Finally the "Stable's" complete

[mack]

Well, today was my birthday and guess what I found. I just got myself the E I've always wanted.
It's in very rough condition. It has been sitting outside under a tarp for fifteen years and wasn't serviced properly before it was abandoned. It's pretty much complete, just a few things missing but nothing major.
This will be completely restored like my other two. I'm going with candy apple red with a silver fleck for paint, but thats a long way off.
I'll post a picture if I get the new camera I asked for for my B-day.
Should I start a restore thread on this one, or is everyone sick of these?

[slow mo]

good for you Mack!! a bike couldn,t be in better hands ,,i,ve seen your other work and both look great ,,happy birthday buddy!!! ride safe slow mo!

[JeffH]

I just got myself the E I've always wanted.

Should I start a restore thread on this one, or

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Thread yes. We are interested in seeing the "E" project. Congrats on the E and good luck with the project. (hope that new camera shows up too so you can post a couple pics for us)

Jeff

[crazy steve]

Well, today was my birthday and guess what I found. I just got myself the E I've always wanted....
Should I start a restore thread on this one, or is everyone sick of these?

First, Happy B-day and congratulations! The E has always been my personal favorite of all the XS models...

And knowing how you do your bikes, a restore thread is of course called for!

I'm sending you a PM...

[trdriver71]

Happy Birthday and can't wait to see some pics of the bike and see a bike build too I enjoyed following the last one I too would like to get myself an E one day.

[Rasputin]

Congrats Mack. I never liked the E when it was new but I was young and foolish, well more then, than now anyways. When I first rode my E after fixing it up it became my favorite ride very fast. The specials have that look that everyone back then wanted, but the Standards to me are a way better ride. I am looking forward to seeing what you have and what you will do with it.

[skids]

Who doesn't like pictures of nice bikes? If they are sick of it, they don't have to click on the links (unless they are really sick and compelled to do so!)

[MaximPhil]

Happy Birthday Mack. definitely needs a thread of the restoration.
Phil

[tinman905]

Happy Birthday Mack!!! So it's been about three hours since you started this thread, is it ready for paint yet
It's always nice to see a new build and look forward to seeing your results .

[fredintoon]

Not yet it ain't

Hi Mack,
to cover all years and models a complete stable has to have 4 Standards, 3 Specials and 2 Midnights.
And that's just the North American models.
You have only just begun.

[mack]

Pictures

Ok so this is what I'm starting with, I wanted a barn find to rescue and this is it. As I said before, it's fairly complete and cosmeticly the motor looks pretty good.
If you look closely you'll see the passenger r/s chicken bar and swing arm bearing cap are missing. Looks like the bike has been dropped on the left side as the left rear signal is missing.The tank is full of rust, tires are shot. We literally had to carry it in as the wheels won't turn, the motor is seized, none of the cables and handles work, petcocks are seized, the oil filter cap is hanging down loose for how long I have no idea but the bottom of the engine has been exposed to open air for some time, and some of the covers are missing bolts.
On the bright side, the side covers, seat pan and rear tail light assembly are intact. It only has 16.3 K kilometers on it, about 10k miles.








I have a pacifico fairing for it that I bought off Tom Chisholm last year and a set of hard bags I got from Huron 52 in the spring of this year.
I won't be starting this project right away as I still have some wood working projects to complete before I convert the shop to and "XS 11 operating room".
As well I want to do some core training to strengthen my back in prep for all the bending and stooping required ( I have a bad back). This will also give the penetrating oil a chance to work it's magic.

How ever this bike will get the usual tyreatment, TC's fuse block, Tkat fork brace, Geezers regulator/rectifier, new wheel bearings, Stainless Steel brake lines, all new cables and new heavy duty clutch springs and new Elite 3 tires front and rear as standard upgrades.
As for the basic machine, I'll tear it down bit by bit to find out why the motor is seized. While it's apart I will probably do the second gear fix and move the offending washer to the correct spot although the PO stated infacticaly second gear was not an issue. He had no reason to lie as I basically paid him what he wanted with little fuss. The head will gone over completely and shims adjusted, buckets and barrels hand polished, new seals etc.
All calipers and M/C's etc., will be cleaned, powder coated and rebuilt with OEM stock. "Russel" SS brake lines and banjo's. Wiring harness will be removed, cleaned and inspected for continuity and all connectors will be replaced as required. All the usual stuff of a full restore.
Changed my mind on the paint scheme, will be going with a gold fleck instead of silver to match the pin stripping.
When I said my stable will be complete, I meant that I'll have the first and best "standard", the first and best "special" and a "midnight". Fred, that is all my marriage will tolerate. I didn't even discuss this one with her. Should have seen the look on her face when I opened the trailer. She took one look at the seat and said forget about trying to get me on that. All I said was, "cool". But I have a line on an 83 XVZ 1200 that I'm picking up in a week or two that should fit her butt nicely. Been trying to figure out how to buy it with out getting smothered in my sleep. Now I have the perfect excuse. "Honey, you said you wouldn't ride on the XS's, so I had to find one you will ride! You know it's no fun for me riding without you behind me."

[crazy steve]

Nice chrome.... That will save you some big bucks!

[natemoen]

Dunloo does not make the E3 in 17" so unless you swap to a special rear rim you will have to find different tires.