Finishing off
I completed most of the last parts without taking any images, but I basically replaced the headlight and bolted the bodywork on. One thing I did realize is when testing the indicators. The flash rate was way too fast. However in Honda’s infinite wisdom, they decided to use a micro 3 pin harness which meant I could not swap out with a normal flasher relay, so this is still working in progress.
But this time I was two days away from its first MOT since 2012 I booked this to give myself the motivation to complete in time. To get around this I soldered together some high wattage bulbs and connected them together with the indicators and this seems to have worked well so far.
Future plans for this involve replacing the part of the loom with spade connectors, so I can then connect an adjustable flasher relay in its place.
I asked the better half to get a jerry can and fuel on her way home so we could then fill the tank and see if the beast would even run, as apart from the quick engine test earlier in the year, I was not sure when the last time this engine ran in anger, and even if it would survive more than a few minutes.
Upon filling the tank I noticed the fuel tap leaking, but only on reserve, I was gutted so I filled the carbs and turned the fuel off and proceded to get some gasket seal and put along the ridge of the tap to see if this would work, it wasn’t till the next morning I would know.
It turns out I needed to remove the tank and tweak the tap, which unfortunately led to some fuel leaking and removing the lacquer and paints from around the cap, it seems I did not place enough lacquer around this part of the tank.
So Did it run?
As a matter of fact, it did! Both my better half and I were so shocked that it even started at all, let along starting on the first push of the button with no issues. Yes, that’s correct it started on the first push of the button.
It was at this point we found out there was another fuel leak. This time from the left-hand carb, it was overflowing. To get around this for the MOT I filled the carbs full and then removed the fuel tap so they couldn’t turn the fuel on.
My mate came over on Saturday and helped me load it into the van after a pre MOT inspection which revealed I had forgotten a few engine bolts, the front axle was a bit lose and the rear peg needed a tweak, but we got him there in the rain and he PASSED! 1 advisory on the paperwork due to some bounce on the brake pedal which turns out to be the same advisory on its last MOT in 2012.
So there he is! I have called him Charlie. He is fully road legal, and I have fixed the small leaking carb (Dirty float needle) and have managed a nice 20-mile ride on him. He is not a speed demon, managing 75 – 80mph at a push with two of us on him but the carbs do need balancing, so this will be the next job to be done on him followed by replacing the seat cover. Next year the bodywork will be redone.
So 2190 days later I can now enjoy the fruits of my labor.
