Post
by Snakeoil » Wed Jul 18, 2012 8:55 pm
Registered the bike today. Then took a 40 mile round trip to get it inspected at my friend's shop. Bike ran great. Seems like 50 mph is a comfy speed for the engine, althought it has a lot more in it. I did cruise at 60 mph for a bit, but did not want to beat her up on the first day.
A few challenges were enountered before taking her out for her first legal ride. The battery, a 12N9B4-1, which is the correct battery from what I can tell, has incorrect terminal positions. It appears the original battery had horizontal terminals. So, I made a pair of alum adapters, but then realized that there was no room for them when I installed the stock air filters. Ended up turning them 90 degrees and all fit fine.
Battery was also a bit of a sloppy fit in the bracket. No hold down strap on this model, just that wrap around clamping arrangement. I was concerned that a good bump could send the battery upward shorting out the positive terminal. So I added some 1/4 neoprene foam and strips of old inner tube in appropriate areas to provide a secure grip on the battery case.
It's truly a neat little bike. I can only imagine what it would have been like to have this as a first bike when I was 16.
The flat spot on the front rim is more than I can tolerate. At certain speeds it's pretty obvious. You can see the tire flex as you go down the road. My friend has a rim jack, but I might just lace up a round rim and try to fix this one as a spare.
regards,
Rob
