Topic: Terry's "Old Blue, the Flipping F2" restification thread.

[Terry in Australia]

That salary may see high to many in. America but considering the Australian dollar vs US dollar you will understand given the higher costs there and relatively lower buying power of the Au $.
Delevic system cost like $850 AU vs $700 US

We've bought two systems directly from Delkevik. One for the 80' Suzuki GS 1100E and one a few months ago for the 77' Kawasaki KZ 1000LTD. They were both $380 plus shipping. We will likely buy another one for the 83' CB 1100F in a few months.

I’ve only bought mine directly from them too mate, they sell them directly on Ebay and I haven’t paid $700 AUD, let alone $850……..

[RAFster122s]

That salary may see high to many in. America but considering the Australian dollar vs US dollar you will understand given the higher costs there and relatively lower buying power of the Au $.
Delevic system cost like $850 AU vs $700 US

We've bought two systems directly from Delkevik. One for the 80' Suzuki GS 1100E and one a few months ago for the 77' Kawasaki KZ 1000LTD. They were both $380 plus shipping. We will likely buy another one for the 83' CB 1100F in a few months.

Sorry, was confusing the Handle pricing vs Delkevic...my bad...

[Terry in Australia]

I love summer. Today was another magnificent day, too good to be working, even working from home was difficult with so many distractions just a few steps outside my back door. Somehow I made it until midday, then my youngest boy came over to add some oil additive to his girlfriend's troublesome VW. As he was leaving, the postman turned up with the shiny new repro from MC for the F2.

I wandered over to the bike and covered everything with a towel and removed the old MC. For the first time I noticed that the brake line had been looped due to the OEM handlebars being replaced at one stage with much lower bars. The throttle cables had been repositioned as well, and the clutch cable had a fair amount of excess looped out to the right hand side, so I decided to find another set of bars and install them while I was at it. I found a new pair of Ebay cheapies and quickly installed them, and re-routed the cables so that they were more comfortable, as well as taking the tight loop out of the front brake hose. I mounted everything, splashed some water over the MC and everything else where I'd managed to dribble brake fluid, and fired it up.

It started first press of the button and roared into life. I let it idle a couple of minutes until I could take it off the choke, grabbed my helmet and rode up the driveway and onto the road. The bike went great, I changed up through the gears and the gearbox feels great too. I did about 2 miles and thought about doing another lap, but as I was about to pass my house it dropped the middle cylinders, so I rolled into my driveway, just in case I was out of fuel. It didn't feel like fuel though, so I shut it off to investigate.

F2 Thursday 9 February 2023 3 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

F2 Thursday 9 February 2023 2 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

I popped off the points cover, and while the points assembly looked almost new, the points were filthy and burnt, so I made a "file" by wrapping some wet and dry sandpaper around a feeler gauge, and filed them flat, and removed most of the pitting. I flushed the dust out with degreaser and wiped it with a rag, then used my oilcan to lubricate the felt wiper under the points cam, and dripped a little oil on the points pivots to give them a lube too.

F2 Thursday 9 February 2023 9 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

I turned the ignition back on, pressed the button, and it fired right up on all 4 again. Happy days. I came inside and poured myself a drink to celebrate, and stood for a moment's silence to commemorate the passing of a well loved soldier......

F2 Thursday 9 February 2023 9a by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

 

[BenelliSEI]

.... condolences.

[MauiK3]

A Kawasaki triple?
More addiction help is needed.
The bike is looking great, can you describe how it feels different on the road?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Terry,

I do hope you hang on to this "survivor."  It has just the right amount of patina on the fuel tank but it seems so sorted out to ride and enjoy. 

Don

[Terry in Australia]

Thanks guys, the Kawasaki belongs to a guy I’ve done some horse trading with before, he’s a “One Percenter” who isn’t your average jap bike hater, and has a love for old 2 stroke bikes. I bought the T350 from him a couple of years ago and while that restoration became a huge pain in my butt, he’s been pretty helpful with parts etc. He bought his dad a T500 with the intention of restoring it for him, but his dad is an arsehole and told him he didn’t want it so offered it to me, but I’d just about finished my T500 resto so he traded it for Kawasaki triple parts and then got carried away and bought a 250, 350, 400, several 500’s and a 750.

He’s always wanted a K2, so contacted me recently to see if I’d consider swapping a K2 for one of the 500’s. I’d much prefer a 750, but they go for enormous money here, way more than CB750’s, so a Mach III won’t be a bad addition to my “fleet”, even though I might have to sell my T500, which is a more civilised ride, we’ll see how it pans out.

The F2 feels more modern than a K, a different riding position with much better brakes and better handling. The PD “pumper” carbs do away with any flat spots that you do notice on a K, so power delivery feels more linear. The ergonomics are a little different too, with the footpegs slightly rearset. These are only minor differences but noticeable.

I do like that it’s so original and would hate to see it fall into the hands of a young Cafe Racer who doesn’t know or care that it’s something unique for a bike to have survived, unscathed for so long and shouldn’t be chopped up into another run of the mill “one in a million” cookie cutter CR. My last F2 went that route, but I wasn’t as concerned because it wasn’t anywhere near as nice as this old survivor. If I did let it go, I’d hope that someone would just love it for what it is, not what he thinks it should be.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Terry,

FYI - your F2 has been nominated and seconded for Bike of the Month, but it's up to you whether you'd like to accept the nomination now or wait until you've done more work on it.  David aka RAFster122s mentioned that you might want to "clear" the tank.  The link to post that you "accept" is right here: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180400.0.html

[Terry in Australia]

I rode the F2 over to Ace Motorcycles this morning for a Roadworthy inspection, the last bureaucratic hurdle before the government d1cks let me ride it out on the road. Well, second last really, I had to buy an "Unregistered Vehicle Permit" online first, so I didn't get booked for riding an unregistered bike.

Anyway, I put the key in, turned it on, thumbed the button, and it fired right up on all four. I put my jacket and helmet on, and realised that the rear brake light wasn't working. Fcuk. Helmet off, jacket off, (already around 85 degrees) and start farting around with my multimeter, power probe etc and I was able to determine that the brake light switch was working, the brake light bulb was fine, (the front brake light was working fine) the power wire had power, but there must have been a break in the green and yellow wire between the switch and the wires under the seat. Fcuk it, I made a jumper wire up with the proper plugs on either end, and bypassed the green and yellow wire from the switch to the harness under the seat.

By this stage it was getting late, so I jumped on and rode to the gas station and filled it up, then roared off towards Jeff's shop. The bike was running great, and I heard a guy yelling at me when I was at the lights, so looked over and he was pointing at the bike and giving me the big thumbs up. You meet the nicest people, and all that........ I continued on, and a couple of miles before his shop, it dropped 2 cylinders again. Fcuk....... I was in Melbourne Saturday morning traffic and didn't want to stop to shut it off, so I kept riding and luckily I got all the green lights at the 3 intersections I blew thru, and made it to the shop.

Jeff looked like sh1t. He told me that he's had 2 heart attacks since I last saw him, and he looked like it. He's lost 40 pounds (and he was never fat) but he thinks he's slowly getting better, and I think while he doesn't need the money, even though he's 73, he needs the shop to give him something to do. He let me take a look at my bike in his shop, so we popped off the points cover, and I saw that the points arm for 2&3 was stuck open. I'd noticed a spare set of points in the little glove compartment, so Jeff gave me some emery paper to clean them, and loaned me the tiny spanners needed to undo the wires from the points assembly. We fired it up, but it was still only running on two. Poop.

Jeff arced the points and only the points for 1&4 sparked, so there was no power to 2&3. Condensor? That's my guess, but Jeff wanted to close, so I left it with him and he'll get it going, sort the wiring for the rear brake light, and do a Roadworthy Inspection while he's at it. I called an Uber, and had a smoke with Jeff who's still smoking, he's smoked for 60 years and when he went to hospital they XRayed his lungs and they were perfect, as was his heart, apart from it only working at 20% capacity, all caused because he picked up a weird virus, in his garden. I shook his hand and asked him if he wouldn't mind fixing my bike before snuffing it, and he told me to get fcuked, and I hopped in my Uber. I like spending time with Jeff and even though my morning hadn't been great, I still felt happy.    

[RAFster122s]

sorry to hear Jeff isn't doing well. Hope you get it sorted out and back with the roadworthy papers.
Didnt realize it was ready for roadworthy, sorta...

[PeWe]

The good looking original patina F2 is ready for "Bike of the Month" then.
Hope Terry is too

[MauiK3]

Bike of the Month, yes

[Terry in Australia]

Thanks guys, as much as I appreciate the nomination, I've declined. It's a nice old survivor, but not BOTM material.

[PeWe]

A good example of keeping a real survivor intact as original with its  patina.
I'm sure many bikes like this has been super restored, its original and patina lost.

I remember discussions when Frank (754) fought for keeping good original bikes original with its good patina.

Lots of rust is not patina

[MauiK3]

That's a good point
Here we have to really watch corrosion, it starts slowly and gets faster and faster the more it goes. If it isn't stopped the metal will be unrecoverable.
Hard to keep a patina bike from going that route.
There is a fellow here that has two 50's era Indians, he rides them all the time, very nice bikes. They look original but of course the paint has been kept up so corrosion will not take over. They aren't patina bikes but they really look like nice period pieces.

[Terry in Australia]

Thanks guys, I love getting these old bikes that haven’t run in years out of garages, and back into a serviceable state. The thrill for me is seeing them running again and riding them, not polishing them up and taking them to shows. There’s nothing wrong with building a show bike, but it’s not my thing and has never been.

So far this bike has only cost me about $400 to do that (above the initial purchase price) although the trip to Jeff’s shop will probably add a few hundred bucks now. It’s still going to be a cheap restifcation though, and if I do pass it on, I’ll make a few bucks out of it. If I do sell it, as long as it goes to someone who’ll love it for what it is, and more importantly, ride it and not just lock it away again, I’ll be happy.

[BenelliSEI]

I have a black K8 tank that is in really good shape, but has that “scaly, pealing” top coat, like yours here. I’ve often wondered if a good rub down with light, wet paper and then a flood coat of clear would repair it? Thoughts?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

She might not be a beauty queen/show bike, but this F2 is a perfect example of a survivor.  It has the right amount of patina but it looks as if it has been ridden and loved for the last 45 plus years -- which we can only wish for ourselves, right?

That said, I hope you know we appreciate your bike, Terry!

[RAFster122s]

I have a black K8 tank that is in really good shape, but has that “scaly, pealing” top coat, like yours here. I’ve often wondered if a good rub down with light, wet paper and then a flood coat of clear would repair it? Thoughts?

John, if you can strip the clear coat off and feather out any that isn't adhered well without burning through the black paint into primer then that is how most paint shops address failed clear coats on the cheap. Your replacement clear needs to be UV stable as that is what is causing the clear to fail with time. The UV inhibitor in your new clear should prevent any further deterioration of the clear left behind. The risk is it continues to degrade and sheds your new clear back to the black color coat, then you are going to have to strip and repaint. As long as you aren't spending a fortune to reclear the tank then it 8s a good option.
Worst case you cannot feather the original clear without breaking through the color coat and you have to repaint.
I would try to just re-clear. Just be patient and plenty of water to see your progress.

The SprayMax 2k clear would be my go to, 20-25 a can plus freight. Repaintsupply.com or Route66 if you cannot find it locally at any auto paint shops.

[Terry in Australia]

Thanks Don, I really do appreciate the nomination, but there are more deserving bikes there that guys have really put their hearts and souls into, so I feel like a bit of a fraud comparing my efforts to theirs.

John, I’ve been using a plastic putty spreader to chip away at any bubbling under the old clear lacquer, and I’ll give it all a light rub back with 600-800 wet and dry paper on a soft rubber block using soapy water to keep the paper clear of debris, then when it’s all feathered out a wash with clear water, wipe on/wipe off with wax and grease remover (paint doesn’t play well with silicone that’s used in most dish washing detergents now) and finally a tack cloth wipe to remove any lint, and I’ll hit it up with that German Spray Max that was delivered yesterday.

2K paint is great that it “flows out” so well, but the downside is that it takes longer to dry, so best done on a nice warm summers day, than in the depths of a Canadian winter, although 2K isn’t as susceptible to humidity blooming as acrylic lacquer, so has it’s upside too, not to mention that it’s much tougher than lacquer.

[BenelliSEI]

Thanks Don, I really do appreciate the nomination, but there are more deserving bikes there that guys have really put their hearts and souls into, so I feel like a bit of a fraud comparing my efforts to theirs.

John, I’ve been using a plastic putty spreader to chip away at any bubbling under the old clear lacquer, and I’ll give it all a light rub back with 600-800 wet and dry paper on a soft rubber block using soapy water to keep the paper clear of debris, then when it’s all feathered out a wash with clear water, wipe on/wipe off with wax and grease remover (paint doesn’t play well with silicone that’s used in most dish washing detergents now) and finally a tack cloth wipe to remove any lint, and I’ll hit it up with that German Spray Max that was delivered yesterday.

2K paint is great that it “flows out” so well, but the downside is that it takes longer to dry, so best done on a nice warm summers day, than in the depths of a Canadian winter, although 2K isn’t as susceptible to humidity blooming as acrylic lacquer, so has it’s upside too, not to mention that it’s much tougher than lacquer.

Good plan! When the weather improves, I’ll give it a go. J.

[MauiK3]

And yes, your efforts are well worth recognition.

[BenelliSEI]

Terry..... Gave my K1 a bit of a tune up today. Cleaned and squared off the points (on my last few bits of Blue Point paper sticks and no one knows what they are anymore). Bike runs strong, ready for Spring. I use it a lot and thinking I might try electronic points. What EBay brand are you recommending?

[Terry in Australia]

Thanks John, personally if it’s running well on points I wouldn’t bother changing it to electronic ignition, but as my points need replacement and I have a buggared condenser, and I have a “Chyna” (Chinese ripoff of a Dyna S) sitting on my bench, it’s a no-brainer. I haven’t done any miles with the one I installed in my K0 so can’t recommend them John, their only attraction to me was that they’re cheap ($48 with free shipping or make an offer) so thought I’d order a couple to try out.

The K0 has a bad coil, or leads (doubtful) or plugs (doubtful that 2 went at the same time, and only when the engine revs to around 4K RPM) I thought it was the Japanese Kokusan ignition failing at first, but was wrong, it was exactly the same when I switched ignition’s, so It’s looking like a coil. I also bought some really cheap “Chyna” 5 ohm coils, they’ve just been delivered, so when I have some spare time I’ll swap them out and see if that sorts it. Now that I know that the Kokusan ignition was fine I’ll probably carry it under the seat in case the “unknown quality” Chyna ignition fails.

As opposed to points ignitions, it’s easier to swap an entire ignition with just a phillips screwdriver and a 10mm wrench than swap over a condenser (as I discovered on Saturday) the factory tool kit didn’t come with the tiny wrenches required to undo the condenser, so I was lucky I was at Jeff’s shop and not stranded on the side of the road. Bottom line though, I haven’t tested the cheapo ignitions so am definitely not recommending them.

[newday777]

Terry..... Gave my K1 a bit of a tune up today. Cleaned and squared off the points (on my last few bits of Blue Point paper sticks and no one knows what they are anymore). Bike runs strong, ready for Spring. I use it a lot and thinking I might try electronic points. What EBay brand are you recommending?

These John??

https://www.ebay.com/itm/363728518824?epid=5021714014&hash=item54afe8bea8:g:QwkAAOSwCFNbVpkZ

I found these last year and bought them, they are similar to the ones I used to have from Snap-on back in the 70s.
I used to carry one in my wallet with a white business card(to clean the points after).