Photoshop Request
Davis: Definitely going with a stock BMW tank to replace the Terry Baker. The TB would require a bunch of work to make it fit like I would want it to, so it will be sold when all is done.
Soo, with the bike, I have been bad about posting updates, and much as progressed. It is not finished, as the tank, cowl, and fenders still need paint, and I need to make a new seat, but it is driveable. I have ridden it the last two nights, and gotten about 10 miles in so far.
So first a PHOTOSHOP request: Can someone make the cowl and the fender black, and extend the seat to the tank? I just need an idea, but my skills are very limited. I am also open to color suggestions.
I got everything together last sunday, filled it all with fluids, then monday night started it up. I took a video of the first startup, but don't have it to post. Honestly, the video is embarrassing. It started fine, and ran okay, but it took me 20 seconds to realize that the left cylinder was smoking BADLY and filling the whole garage with smoke. :'( I was sitting on the bike dumb and happy, then looked behind me to see a white garage. I turned it off, and the next afternoon removed the cylinder. I found 2 of the 3 rings upside down, including the oil rings. I flipped them and reinstalled, then pulled the other cylinder to check the rings, and found the oil ring upside down also. With all rings in the correct orientation, I put it all back together. The new neutral switch was also leaking badly on the tranny, so I reinstalled the old one. Neither one works, but at least the old one doesn't leak.
Getting the pistons back in:
I had the engine guy install the rings and the pistons in to the cylinders, but I definitely learned two things: Check everything yourself, and installing piston rings is not that hard.
With everything back together, I started it up again Tuesday night. Smoke gone, tranny leak fixed.
Notice above that I pointed the bike exhaust OUT of the garage this time. The night before I pointed it INTO the garage. I am dumb.
Wednesday and Thursday night, I have been riding it and breaking in the new rings. Stay below 4.5k, snap shut throttle, no full throttle, etc. She is SOO much more solid then before, especially with a solidly mounted fuel tank. I am going to have to deal with one leaky valve cover, but considering I changed every seal in every drivetrain part, I have been happy with the lack of leaks from everything else.