Motor is in!

Finally got the motor in.  This entailed some finishing layer coats of paint on the cases (used brake caliper paint, works awesome).  Thanks for the tip Lee at onthepiperacing

I also had to complete the install of the new bearings, sleeves, etc. into the swingarm since the bolt runs through the engine cases. I replaced everything here with a new bearing kit from AllBalls and had a tough time getting everything to fit back together. The new dustcaps seemed huge and were creating a clearance issue so I had to grind 1/2 of the cup down so it would clear.

Sorry for the blurry cellphone pics but it was late and didn’t have the camera handy.

Below you can see the tight squeeze and custom dust seal needed:

Status

Well things are underway again after that swingarm bearing fiasco.  I’ve got the other swingarm now and the bearings are almost all in (it’s not the easiest process).  I’ve also painted the bottom end of the motor.

So motor is complete, swingarm ready to go on, most parts purchased.  Still need to refinish the gas tank, find or recover the seat, get fenders.  Will have some pictures very soon. 

It’s a slow moving project but it’s been fun.. right now i’m concentrating on a harescramble in CT this coming weekend but i’m still psyched to finish the RM by the spring.  Stay tuned.

Updates Coming Soon

It’s been a while so I thought i’d post a status report.

I basically spent all summer attempting to remove the seized bearings from the swingarm.  The bearings had basically become one with the swingarm.   They were at a local machine shop getting all sorts of attempts at getting them out to no avail – I was forced to purchase another swingarm.

Now that I can continue… updates and pics soon to follow!  I finally now can install the new swingarm bearings, mount the swingarm, and the wheels… hopefully all in the same step.  Keep it posted!