Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show 2024 report, part 1

Saturday 12^th October

Our show started relatively early as we needed to get the bike on the stand before the show opened, the hall opens to exhibitors at 7:30 so we were there ready to go. After collecting our pack and security done I set about cleaning bike as it was raining a little outside, I came prepared with clean cloths for the bodywork and a dirty one to wipe the tyres and it didn’t take to long to get the MBX looking great.

Like last year the standard of machines and restorations are exceptional, in fact there are some many fantastic bikes you cant help but feel like you have imposters syndrome. This year there was some direct competition from Steve Mawson’s lovely black MBX80, Andrew Longley’s original MT50 and a super nice AR80 from the AROG.

strapped down and ready to go

its wet outside!

inside the hall looking for our spot

cleaning

flash....

all set up and show ready

Steve Mawson's MBX80 on the VJMC stand

Andrew Longley's MT5 - private entry

Minty fresh AR80 on the AR Owners Group stand

the place to be

Sunday 13^th October

We got to the show at around 8:30 to check out all the rosette winners but the judges were only just putting them out, it didn’t look like we were in for a shout so we decided to go off and check out the bikes that did win. After launch we got caught up in the GP paddock listening to Carl Fogerty and Frankie Chili talk and Foggy’s Ducati start up. We popped back to see the MBX and catch up with some people and there was a ‘Highly Commended’ rosette on the fuel tank. Initially I thought we were being pranked by Mr Longley, but thankfully it was the real deal and the bike had won an award two years in a row, feeling very proud and humbled.

At the end of the show we were just removing the bike from the stand and two judges came over and shook my hand and said, ‘well done, we had to give it an award as it’s such a lovely bike and you just don’t see them anymore’. That was the icing on cake and to be praised like that truly made my day.

winner!

Me, William (my son) and Andrew Longley

the MBX with its info board

GT550 - Best in Show

William celebrates!

Next year?

Will be back? Absolutely, we have lots of ideas but in whatever way that might look like we will be there. It is the best show with the best bikes with some great people, the classic bike scene is where I want to be. My goal next year is to be there with my Aprilia but if there is room for my Honda either as a private entry or on a club stand it will be there as I have a few more improvements lined up to make it even more original… 😊

The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show 2024 - show prep 2

The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show is almost here and will be at the Stafford Showground on the 12-13th October 2024. 

I am really please to say my MBX80 will be in a prime location next to the main stage opposite the VJMC main stand, here is how to find me:

This year as well as small detailed improvements in the bike and prep I have mostly been working on the bikes presentation. 

To display the bike at a better lean angle I have been working on a side stand 'puck', this holds the bike at a more vertical angle which looks a lot better visually. Bellow is version 1 as proof of concept, currently I am refining it to look a bit prettier! 

Secondly I have invested in a A3 display board which many other machines had, here I can better detail a little about the bike, about me and about the restoration.

I also have some 'Stafford 2024' edition MBX decals to give away to adorn your tool boxes, I dont have many but they are very high quality!

Lastly to make me (and my son) easier to spot if you want to have a chat (and get a sticker) you will see us in some new MBX80 merch...

I hope to see you there!

Links

To get tickets visit here https://tickets.mortonsevents.co.uk/event/11 

Show prep 1, view here https://www.mbx80.co.uk/2024/08/the-classic-motorcycle-mechanics-show.html

Stafford 2023 show report, view here https://www.mbx80.co.uk/2023/10/show-report-classic-motorcycle.html

My guide to restoration, part 3

Following on from the guide to restoration part 1 and 2 blog posts here is the parts listing for my restoration. Where possible I have included the original Honda Part number and where the item was bought from, shop links at the bottom of the page.

Item                description                 Bought from     Part number

Bike         MBX80 FWDD         ebay

Bolts         Bolt 6x12 x 2                 CMSNL            95701-0601208

Bolts         Bolt 6 x 16 x 2         CMSNL              95701-0601608

Bolts         Bolt 6x16 x 4                 CMSNL             96001-0601600

Bolts         Bolt 5x16 x 2                 CMSNL             92000-050160A

Bolts         Bolt 5x12 x 2                 CMSNL             92101-050120B

Bolts         Bolt 5 x 12 x 2         CMSNL             92101-050120G

Bolts         Bolt 6 x 22 x 2         CMSNL             95701-0602207

Bolts         Handle bar clamp bolts x 4 CMSNL     90117GE2000

Brakes         Front brake light switch ebay

Brakes         Brake calliper repair kit ebay

Brakes         Brake calliper repair kit ebay

Brakes         Reservoir window         ebay

Brakes         Rear brake light switch ebay

Brakes         Brake boot seal         ebay

Brakes         Brake lever                 ebay

Brakes         Brake pads                 ebay

Brakes         Brake lever repair kit ebay

Brakes         Front brake hoses         Brake Quip

Cables         Tacho cable                 ebay

Cables         Clutch lever                 ebay

Cables         Throttle cable                 David Silver Spares

Cables         Clutch cable                 David Silver Spares

Cables         Speedo cable                 David Silver Spares

Engine Parts Spring kick ester         David Silver Spares

Engine Parts Pinion kick starter         David Silver Spares

Engine Parts Gear Idle                         David Silver Spares

Engine Parts Engine Rebuild         M Shop

Engine Parts Water pump shaft         CMSNL         19230-G32-000

Engine Parts Water pump bush         CMSNL         90436-GE2-000

Engine Parts idler shaft                 CMSNL         13430-GT5-690

Engine Parts Crankcase gasket         CMSNL         1393-GAA-000

Engine Parts air filter                         CMSNL         17211-GE2-000

Misc         misc small parts/ springs/ washers Various

NOS Parts Fuel Tank                 Brommer Classics

NOS Parts Tool Tray                 CMSNL         77308-GE2-000

NOS Parts Collar                         CMSNL         80112-443-850

NOS Parts Luggage Rack                 CMSNL         81200-GE3_610

NOS Parts Fairing stay                 ebay

NOS Parts Radiator                         CMSNL

NOS Parts Fuel filler cap                 M Shop

NOS Parts Clock case upper         ebay

NOS Parts Clock case lower         ebay

NOS Parts Headlight                 Facebook

NOS Parts Throttle                         M Shop

NOS Parts LH switch gear         M Shop

NOS Parts Fairing                         ebay

NOS Parts Radiator cover         M Shop

NOS Parts Belly pan                     ebay

NOS Parts Seat                                 M Shop

NOS Parts Rear brake pedal         German ebay

NOS Parts Chain cover                 M Shop

NOS Parts Exhaust                         ebay

NOS Parts Fork stanchions x 2 M Shop/ ebay

NOS Parts Oil tank                        ebay

NOS Parts Rear Shock                ebay

Paint         Caliper paint                 ebay

Paint         Paint                               ebay

Paint         Powder coating         Local

Paint         Misc paints                 Local

Parts         Washer (6x20) x 2         CMSNL         90512-300-000

Parts         Band B Battery         CMSNL         95012-12001

Parts         Battery                         ebay

Parts         Chain and Sprocket Kit ebay

Parts         Rubber Air/C mount x 2 CMSNL         17245-107-010

Parts         Winker assy x 2         CMSNL         33400-GG4-601 

Parts         Cover winker x 4         CMSNL         33425-437-711

Parts         Winker assy x 2         CMSNL         33600-GG4-601

Parts         Washer winker mount x 2 CMSNL 33611-437-710

Parts         Rub, RR, winker x 2 CMSNL         33612-437-710

Parts         Rub, RR, winker x 2 CMSNL         33614-GE3-610

Parts         Grommet                         CMSNL         45451-GE2-0000

Parts         Collar fender x 2         CMSNL         61104-428-010

Parts         Collar 7.5x6.8 x 4         CMSNL         90501-437-710

Parts         Collar winker x 2         CMSNL         90506-GE3-610

Parts         Spring washer x 4         CMSNL         94111-05000

Parts         Fuel hose                         ebay

Parts         Clutch lever rubber         ebay

Parts         Handlebar                 M Shop

Parts         Handlebar grips         M Shop

Parts         Gear shifter                 M Shop

Parts         Gear shifter rubber         M Shop

Parts         Front foot peg complete x 2 M Shop

Parts         Rear foot pegs                 M Shop

Parts         Chain rubber slider         M Shop

Parts         Rear brake rocker arm CMSNL

Parts         Headset bearings         ebay

Parts         Swing arm bushings David Silver Spares

Parts         Horn                         M Shop

Parts         Fork oil seals                 ebay

Parts         Mirrors x 2                 M Shop

Parts         Fuel tap                         M Shop

Parts         Tyres Metzler ME22 Tweeks

Parts         Number Plate (custom) Retro Plates

Plating         Zinc plating                 Local

Stickers         Sticker kit                 ebay

Stickers         Tank warning sticker CMSNL     87560375680ZB

Stickers         Tyre inflation sticker ebay     87505GE3610

Used Parts Tail unit                        German ebay

Used Parts Side panels                German ebay

Used Parts Front mudgaurd        German ebay

Part 1 of the restoration guide here

Part 2 of the restoration guide here

view the complete restoration here

Visit CMSNL here

Visit the Honda M Shop - now Honda M Parts here

Visit David Silver Spares here