1999 ZX600E

Well, another bike to bring back from the dead. It has been sitting for 4.5 years and you can guess what it needs. Only 7000 miles on the clock; running when parked. The tank will also have to be de rusted:(

A "New" Lathe

New to me anyway! It is a late 40s/early 50s Delta/Milwaukee metal cutting bench lathe that I got from the heirs of the original owner. It had very little use and still works, if just a bit cantankerous. Now I can make my own parts!

The Next Project

I acquired a 1999 Suzuki Bandit 1200S under a curious set of circumstances, and I have very little money in it. The unit was a commuter bike and has 55000 miles on it and runs well; it just needs a few minor repairs and a bit of TLC to get it back in ship shape.
These bikes are known as torque monsters and make great Streetfighter platforms. My goal is to repair it and sell it as quickly as possible though. Another fun project!

Finished the MB5 today!

I got everything back together, turned on the key and the fuel tap, pulled the choke and gave the kick starter a stab. Nothing. Another kick, and oi! It started right up! Not much smoke either. It requires the choke to be on for a while, something I am not used to with my FI bike.

I let it warm up and it then settled into a bit of a high idle, but the 28 year old motor seems to be OK. 1st to 2nd shift fork is a bit dicey, but as long as you blip the throttle whilst rolling and looking for neutral, there isn't a problem.

It leaves soon.........

Wheel Refinishing

I am almost through bringing the 1982 Honda MB5 back to life. Refinishing the wheels was a challenge, especially painting the ComStar spokes. A lot of masking tape was used to keep the paint off the de rusted chrome rim! I had to repaint the "spokes" since the de rusting process lifted paint off that had rust underneath the factory paint. I used a "special blend" rattle can of paint and a secret method to get the powder coated look.
Your wheels can be resurrected------for a price!