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Thanks guys. I should have a solid update soon, I have been waiting on parts and dealing with painting. I was trying to use POR-15 Hardnose paint on my frame, and i just couldn't get a satisfactory finish with it even after several attempts and contacting their tech support. Its very finicky, although it seems like really tough, good paint. I dropped my frame off for powder coating and should be getting it back monday, then final assembly can begin!!!

Vic,
Those 10mm bolts look very good in that location! The union bolts that Yamaha uses on early R1 brake lines are interesting too. They are allen bolts instead of a normal hex head.

I was hoping to have the engine in the frame for this update, but... I was degreeing the cams when i discovered the cam chain was too short, did some research and found that the MKII motor uses a 124 link chain. I bought the wrong one with 122 link, probably back when i thought i had a 78 motor. This means total teardown to install the correct chain. Sometimes i wonder if there is something or somebody out there secretly conspiring to keep me from finishing this project. But seeing as this is my fourth time taking it apart/ putting it back together i think i will be able to do it in an afternoon once i have the cam chain.


Some good news; I ended up powder coating the frame gloss black, and it was probably one of the smarter decisions i have made so far. White was just too overpowering for some of the other cool stuff going on, also a nightmare to keep clean. I also did my first bit of TIG welding on this and finished the foot for the kick stand. I still need to find a stainless ball bearing to weld on the end like the stock kickstand.

Looking very good! so far, take your time and finish it the way you like it, don't rush it, time is all we have in this world.

So i found some posts on here about using a master link for the cam chain. Since i know all the rollers, idlers, and everything down below is brand new I think i'm going to try this instead of tearing down the whole motor. Unless there are any objections? the only thing that worries me is if the chain fails it can do BIG damage.

If you do that use a rivet type chain and use the proper rivet tool. Ed

I'm gonna call Z1 Enterprises on monday and get the skinny but they sell the master links for the Tsubaki cam chains. I have a 124 link Tsubaki chain on the way so i wont have to use two master links. I already have a chain breaker that has very small pins for cam chains. Im gonna have my buddy come over and help me with that. He is an amazing bike mechanic so i will feel comfortable if he is looking over my shoulder when this goes down.

Wow! Just read this thread twice and love your build! Can't wait to see it finished.

Frame looks incredible! You are doing quality work Doc. Too bad about the cam chain. But not all in vain. You probably can take the engine apart and put it back together in your sleep Thats gotta be worth something.

If it were me I would install the continuous chain, I know it's time and some new gaskets but the peace of mind would be my motivation. One other thing to note is the 122 link Tsubaki chain is I believe now no longer available anywhere and would be a shame to chop it up as it has never been used, you should be able to sell it no problem. Love your build Doc.

having the engine out you can just pull the lower case without tearing the topend down.
i have ran master links in the past and wouldn't be above riviting one.
but having the engine out i would just go for the continuous one for the reason bluezbike stated.

best of luck whichever way you go.

leon

531blackbanshee wrote: having the engine out you can just pull the lower case without tearing the topend down.
leon

If i just pulled the bottom case how would i get it around the roller? I dont see how you could swap chains with out a total tear down or using a master link. I don't really mind taking the time and doing it except i REALLY am dreading removing the liquid gasket from the case halves.