Well i got back from my parents tonight with my three winter projects.
My uncle johnny passed away last year of a heart problem (not sure the name of it). He was the youngest of the uncles at 45. He was the type of uncle that always had the toys and would always take us on rides and teach us how to ride. Well after he passed my parents got the Motorcycles that we basically grew up riding, as well as the snomobiles, due to the fact that my parents now have a house up north where we usually ride them (big fork, mn). Well I thought it would be a great winter project and would be honoring the memory of my uncle if i were to bring the three bikes home and restore them to a shape that will last another 20 years.
(Bikes are in reverse order of how i learned to ride)
The first and main project bike is an Early 80s (I believe it to be a 1981) Yamaha Enduro 175. Its still in working condition but has lost some of its performance over the years, as well as burning oil and a number of other issues. I will be replacing the piston rings (possibly piston), the muffler, cleaning it up, replacing the Carb, as well as possibly a new coat of paint (done professionally), and anything else i can find.
The second is a 19XX Yamaha Mini Enduro. Unsure the size of the motor. This will be also a cleanup resto job. Replace what needs to be replaced. Currently runs. Earlier this year was having trouble running but it ended up that there was no exhaust coming out the tail pipe, as it was completly clogged up with carbon. But we cleaned that out nice. It would be great if i can find a newer muffler for it. or have one made.
The Third and final, is a 1960s Fuji Go-Devil folding mini bike. . This one has a funny story. My grandfather owned a Aviation company called Bolduc Aviation, he would do maintinance and rebuilds on Small airplane engines (he was in WW2 as an aircraft mechanic, recieved his Master Mechanics award, and was inducted into the minnesota Aviation hall of fame, he passed away shortly after my uncle) well some guy had left it at his shop and never came back for it. Its a small bike that folds up for easier storage. Really unsure of the year or who the hell built it, but totally vintage, its a major feat that this thing still runs! I actually did a quick seach and found a youtube video from someone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGsbSj6Hb2k
The reason all of these bikes still run is solely the work of my uncle, and to keep these running is now passed onto myself. I have always helped him work on them so i definitely know these like the back of my hand. I would love to get these running tip top like they were new again to honor my uncles memory and keep them running for another 30 years, where my son can say he learned to ride on these.
The first step to all of this, RESEARCH! So if any of you can name the year of these or have had any of these, i would love to pick your brain.
Tom
Linear Mode
