800 Vulcan rebuild Continued

[ray23]

Making progress

New timing chain is in

Has a small dent in the gas tank so that is being worked on. I didn't see it but the painter did. This a part of the process you can not rush if you want a good job. actually you just have to be patient through the process if you want good results.

Still waiting on chrome from Bangkok If I'm lucky it will be done this month

 

[gobs]

Nice job Ray!

As we say in France: "when you begin to put the finger in, the whole arm is following" :wink:

But it's the law for this type of BIG refurbishnig if you want to get the best... And at the end, it's worth it!

Well, it sounds near the end... and the first ride on a "new" bike!

Good luck, Ray,
Gobs

 

[ray23]

Thanksk Gobs, the hard part now not driving them crazy :lol: :lol:

 

[ray23]

Progress the blue is my bike parts are mine

The really do nice work this thing really looked great not mine. But, I good indicator of the final work product, probably at least another week.

Did run into one problem the rear sprocket is a 42 couldn't find one so I settled for a 43 Hope I didn't make a mistake. I think I will loose a little speed but have better torque?

 

[Franz]

Real nice job Ray, can't wait to see the finished product. Don't forget to download-print-highlight the torque requirements for all bolts for your mechanic :lol: , cheers, Franz

 

[ray23]

I'm lucky there he has a copy of the shop manual from the previous owner I made a copy for me as well. The difference he understand his copy :lol:

 

[gobs]

It's moving on and on, Ray... Great!

And don't worry about the rear sprocket. You know, one tooth on 42... :roll:
You may lose about 4 or 5 km/h on top speed, not a lot!
And get a little bit more torque... maybe 0.2 or 0.3 mkg... not a lot too!

Nice blue colour...

Cheers,
Gobs

 

[ray23]

In terms of the Mae Hong Son Loop that shoud be a good deal. I'm not a fast rider anyway.

 

[ray23]

The pin striping has started now he has two pieces at his stage. This is why you can't rush a painter. This is very detailed work and it takes time.

Still don't have the chrome form Bangkok. but the Mechanic was sick to day so it may or may not be in.

I have also learned that has not been able to find a rear sprocket I need the rear sprocket 42 or 43 toothe. Anyone got some ideas let me know.

Japan is an alternative but that is really expensive.

 

[Tubber]

You could try Ebay? I could have got you one if needs be but I am going to work on Monday. Be in Sigapore for a couple of days and then heading onwards suppose 2 months is too long to wait?

 

[ray23]

That depends actually it was working when I took it in no noise ect, so I can get by for awhile. I'll post it on this thread if I find a replacement. But. it should be replaced eventually.

I'm going to try another Mechanic here in Udon and see if he can get one.

Thanks

 

[thaicbr]

Your mechanic should be able to order from Jomthai asahi (JT) .
These guys are the biggest manufacturer of sprockets in Thailand available in every shop pretty much.
The part numbers are:

Front JTF519.17

Rear JTR499.42

Chain 50/114

You really need to change the whole lot. Also have you thought about converting to belt drive like the new 900's

Or try Link Associates in BKK for JT sprockets and chains 0818085775.
They also do a wide range of cruiser kit mainly for HD but also others.
Allan

 

[ray23]

Thanks Allen I will have the Mechanic call Moday. I really appreciate it.

 

[ray23]

Alan I shoud shoot you now have me thinking :shock: that's dangerous in my case. :lol: What would be involved in converting to a belt drive. I won't do it now but certianly may do it later if I can.

 

[thaicbr]

Hi Ray. I'm not sure whats involved but when i googled the Kawasaki 800 vulcan i found a website in the states where a company had a kit. wasn't cheap though. I'm wondering if you can get the parts from the 900 to fit (900 is belt drive) that way it's all oem parts available here in Thailand.
Allan

 

[ray23]

Thanks Capt.

 

[ray23]

Got the sprockets from Jomthai Asahi , cost 2600 baht and in route. Already have a O ring chain so I didnlt order that.

Thanks Alan

 

[ray23]

Busy Busy on the paint said it would be ready in two days I'm not holding breath

Chromes finally back from Bangkok this is scary it's starting to look like a bike again. Won't be done in time for the wedding party. That to bad it's my wedding gift

:lol:

 

[Tubber]

Hi Ray
I would be rather interested to know what kind of paint you used to spray the bits you did yourself. All the stuff I have tried comes off if you sneeze near it.

 

[ray23]

Tubber sorry for the delay, in all honesty I have no idea but it was nothing special and it what I did in that aspect was very limited. I may experience the same thing you did down line.

 

[ray23]

Darn the bike is all in one place for the first time in a long time

Pinstriping didn't get exactly what I wanted I wanted solid gold, this is close enough for government work. Now the serious reassembly starts

 

[ray23]

Little bit by little bit it's coming together. It's funny both the painter and mechanic took some artistic license in this. But, I'm very happy with the results.

The mechanic is at a very pain staking stage now, the electrical to include the upgrades I wanted, such as emergency flashers. hard wired communications system and the GPS power unit.

I would never try this without a lot of confidence in the mechanic I would be working with. This is actually the third one one he has done for me. So far this is looking like the best one I have done.

 

[ray23]

We will see you when you get back Mal.

There was lot of work that family friends did to get things ready for that party. The ladies were just in seventh heaven building the flower thing just chatting away with each other. Hot as could be they didn't seem to notice at all.

Instant stage looks deserted doesn't it. We ended up adding more tables that evening.

 

[monsterman]

Nice looking work ... enjoy after youy have de bugged and fettled it a bit.

 

[ray23]

Ya I think in a few weeks. I'll have to take my time for a break in not of the bike of me. Been on that 400 for over two years. There are all a bit different I'll have to get used to the 800.