This weekend's work can be seen in various parts of this picture. First, the engine was re-installed in the chassis. The last of the motor mounts and adjustments were completed. The engine has a fresh coat of paint. Best of all, the shifter finally works.

While the engine was out, the last of the holes for vertical moto mount bolts were drilled. The L-brackets which bolt to the engine each have two bolts to hold the engine down to the frame. The corresoponding 'table' in the frame on which the engine rests has oversized holes to allow for lateral adjustment. There is no provision for camber, if the engine leans to one side, it will continue to do that. Just above the letters 'GTR' on the drive belt, the left fore/aft adjuster is visible. There is also a right adjuster which allows me to set the primary drive belt tension as well as align the engine left/right to keep the pulleys aligned. There is another adjuster visible in the very top center of the photo which is used to move the engine left/right. With the adjusters and motor mount bolts tight, engine stability seems to be improved. I haven't started the engine since putting it back in the frame, but it seems to be part of the bike now rather than simply attached to it.


I will admit that I almost didn't paint it. Paint isn't a priority for me. If it's already got a coat of paint, it doesn't need another one. But after several of the guys at the shop asked when the engine was going to be painted (and a few asked what color) I got the hint that it isn't a good idea to build something at Artisan Auto Body and not paint it. That's what they do. Kevin tooks some time out from repairing the flames on a late model Mustang to spray some black on the engine. It does look good.

Rotating the transmission arm one tooth to the rear solved the shifting problem. Now both levers are square. There isn't enough room to include the heel shifter, I've never used one of those anyway, so I won't miss it. Anyone else who rides the bike will be too busy figuring out all of the other strange controls and ergonomics, so except for the extra length on the shift lever, no one should notice. If the toe shifter needs to move farther outboard, I may have to add a bushing, if not, the end of the shaft needs a cover to protect the splines.

The focus of this blog is about to change. Since most of the fabrication is done. I hope to start showing pictures of where I've been and who I've seen.
December 30 - Ride the bike at Artisan Auto Body, Connor Drive, Manassas Park, VA. The guys at the shop have provided wonderful support, if they want to ride it, this is their opportunity to do it.
December 31 - Honda Riders Club of America, Factory Riders Club. Motorcycle Factory in Woodbridge, VA sponsors this club, we meet for breakfast at IHOP in the Manassas Mall at 9:00 and ride at 10:00. I've missed a lot of Sunday rides building this bike, I hope to make this one.
January 1, 2007 - Potomac Area Road Riders Polar Bear Ride. The ride starts at the Sign of the Whale Restaurant in Falls Church, VA. It's in Loehmann's Plaza just inside the beltway on Rt 50. The Polar Bear Ride is the social event of the season.
February 10-11, 2007 - The Crotona Midnight Run. The Midnight Run is a timed road run, it starts at Midnight Saturday night. We ride for two hours, take a two hour break and ride another two hours. Start and end is at Nathan's Famous on Rt 100 in Yonkers, NY. Mid-point break is at the Carmel, NY diner. I'll be staying with my daughter Cristine in Cliffwood, NJ when I do this ride.