Author Topic: 500/550/650's that followed me home (Read 109617 times)

rb550four · « **Reply #150 on:** October 04, 2014, 02:41:47 PM »

It's a rainy Saturday and I have half the day off, what to do? Parts inventory says it's time to set up the spares shelf.
3 500 and 2 550 engines to rebuild... not enough time for that
4 racks of carbs to clean.....well a clean rack or 2 would be nice just in case
Tear down the stock 650, needs a visual freshening up....I need a whole sunny weekend for that.
Looks like it's carbs.... I have one rack broken down and soaking, the second rack is being disassembled and the honey bunny wants to go out for dinner, it's a shame she isn't good with carbs.

rb550four · « **Reply #151 on:** October 19, 2014, 06:24:42 PM »

Broke down and cleaned 3 racks of carbs last Saturday, the kits came in this week, now have 3 racks ready to go spares, or for the next 3 engines, whatever, they are on the shelf for when they are needed.
Picked up a nice seat from another member for the 79 650 that was picked up from the junkyard.... and well it's just beautiful (to me) , I'm thinking that this winter will be about freshening up a couple of 650's, getting snowbike ready for the new season, and maybe a couple more 550 projects.
Last week a guy shows up to the door ,wants to sell a 550, I wasn't home and had a rough week so I didn't contact him about it yet. Meanwhile my wife has asked me like 3 times now "When you going to call that guy about the 550?". That sounds allot like "You should buy that motorcycle" to me , how could I let this woman down? I'll call him tomorrow, I know that'll make her happy.

rb550four · « **Reply #152 on:** November 02, 2014, 03:47:23 PM »

It's been a while since my last post , there was this 550 someone stopped at the house and wanted to sell it to me..., of course it sounds like a great idea but, recently I've been reflecting. Reflecting on this condition that I would like to call collecting. It's a very nice, clean word for what is actually happening to me and others here.
So , instead of calling the guy up , I decided to show a little restraint and possibly get to the point where I can say "no , but thanks for thinking of me". I've been trying hard not to call him and haven't yet.
Doesn't that sound like real strength, like we have a shot at beating this thing?
Yeah, Then I checked my e-mails and answered the 4 other CL posts I inquired about earlier this week. Real strength.

Anyways, to keep myself occupied while not calling this guy and I was reading some posts here instead then came across Tango911's new shop photos, his shop is the same size as mine, he has a collection but has tons or room...and a bathroom too. It must be time to clean the shop again reconfigure and make some room ( I need more room for...exercise, yeah ,that's it .Exercise , during the long ,cold winter months, instead of being a couch potatoe. That's it alright.)
So the task started at noon, been hard at it for 7hrs so far and barely made a dent in it. I plan on focusing on this all week until it's finished, got high hopes.
I did however hook the trailer to the truck, well, just in case. So far , feelin' strong !

calj737 · « **Reply #153 on:** November 02, 2014, 05:05:29 PM »

I started calling the toilet "gym" years ago. Thus, I get to say I go to the gym several times a day. Makes me feel better about being so lazy.

Just a thought.

rb550four · « **Reply #154 on:** November 03, 2014, 04:50:19 PM »

23 days and haven't bought another bike.
12 hrs cleaning up the shop and I managed to get 2 shelving units squared away.

Got the carb shelf straightened out, the heavy cast parts , all the rear wheels and swingarms in one place, and found a few shopping bags with parts, now all neat and orderly.

now it's just the rest of this place to do

Then it's time to refresh those 650's

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #155 on:** November 03, 2014, 04:56:17 PM »

Always enjoy reading your thread. Learn stuff and your humor keeps me laughing. Keep on keeping on!

calj737 · « **Reply #156 on:** November 03, 2014, 05:01:50 PM »

Gonna have to have some SOHC-A medallions made up just for you, RB. 30 Days and no new purchases... Sound like you're on a 12-Step program?

rb550four · « **Reply #157 on:** November 03, 2014, 05:09:18 PM »

Do we have a 12 step program? I think this must be step 2.
Is step 3 the one where you track down the PO s , show them pictures of their old bikes ?

I might need a sponsor. Is that even possible around here?

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #158 on:** November 03, 2014, 05:56:25 PM »

Quote from: rb550four on November 03, 2014, 04:50:19 PM

23 days and haven't bought another bike.
12 hrs cleaning up the shop and I managed to get 2 shelving units squared away.

Got the carb shelf straightened out, the heavy cast parts , all the rear wheels and swingarms in one place, and found a few shopping bags with parts, now all neat and orderly.

now it's just the rest of this place to do

Then it's time to refresh those 650's

Speechless.

calj737 · « **Reply #159 on:** November 03, 2014, 06:28:14 PM »

Yes, there is a 12-step program. But you're not even close to finishing a Step 1. Gotta go 6 months. Step-2 is reducing the inventory to only things that run. Step-3 we won't even discuss as I don't see you passing Step-2.

Stev-o had a sponsor once. Last I heard, he'd turned his sponsor into an ebay shop peddling fake Sandcast parts

rb550four · « **Reply #160 on:** November 03, 2014, 07:01:39 PM »

cb750cafe racer fan-I know, right? What a disaster. It should be looking better soon.
This is part of step 2, Getting your house in order.

I like this step, I get to touch the shiny parts, and the dirty parts as well.
Oh my.

cal - 6 months ?! That's kind of harsh isn't it? That's like half a year, 182 days depending on leap year. Is that for purchases only?
Step 2. Everything runs, so I got lucky there. Well, all except for the parts and pieces.
Q: Am I allowed to continue fondling the parts as I reduce inventory?
QII: If I assemble the parts , does it count as inventory reduction?
Step 3- won't even discuss step 3, you're scaring me now...at least you didn't say we might have to sell one or two.

That's a shame about Stev-o's sponsor...backslidin' is one thing, but fake sandcast parts?!

Stev-o · « **Reply #161 on:** November 03, 2014, 07:05:22 PM »

Quote from: calj737 on November 03, 2014, 06:28:14 PM

Yes, there is a 12-step program. But you're not even close to finishing a Step 1. Gotta go 6 months. Step-2 is reducing the inventory to only things that run. Step-3 we won't even discuss as I don't see you passing Step-2.

Stev-o had a sponsor once. Last I heard, he'd turned his sponsor into an ebay shop peddling fake Sandcast parts

My 12 step programmed worked, haven't bought a Honda in over 2 months. It's not fool proof though, I brought home a Kawasaki two weeks ago!

goldarrow · « **Reply #162 on:** November 03, 2014, 07:21:03 PM »

I passed step 1, with pride.....but struggling on step 2

so I won't even mention step 3

rb550four · « **Reply #163 on:** November 08, 2014, 04:17:49 PM »

Still stewing and planning for what goes where. There is another matching shelf unit that I want to use in the other barn. Unfortunately the Mrs. has stockpiled stuff slated for yard sale on them and would like to keep possession of the unit. It's been like taking the chew toy from the dog so far, but that unit is about to be cleaned off and moved into the shop anyways...silly girl.
Pics when it looks better.

Stev-o · « **Reply #164 on:** November 08, 2014, 04:52:51 PM »

Seems like you have a whole shelf dedicated to oil. Looks nice and organized, but a lot of parts could be stored there.
I buy oil as needed, only keep a few quarts on hand.

rb550four · « **Reply #165 on:** November 08, 2014, 05:42:39 PM »

You are right! And 1/2 of that is transmission fluid and I only have 1 automatic. I'm seeing some better use of space coming up. That would be a great place for forks and brake parts.

Oh, but which motor oil should I keep? just kidding.

Stev-o · « **Reply #166 on:** November 08, 2014, 06:01:36 PM »

You don't use ATF on the forks?

rb550four · « **Reply #167 on:** November 08, 2014, 07:05:06 PM »

I use fork oil for the forks and transmission fluid concoctions in stuck motors to get them free, then rebuild. Luckily I have a couple of stuck motors on the shelf so the tranny fluid won't go to waste.

Stev-o · « **Reply #168 on:** November 08, 2014, 07:23:51 PM »

Yeah, I've done the ATF/acetone cocktail and unstuck my K7 motor.

rb550four · « **Reply #169 on:** November 16, 2014, 07:20:02 AM »

Stev o , good eye on the oil shelf, totally in the wrong place. Moved all the oils and fluids and replaced with parts.
Installed wood stove , removed forced hot air oil furnace. Not wild about a fire in the shop, but I am in construction, so there's always wood scraps, and I usually pay to have it dumped. Might as well use it for heat.
Been pecking at this mess, I thought I was getting it all straightened up til I turned around , and it looked like a bomb went off.

So I'm working one corner at a time now in hopes getting a handle on this disaster.

This corner seems to coming along, so there's hope.

Stev-o · « **Reply #170 on:** November 16, 2014, 10:06:51 AM »

That looks good! Has the snow been fallin yet, got the snowbike ready??!

rb550four · « **Reply #171 on:** November 16, 2014, 10:44:59 AM »

We have only had flurries so far, and this is the first week of hovering around freezing temps. I don't expect the pond to be ready to take the weight before the 3rd week of December. I've got a clean rack of carbs and a fresh battery ready for it, now all I need is the time to get it back together.
Spent all day yesterday and most of today, so far, trying to make space in the shop, the snowbike takes up way more room than a bike and has to be turned around on dollies. So the shop clean up is vital to winter survival .
I have been Honda purchase clean since, I don't know when....I guess you get used to the involuntary muscle spasms ... maybe it's time to take the empty trailer off my pickup, it's just no fun without a headlight staring back at you in the rear view mirror.

Mcwilliams570 · « **Reply #172 on:** November 16, 2014, 02:28:59 PM »

That stove is awsome..

matt

rb550four · « **Reply #173 on:** November 16, 2014, 04:36:55 PM »

Matt,
It's the only Triumph in the shop.
It's a Kalamazoo Triumph,it's old, it's got patina....Dual fuel. Wood and coal.
Goes through fuel like crazy. I expected it to be fast but I expected a bit higher output.
I've been adjusting the air ,trying to get a little more out of her. Then , running her WFO, I adjusted the exhaust, didn't perform much better. Must have fixed jets, can't remove them..can't find them anywhere.Ebay??
Seems to be firing properly,not too sooty, not to oily,not bad for old school, no electronic ignition here. But I do suspect either the gasket or O ring could be changed , no oil , just some escaping smoke. Checked the exhaust ring, seated properly.
It's getting enough air...maybe pods...naaa.
Maybe put a manometer to it tomorrow and check vacuum at a lower burn rate. Should be good when the needle evens out.
Yeah, once I get it running right, I'm thinking knee dents, clip on grate handles...1/4 turn of course. My first Triumph, oooohh, I'll bet there is a forum for Triumph owners. I wonder how many of these things are out there, I'm going to check Craig's List right away.

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #174 on:** November 16, 2014, 04:51:51 PM »

Quote from: rb550four on November 16, 2014, 04:36:55 PM

Matt,
It's the only Triumph in the shop.
It's a Kalamazoo Triumph,it's old, it's got patina....Dual fuel. Wood and coal.
Goes through fuel like crazy. I expected it to be fast but I expected a bit higher output.
I've been adjusting the air ,trying to get a little more out of her. Then , running her WFO, I adjusted the exhaust, didn't perform much better. Must have fixed jets, can't remove them..can't find them anywhere.Ebay??
Seems to be firing properly,not too sooty, not to oily,not bad for old school, no electronic ignition here. But I do suspect either the gasket or O ring could be changed , no oil , just some escaping smoke. Checked the exhaust ring, seated properly.
It's getting enough air...maybe pods...naaa.
Maybe put a manometer to it tomorrow and check vacuum at a lower burn rate. Should be good when the needle evens out.
Yeah, once I get it running right, I'm thinking knee dents, clip on grate handles...1/4 turn of course. My first Triumph, oooohh, I'll bet there is a forum for Triumph owners. I wonder how many of these things are out there, I'm going to check Craig's List right away.

that's cool...made in my hometown, vaguely remember hearing of this company...went out of business in 1956

News:

Author Topic: 500/550/650's that followed me home (Read 109617 times)