Started it for the first time yesterday. A very proud moment. My first Brit bike, my first build from a box of bits. It's very, very loud!!
Firstly, thank you very much to all those on this forum who have provided answers to my questions on how to do things. I literally couldn't have done it without you.
Things I've found out, or been reminded of, doing this:
When you think you're 95% of the way there, it's actually more like 50%.
Never, ever, ever, ever, ever buy a project bike in bits, especially when you don't know the type of bike concerned. I've had to teach myself how the bike goes together from a parts book, a Haynes manual, Google, and 2 dozen close-up photos of the same model I saw at a bike show, plus some very helpful and patient people on this forum.
Pattern parts rarely (don't!) fit. Most of my garage time has been spent modifying new parts.
Always insist your job is urgent when farming stuff out. I'm too nice and always say there's no rush = bottom of the queue, instantly.
Powder coat is tough stuff but the thickness means problems putting stuff back together again.
Sometimes you mess things up and have to take the bits off and start again. It happens. Tools down and walk away for a bit.
There's stuff left to do:
Register it! I've got the original buff log book but DVLA haven't heard of it. I'd like to keep the original number plate.
Sort the noise out. I don't mind a loud-ish exhaust but this is really anti-social, especially as I'd like to use it for pottering around the villages and lanes. Might be the cheapo pattern exhaust - question to be asked on the relevant technical section here!
The rear mudguard needs repairing and both mudguards need painting. I did buy a second hand pattern rear mudguard but it nowhere near fits.
Chrome the gear lever and fit the rubber end cover.
