I'll keep my eye out for one of those Snap On's, I see a lot on Ebay, not sure about buying a used one though, I've got 2 dodgy ones out in my garage now, so I know how fickle they can be.

I wish I could remember the brand of the one that I saw back in the 80's at Preston Honda, the workshop supervisor did the timing on my first K1 and I was impressed at how bright the light was. Cheers, Terry.    

[MoMo]

Terry Bob, the old chrome/steel Sears Craftsman worked quite well for an inexpensive model.  Best bet is to do what Bobby Bob suggested, buy one, use it and return it.  Happens all the time where I work.  That would be in the true low class, redneck modus operandi( not a redneck phrase BTW)...LBB

[MCRider]

Well if Larry Billy Bob would loan me one of his timing lights Bobby, I wouldn't have to go to that trouble! Ha ha, I'll keep my eye out for one of those Snap On's, I see a lot on Ebay, not sure about buying a used one though, I've got 2 dodgy ones out in my garage now, so I know how fickle they can be.

I wish I could remember the brand of the one that I saw back in the 80's at Preston Honda, the workshop supervisor did the timing on my first K1 and I was impressed at how bright the light was. Cheers, Terry.

The one I grew up with late 70s early 80s,  was/is a Craftsman/Penske chrome model, held like a futuristic space ray gun. Quite garish, and bright.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/282079133250

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Penske-Chrome-Timing-Light-244-2115-Sears-And-Roebuck/232531795164?epid=686160884&hash=item3623f99cdc:g:tMEAAOSwmOJZ60T0

[PeWe]

Or this one?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AccuSpark-P8000-Ignition-strobe-Pro-ADV-Timing-Light/180699064006?epid=20002715168&hash=item2a1280e6c6:g:vUwAAOSwvg9Xc5go

Or a simple version
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AccuSpark-Professional-S8000-Ignition-Strobe-Timing-Lamp-Light/331737007734?epid=1822831376&hash=item4d3d110676:g:OUkAAOSw~AVYuBMz

[Terry in Australia]

Hey thanks guys, as much as Larry Billy Bob's advice is gold, I love tools, so I wouldn't have been able to bring myself to return it, so I took Ron's advice and bought that shiny Penske light. I thought about a more "hi-tech" version like the ones Per suggested, but there were three reasons I went with the Penske:

1. It's only a low tech process, (hold throttle @2500 RPM and turn Dyna III plate until mark on engine lines up with full advance mark)
2. It was cheap, (like me) and most importantly,
3. It was chrome.

Other considerations were that it's metal and I'm good at dropping stuff, Penske has some affiliation here with V8 Supercar racing so they have to be good, and I like the fact that the "pickup" is a proper clamp that isn't a loose fit on the plug leads. The reason that the pickup on the Lucas got melty was because it slid down the lead and landed on the header, so it'll be nice to have it up and safely out of the way while I'm staring at the timing marks.

Thanks again boys, once again, your advice is appreciated. Good news is, after spending 5 fcuking hours mowing and weed whacking yesterday, once more I'm a free man, so I'm going for a ride. Sadly it won't be on my beautiful fat four until I can get my "Club Plate", so I'll have to decide between my Sportster, R1100GS, RC51, Rocket III, VFR750, K100RS SE, or XR500RE. Decisions, decisions..........

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/232531795164?rmvSB=true   

Penske Timing Light by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr
 

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Terry Bob,

A true redneck would either swap plates or ride without 

Jerry Joe Jr.

[MoMo]

Good choice on the timing light   Buy used or new, Terry Bob?  I bought my MAC light new years ago but ran across the two Snap On lights at a local auction and couldn't resist buying as each was a $22 high bid ....LBB

[754]

That because you are living in Amish Paradise..
 Weird Al sings a song about that..