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troybilt

troybilt

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Thought I'd introduce myself. I just bought my first bike in 21 years. My last bike was an ‘87 gsxr 750. I’ve been lurking in the shadows for some time now and figured it was time to come clean. Besides, I’m starting to have a few questions about building a café bike. The bike I bought is a ‘75 Sl 360. I don’t plan to do much to it in the way of rebuilding until next year due to lack of money (my wife was royally pissed that I spent $300 on a bike two weeks before Christmas). So any way, I plan to not tear it completely down yet, but do as much café stuff to it I can now, then ride this summer. The real build will come next winter. It runs like a top, but I do need a few things. Its missing side covers, and carb filter/breathers. The tank also has a huge bang in the front and also the pit cock threads are partaly stripped, so I’ll be looking for replacements. I love the look of the higher/longer tanks with knee pads. If I can find another tank, I’ll might cut mine for a tail. I’ve not worked on a bike in 21 years but I’m pretty good with a wrench. My last project was a building project where I turned a barn into a passive solar home (still working on it but we live here now) before that my son and I built a chevy s10 and put a solid axle from a jeep under it. We bought the truck for $50 and used mostly bone yard stuff. Figured it was the best way for him to learn. Any how, I’m so impressed with the bikes on here and the ingenuity that has gone into them. I look forward to more chats with you guys and hope I don’t ask too many dumb questions. Troy
 
Troy, as we say to all the new guys where are the PICTURES!!!
I have become fond of the saying the only dumb question is the one not asked. never feel that you can't ask anything. that that said you will get answers that range the entire spectrum from complete lunacy to the spot on answer. it's for you to decide what to listen to .

welcome
Mortikan
 
Troy,

Welcome! I just joined recently myself and this has been a great source of ideas for my cafe projects! My son and I got started in cars too and now we've got two 1976 Honda 750's a K and an F.

Where are you located?

Scott
 
killer man welcome... i think i have 2 side covers off my CB350... if they fit they are all yours for shipping costs... they do not have anything on them though (badges) but would be a good start to bondo and paint... just an idea, something is better than nothing
 
Hey guys, Thanks for the welcome party! I’ll try to get a few photos up as I get time. I’m kinda pressed for day light hours and I have million pokers in the fire right now. I live in Kingwood West Virginia and take care of a small farm among other things. I just built a heating loop for my wood stove that I just got up and running. It is heating my floors (concrete floors with radiant water heat) and it is also taking care of our hot water needs. Another project for this winter will be to build a solar hot water collector that will heat our water during the summer months. Also, we are building a barn as we get the money. I guess the reason I’m telling this is because I see a transition from carpenter/plumber, ( I also make some fine tasting homemade wine. ;D) etc…to shade tree bike mechanic.
I love to take photos and document things as I go. So even if I don’t post the immediate progress, I’ll at least have the journey recorded. I promise to at least post the ‘journey’ at the end, however, maybe sooner. Who knows. I’m sure I’ll have questions along the way and will supply photos as needed.
JRK5892, very kind to offer up the side covers. Very cool! Right now I’m torn between going without and just relocating my battery. If I did that I don’t think I’d move it too far. Maybe just build an aluminum box or something. So as hard as it is to pass, you or someone else may get better use out of them as I decide what I’m going to do.
I’ll tell a quick story of me doing my first stupid thing on/to the bike. I’ve not had a bike in 21 years so when I got her home I was very excited (I have a photo of me sitting on my dad’s late 60’s CL 160??. He used to take me rides on it all the time. To show for it, I still have a scare on my upper lip where I hit the cross bar and knocked out a few teeth and split my lip open. I was about three yrs old). Any how, back to the story. I changed the oil and put the battery on charge. The bike fired up first kick. I got so excited I took it out my (muddy) drive way. Bike runs very strong . The clutch felt good and it seems to stop ok. However, I forgot that the bike didn’t have breathers on it. When I got back the right side carb had gas pouring out of it. Not smart!! Now I guess I have to tear down the carbs and clean them. Anyway, sorry to go on and on, but as you can see, I’m very, very motivated!~ . take care guys, Troy
 
Nothing to be sorry for and glad that you are so excited. Sounds like your background could be very useful in restoring the bike.
 
radiant water heat is what is UP for heating houses... last house i built ran this thought he floors... was AWESOME for heat as well as cost!!! great idea, i am planning on running an additon to my house vents to my garage... right now i use a propane heater works good... but every time it is the most horrible time, it runs out... Dude, i am marry'n a greek... i know ALL about home made wine... have over 400 bottles of wine in our house... nuts...
man if you carb was pouring gass i would guess the float is just suck... tap the side of the float bowl a few times wtiht he handle of a screw driver... it is common but usually means you have a good amount of varnish build up in there
 
Not sure why I've called it an SL, it is a CL. My bad. Sorry.... Any way, I love homemade beer too. Hey JRK, that's a lot of wine!!! I have about 75 bottles and I thought that was a pretty good supply. BTW, thanks for the stuck float tip. After thinking about it that makes since. But I've already taken the carbs off, however, I haven't done anything to them yet except turn them upside down. Hope that's not bad?? Maybe some carb cleaner or seafoam will do the trick??? Spent some time taking some things apart today, and I spent about 5 hours polishing. I wish I could take the motor of the frame but that will come next winter. I'll have to post some photos (of my '75 CL 360 ;) ) I'm still trying to decide what tank to use and I would like some clip ons. Has anyone used this company for a seat http://www.vintagecosmo.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=44&products_id=229&osCsid=c8494a11113017cbbd9dd3982fb58f46 ?? You guys take care, Troy
 
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