(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.