Topic: Early Sandcast Found......

[HondaMan]

Mark….. This engine ran so well I never took the bottom end apart. Cam and primary chains were snug and quiet. I took the top end apart to address the broken fins and some oil leaks. Changed all the cam chain guides and roller (HONDA Parts), light hone, fresh rings, lapped the valves and back together. I certainly plan on riding it, but it likely won’t get a lot of miles.

I'll be interested in hearing how well the clutch works - or not. This was a problem in the sandcasts that didn't really reach full solution until partway thru the K1.

[PeWe]

That bike looks very nice, John!
Original paint on the tank too.

[BenelliSEI]

Mark….. This engine ran so well I never took the bottom end apart. Cam and primary chains were snug and quiet. I took the top end apart to address the broken fins and some oil leaks. Changed all the cam chain guides and roller (HONDA Parts), light hone, fresh rings, lapped the valves and back together. I certainly plan on riding it, but it likely won’t get a lot of miles.

I'll be interested in hearing how well the clutch works - or not. This was a problem in the sandcasts that didn't really reach full solution until partway thru the K1.

Won’t know until I’m done. When I initially ran the bike I was done to the bare frame and front end, strapped on the lift. I did look at the plates and  “cleaned and soaked”everything before closing up. What typically failed?

[BenelliSEI]

That bike looks very nice, John!
Original paint on the tank too.

Thanks Per. Still waiting on the tank dent removal guy!

[newday777]

Mark….. This engine ran so well I never took the bottom end apart. Cam and primary chains were snug and quiet. I took the top end apart to address the broken fins and some oil leaks. Changed all the cam chain guides and roller (HONDA Parts), light hone, fresh rings, lapped the valves and back together. I certainly plan on riding it, but it likely won’t get a lot of miles.

I'll be interested in hearing how well the clutch works - or not. This was a problem in the sandcasts that didn't really reach full solution until partway thru the K1.

Won’t know until I’m done. When I initially ran the bike I was done to the bare frame and front end, strapped on the lift. I did look at the plates and  “cleaned and soaked”everything before closing up. What typically failed?

He wrote about it in his last sandcast build thread

[newday777]

Mark….. This engine ran so well I never took the bottom end apart. Cam and primary chains were snug and quiet. I took the top end apart to address the broken fins and some oil leaks. Changed all the cam chain guides and roller (HONDA Parts), light hone, fresh rings, lapped the valves and back together. I certainly plan on riding it, but it likely won’t get a lot of miles.

I'll be interested in hearing how well the clutch works - or not. This was a problem in the sandcasts that didn't really reach full solution until partway thru the K1.

Won’t know until I’m done. When I initially ran the bike I was done to the bare frame and front end, strapped on the lift. I did look at the plates and  “cleaned and soaked”everything before closing up. What typically failed?

He wrote about it in his last sandcast build thread

It starts at about #177 pg 8 and continues on

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,192400.175.html

[BenelliSEI]

Thanks Stu. Great info. I’m pushing myself to get this one done for the Cobble Beach Concours, so unlikely to dig into it (unless it doesn’t work). These modifications will have to wait until the Winter.

I have to confess my “show deadline” is a bit self serving. When I took my early “K0” a few years ago, I met a several well healed collectors. Months later, one of them got in touch and made me such a silly offer I sold it. You never know, lightning might strike twice in the same place?

I’m getting tired of bikes that just sit at the back of my shop. I’d prefer to focus on the ones I ride, and maybe create enough room to get the race car back in there!

[newday777]

Understood.

[PeWe]

That sandcast is too important bike history to be ridden too often.
Sounds crazy, but the truth.

Never wrong to cash in when a buyer wants it by offering the right amount and more

A K2-K6 can be a riding bike, most people do not know the difference anyway, sandcast ot not. 4-4 pipes and stock appearance is enough.   

[Stev-o]

That sandcast is too important bike history to be ridden too often.

But John lives in Canada with a limited riding season, along with owning multiple bikes, it wont get ridden "too often". Ridden with care and pride!!! [I have that with my Z1]

[PeWe]

That sandcast is too important bike history to be ridden too often.

But John lives in Canada with a limited riding season, along with owning multiple bikes, it wont get ridden "too often". Ridden with care and pride!!! [I have that with my Z1]

I fully agree with you.
I helped John with a sell decision I thought he had in mind

[BenelliSEI]

Thanks guys. Don’t get me wrong, if someone doesn’t step up, I’ll be riding it.

[BenelliSEI]

Got most of the covers sorted today. Starter is back in, alternator where it belongs. A few more details and ready for the “big lift”.

[newday777]

Got most of the stuff nine covers sorted today. Starter is back in, alternator where it belongs. A few more details and ready for the “big lift”.

Getting closer John

[Kelly E]

Thanks guys. Don’t get me wrong, if someone doesn’t step up, I’ll be riding it.

I agree with you John, no bike is too good to ride. People restore bikes with hardly any mileage on them instead of catching up on the maintenance and riding them. These are just machines built to be ridden, the worst thing to do to them is park it on a pedestal and polish it to death.
Same thing in the car world. I live a 1/4 mile from the asphalt and have been chewed out by car snobs for showing up at car functions because I had mud on my MGB GT. Maybe the guy had never experienced the fun of driving an MGB fast on a dirt road.

[HondaMan]

Maybe the guy had never experienced the fun of driving an MGB fast on a dirt road.

Considering the roads in Britain when it was created, I'd think it was right at home there?

[Kelly E]

Maybe the guy had never experienced the fun of driving an MGB fast on a dirt road.

Considering the roads in Britain when it was created, I'd think it was right at home there?

It's very much at home in the dirt. It drifts through the corners with ease, especially after I rebuilt the suspension with new wheels, springs, sway bar and polyurethane bushings along with rebushing the steering column.

[BenelliSEI]

Spent a bit more time on the engine details today. I still need to paint the HONDA logo background on the alternator (not installed yet) and I like to 1/2 squeeze the copper ring exhaust gaskets into place while the engine is still on the stand (just so I can clearly see they are centred and stuck). I also need to find/buy the boot and wire for the oil pressure switch, but that’s about it…….

[BenelliSEI]

“File Photo” clearly showing the engine number and undamaged chain case.

[BenelliSEI]

Last picture before the engine goes back where it belongs? Had to knock off early and go for a swim in the pond. My “helper” started complaining about the heat.

[newday777]

Last picture before the engine goes back where it belongs? Had to knock off early and go for a swim in the pond. My “helper” started complaining about the heat.

"Dad, you promised " Love you Dad!"

[lash]

Remember John, the exhaust shields are matte or brushed on this.!

[BenelliSEI]

Remember John, the exhaust shields are matte or brushed on this.!

Thanks! I have the ones that came off. Will have a look at them tomorrow. Today I also had to root around and find the original top “vent box”. I had three or four, but only the one from this bike actually fits that cam cover!

[BenelliSEI]

Today I spent a bit of time on final details and cleaning up the shop. Stuff was everywhere. Also sent off an order for some small items I still need to vintagecb750.com.

Monday I’ll visit Tim’s garage and see if the young apprentice mechanics will come by after work for a cold beer…… The three of them can smoothly hoist the engine in 60 seconds and it leaves me free to “supervise” and slide in a few bottom bolts. I rebuild carbs for their dirt bikes, atv’s and snow machines so they usually show up on demand.

[RAFster122s]

Barter is a lost art for many, glad you haven't lost it!
Good luck with the engine transplant!