XL350 Honda conversion

[goldy]

At long last it's ready for the road. I've had it running and everything is doing what it is supposed to do...currently waiting for the registration and plate, but I snuck it out for a short ride around the neighbourhood anyhow...Can hardly wait to get it out legally, so I can play with it without looking for red and blue lights flashing in the mirror. I'm not in love with the paint scheme and it's not the nicest bike I've ever done...not by a long shot, but it'll do for now!

 

[Maritime]

I like it! Nice work sir.

 

[Rider52]

Nice job!!!

 

[smarsh]

Hey goldy, your scoot has been nominated for BOTM - http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=70171.msg823057#msg823057

 

[goldy]

Well, that's a very pleasant surprise!....Having said that, I don't think I stand much of a chance up against the other two beauties, especially the Norton, but I guess it's the thought that counts. In any case the little XL is just fantastic, got the carburetor sorted out to perfection, front brake is a huge improvement over the original, pulls like a tractor, light as a feather and handles like it's on rails! It's even relatively comfortable for my 59-year-old carcass...in other words, I might have to keep this one after all!

 

[goldy]

Had it out for a good long ride today, very, very pleased with the whole machine. Took some better pictures down beside the Bay.

 

[Maritime]

Where the watermelons grow?

 

[goldy]

Yep, that's the place...I dare not go, for if I do....damn, now I'll have that tune in my head for the rest of the night. By the way, thanks for the vote of confidence...very kind of you!

 

[adventurco]

Awesome! I looked through this build a few weeks back and just now realized it's the same bike as the clunker I just picked up!

How did that clear work out on the cases? I'll likely be going a similar route. Have you still got the original forks?

 

[goldy]

Yes, same model, but I have to admit that your's is a little scruffier than what I started with! Polish that turd, they clean up really well!
The clear coat didn't work out so well for me...when I was trying to put it on the humidity was way too high and stayed that way for weeks, leaving me with a milky looking coating. I got so frustrated with it that I just stripped it off and ran with bare cases. The magnesium does turn dull fairly rapidly, but it also polishes up quickly.
The forks were donated to an alcohol drag bike project, although there are a lot of other bits and pieces left over.

 

[grcamna5]

Nice work.

 

[adventurco]

Yes, same model, but I have to admit that your's is a little scruffier than what I started with! Polish that turd, they clean up really well!
The clear coat didn't work out so well for me...when I was trying to put it on the humidity was way too high and stayed that way for weeks, leaving me with a milky looking coating. I got so frustrated with it that I just stripped it off and ran with bare cases. The magnesium does turn dull fairly rapidly, but it also polishes up quickly.
The forks were donated to an alcohol drag bike project, although there are a lot of other bits and pieces left over.

I'm hoping thats the case! I really love these thumpers and currently weighing out the cost to restore what I've got..So much of it needs to be replaced but thats usually the case with any old rust bucket. The cost of parts to get em up and running adds up quick!

Interesting about the clear. I have had the same problem with the engine enamel clear, but it has gone from milky to clear during the curing process. I only had it happen to me once. I will try it out if we get any low humidity days, unlikely for this time of year

 

[goldy]

As an epilogue...I took the little monster on a 220+ mile ride this past weekend, up through the Rawdon hills and along the shores of the Minas Basin. Ran great all the way, effortlessly climbed some of the steepest hills N.S. has to offer...a nine hour day altogether and never skipped a beat. After that I am fully confident that the machine will take me anywhere I want to go. Happy, happy, happy!!!

 

[Maritime]

Nice Goldy, love those roads. I take that route, I think it's the 236? that runs along the basin from Truro to Kentville when I visit my sister.

 

[goldy]

Crossed over the 236 along the way...lets see...Old route#1 to 202 across to #14, then 354 to 215, then up the #1 a little further to Windsor for a late lunch at the Spitfire Arms and home again via the old route #1. It was a long day, but a good one! You're right, those roads are all good indeed.

 

[Maritime]

Nice, I hope to make a trip down that way later in the summer when the leg is stronger and the bike is finished. We are doing the cabot trail July 8-10, will be my first long ride since the deer ended my season last year.

 

[goldy]

Oh shit, a deer!!!!...did that happen to you too?
I hit one on the Commando about four years ago.

 

[Tune-A-Fish]

I hit a pheasant ;D scared the shit outa me but only a little blood and guts on my bag

 

[Maritime]

200 lb doe smashed into the side of me and busted my leg and ankle, got a new hip ball and fused ankle with 3 plates and 23 screws. lots of fun. Almost better now, walking on a cane but I can ride, been out a few times and I almost have the GL rebuilt. Test ride tonight after oil change and coolant. Still needs a paint job but I can ride her ugly if need be. deer are assholes.

 

[goldy]

Wow you got banged up good! Doesn't sound like much fun to me! Glad you are on the mend and I hope the screws don't come out. All I got was a bashed up knee and a hematoma in the left calf where the legs swung back and whipped me. Had a bruise the shape of a hoofprint on the inside of my left calf...if I ever do get a tatoo, I know what it's going to be. The Commando took a bashing though, twisted the frame and mangled up the front end a bit...had a limp for about six months, but although there is some nerve damage and the left knee still doesn't bend like it used to we are both pretty much back to rights now.