VT250F project: episode 06

Bit of a new look was tried out this episode so hopefully you guys like it. But even if you don't I'm sure you'll enjoy seeing the rolling chassis stage completed. Also covered is the makeshift motorcycle stand.

VT250F "Silver" part 10: Rolling chassis

The original plan was to tidy up the engine and get that in the frame. But it was quickly realised that putting the motorcycle on a stand and getting it to a rolling chassis stage would make things easier for the future.

We used a spare welding stand that Dad had and then used g clamps and tensions straps to hold the frame in place. So far its working pretty good and it makes working much easier when you dont have to bend over all the time. You can buy purpose built motorcycle stands,  I dont have that kind of money so we chose to adapt something already in the shed. But its something to think about for your own project.

First step was to re attach the front forks. Unfortunantly the ball bearings scattered during strip down, luckily though we managed go find them all. As I didnt have a new set of packed bearings we ended up re using the old ones. First all the old grease was wiped away and then cleaned thoroughly. It was then a matter of placing the ball bearings gently in the new grease and sliding the front forks onto the frame. Holding the forks in place the new grease and bearings were positioned on the top so that it could then be secured. I cannot stress how careful this stage was, if the ball bearings fell and scattered on the ground  we would have been set back substantially. If you have newly packed bearings use them! 

"turns left and right with out any resistance, a very good sign of success"

The triple clamp was next. While it was in parts it was given a very quick tidy up using hot water, a small amount of detergent and a scrubbing brush (the ignition switch was removed at this point to avoid damaging it). The results are a definite improvement and it eliminated the hassle of having to repaint the part. Then after a bit of levering it into position the front was finally done.

"before"



"after"

The rear suspension parts were also given a hot soapy bath before they went back onto the frame. As its a pretty simple setup it was  matter of tightening four bolts and making sure things moved freely. The rear wheel was then re attached and thats it. The motorcycle is now a rolling chassis.

"for some strange reason I love how the newly painted frame looks against the old unpainted parts..."

While the bike is at this height I'm thinking of getting as much done as possible on the stand before the engine goes back in. But I'll see how that goes when I figure out the next move.

"looks like a motorcycle again... excellent"

Dont forget to have a look at the video when its finally uploaded by clicking here.

VT250F "Silver" part 09: Fixing the forks pitting

Before I went to the hassle and expense of sending the front forks out to be re chromed I thought I would try a technique I heard on the internet. Basically the idea is you get some steal wool, dip it in water and detergent then go over the pitted areas of your forks. And supposedly the pitting will be reduced and make the chrome look a lot better.




I was pleasantly surprised with the results. As I have said a a couple of times I'm not making a show bike and this has improved the look for the forks dramatically. After the steel wool I did spray some WD40 over the pitted areas to help prevent rust coming back. But for now these look great and I don't plan on touching them again until they're re attached to the frame!




While your here why not have a look at the video for this post.

VT250F project: episode 05

This episode covers how the forks have been gussied up a bit using a technique found on an internet forum. goodbye chrome pitting hello a marked improvement!

HJC helmet has arrived.. finally!

Well it took longer then expected, especially considering I paid for priority shipping, but the HJC helmet I ordered has finally arrived. It fits much better then the one I tried in store and I couldn't be more pleased. So as a treat for you all I'm going to post some pictures and let you experience the helmets arrival as I did.

If you want to have  a look at the original post I put up for this helmet then all you have to do is click here!

Magazine Article: Mechanics, September 1982

Another Magazine arrived yesterday published the same time as the previous one. Anyway I have scanned it, posted it on flickr and provided a link. I love finding these items really conveys a sense of anticipation about the VT250F before it was available for purchase



If you would like to read the article then click here or the link provided on the links page, you will then be able to view hi res scans through the flickr website.

VT250F project: episode 04

Ok so here it is, episode 4. In this episode I show you how the frame was prepped and eventually repainted. As an added bonus you also get to hear my voice with possibly the most awkward voice over ever recorded.