Bobber Restoration – Surprise!
Had some time today to do some work on the bike. After cleaning the carbs and airbox and lots of degreaser everywhere else, I put the parts back on the bike. Like I mentioned before, I’ve learned a little bit more about DOHC engines, so putting the airbox and carbs back on was the best solution. In addition, I decided to hook back up the emissions control run-off box (it was dangling under the battery not connected to anything). I was worried about some of the connections the previous owners did, so this at least gets the bike back to what it used to be.
I’ve also decided to put the previous bars back on. The drag bar was by far cooler looking, but with the air-based front suspension ran right into the controls. Pushing the original bar back looks better than it did, but I’m keeping my eye on something to do with those bars.
Then came the surprises of the day. After put everything back on the bike I decided to start it up and see how it goes. Nothing. Turns out a wire connected to the key ignition disconnected.
Broken ignition wire.
The fix was pretty quick, I just didn’t expect this issue. After I patched the cable, the bike was able to start up. Even took it for a ride down the road and back. Still work to do, but good to know some parts of it are working.
The next surprise came when I decided to check the final drive and subtransmission oil. Normally you set the bike level and check the amount via the side mounted check bolt. Normally this doesn’t have too much of a problem. Normally oil doesn’t come spewing out of these holes. Todays seems to be a different day.
Draining the final drive oil.
Draining of the subtransmission.
After the initial shock, I drained them both and refilled with Hypoid Oil; this time to the correct level.