Bike rebuild

[Idh]

Evening all.

I have decided my Bertha needs some TLC. Tank is scratched and dented, frame is rusting, so needs a total strip down.
So I thought I would start this post. Thought it may be of interest and I can ask questions as I go.
Looking for some advice as to what to do with the rear shocks.
Asked 2 suspension refurb companies and neither will touch them.
So think I will just blast and powercoat the springs and clean up.

[Andre]

Looking forward to this. Always great to see a 14 being rejuvenated.

As to the shocks, I got some YSS RG342. Quite pleased with them. Based on the recommendation of a former race mechanic for Honda and Suzuki. Ample spareparts for them and a very helpful technical support in their european center in the Netherlands, that answered detailed questions pertaining how to rebuild them. And these shocks were just a bit more € than what I paid to get the oem done at a suspension shop.

Pretty safe to assume that yours need a rebuild or a replacement.

Someone here might chime in with a suspension shop recommendation that still does them.

[gsxbarmy]

@Idh Have you tried Maxton's for rebuilding your suspension - they used to do a lot of rebuilds others would not touch a few years ago

https://www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk/

[Idh]

Thanks Barmy, just mailed them

Ian

[Idh]

Looking forward to this. Always great to see a 14 being rejuvenated.

As to the shocks, I got some YSS RG342. Quite pleased with them. Based on the recommendation of a former race mechanic for Honda and Suzuki. Ample spareparts for them and a very helpful technical support in their european center in the Netherlands, that answered detailed questions pertaining how to rebuild them. And these shocks were just a bit more € than what I paid to get the oem done at a suspension shop.

Pretty safe to assume that yours need a rebuild or a replacement.

Someone here might chime in with a suspension shop recommendation that still does them.

Thanks mate, will look at costs!

[Hooli]

I think the problem with shock rebuilds is there's a custom sized O-ring they can't get anymore. I'm sure someone once posted on here about that when they were told why the places couldn't fix their shocks.

[Idh]

I think the problem with shock rebuilds is there's a custom sized O-ring they can't get anymore. I'm sure someone once posted on here about that when they were told why the places couldn't fix their shocks.

Thanks mate.

Just taken the springs off and given the shocks a clean. There is no sign of leakage.  None of the adjusters will move, but I haven't moved them in the 13 years I gave had her, so decided to blast and powdercoat the springs, tidy the paint and leave as is. Can always get new ones later.

[Idh]

And the fun begins!

Frame freshly coated.

[Idh]

@Idh Have you tried Maxton's for rebuilding your suspension - they used to do a lot of rebuilds others would not touch a few years ago

https://www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk/

Just for info, they no longer do them as they can't get the parts.

[Idh]

I think the problem with shock rebuilds is there's a custom sized O-ring they can't get anymore. I'm sure someone once posted on here about that when they were told why the places couldn't fix their shocks.

Yes, that's what they are all saying.

[BbigMmac]

Respect , big project. 

[Idh]

Respect , big project. 

Thanks.
Just got to be careful on the budget. Not trying to make her mint, just loved.
So trying to clean and refurb rather than replace.

[froudy]

Having done a full strip and rebuild on mine a few years ago, here's one little tip for you when you build her back up...
Loom into frame first, then airbox and then motor. If you fit the airbox and motor before you try to get the loom in it doesn't work. I learned the hard way
I found it easier to lie the motor on it's side on a cushion and lower the frame over it and then get it upright. I just fitted the front end and centre stand so that you could sit it up once the motor was in.
Also remember to reconnect the fuel tank feed pipe union before you try and start it. If you forget as I did it sprays a very large quantity of petrol everywhere, and makes a right old mess

[Idh]

Having done a full strip and rebuild on mine a few years ago, here's one little tip for you when you build her back up...
Loom into frame first, then airbox and then motor. If you fit the airbox and motor before you try to get the loom in it doesn't work. I learned the hard way
I found it easier to lie the motor on it's side on a cushion and lower the frame over it and then get it upright. I just fitted the front end and centre stand so that you could sit it up once the motor was in.
Also remember to reconnect the fuel tank feed pipe union before you try and start it. If you forget as I did it sprays a very large quantity of petrol everywhere, and makes a right old mess

Interesting thank you. I took it out with an engine hoist, but good idea laying it down.

[Andre]

If you fit the airbox and motor before you try to get the loom in it doesn't work

Well, for me it worked when replacing the loom. Needed to take just one connector off.