Before I get to the task of gathering together the myriad parts and pieces for this great piece of motorcycling history, I thought I'd "pretty up" the home page for this blog with a rendering of what it is I'm shooting for.

I took a photo from the web and doctored it to reflect what I'd like to see as my finished project. There is a reason for this, and it's this: I don't have everything needed for a full restoration. But what I do have seems to be in pretty good shape, and without too great an investment, I can see getting a little barn burner ready for the twisties not far from my house.

I have what is essentially a complete 1969 BSA 441 Victor Special. True, the speedo and headlight are gone, and I don't believe the forks are correct; the rear fender looks to have been bobbed, and the front may be missing (not sure about that. That's how buried this basket has been). Tires will need to be replaced – let alone rebuilding the wheels. The tank is there, as is the seat. I do have the original exhaust pipe, but would like to fit this with a low pipe.

Lots to do. Much to clean. Parts to buy. And hours of wrenching await.

I pulled the head and barrel from my 1969 BSA Victor and brought it to my bench. I haven't touched the bike since breaking it down about 22 years ago. I've had it stored in various places in the garage, and my son, John, has gone over it from time to time with a young gear head's curious eye. But it's been sitting, pretty much forgotten, since I last had it running, all those years ago.

I have some time on my hands, and thought this might be just the project to keep me busy for awhile. I'll post a few more photos in the coming days; they'll show the bike's constituent parts, now in boxes, on shelves, and in the case of the frame, in a corner of our small garage. That's the way it is with these things isn't it? But, far from a lost cause, this British, two-wheeled classic has a fighting chance to once again rule the road.

Perhaps there are those enthusiasts out there who'll have a word or two of encouragement, and, more to the point, a few pointers on how best to proceed. The wallet is pretty thin, but the dream is big and my hands have been just a bit too clean in these intervening years. Let's see how things shake out.

Wish me luck!