Money pit

[lloydjames]

Ok, so i know how much you guys like a good rebuild thread ho here's my story so far. Its turned out to be much more expensive than anticipated but I still love it 

Grab a bag of popcorn and all collectively laugh at my misfortune 

Bought it a couple of years ago after selling my RC8. I couldn't adjust to not having a bike so thought a project bike was the way forward. It looked clean-ish but it was obvious it needed some long overdue TLC. The rebuild started when I was out on a ride and my key started to fail in my ignition. Rather than run the risk of being stranded with a key that wont work, I bought a complete lock set and got started.

The previous owner had fitted twin lights which look OK if you're into that sort of thing but without the headlight bowl, there as nowhere to hide all the electrical plugs. Their solution was to cut all the plugs off, crimp the lot and wrap it all in black insulation tape. Unfortunately this meant every plug! lights, indicators, speedo, switchgear.. the lot. All of which I had to now replace ££££££££££ Oh, and as an added bonus, The wiring loom  This is where it started getting serious.

So if I'm  replacing the wiring loom, might as well take the engine out and powdercoat the slightly rusting frame and swingarm. After all, why not. So, exhaust off and engine out. Here was the first problem. One of the exhaust stust had previously snapped off and the last owner had just ignored it and fitted only 1 bolt on the clamp (explains the popping when the throttle is shut.  Added to this, the collector pipe and 3 of the downpipes were rotten through.. New system it is then 

Long story short, Engine cost a LOT to sort due to seized and snapping cylinder head bolts. Had to have an engineering company drill out the bolts and fit thread inserts.

During the rebuild, I thought I'd overhaul the front suspension. A previous owner had painted the fork lowers and they were rotten underneath with all the adjusters seized. On top of this, the stanchions were pitted quite bad. I managed to find brand new lowers on ebay for a good price and replaced the stanchions with Tarozzi replacements..

The mods so far:

Powdercoated frame/swingarm
New wiring loom
New front suspension stanchions and lowers, springs replaced with progressive springs
New headlight/speedo/switchgear etc
Renthal handlebars with bar end mirrors
Delkevic full stainless system
New chain/sprocket set
Cheap indicators replaced with OE
4 pot calipers from SV1000
PAIRS blanking plates
Short levers

Planned changes:

Replace the butchered rear fender and get rid of the cheap undertray. Possibly replace with an Ermax one
Respray (which I cant wait to have to pay for  )

[lloydjames]

More pics   

[lloydjames]

Looks like this now but with the Delkevic system fitted 

[seth]

have you moved to Australia 

[seth]

that's better looking good some great work you have put in to it so far 

[lloydjames]

have you moved to Australia 

Pics should be sorted now

[Mister Fishfinger]

I wanted to cry when I saw that wiring.

But well done, it's great to see another bike is being rescued from the butcher's block.

[lloydjames]

I wanted to cry when I saw that wiring.

But well done, it's great to see another bike is being rescued from the butcher's block.

I think I might have at the time. Only planned on changing the ignition lock at that point... There's no recovering that mess, had to gut the lot.

It's amazing what some people will do to a bike.. 

[seth]

it is indeed
but then there are people like you willing to get in there and sort it all either on your own with help.
top work 

[lloydjames]

Original rear light just bought from evilbay.. Just need an un-butchered rear fender now and It should be ready for a respray when I get back from my work enforced "holiday" in time for summer 

[Andre]

To be honest I did have a short burst of laughter when I read

So if I'm  replacing the wiring loom, might as well take the engine out

. Was really short (I promise) and turned to a painful groan when seeing the wire shite (even though you prepared us for this gruesome sight).

Looking forward to the continuation of the "Loyd James To The Rescue" series. 

[VladTepes]

Ah that wiring.... 

Got some work ahead of you there....

Best of luck with it - it'll be worth it in the end !