900SS bevel recommissioning

Z

Zunspec

New member
Hello all,

This has just arrived in my shed for a bit of TLC, leading (hopefully) to an MOT.

7955313368_3c88525baf_c.jpg
[/IMG]

I am not a stranger to bike restoration having completed a Suzuki T500, TS125C and a Triumph 500 Speed Twin (with a drained bank balance to prove it :lol2:). It is not my intention to attempt a full restoration as I think that would somewhat ruin a genuine bike. A deep clean and service is the first step before any notion of trying to start it.

Unfortunately the ignition key is currently lost so I cannot check out the electrics without jumpering the ignition, can replacement keys be found using the number on the lock barrel as a reference?.

I'll leave it at that for now as it is getting late.

Thanks for any help

Cheers Geoff
 
Ah very nice Geoff - you'll fall deeply in love with it I'm sure!

And if you thought Brit iron was expensive to work on, wait 'till you start on that bevel!

You won't regret it though!

Best place for parts is Andrew Jones at Mdina Italia - he runs a very nice black n gold too - he might sort you a key but suspect you'll need a new barrel.

Good luck!

Kenny.
 
Lovely bike ! Once it's sorted you need to bring it to a nice classic Italian event like our 2013 MacGiro, where it'll be in good company.

Good luck with getting it on the road. As Kenny says, Andrew at Mdina is your man for bits.
 
Zunspec said:
Hello all,

Unfortunately the ignition key is currently lost so I cannot check out the electrics without jumpering the ignition, can replacement keys be found using the number on the lock barrel as a reference?.

I'll leave it at that for now as it is getting late.

Thanks for any help

Cheers Geoff
Click to expand...

Yes it can,take the ignition off and take it to a locksmith (not a cobbler doing a sideline) I lost the ignition key for my Pantah. I took it to a crowd in Easter road in Edinburgh XS was the name.
I did not see exactly how it was done but a key blank was inserted and a code was produced he then cut a couple of keys that worked first time you do pay a little extra for that service though but a lot less than a new ignition barrel.
Failing that a good locksmith can dismantle the lock and file a blank to fit, but I suppose thats what dads are for!
 
I spoke to Andrew at Mdina and ordered a few parts (oil filter, fuel pipe, tank cap). Also got a lot of free advice and encouragement, thanks Mdina top service.

Cheers Geoff
 
Parts arrived within 24 hours. Further good news the drained oil was very clean, seems a shame to take it to the recycling centre.

The ignition switch barrel is with a locksmith, waiting to see if he can solve the problem.

Cheers Geoff
 
After removing the brake calipers for cleaning I am having little success in bleeding the brakes. I do know how to bleed brakes in general but any specific Ducati Brembo foible's I should be aware of?. The master cylinders (F & R) don't seem to pumping to any extent, I was hoping to avoid a complete strip and re-build.

Any insights appreciated.

Cheers Geoff
 
There is probably air trapped at the highest point in the system, the master cylinder banjos. Try bleeding at the banjos with a rag under them to catch any spillage.
 
The local locksmith was able to fabricate a replacement key for the ignition barrel, so cheers for that suggestion.

I have ended up ordering new seals for front & rear master cylinders and will rebuild them. I had no success bleeding them as the were, however I tried. The removed internals were well fuzzy so I guess they needed doing anyway.

What petrol should I be using, cooking unleaded or the posh (more expensive) stuff. I'll get a gallon over the weekend and see if I can fire her up (warnings about not kick-starting wearing trainers will be heeded :) )

Cheers Geoff
 
Hi Geoff,

Much like oil for the bevels there is a debate about fuel.

I have used both (because I am a coward and reckon one is probably right!) but last piece I saw on this suggested modern fuel is more efficient than in the 70's so the 95RON is fine.

I stick in lead additive which again some say you need and some say you don't.
I use Worth because it is cheaper than likes of STP because you use so little compared to some other brands and it has an idiot proof dispenser on the top which measures how much you need for eg 10l of fuel.

Only downside is it tends to "smell" when it burns and anyone following will tell you the bike is burning oil but it isn't but it isn't that pleasant for those behind. Not really your problem though! :lol2:

If you are only test running her I probably wouldn't worry too much about additives just now.
With oil, fuel and additives welcome to the argumentative world of the bevels!

At the risk of starting a fight what oil are you using in her?
 
Thanks for the pointers, I'll just use normal unleaded as it will just be a test run.

I filled it with Rock Oil Classic 50W and also given the valve gear a good squirt to start it off. There is a good spark and I have cleaned the carbs so fingers crossed. Any road testing will have to wait for brake re-building, shame as it is going to be sunny tomorrow.

Cheers Geoff
 
Of course it goes...why wouldn't it? :D

Smoky or any oil leaks from the heads?

If you notice it is a bit wet around the heads after a bit of use it is just the o-rings will have perished. There isn't a gasket.
 
It sounds fine Geoff - addictive noise isn't it? And they sound even better when you ride 'em!!

Tell the bloke who owns it that it has found a new home!

Cheers

Kenny.
 
Evening Kenny,

Yes, addictive :) . Unfortunately my finances won't run to buying it.

I was wondering what my SV1000S might sound like with a pair of Conti's fitted though :D

Cheers Geoff
 
The 900SS is now ready for an MOT after which it will be offered for sale (some time in the future). What an amazing machine it is and I would love to add it to my collection. Sadly I cannot afford to make an offer.

To cheer myself up I have just purchased this:

8033064772_7db406deb2_z.jpg


A replica Seeley Suzuki frame. it will be my next project over the next couple of years.

Cheers Geoff
 
Farewell to the Ducati. I fired it up and after a suitable warm-up I rode it over to the owners place. First time I have ridden a Ducati and I hope it will not be the last. It is so smooth compared to my SV1000S which has the same engine configuration. In fact I was wondering if mine has not had some fundemental problem ever since I bought it new.

8059508085_fe232ac117_z.jpg


I'll keep the forum posted if/when it comes up for re-sale in case anyone is interested.

Cheers Geoff (Now off to build the Seeley for racing with CRMC next year, I'll never be rich :lol2:)
 
The bevels do seem to be smoother Geoff - I think it's all the shafts and metal whirling round in comparison to the belts and other v twins!

At least you got a ride of it - did you get a chance to gun it out of a corner? :D
 
In deference to the aged tyres I kept it quite sensible, DD.

It was a completely different experience to the SV I was changing gear at 5000 rpm, the SV is only just getting going at those rpms, in comparison the SV is almost 2-st like. The 900SS was a thoroughly pleasant ride, if only I could have taken it for a 100 mile jaunt rather than the 10 miles I did. The handling response was slower but I actually liked it that way, the Seeley influence I suspect. I hope that bodes good for my Seeley Suzuki project.

Cheers Geoff
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom