Ltd refresh

[Vendetta761]

Tidy work Redbeard, looks like you will need a new broom soon after all that Caramac sweeping...

[Redbeard]

Cheers Vendetta, getting there slowly.

Side panels done, just the rubbing compound and polish stages which I will do after a few days. Came out quite well, tank is a different story at the mo.
Pics of side panels;





...No stripes for these bad boys, just for the tank. Decals are from ebay, preferred the J ones to LTD's.

[Redbeard]

Quick update on the paint. All was going great, removing the pinstripes and masking tape was a bit nerve racking (how long to leave it on after paint, etc.) But satisfying as well as the lines came off leaving pin sharp lines of fresh paint. But then, BUGGER! The paint pulled off in a couple of places on the sides. I can't find a smiley to get across how miffed I am. Here's the evidence;



And the other side;



Question is, without rubbing those areas down again and repainting them, can I get away with some pinstripe tape or a strategically placed decal? I have some gold stripe I could add above, below and between the black? I don't want to risk masking the areas in case the tape does more damage. I haven't put the clear coat on yet obviously.

Top is fine;



I spent hours prepping the thing, but clearly not long enough in those places where the paint has lifted. Any useful advice gratefully received.

[Mr Puffin]

That is a shame Redbeard the paint was looking real good

It maybe a degreasing issue for the paint to come off like that or perhaps the paint had not cured properly anychance you just redo the affected areas

[Redbeard]

That is a shame Redbeard the paint was looking real good

It maybe a degreasing issue for the paint to come off like that or perhaps the paint had not cured properly anychance you just redo the affected areas

Thanks bud. I let the primer cure for over a week and the colour for 48hrs, it's actually down to the original paint where it has come off. Weird but I sanded everywhere and degreased. I am reluctant to mask again in case it pulls the paint away again. I have some touch up paint in the exact colour, I am going to try that first and if it's not satisfactory I will paint those areas again, clear it and then get the bike finished.

[Redbeard]

Almost there but this is how it'll stay for the foreseeable. Just need to plumb it in and hopefully it'll make some noise tomorrow...
Not keen on the k&n sticker either but it's on there now. And paint hasn't been buffed and polished yet so should look a bit brighter yet.

[Mr Puffin]

What an improvement Redbeard

But there is something with the exhaust perhaps it appears to be hanging too low at the rear mount leaving alot of air under the motor

[Al]

I think you made a great job of that Adam and its more 'you' than the ST or the 900R.
Real pity about the paint on the tank i feel for you. If you did it yourself you can do it again though. Having no end of problems getting even the tiniest thing painted and thats the place i work at.
Looking foward to seeing it at some point, it would be good to catch up as well.

AL

[Redbeard]

Mr Puffin - agree with the exhaust, does look too low.

Al - cheers mate, definitely going to make more appearances this year, be great to meet up some time.

Got it started today, couple of gremlins but took it up and down the road and it goes ok. Sounds well through the pipe but it's got top end rattle to it at tick over. Valves were all done by previous owner so could it be carb balance? After the ride it ticks over ok but from cold it needs nursing with choke and throttle. Holds onto the revs as well when on the go. All in not a bad day, need to sort the back light which has stopped working and probably treat it to a new battery as it needed charging again today. Any thoughts on the noisy top end would be great. Cheers

[Pigford]

Any thoughts on the noisy top end would be great. Cheers

If valve clearances are OK, could just be a bit of cam float (sideways movement)

"They all do that Sir"

Looking good tho' lad

[Redbeard]

Cheers Piggy, better than it was but it ain't no z1. Handling is interesting but all part of the fun.

[garyd]

Mmmm...thought they cured the camshaft float on the Js