Wrench'n Ride'n

Had my two mechanic mates Jason and Gray come around and have a look at why Pistoncino is not starting. In my ignorance of points I may have set them so they do not open. Jason fixed that and showed me how to set them. Cheers mate. Bike started and ran off a fuel bottle with clean fuel. Gray wants to take for ride. So we fuel up the so called clean fuel tank. Notice I said so called clean. She would idle just and then in gear and open the throttle dies. We worked out its not getting enough fuel under load. I pulled the carb off. Found the main jet blocked. Found the filter at the inlet to the carb has so many rust particles. The tank will now not be used till I get its inside treated with a tank liner. I turn my back for a few minutes and look what they did,  Gray aka "Legoman" with the fuel bottle around his neck.  I had missed this part to clean last time.

Great privilege to have Pete from Throttle Roll do a photo shot of my Transalp Bender and write up. Brilliant photos Pete. https://www.throttleroll.com/bender-1987-honda-xl600v-transalp/

Thanks to good mate Jason for showing me this video. I have never had to set the timing or points before. CDI in all my previous bikes kinda spoils ya. This video maybe for a twin but sure helped me get my head around this. So now i can get the timing right on the Gilera.

Went to Woolies to do shopping. Came home with 2 new sidecovers from Woolies. Bashing and cutting and they are fitted.

Love the elegance of an Italian single.

49 year old engine. No idea when the last time the tappets were checked. I wasted my time. They are perfect. Love that the tool kit that came with the bike has a tool for undoing the rocker cover bolts. Then I decided to clean the connectors to the coil. Now no spark. Maybe I broke a wire? Learning how to set points. I do love old school.

"Pistoncino" and "Bender"

Today I stripped the dellorto me8bs carbie.  For a 49 years of age it was very clean and no fuel varnish.  I have discovered that the choke slide is missing. The arm it attaches to is there. No lever.  The bike fires up first kick when cold. Fuel being supplied from a fuel bottle.  Fitted the cleaned out tank. Well I thought it was clean. Didn't that lead down a rabbit trail of other problems today.  Bike would not run well under load. Will if I just use a fuel bottle.  Stripped the fuel petcock. So much built up gunk. Can of carbie cleaner and got most of it out. Refit still wont run with throttle open. Check fuel flow. Next to none. Use the other petcock and there is fuel flow.  Then I stripped the banjo nut that holds the fuel outlet tube and the tread for this on the petcock. Wont tighten and hold fuel. Jump on eBay and order a new one. Yes you can for a 49 year old bike get new rep parts.  Now to wait the 3 weeks for it to ...