Hard Work and Sweat

I'd like to say that I'm efficient in my work.  That I don't have to do things over, that things work right the first time.

Some things are like that, maybe, but not this one.

The 1968 Honda CL450 is one of those things that I'll have to chase some problems and even fix some problems over.  Cosmetically, it's pretty much what I figured and the painted bits came out very nice thanks to the expertise of my friend Bill Curran. There are some rusty parts that won't polish out.  I'm still missing some parts too, note the missing front turn signals (necessary) and right side mirror (optional).

The battery won't charge.  No, no, it's a new battery and will hold charge but the alternator was wimpy from Honda and hasn't improved with age.  I've gone through two stators and looks like a third will be in needed.  I've gotten good advice from the HondaTwins forum and that's a good thing.  Corrective action is still replace the stator.  New parts don't exist so either have this one re-wound, $$$, or risk something used ($$+repeat).  I've asked the used people to do a simple resistance measurement to mitigate risk but so far no responses.  Therefore, no sale.  I'll try to re-wire myself and see how that goes.

I also have oil leaks, slowly being found and corrected.  Now, its only minor ecological disasters wherever I park and in the picture above, there are no leaks, yay!  It's a pretty bike too!

On the usability side, driving, rather, riding around, has been grins from ear to ear, getting about 53 mpg on regular gas.  The Honda slogan of "...nicest people..." begins with a nice bike that hasn't spit oil on your shoes and keeps its battery charged.

That's all from planet Honda, more later.
J