We have been working through several small problems, but we are getting close to getting it ready for the road. There were some fuel and oil leaks. These are all fixed. Retro Bikes now has the rear brake cables, so I ordered one and replaced my old cable.
It wasn't running well and I had a hunch it was a fuel problem. I rebuilt the petcock and the fuel now flows good. I had to drain the fuel and take the tank off several times. The last time I put the tank on, I didn't put much gas in and it didn't want to start at all. It just didn't have enough fuel in the tank :) After fixing this little problem, it fired off with a touch of the starter. The motor now runs great.
I repaired my brake light switch and it was working well in the basement, but once outside it stopped working. I bought a new universal switch. It is a cheaply made switch and had a short in it. Once in a while, the spring to the brake lever would heat up and it would blow a fuse. I found the problem and fixed this.
Tonight after dark, we put everything back together, did a small adjustment of the clutch, and I took it for a spin up and down the street. When I made a sharp turn the clutch disengages. I need to reroute the cable and that problem should be fixed. Other then that, it felt good. The next nice sunny day we are going to take it out and get some pictures.
Gunner
New Superhawk Owner
Looking mighty fine. What are you guys polishing with?
Current restoration: 1962 CB77
http://www.flickr.com/photos/1962_cb77_restore/
My Son got some chrome polish from the neighbor who did the paint. It was in an unmarked bottle. My Son said it worked great and he is buying a new bottle from some guy at the shop. I will find out what it's called and let you know. I used Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish and I thought that worked nice.
Gunner
FUNIt was a cool but sunny morning, about mid 40s. I gave it about half choke and it fired right up. My Son wanted a ride, but I wanted to give it a test ride around the block to make sure everything was working. I rolled down the drive then down the street. The baffle-less pipes roared as I opened it up. This was too fun so when I got to the corner and kept going. It ran so well, I ended up giving it a ride around town! If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be FUN.
I stopped back at the house and he was waiting with the camera. He hopped on the back and we went to a local bar and eating place for breakfast. We parked next to the Harley's :) The Super Hawk rides well with a rider. After breakfast we drove down to the park along the Mississippi for a picture, then to my Brothers House. He hasn't seen the bike since we rolled it out of his garage last fall and loaded into my pickup truck. He was in the yard and had a big smile on his face when we rolled in. He took it for a ride. I didn't think he was coming back. We made a few more stops on our way home. The bike runs great and it FUN to ride! Here is a few pictures from it's maiden trip.
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