The Plan

[Pat Kelly]

I have a plan.
My LG smokes when I use the powerband . I have yet to diagnose XSactly the cause of the smoke but I'm thinking valve stem seals.
Since I have to remove the head to replace these seals, and the bike has over 50,000 miles on it, and I'm right there anyway, I might as well take care of the pistons and rings (really dear wife of mine). Darn, the only oversize pistons/rings will make it 1196cc's (really dear).
So I've decided to get a big-bore kit for the Black Widow. I was thinking (like most that have gone this route) to get the 1174 kit so I will have another step-up. Well, the bike has done just fine for the last 26 years so after 26 more I will retire it. Besides I'll be 70 !!!!
Next month I get 3 paychecks (paid bi-weekly) so I will get the kit. I already have another set of cylinders so I can have the bore kit ready to pop on without SWMOB realizing anything happened. Since the LG is my summer bike I will complete this project next winter (when I'm riding my E/winter bike which is getting the 2nd gear fix this summer).
I'll hopefully pull the motor for a "frame-up restoration". Could someone point me in the right direction for what types of black was used on various parts (flat-black, semiflat, gloss, etc)? I'd like to restore to as original as possible paint-wise.

[LoserShoes]

Rule of thumb is : smoke during acceleration is rings, smoke during high vacumn ( decelerating with throttle closed, cruising at 60+) is valve seals.

Chances are if the rings are leaking so are the valve seals.

steve

[John]

Pat

I would get the 1179cc kit. Have the pistons in hand when you are ready to have the machine work done, that way you can give them to the machine shop, and they can match bore the cylinders to each piston. The engine will run a little hotter, so I would recommend an oil cooler for the summer months. Make sure the clutch is solid. How are first and second gears? You don't want all that newfound power just bouncing around inside the crankcase. If you are going to replace the valve seals, you might want to replace the cam chain also. And, and, and...

[randy]

Rule of thumb is : smoke during acceleration is rings, smoke during high vacumn ( decelerating with throttle closed, cruising at 60+) is valve seals.

Gee, I learned it the other way round

[Pat Kelly]

Glad I'm replacing both rings and seals

[Geezer]

Get a flack jacket for when your ol' lady finds out how much you spent on the project. ;o)

Geezer

[Pat Kelly]

I'll use hers....... she's an ex-cop

[webbcraft2150]

Leave some flyers on late model, big inch big bikes with the prices written in laying around. When she asks, tell her your kinda looking cause its gonna cost to fix the 11. By the time your done, she will be convinced to spend the $$ on the old bike vs. 4 years @$285 a month plus insurance. Worked for me when the Power Wagon needed a complete motor rebuild.

[Pat Kelly]

The Plan part 2

Well, I'm getting fat. Yesterday was my Birthday and I weighed myself...... added 100 lbs since I got married (and quit riding/racing bicycles).
I still have my race bike, a Quattro Assi (Italian) that I built for $2,000 in 1987. I can't ride it anymore as (1) I weigh too much which prevents me from acheiving my "aero-tuck and (2) I have arthritis in my neck which prevents me from acheiving my "aero-tuck".
I still have the "need for speed" so my Mt bike just dosen't cut it. I like doing things different and a decade or so ago I rode a recumbent bike (where you sit in a deck chair and the pedals are out in front of you). Very comfortable, stable, and FAST!
I also have this problem with being dizzy 24/7 (going on 9 weeks now) so I'm not sure about MY stability tho I do ok on the XS.
I found some recumbent trikes, one wheel in back (behind you) and 2 wheels in front (by your knees).
Price on these are $1,000 to $1,500. My current road bike might sell for $300-$500 so I'm still short.
A couple of options are:
1) There is a set of plans available to build your own. Material cost would be under $100 (or so they claim) to build the frame. I could use most of the parts off my road and/or mountain bike like the shifters and such. I would also have to buy and learn to use a welder (something I would like to do anyway).
2) I have someone interested in buying my E "The $60 Gem" for $1,000. I could then buy a completed re-trike.

Quite the quandry

[skids]

Re: The Plan part 2

I get that way at the amusement parks on the spinning rides. I stay busy for days. I know people that are perscribed valium for vertigo and it definately helps. Good luck with that.

Originally posted by Pat Kelly

I also have this problem with being dizzy 24/7 (going on 9 weeks now) so I'm not sure about MY stability tho I do ok on the XS.