That's a big one to check off Doc. Would love to actually hear it if you get a chance to post a video.

 

OK, I'll try to get some video soon. I ran into a bit of a hitch yesterday. I wanted to balance the carbs, but the dadgummed screws that plug the manifold vacuum ports are stuck. The block was warm when I tried to get one free so maybe they will come out of a cold block more easily.

This has given me time to think - and that can be dangerous. I have now put together a parts list for installing permanent 1/8" hose barbs in the vacuum ports and priced four 1-1/2" mechanical vacuum gauges, that I think I could mount below the tach. Seems like that could be a pretty useful thing to monitor. Or maybe I would just end up on the side of the road fiddling with the carb balance and and pilot screws all the time instead of riding.

I need to sort out my tachometer issue first. Then maybe I'll set this up.

 

Adding connection ports for syncing carbs is a good idea. Having the sync gauges mounted to the bike not so much. Once you have them tuned in they should not change much. A much better investment would be an dash mounted air/fuel gauge something like this:


Innovate 3844 MTX L Digital Wideband Air Fuel Gauge Kit | eBay


Or at least have one in the shop that you can stick up your pipe.

 

Halloween has come and gone, and in the tradition of the Pacific Northwet the weather here has gone to s**t. Spent yesterday patching leaky roofs, ours are pretty much at the end of their 20 year lifespan.

As a reward I played with the bike a bit this morning. I had tried twice to vinyl wrap the seat fairing with pretty dismal results. So I decided to give the anthracite Plastidip, that I had bought four cans of, a chance. The color was pretty close to the gray center stripe I was using on the CF wrapped parts, so it seemed like maybe I could reverse the colors on the seat fairing and also do the lowers in the anthracite, to split the paint job diagonally. Don't have the mids and lowers on yet, but here is a sample of what I am shooting for.


Tha Plastidip has a nice matte finish that is pretty easy to build in several coats. I tried the glossifier over it, but it was too difficult to get an even sheen, so I laid another coat of the anthracite over it.

 

For those following this thread you know that I have been recovering from lumbar fusion surgery so activities on the bike has been on hold. The bike was moved inside for the winter so I will be able to work on it some once I feel up to it.


I had planned a trip to Colorado Norton Works right at the point my back went out, and rescheduled it to this week hoping I would be able to go. Back is still pretty sore but I made it to visit one of my idols of motorcycle building Matt Rambow.


I know this is a little off topic but since nothing else is happening what the heck.


My Norton Commando 850 will be the next bike on the bench once the CBR is done and the new shop is up and running.


Here's a shot of Matt and one of the custom built Norton's.





I had the opportunity to meet Matt and tour his shop and also master engine builder Jim Comstock in Pueblo. It has been a fun trip.

 

The polished aluminum is stunning. That man has some serious skills.

I on the other hand am practically qualified as a rank beginner now. At least I think I might be when I finish this project. I got carbs balanced today, came out great. Then puzzled around with some small seat fairing fitment issues, and after it got dark I decided it was time to stop procrastinating about the rest of the vinyl wrap. I got one mid fairing wrapped this evening. For once I am happy with the way the wrap came out, it actually looks quite a bit like real CF. Treated myself to some reflective red logos to go with the pinstripes. (Bottlehead is the name of my company)

 

Yes Matt is a master builder. World renown. Check out his website.


Colorado Norton Works | Custom Norton Motorcycles


You did a nice job on the wrap. I think it takes practice to get good at that. The carbon fiber is really hard because the lines need to be straight otherwise it doesn't look good.

 

hey dennis glad ur project has come along nicely don't mean to intrude but i can't post my bike since i have less than a 100 post and figured if any body was interested in my bike parts it would be you guys, i don't have much plastic fairing that are worth buying so I'm giving them away as long as you come for em or pay for the shipping the bike is done the motor won't turn over and I'm not looking to put another in I'm just trying to part it out i know the chain is fairly new and so is the clutch cable taking any reasonable offers I'm not looking to become rich off of it

 

plz private message me if possible i hardly get that much time to scan through all the pages because all the constant update

 

I clicked on your user name and no way to PM you. PM me if you can and then I can reply.