Blue E Project

[glib]

Started this under GS Motorcycle Discussion and posted some pics there under...

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?235683-New-Blue-E-for-me

...but I'll finish it out here since it is a project.

Started out like this:


It has been several colors including a most unattractive green which was causing some contamination issues with the new paint so I sanded it all off before this pic was taken.



Tank after hot tank and coating--very little work needed to make it straight.



Ready for clear...



Lots more to do but at least it will look better during the rest of the process.

Carbs are in and I got it started with pod filters for now. I need to get outlet rubber from the airbox to carbs and an air filter before I will be able to use the airbox. It has #122 main jets but other than that the carbs are stock. The compression readings change every time I check them which is not unlike my other bikes after sitting for a while. Valve adjustment next.

[glib]

Fresh paint!





Now all I have to do is:

Adjust valves
Replace front fork seals
Replace hand grips
Check brakes and rebuild if needed
Replace headlight chrome rim
Install replacement cluster housing
Install turn signals
Install airbox
Replace chain and sprockets
Paint the wheels
Get new tires
Get new exhaust or do something dramatic with this one cause it is ugly.

[Sandy]

......and take all the nice new shiny bits back off, at least the tank, and put them away so something stupid doesn't happened to them during the process. Like dropping a gas cap on your shiny new tank.

Looks great though, can't wait to see it finished.

[JEEPRUSTY]

very nice paint.

[glib]

......and take all the nice new shiny bits back off, at least the tank, and put them away so something stupid doesn't happened to them during the process. Like dropping a gas cap on your shiny new tank.

Looks great though, can't wait to see it finished.

I'm with you on that. Kind of doing the process backwards but I couldn't help myself.

[trevor]

Looks great. Painted mine this past spring. What paint did you end up going with?

[glib]

Looks great. Painted mine this past spring. What paint did you end up going with?

Yes, I followed your paint job. I especially liked that your were able to do the project with your dad. Also as I believe I have mentioned elsewhere on the forum, your blacked out wheels inspired me to do the same on my first two 1100's and I will do them on this bike also.

I took the side covers I got from Rob S (which I think were original) to the paint shop to match. I can provide the formula if anyone wants it. I then added some blue pearl and a tiny pinch of crystal pearl in the clear coat for a little extra pop in the right lighting. The result is quite beautiful. I just can't get a photo from my Iphone to adequately show it.

[Sandy]

For the photo you have to push it out in sun. Artificial light just doesn't work on metallic snd especially pearl.

[trevor]

Yes, I followed your paint job. I especially liked that your were able to do the project with your dad. Also as I believe I have mentioned elsewhere on the forum, your blacked out wheels inspired me to do the same on my first two 1100's and I will do them on this bike also.

I took the side covers I got from Rob S (which I think were original) to the paint shop to match. I can provide the formula if anyone wants it. I then added some blue pearl and a tiny pinch of crystal pearl in the clear coat for a little extra pop in the right lighting. The result is quite beautiful. I just can't get a photo from my Iphone to adequately show it.

That's cool that you followed my thread, I will tell my dad he helped someone else paint their bike. And yes I was happy that I got to do that with my dad. Thanks

[glib]

For the photo you have to push it out in sun. Artificial light just doesn't work on metallic snd especially pearl.

Here's one in the sun. In person though, the pearl glows on the surfaces that face the source of light and the other surfaces like the top of the tank in this picture are very dark giving it a two tone appearance much richer than what you see here. I'm sure a good camera would help.

[turbojonn]

Beautiful.

[trevor]

Very nice...a little more flake than mine I think

[glib]

Very nice...a little more flake than mine I think

Yes, but I love the result you achieved. Gives me something to shoot for. What a great job you did clearing over the decal! Glass!

[glib]

I was all ready to go for the first test ride. She sounds mean as hell and when you twist the throttle the tach jumps like she's anxious to go--no bogging. Hoping I got it right. Gear on, pull in the clutch, pop it into first and...clunk-lurch-dead. The clutch does not work at all. Big sigh! Now I get to learn about the clutch--woo hoo.

Before and after so far--still going to paint some engine parts, get decals, and have to make a bracket for the exhaust. It will hit the axle if I bolt it behind the peg bracket where it is supposed to go:

[glib]

Got the clutch sorted out and installed the jet kit and got the pipe mounted properly (no zip ties) and I reinstalled the handlebar end which is missing in the pictures. Finally got my first ride. This is noticeably faster than my ES with it's stock airbox, jetting and exhaust. It's much louder and has a mean burble when you come off the throttle. My neighbor, who loves racing, said it sounded "sick" and "bad ass." So I guess it's just about ready for a new owner. I think $2,600 is fair once the braided lines and decals are added. We'll see what the market will bear.

(I tried high temp paint on the exhaust, followed the instructions for curing but it already started peeling near the top bend--oh well).