TOPIC:

I have most of the original chrome on my bike, one part I have aftermarket is the center bolt on the top clamp, it sticks out like a sore thumb. So IMO, if you replate stuff, you need to replate it all. There's not that much chrome on these to begin with. Also, chromers can get carried away with pre-plating prep and remove details/stampings/welds in parts. You need to tell them to not buff so much. I was told a company called Economy Plating in Mesquite, TX is good at preserving the original part, finishing with more of an OEM chrome than that globby, wet-look repro stuff.

Kidkawie wrote: I have most of the original chrome on my bike, one part I have aftermarket is the center bolt on the top clamp, it sticks out like a sore thumb. So IMO, if you replate stuff, you need to replate it all. There's not that much chrome on these to begin with. Also, chromers can get carried away with pre-plating prep and remove details/stampings/welds in parts. You need to tell them to not buff so much. I was told a company called Economy Plating in Mesquite, TX is good at preserving the original part, finishing with more of an OEM chrome than that globby, wet-look repro stuff.

Ya, I know what you mean when you say "sticks out like a sore thumb". You kind-of have to go all in when you're doing new paint and powdercoat. The details...

Thanks for the chrome suggestion Kid.

OK, more progress. Picked up the powdercoat but they had unfortunately filled the VIN stamp, and I can't take the chance that will cause a problem going into Switzerland, so they are trying to remediate that. We went with 80% glos and it looks fantastic. They are very skilled, I'm sure they'll make it right.

Bundled up a little chrome order, dropped that off, and ordered RaceTech cartiridge emulators and springs for the fork. Also needed swingarm bushings and collars and I'm going to tap that swingarm for a larger zerk while it's apart.

Just for fun in the middle of the project we are doubling the size of the shop and I get to move into the new, but not before I do some work to it. Juggling the two is a fun challenge . More later...

I am thinking a set of Hagon shocks would work well. Any advice along those lines?

www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/web...GON_TWIN_SHOCKS.html

If you're going duel disks, you won't need that cover. Do you have a link for the cartridge emulators? I have progressive springs.
Steve

Ya, that's getting tidied to go on the H2.

Very cool.
Thanks
Steve

Oh boy, has it been a month? What a month. Sorry for no updates.

I have been furiously setting up the new shop,and there are of course a zillion details related to that.

Raw space:


Cleaning and etching the floor:



Painting it:



Scavenged more lights, cleaned and installed:



Compressor:


Moving in:



Mystery Machine arrives



Big sink:



Air piping:


Blast cabinet:



Setting up 3-phase power:



Office roughed-in:

Shop functional, but not quite finished (are they ever?)

And with that done and a lot of parts in hand, it was finally time to begin reassembly of the bike this week.

...

Is that a Honda I see in there? You switch hitter.
Just kidding.
Steve

...and so first mystery I could use help with. I installed a set of AllBalls tapered steering head bearings...

...and promptly discovered that the bearing stack is much thicker than stock as usual, and that has the top bridge sitting pretty high on the cap and nut, as shown.

It seems like my options are pretty limited:

- Live with it, although that will in effect raise the fork tubes 10mm for good or ill.

- Machine the notched nut thinner to try and get it on their solidly.

I did not photo this when it came apart, does the top edge of the steering stem indeed sit flush with the top clamp normally?

N.

Couplea Hondas! Yeah, I go both ways

I don't think that's much of a problem. With that tool did you get the races seated all the way? There has to be some adjustment room and that's where it is. I didn't use a tool like that but driving in the races wasn't that easy. You might try heating up the outside of the neck to see if you can get a few more cranks in. After I put mine together, I rode it, then noticed my preload went away. I tightened it down again but it needs another adjustment a year later. It doesn't rock but the steering is a little loose.
Steve

If the bike turns out half as nice as the shop it will be a beauty! Ed