(non) Update. Other Projects Interfere...

It's been a few weeks since my last posting, and there is little to report on the 441 project. Finances were never going to allow for any quick turn around, so I expected I'd run into this lull in activity. I did get around to finishing my wife's greenhouse, however. After the final parts came in, I was able to complete its assembly, and my wife couldn't be more pleased (she's a licensed nursery specializing in micro greens). And then, more in keeping with projects of the two-wheeled variety, I convinced my son to give me a hand with his '74 HD Ironhead Sportster. Yes, you read that right... he's giving me a hand with his Sportster project. I had to do something to reclaim some space in my (cough) garage. The BSA was never an issue, as it was stored on shelves, in boxes, in the attic, etc., but that still left two Sportsters and a BMW R26 that one had to navigate around in order to get anything in the way of home repair, etc. on the front burner. The garage was made for a model T, and I already partitioned it for "office" space. The '74 Sportster is now in parts and pieces. I'll give it the not-so-royal treatment, cleaning every part, rattle-can painting the frame, jugs and heads, and getting to a point where it might go back together without much ado - and without much need for reaching into my own wallet for a successful outcome.

I've updated the "what-I'm-looking-to-create" picture that heads this blog. First, let me make clear that the image I'm using as an example of what I'm trying to create is one I got off the web. I tweaked it to better represent what I envision as a worthwhile build from the bike I have. I'll have to create something wholly my own to replace that Photoshopped image, but for now, it is what it is.

I'll be trying for better, larger photos for additional pages, if I can figure out how to do that. This blog includes the attempt to better understand the "blogging" process.

I'm more and more pleased with what I have in way of a "basket case" Victor. Now that I've got around to cleaning off years of gunk and grime, I can better appreciate that this bike is in pretty good condition. And it's surprisingly complete. I believe I can account for just about everything down to the last nut and bolt. The only thing that appears to be missing are the original front forks, including the headlight ears (though, I do have the original headlight). I'll be sticking with the Cerianis.

I've had a few tips and pointers from members of BSA and British Bike Enthusiasts (a Yahoo Group) that have been of enormous help. I'm building the resources that will help me see this through, no matter how long that may take.

Today, I gave the front wheel a scrubbing. I was very pleased with how the rim and spokes responded to that. Much of the rust spotting was surface rust only. The spokes may be stainless; at least they exhibited no signs of rust or pitting – they are not chromed, at any rate.

I would think that with a new set of tires, this could go together right now and look quite nice – showing its age to be sure, and maybe the signs of having been "well loved", but complete and definitely looking correct in most respects.

Wheels

Down to the wheels: Finally done with the first round of cleaning. This was to make the parts easier to handle, and for the whole project to feel more accessible. Rather than dreading wading through the dirt and grime, I now look forward to the hands-on procedures that almost solely comprise this venture.

I put the wheels away, those many years ago, having viewed them with mild disgust. The rubber was worn, and when tossed, revealed rusty rims and decayed tube-protector strips (what are those called, anyway?). I dismissed them, thinking they were candidates for replacement.

Now, I'm not so sure. Having dismantled them, and given them a cleaning, they seem to be in fairly decent shape. One good sign is the shape of the brake shoes; they look meaty and little used. The spokes look good, with just a couple looking a bit bent. And the rims, while exhibiting a little rust, appear solid and true. I think they'll clean up well.

Bits and Pieces

Sundry Parts Pulled and Pondered

Let alone the many nuts and bolts I've yet to get to, after pulling the major components from the boxes and crates that housed them these many years, I'm left with a tangle of assorted wires, hoses and lord knows what. I'll leave these for last and can only hope there's joy in their care and attention (think positive, Ian).

I've cleaned the last remaining "body" parts; these are those originally painted black, then, most of them, repainted at some point with little regard for a quality job (a shame the original stacked arms decal on the oil tank was painted over).

I've been weighing the benefits of powder coating, and suspect that, given the degree to which the bike is dismantled, it may be the way to go. I'll be looking into the cost of doing that and hope it's something I'll be able to have done. There is the option of "celebrating" this motorcycle's well-lived past with a preservation of every nick, dent and scratch, but I can only see in my vision of this thing a well-turned heel. new paint seems the least I can do.

Now to the wheels, brakes, rims...

Tank and Seat

Well, this about finishes the major components.

The tank is, at least, complete. A couple of dings and a few scratches; definitely showing its age. This is one piece deserving special attention (i.e. "body" and paint). It will go a long way toward the final fit and finish.

The seat is in OK condition. A good foundation for a rebuild, or a recover. I am thinking I'll go with a fiberglass CR seat, keeping the original out of harms way until the bike finds itself the subject of a proper restoration.

Forks

These are, obviously, not the stock forks. They are Ceriani Motocross forks with the ARCES name on the upper triple clamp. I have the boots for these, but, as this is a road bike, I won't be using them.

I'll want to strip these and polish them up a bit. I'll have to find out just what fork oil they used, etc. There are no headlight ears or covers for these, so I'm definitely off the whole "stock/original" thing for this project.

But these are period correct, and I think I can be thankful for having the name Ceriani connected to this bike. This was a popular upgrade for the period.

The Frame

I hauled out the frame from the garage today, and, after taking the forks off, gave it a good cleaning before bringing it to my bench for a photo.

I few mishaps–It's obvious I'm not fully in gear-wrenching mode. It's been years since I've worked on a bike: Fork-tube oil. Best left in the fork tube, or drained into a proper container. Does no good on the garage floor. Ball bearings. Boy, they sure tend to scatter, don't they?

The frame looks to be in decent shape–nothing bent or cut off. Well, the frame's fork stops are not meeting the fork's limiter bosses. They're riding above a bit, so the forks tend to a larger-than-designed radius. Either the stops are bent, or , as I fully suspect, the forks have been replaced and the mismatch is due to this.

I don't have the wherewithal to have the frame professionally painted, so my next step there will be to start the process of sanding, priming and painting here at home.  But before that, I'll continue cataloging what I have in the way of parts, taking photos and enjoying the project.