Rolling restoration of a 850L

[Grimly]

That's come together quite well. The seat will come into its own when the OL doesn't fall off the back

 

[Guest]

Hi Guys,

things are put on hold for a couple of months while I'm out of the country enjoying sunnier climes.

I've taken off the tank and panels, cleaned them a give them a good waxing before storing them in the attic. (My lad will still be using the garage and I'm paranoid about them getting damaged).

I've removed the rear engine mounts and the battery box and will drop them into my powder coat guy before I depart.

I'm glad I decided on the restoration route I chose because I've really got a buzz out of riding around these past few months and I'm going to miss it over the next few weeks. Going to miss you guys too as there is no internet access.

I'm taking a new camera with me so be prepared for lots of boring holiday snaps when I get back.

See you in October and be careful out there.

 

[Guest]

Been back for a week or so now and I really missed my bike while I was away.

Collected and fitted the battery box and engine brackets.

Then it wouldn't even turn over. It took me a few minutes to realise that the powder coating has insulated the battery box, so I fitted an extra earth for the rectifier. Problem sorted.

Only...

Once it was running there was petrol running out of carb #3. Carbs were removed (such an easy job on this bike, really) and the float bowls cleaned out and given a blast of carb cleaner and air. Problem solved.

Took it out for a run on Saturday on some very quiet country lanes and it went well but the front mudguard is rattling a lot. Think I'll drill out the rivets and fit some small nuts and bolts.

 

[Guest]

It's about time I did an update although there isn't that much to comment on as I've been riding it (and lovin' it) rather than restoring it but here goes.

Got these done a while ago and then fitted soon after. Sidestand and engine brackets.


And this week was the turn of the front footpeg holders and the torque arm.


When you look at the bike you wouldn't see any difference but I know they're there.


Next step will be the Swing arm as I will need to remove the back wheel as soon as I can fund a new back tyre.
Hopefully I can get it all finished before the first bits need doing again.

Thanks for all the kind comments in the past, much appreciated.

 

[Guest]

I've been very quiet over the winter and not been out much, but I did manage to find a chrome grab rail (acutally came from the same place I got the bike).

I've got to tidy it up a bit on the lugs but first I've got to free off the left hand shock which is stuck onto the top mount. So far I've been giving it a soaking with penetrating oil.

Also got a replacement sump (oil pan) as I noticed the drain plug threads on the current one were starting to go.

 

[jdion81]

That is an awesome restore. Would you be able to do a video of it running in its current state?

 

[Guest]

That is an awesome restore. Would you be able to do a video of it running in its current state?

I have a few videos taken while out on a run, but none showing the bike itself. I'll get that sorted soon.

Finally got the grab rail fitted today. The seat makes it redundant functionally, but aesthetically I think it looks much better.

 

[Guest]

Last Piece of the Jigsaw.

Last Piece of the Jigsaw.

The only item still missing from the bike was the tool tray holder thing under the seat. There's plenty of the about and cheap enough but they are all in the US and international shipping through ebay's system was ridiculous. So when I spotted one on ebay I got my sister (who lives in Houston) to buy it for pennies and only pay for domestic postage. The she sent it over via snail mail so I saved a couple of buck overall and now I can stop looking for parts.

It does make thing look better and it polished up nicely.





Apart from that piece I've only been doing maintenance on forks seals, regreasing the rear brake livot and cleaning the gear indicator switch.

Still lovin' it.

 

[nvr2old]

With some (or many) disparaging comments on L models aside, you have taken one and really made a nice bike out of it with determination and a sense of stick-to-it-ness that should be applauded. I really like what you've done, and you should be very proud of that bike. I love the color scheme, and the seat blends into the theme really well.

 

[Guest]

With some (or many) disparaging comments on L models aside, you have taken one and really made a nice bike out of it with determination and a sense of stick-to-it-ness that should be applauded. I really like what you've done, and you should be very proud of that bike. I love the color scheme, and the seat blends into the theme really well.

Thanks dude, that's really nice of you to say so. I do love it and it's a keeper, possibly my last bike too. One things for sure... it's always easy to spot it in the car park on bike night!