"Test Mule" '74 850 Monoshock build

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Trimmed out the aperature in the body to the same size as the reed valve's opening-

"Test Mule" '74 850 Monoshock build


(2) 1/4" holes for the mounting hardware, and a 3/8" hole for the breather opening-

"Test Mule" '74 850 Monoshock build


Hand-cut gasket from a bit of piston box-

"Test Mule" '74 850 Monoshock build


A little RTV silicone sealer and all nipped up-

"Test Mule" '74 850 Monoshock build


(Plugged the existing breather pipe with a 3/8" bolt & some RTV)

I can't test ride the bike for another day or two, but I'm fairly certain this will beat the generic valves for performance and durability.

Benefits include a SLIGHT increase in available power (not used by pistons acting as compressors), and reduced propensity to leak oil (lower crankcase pressure attempting to pump oil out every available microscopic opening); possibly a slightly improved ability for the engine to rev freely, as well...
 
That piece looks familiar -

My Speed Triple has those SAI (secondary air injector) valves, which admit fresh air into the exhaust ports, allowing for more complete combustion of fuel for better emissions. Anybody that puts on a pipe, however, gets a LOT of popping on deceleration when these guys are working, so they're often pulled off. A couple of vendors (like British Customs) make SAI blank-off plates, so these guys can be completely removed, along with their plumbing which would save close to a pound of weight.
 
Finally got the rear brake pedal sorted; it took cutting off the clevis tab from the botom side of the shifter shaft body and re-welding it about 90 degrees counter-clockwise to orient it for vertical motion, then fabricated a bracket to mount it to, painted it and installed it all. Works a treat!

"Test Mule" '74 850 Monoshock build


Also just received the peashooters and installed them. The seat is almost done, so I'll get much better pix tomorrow with it installed.
 
Now THAT is more like it...

Here are the first decent shots of the substantially complete bike. It is now officially for sale...

"Test Mule" '74 850 Monoshock build


"Test Mule" '74 850 Monoshock build


Just a few details to sort out, and a few more bits to install (custom brake hoses, speedo cable, tail light, air filters). Also need to source
a front fender that looks "correct" for the overall look; at present I'm trying to find a TL1000 piece to see what it looks like on the bike.
The seat is installed loosely, it actually sits right down on the rear frame loop when it's snugged up.
 
Like I said in the last paragraph, the seat knobs need spacers where the shocks used to be; the brackets tighten down and the entire seat base sits solid on the frame. Go back a page or so of posts, take a look at the seat before it was upholstered, in the pix with the upswept pipes...
 
I just got the custom brake hose for the rear brake; local test ride after lunch, after I bleed the brakes.

I won't be able to get it on track for extreme testing 'till at least Willow Springs (if they even let me) at the end of the month, if it's not sold by then.

As it is, I am NOT selling it as a race bike; I will push it well beyond "typical" street riding conditions up in the Texas hill country, close to track conditions in many sections.
 
grandpaul said:
... I just got the custom brake hose for the rear brake; local test ride after lunch...
Click to expand...

C'mon GrandPaul - that was Friday, stop holding out on us! How'd it go?
 
I got sidetracked by paying work!

Took a short test ride with no brakes, inconclusive although the engine is strong and suspension feels great at slow speeds.
 
grandpaul said:
I got sidetracked by paying work!
Click to expand...
Don't ya just hate it when that happens.
grandpaul said:
Took a short test ride with no brakes, inconclusive although the engine is strong and suspension feels great at slow speeds.
Click to expand...
Well that's very promising anyway.
Hope the paying work winds up soon and you can get back to the more interesting stuff.


Errrr... that's not exactly right. I think you know what I'm trying to say...
 
I've got to finish a client's 75 Mark III monoshock project before April 19th when I head west to deliver it.

I've got the engine in the rolling chassis; just starting to terminate the installed wiring harness, and run the oil lines.

I hope to fire up the engine in the next week or so.

The '74 really needs to be de-bugged by that time, in case a buyer desires a similar delivery time frame west of I-35.
 
I never was able to get a satisfactorily firm rear brake pedal, so I scrapped the entire hybrid rear brake setup and installed a completely new UJM setup. It did require building a caliper bracket adapter which is obviously not "factory" in appearance, but it WORKS!

"Test Mule" '74 850 Monoshock build


This master cylinder is virtually the same, but uses a remote reservoir-

"Test Mule" '74 850 Monoshock build


Now that I have proper brakes, I took it out for a rip and found out it will loft the front wheel without too much effort. DEFINITELY has to do with the cam!
 
I'm not thrilled about the 19" fender on an 18" front end, but I had to have SOMETHING. Haven't been able to source a usable TL1000 fender, and pretty much the only NEGATIVE comments I've gotten on the "Blue" bike have been about the modern fender. So...

"Test Mule" '74 850 Monoshock build


Got all of the electrical wiring done except the flasher unit for the turn signals, and the main horn wiring...

"Test Mule" '74 850 Monoshock build


I just might ride it to our CMA meeting in about an hour; what the heck, we don't need no steenkin' license plate!
 
Now that you pointed out the front fender it's bugging the crap out of me.

Otherwise looks good!
 
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