Well, I am new here and have only made a couple posts so far. I picked up this site from another site, checked it out and became hooked. I have built/rebuilt a few 3/4 wheelers and dirtbikes but never a motorcycle. Well that's about to change!!! I love the cafe racer bike and decided I want one. What's better than having something is making that something yourself. I started looking for the right platform and along the way picked up a couple different bikes. The 1 I am going to show you guys pics of in this thread is a 1985 Virago 500. I got it fo a song out of a guys shed where it had been parked for over a year. 1st thing I did was check it over to see what I had and where I was going with it. While it is not going to be in original condition I'm not really sure yet what it's going to turn into. I found it while looking for a cafe project but you'll agree it doesn't quite fit the cafe mold. But it will defenitely be different. And until I decide what it's going to be I'll post pics of the progress here. After all, a build is a build. In the mean time, I have found my cafe platform and I'll start another thread on that bike. Here goes;
Bike as it stood when I got it home
draining oil and starting the tear down
getting into the bike a little
bike down already!!!!!!! just kidding, I laid it down gently and kept it off the floor with a combination of floor jack and stands
I always start with the engine when I rebuild anything, so this is where I started the tedious job of cleaning the case
here she is stripped down a little. this also where I stopped and looked at the bike long and hard and came up with a few ideas on what direction to take this build
well, too late to turn back now. engine is out to give it a good check, cleaning and a total makeover. whenever I do a project I am very meticulous over every detail. This one will be no different, so the bike will eventually be stripped down to the last nut to be done the right way.
all cases and covers are off for refinishing, and so I can check the cam chains, inside the cases, clutch pack, valves and so on.
before pic of engine. the dirt and grease is cleaned off though
And at long last, after about 60 hours of cleaning, washing, sanding, disassembling,painting, painting ,repainting, some more painting, reassembling, and VOILA...................
Well there it is, my engine rebuild/refinishing. I am pleased with it, so tell me what you guys think. Next up is the carbs. Got some work ahead of me, but I think I'll take a break from this and get a start on my cafe project.
Bike as it stood when I got it home
draining oil and starting the tear down
getting into the bike a little
bike down already!!!!!!! just kidding, I laid it down gently and kept it off the floor with a combination of floor jack and stands
I always start with the engine when I rebuild anything, so this is where I started the tedious job of cleaning the case
here she is stripped down a little. this also where I stopped and looked at the bike long and hard and came up with a few ideas on what direction to take this build
well, too late to turn back now. engine is out to give it a good check, cleaning and a total makeover. whenever I do a project I am very meticulous over every detail. This one will be no different, so the bike will eventually be stripped down to the last nut to be done the right way.
all cases and covers are off for refinishing, and so I can check the cam chains, inside the cases, clutch pack, valves and so on.
before pic of engine. the dirt and grease is cleaned off though
And at long last, after about 60 hours of cleaning, washing, sanding, disassembling,painting, painting ,repainting, some more painting, reassembling, and VOILA...................
Well there it is, my engine rebuild/refinishing. I am pleased with it, so tell me what you guys think. Next up is the carbs. Got some work ahead of me, but I think I'll take a break from this and get a start on my cafe project.