So it begins: TR6

[paulcali3]

Latest...bought gearbox sprocket and other necessaries from the very helpful Britbits in Dorset...also picked up a spare set of crankcases at Shepton Mallet, good price, might build up a spare engine as I have lots of spare bits I don't currently need (head, gearbox internals, clutch etc.)

[paulcali3]

Ok all my bike stuff is safely in the UK. Let the build continue! Bollocks I've run out of money....

[paulcali3]

Lovely powder coated frame...only took 24 years to get round to it. Note drum kit to relieve frustration. Engine in....at last. Lost piston rings moving home.... Lovely new 750 barrels. Front brake M/C upgraded with RGM kit.

Gear change mechanism...all new. These bits were worn out when I bought the bike (1988) and I've put up with it since. You really need to look at every little component and replace, replace, replace in order to end up with a sweet machine. I'll probably spend about £3000 on this one, it'll never be worth much more than £4000! Still need to collect recon cylinder head. Need seat, shocks, tyre, coils, fork legs, paint (on tank). Would like to replace mudguards & exhausts, or what's left of them. I have four tanks to choose from....

[Hooli]

Mmmm nice shiney bits

[paulcali3]

In case you were wondering, progress is being made. Got some goodies at Bath & West VMCC jumble ie. new alloy mudguard & bracket, alloy sump guard,(to protect oil feed pipe; now comes from sump plate due to in-tank oil filter), speedo drive. Still waiting for cylinder head (4 months!) Next purchases; Clutch plates, seat, tyres X 2, coils, battery, rear wheel rebuild (optional but may be an MOT issue), rear mudguard, paint. Oh and piston rings if I can't find my new set....probably £1000 to spend yet. Just seen lightened brake disc & alloy racing caliper are available...I can resist everything but temptation...

[paulcali3]

It looks like a bike again. New side stand works a treat. Front mudguard needs fixing on, I'll use one of my better tanks, put fork springs in (that's why the front end looks low). Picked up a Bonneville (twin plug) head so might use that; missing inlet stubs though. Need two good carbs now. I have about five not so good ones. Future expenses: seat, tyres, coils, rear mudguard, paint, head & carb recon. Piston rings still missing in action...

[Zunspec]

Should be a well nice bike when it's finished, Paul

[paulcali3]

Hi Geoff, I hope I'm not too old to start it by then! But it will be just how I want it.

[paulcali3]

Latest news....front brake caliper is knackered as I expected. Budget £150 for that, alloy is actually cheaper than cast iron. I have the somewhat rare Mk 3 850 Commando front brake master cylinder but need the twistgrip/switch assembly which it fixes onto. Reproductions available at around £70. New valves guides & springs purchased. Expecting a bill for cylinder head rebuild. This had better be worth it. On the other hand, what else would I spend my money on? Another bloody bike....

[Zunspec]

Hi Paul,

I got my AP Lockheed alloy (racing) calipers from Dennis Trollop, like you say £150 a pop.

Cheers Geoff