The great exploding clutch caper continues...

Ok. So I was able to scavenge all the clutch parts I needed to rebuild the exploded mess I'd created on Friday from Brian's stash of bits. Thank you. Also got to see Csik's insane CB550 and holy fuck we all might as well just quit now cuz it is off the fucking hook!!! wow.


So with the clutch back together I was feeling pretty good, but when I went to kick the engine over the kicker arm is still not engaging the counter shaft to spin the whole works over. Hmmm. Something in the kicker cover I missed?


So with the cover back open everything looks fine, but with a little logic I started to question why the starter gear was able to be turned by hand. Oh my! that's not good. Turns out there's a little key (seen on the starter clutch at the top of the counter shaft threads in the pic) that is most likely stripped, but to see for sure I'll have to get a gear puller on it and yank it off. So the caper continues another day. Good night and happy Easter.

Holy exploding clutch baskets, Batman

Uhh...soooo, I uh blew up my clutch. I know, I know. I was literally minutes away from the greatest motorcycle ride of my life. The dickhead I bought the "complete running clutch" and primary drive from neglected to include a few items, some of which were discovered when I was putting the drive line together. These were scavenged from Brian's stash and it all went together. The part that was not identified as missing was the retainer plate and retainer springs. You know, the thing that keeps the clutch basket from becoming a Gatling gun shooting bearings at your clutch plates. Without it it makes a real mess as you can imagine. But you don't have to imagine because it happened to me and I took a picture.

Yeah see those bearings shouldn't be seen in those holes. Ultimately its my fault. Always remember when purchasing used parts off the internet that you should check the exploded diagrams to make sure you have ALL the necessary bits and bobs. Otherwise you'll be looking at your own 3D version of the exploded diagram on the shed floor.

I'll be posting progress of the great clutch explosion of 2012.

Exploded Triumph Parts, now mine

So with the US dollar in the slumps I thought it would be a good time to do some Ebay shopping. Last time the Canuck Buck was up I made out like a bandit on some custom parts. So I went looking today and looky looky what I bought. Got a sweet old school set of dog bone risers from a '60's vintage Trumpet 500 chopper that exploded during a police chase (see story below) that I'm gonna use for the 650 rigid. They come with a set of sweet pullbacks and a pair of twisted struts. I'm thinking of you Sastard when I look at the struts. Any interest?


Then I got this kickass Cobra seat that I'm actually hoping will be able to mount on the shadow. If not I may consider it for the rigid, but it might just go back on ebay if it doesn't work out. I can definately sell it for more than I paid. Either way what a vintage beauty.


Now, I promised a story about an exploding motorcycle and a police chase. This is the best part of my purchase today. I'm gonna quote the sellers description cause he tells it the best.

"This is like a classic chopper part, direct from the 60's. I know. For sure. I'm only selling this to avoid work, and because my beloved Trumpet Scoot blew up unexpectedly while I was escaping from the Fuzz at about 185mph (see how the explosion blew the rip in the seat - right where it protected the family jewels!) and now I have to pay the fines and the hospital bills, and all that, but mostly it sux that I ain't got no more scooter. Good thing the ol' lady wasn't on the back cuz she would have been thrown about 800 feet in the air when the engine exploded, but maybe not since I took most of the blast right in the guts which shot me off into the weeds where the Fuzz found me, out cold. When the Fuzz found me, I had all this stuff in my icey grip of death, and I wasn't letting go. The throttle is missing due to the fact that it blew right off from the concussion of the exploding motor and very hot metal shooting all over. Really."
- mr_sunzeri