Well, maybe not that special, but it definitely won't be standard. 666 because I bought the bike on 06/06/06. As I think I said, I have got nearly all the bits needed for the build, and am just starting out on their assembly.
These are the only pictures I have of the bike as I bought it - they are from the actual eBay ad and so won't be too hot. I didn't view the bike, as distance and work would not allow it and ended up paying £1750.00 - I thought the purchase price would be almost incidental anyway.
Yes, they are a bit fuzzy. Good enough, I hope, for you to see why I was attracted to this bike. Largely complete, some new parts, not rusty and not coated in layers of oil. In addition, I would be able to check it over carefully before I handed over my hard earned. In practice, It wasn't inspected at all, as I had to get back home ASAP in order to take my much better half, Carollyn, to the British Grand Prix and set up camp.
Anyway, what was done was done and it still looked ok as I loaded the bits into the van. Over the next few months I decided I wanted a 920 conversion and, from past experience, knew largely what needed to be upgraded or replaced. In order to enhance the build fund, I put all the bits I had been keeping up in the loft from my old Commando (I sold this on as a Norvil replica) together with the project bike parts and started selling the unwanted items on eBay. Amazingly, I have made more than the original purchase price from selling these components and still have a few more to go!
Looking at old receipts and ownership history, it looks as if three different owners have started on this project, beginning over 10 years ago. Most of the bits, as well as engine and gearbox numbers (but not matching), fit its appellation as a 1974 Mk11a. The registration document gives it an engine and frame number of 310575 - gearbox matched, engine didn't but not far away.
This is the frame as it arrived:
Frame was a bit chipped but sound, 'chromed' cradle, chromed and painted swinging arm, vernier isolastics and no idea what the shocks were. Not keen on too much chrome, so only the frame, isolastics and seat knobs retained from this lot. Replaced through eBay, but eventually bought a new Mk111 cradle - old one great for rebuilding gearbox though, so will keep!
I have just pushed the bike out of the garage, and this is where I am now:
The original yokes (trees) were also chromed, so eBay for top and a new bottom from Norvil, bars and instrument pods from my old bike. CNW brake kit, switches and light brackets - my daughter was working in Florida, exchange rate was good and she had plenty of friends visiting; worked out as a good deal. I sold the old switches for what seemed a fortune. Pushed the boat out for a Maxton fork conversion - the 'new' stanchions that came with the bike were rusty (!!!) so were replaced. Frame and other bits powdercoated by Triple-S.
Rims that came with the bike were original and fairly good, tyres were new but had stood for at least 10 years and so had to go. Decided to go for Excel 18" shouldered rims, with stainless spokes and Roadriders. Beautifully built by Central Wheel, who also do work for the National Motorcycle Museum.
Polishing done by me using the set-up you can just see in the background. Certainly not show finish, but good enough for a bike that is intended for use.
Note the nut of the superbly machined spindle and nut from British Bike Connection, NY (this one I got through my Brother-in-Law, who lives in Seal Beach and came home for Christmas 2007)
Maxton Twinshocks - in for a penny, in for a pound! CNW rear sprocket for 520 'O' ring chain (anything to get rid of that oiler), replacement brake plate - yes, the original was chromed. Brake lever to be powdercoated, or may go for stainless one that Les Emery is in the process of making now. He tells me that no more are being made by Andover Norton.
The Mk111 cradle and new centre stand - the one on the original bike was not included in the sale??? You may notice an extra hole in the cradle and evidence of reshaping. Of this, more later.
Bob
These are the only pictures I have of the bike as I bought it - they are from the actual eBay ad and so won't be too hot. I didn't view the bike, as distance and work would not allow it and ended up paying £1750.00 - I thought the purchase price would be almost incidental anyway.
Yes, they are a bit fuzzy. Good enough, I hope, for you to see why I was attracted to this bike. Largely complete, some new parts, not rusty and not coated in layers of oil. In addition, I would be able to check it over carefully before I handed over my hard earned. In practice, It wasn't inspected at all, as I had to get back home ASAP in order to take my much better half, Carollyn, to the British Grand Prix and set up camp.
Anyway, what was done was done and it still looked ok as I loaded the bits into the van. Over the next few months I decided I wanted a 920 conversion and, from past experience, knew largely what needed to be upgraded or replaced. In order to enhance the build fund, I put all the bits I had been keeping up in the loft from my old Commando (I sold this on as a Norvil replica) together with the project bike parts and started selling the unwanted items on eBay. Amazingly, I have made more than the original purchase price from selling these components and still have a few more to go!
Looking at old receipts and ownership history, it looks as if three different owners have started on this project, beginning over 10 years ago. Most of the bits, as well as engine and gearbox numbers (but not matching), fit its appellation as a 1974 Mk11a. The registration document gives it an engine and frame number of 310575 - gearbox matched, engine didn't but not far away.
This is the frame as it arrived:
Frame was a bit chipped but sound, 'chromed' cradle, chromed and painted swinging arm, vernier isolastics and no idea what the shocks were. Not keen on too much chrome, so only the frame, isolastics and seat knobs retained from this lot. Replaced through eBay, but eventually bought a new Mk111 cradle - old one great for rebuilding gearbox though, so will keep!
I have just pushed the bike out of the garage, and this is where I am now:
The original yokes (trees) were also chromed, so eBay for top and a new bottom from Norvil, bars and instrument pods from my old bike. CNW brake kit, switches and light brackets - my daughter was working in Florida, exchange rate was good and she had plenty of friends visiting; worked out as a good deal. I sold the old switches for what seemed a fortune. Pushed the boat out for a Maxton fork conversion - the 'new' stanchions that came with the bike were rusty (!!!) so were replaced. Frame and other bits powdercoated by Triple-S.
Rims that came with the bike were original and fairly good, tyres were new but had stood for at least 10 years and so had to go. Decided to go for Excel 18" shouldered rims, with stainless spokes and Roadriders. Beautifully built by Central Wheel, who also do work for the National Motorcycle Museum.
Polishing done by me using the set-up you can just see in the background. Certainly not show finish, but good enough for a bike that is intended for use.
Note the nut of the superbly machined spindle and nut from British Bike Connection, NY (this one I got through my Brother-in-Law, who lives in Seal Beach and came home for Christmas 2007)
Maxton Twinshocks - in for a penny, in for a pound! CNW rear sprocket for 520 'O' ring chain (anything to get rid of that oiler), replacement brake plate - yes, the original was chromed. Brake lever to be powdercoated, or may go for stainless one that Les Emery is in the process of making now. He tells me that no more are being made by Andover Norton.
The Mk111 cradle and new centre stand - the one on the original bike was not included in the sale??? You may notice an extra hole in the cradle and evidence of reshaping. Of this, more later.
Bob
