Bike gone, sad but that's how it rolls...

Sold the Monster to a guy from Lamar back in April. He is using the bike to commute to work in Carthage this summer.

Earlier this month, I picked up a 2000 Suzuki DRZ400E, that wasn't yet street legal. It does have a title, so all I have to do (ha) is add lights, turn signals, horn and a mirror. Ended up costing much more than I budgeted. Pictures to follow and then a new blog to track the progress of my latest "build".

60 Degrees...ride for fuel

Was able to take a short ride to fill up the tank with fresh fuel and then shot a short video of the bike.

2011 Update....no more tach.

I was able to source a used Monster 750 gauge cluster from everyone's favorite auction site. The mileage was higher than the other speedometer, but pictures were taken with the title next to the cluster to assist in future documentation.

New gauge cluster next to old gauge cluster.

Next on the agenda is to get my extra top triple bored out, and then install the forks (with the straightened brake caliper mount) and see if I can get everything lined out in time for spring.

Roads are a bit messy from the snow and ice, so I doubt that I'll be taking a ride anytime soon, but I'm going to try to get some video of the bike tomorrow idling in what little snow is left on the ground to match the original video taken last year.

Video taken last year, January 3, 2010.

Carburetor's Synchronized (finally!)

Finally got around to synchronizing the carburetor, all two of 'em. Much easier than an in-line four cylinder.

Took it down the road a bit for a spin before the synchronization, seemed to run okay, but there was still a bit of a hesitation.

There was also a vacuum leak that I discovered while prepping for the synchronization. The vacuum cap over one of the ports was cracked, so I picked up some new caps at O'reillys to repair the leak. Hoping for a longer ride when I'm off work next week.

Getting colder - still not done.

Well, it is now December, and I've still not completely wrapped up the project. The SBK forks didn't work out, for two reasons, first reason, the left side caliper support mounting arm is slightly tweaked which didn't allow the caliper to sit parallel to the rotor, second reason, the boring of the top triple was slightly off one one side - probably not a real deal killer.

I ended up getting not one, but two more top triples. The first for the stock forks and the second to be bored out for the SBK forks. Bike is currently sitting in the shop on the trickle charger.

I finally pulled the carburetors just to see if the float level was right, and one of the carburetors wasn't quite on the money. The carburetors are back in place and I'm hoping to get it all back together this weekend.

The temperatures are supposed to be higher next week, so I'm hoping I'll get a chance to go for a spin.

Additionally, I need to send off the left-hand SBK fork so the brake caliper mounting arm can be straightened and also get the extra top triple bored - not sure if I can find a place locally or if I'll have to send it off.

Bike is going to be sold come springtime - I ended up selling my 2004 VW Jetta TDI and got a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata for a replacement daily driver, so no more motorcycles (for the moment).

Back on two wheels!

From Monster Duck

From Monster Duck

From Monster Duck

From Monster Duck

From Monster Duck

From Monster Duck

From Monster Duck

The tank is back in action...

From Monster Duck

From Monster Duck

Now I'm waiting on the wheel (powdercoater) and the new tire (FedEx) and it can be rolled (carefully ) off the bench and back on the road.

From Monster Duck

From Monster Duck

New handlebar, grips and "new to me" stock mirrors.

From Monster Duck

749S Dark front fender.