1975 Suzuki T500 Titan

[HOS]

I`m wearing so many clothes I feel like a shoplifter ! 

Hey I can`t stop doing stuff like this    Its my R&R time, you know ?
I hate TV and electronic games and wasting time pushing images around phones or computers like most people seem to ?

There is something harmonic and spiritual about working on bikes    Its good for the soul 

[HOS]

The bike is`nt clean and the flash photography shows every single blemish 

But its better in the flesh 

I am stripping down the rear indicators and looking at putting the seat back on next.

[HOS]

Had a move round in the garage and the Titan has come round to centre stage:

Cleaned the seat and refitted.
Starting to check out I have all the parts for reassembly. Clean them, remove corrosion and repaint if necessary.
This is my R&R time 

[HOS]

The frame has been blasted and powder coated.
The wheels have been rebuilt using new stainless H/D spokes and polished hubs that need to be repolished.
New tapes, tubes and new Bridgestone tires.
Paintwork has been done.
Chrome needs to be sorted, but later when the bikes up and running  

I am aiming to have a rolling chassis asap   All I need is new fork springs and fork seals.
Got temporary footpegs on the front.
The forks need rechroming later, but no major corrosion.

I have never made a wiring harness in my life, so this will be the first time, but no problem.  

[HOS]

With the headstock and bars back on it suddenly starts to look like a bike again 



Work in progress.

Its in good company

[Mike-Nightrider]

HOS, are you a step further with your T500 project ? 

Updates?

Cheers, Mikey

[nickelcityracing]

nice project 

[HOS]

Thank you, its a little cutey 

My first nut and bolt rebuild 

[HOS]

HOS, are you a step further with your T500 project ?  
Updates?
Cheers, Mikey

Hi Mikey  

Yeah flat out with all three bikes and my new business !

Progress has been to polish the engine cases and have a bust lug repaired. Not easy with very old and tarnished alloy.





Did the gearbox oil level modification to prevent it shredding 5th gear on long runs:

[Mike-Nightrider]

Cool 

I thought you lost interests in your nice old bike 

[HOS]

No way losing interest with my babes 

Ongoing work, its a pleasure. 

I am about to paint the gearbox cases matt black, but want to get some alloy etching primer first.
The color scheme is matt black gearbox, silver barrels and silver heads with the polished engine cases.
I will fit all new polished stainless engine bolts too.

[HOS]

Latest news........ remember this ? 



Now looking good !
 

[Mike-Nightrider]

Looks solid 

[HOS]

Its pretty decent work considering this alloy is very old and contaminated 
I use an older guy who specialises in marine applications, he is very skilled. 

[HOS]

The big green meanie in the corner is coming on well too 

[Mike-Nightrider]

Its pretty decent work considering this alloy is very old and contaminated 
I use an older guy who specialises in marine applications, he is very skilled. 

Good to know those guys who know his job 

[HOS]

Its pretty decent work considering this alloy is very old and contaminated 
I use an older guy who specialises in marine applications, he is very skilled. 

Good to know those guys who know his job 

Yep, spot on Mike ! Always good to have a few very decent skilled guys on hand for the very specialised work.
I take the view that I cannot be an expert in everything to do with bikes, its unrealistic, same with my career.

[HOS]

Carbs are ready now. From this sorry state:



With some time and effort after a full strip down and clean:

[Mike-Nightrider]

 

The carbs look like new Colin 

[livewire]

Sweeeet. Haven't seen one of them old darlings round for years.
Drum brakes, I'd nearly forgotten about that deal.
Lookin good!

[HOS]

The carbs look like new Colin 

Thanks Mike.
A lot of hours to get that finish back.
I also finished painting the airbox and fitted a brand new air filter, thats back in the frame now.
Latest job is cleaning the 16 barrel and head bolts ! Although its a twin it has split barrels and heads.
The old Dremmel is getting a bit tired now 

[HOS]

Sweeeet. Haven't seen one of them old darlings round for years.
Drum brakes, I'd nearly forgotten about that deal.
Lookin good!

Oh yeah the drum brakes !  Scary stuff ! I remember too    

[Cookie]

Love the old bikes, Col,, great thread. I bet you have learn so much, right? If we only knew.

[HOS]

Love the old bikes, Col,, great thread. I bet you have learn so much, right? If we only knew.

Thanks mate 

Tbh I remember these old bikes the 1st time round. Infact my 1st bike had a TLS front brake.
I`ve stripped, mended, repaired my own bikes and cars for the last 33 years of having a license.
When I was young we couldn't afford to pay garage prices for repairs, so on my 1965 Ford POS I learned fast how to repair it 

But now with spannering as I call it, I just love it !  I find this kind of work very "harmonious" ??
I don`t need books or diagrams to strip summat and rebuild it, I just instinctively know.
Years of practice !! 

[Cookie]

I know what you mean about harmonious. There is a great therapy that we all know when it comes to artfully and oh so carefully "spannering' through each and every bit with an internal smile,,, onto the next.

This gives us great and immeasurable pride that not only makes us proud but contributes intrinsically to keeping our souls alive. These machines are our own heartbeat. We live to see the new day because of them.

"How can this be?" others may ask. But from you, simply with a nod and a wink, they are left to wonder.

I love working on my project. Almost as much as the ride,,, well,, that just cannot ever be.

The reward of the ride is a story on its own that only those that have been on two wheels will ever understand!