It's been a while since I have updated the blog, however I have been very busy behind the scenes!
The biggest development happened this past weekend when I assembled the front end and frame of the Matchless project. For the first time, it looks like a proper motorcycle. As each piece gets bolted on, I find myself filled with satisfaction and pride. I was especially pleased with the way the steering damper came together with existing parts and a cut down spring from the hardware store. It works very well (on the bench at least) and I look forward to testing it on the road, along with everything else of course.
Without further ado (as Paul and Craig would say) here is how she currently sits.
The seat pan is a recent acquisition, picked up for $20.00 plus shipping from Ebay. I had built my own as I couldn't find a pre-'55 pan or a used seat anywhere. I am happy that I did the fabrication, it was a great exercise and the end product fit the frame perfectly. That being said, it is heavier and as an original is at hand, I will use it. The later headlight was also bought for very little but required new captive nuts to be welded inside and some paint.
When I assembled the frame, I realized very quickly that I was dealing with a hardware deficit! Fortunately for me, Mr. Partridge has most of the required bits and a package is en route.
The engine is on the bench to the left, just on the other side of the headlight. That should be assembled sometime this month and placed into the rolling frame.
This brings me to a quick note about the wheels. When I got the bike it came with a full width '55 only rear hub laced to an 18" rim that turned out to be bent. The front was of the single sided, early variety that I really like the look of. I sourced an early rear hub and had both early wheels rebuilt with fresh spokes and rims by a local shop. I attempted to get it done myself, but to no avail. I am happy that I at least dove in and gave it my best. Seeing that a professional found these to be a challenge I don't feel too badly!
I have mounted Duro tires to the front and rear as my budget (now tantamount to pocket change) couldn't accommodate the price of new Avon Speedmasters. Hopefully I can upgrade them in a couple of years. I have to say, Duro does make a nice looking tire that looks the part on a vintage bike. I am sure that they are reusing old molds, though I am not sure who from. I am told that Shinko reuses Yokohama Molds from the early 70's.
In other news, the 1973 Triumph has been sold and is out of the garage. I bought the bike as a project in 2007, shortly after my sister passed away. I never 'bonded' with the bike and I would work on it periodically over the years and spent quite a bit of money on the way. A loss for me but a gain for the new owner who is retired and has lots of time on his hands. I am very happy it found a new home where it will be appreciated. As much as I love Triumphs, the OIF bikes just don't do it for me.
Last but not least, I decided to treat Katie to a fresh chain and sprockets. I could have held out, as the stock sprockets still looked good, but the chain had seen better days. I had been taught that it was false economy to not change sprockets with new chain, so I bought a kit from Volar.
I was disappointed that the master link was of the rivet variety, not a clip as I am accustomed to. My attempt to put on said rivet master link was a failure and my chain gently rolled off the bike two miles from home! I ordered two (one for back up) links with the clip, size 525 in order to remedy the issue. To my surprise, I discovered that Volar pins are thinner than the standard size by .005 mm. I called the company and placed an order for the correct parts which I expect to have tomorrow. The young lady I spoke to was very friendly and helpful and shipped for free (to my US address) very quickly. Hopefully I will be able to ride by Friday.
Until next time.....
