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… 😊

My bike: Tidy up small items

 As with all projects you always have an extensive list of stuff you want to change, maybe its things nobody else will ever see but just bug the cr@p out of you. While I was ordering from CMSNL I took the time to order a couple of those annoying parts.

2 x replacement screws for the speedo fascia

1 x replacement drum brake rocker arm, bolt and nut.

1 x wear indicator and felt.

All small stuff, but progress!

before

after

 

My bike: kick start rebuild

 Ouch... I routinely roll the MBX out the garage, fuel tap on, choke on, foot peg up and prod the kickstarter and snap, the kick start shaft snaps clean against the crank case and takes a little bit of leg with it.

Looking at the owners manual its not a massive job and the kick start shaft can be replaced with the engine in. Also in the owners manual it states that there are service limits not only on the shaft (6) but also the idler gear (2), inspection on the oil pump gear (1) and both kick start springs (8 and 5), so I decided to replace the lot including the collar (9), ratchet (4) and ratchet gear (3).

For availability all parts were bought via David Silver Spares and CMSNL

On to the repair...

First drain both the coolant and gearbox oil. Tip, remove the rad filler cap!

Remove the rev counter cable and clutch cable and remove the right hand side cover. Tip: pay attention to the clutch actuator pusher on the inside of the case!

To just do the kick start shaft you don't have to remove the clutch, but as I needed to replace all the gears the clutch had to come off. NOTE: If you do take the clutch off the balancer shaft does need to be timed to the primery - see bottom of the page!

plastic oil pump gear, check for wear and tear.

To re-fit the new idler gear you will have to remove the ratchet plate 

Refitting the kick start shaft and getting the spring tension can be testing... 

Don't scrimp and fit a new gasket

Ratchet assembly, next is to get the correct clocking and spring tension. 

here is the clocking and alignment from the manual.

my bike, restoration update, more brakes, indicators and stuff!

A solid weekend in the garage this weekend saw the bike take another big step forward.

Firstly I had the indicators turn up from www.cmnsl.com which I assembled mid-week.

Next some more parts from the M Shop  which meant I could crack on with the brakes, however It soon became apparent that one of the boots for the sliding pin part of the caliper was wrong so these were ordered from ebay for speed. I also put the lever together but I am waiting on the inspection window.

Next the speedo cable went on and the cable guide plus the clutch cable. I also took a little time over cable routing and getting the loom tidy at the front of the bike. Front and rear indicators were fitted and wired in, as was a new horn.

Next I was planning on fitting the NOS headlight but soon realised it was wrong. Size wise it is perfect but had no provision for a side light, so I need another. Fortunately fellow M Club member on facebook Skungheeney Harrison offered me a genuine Honda part he had as a spare which I swiftly took him up on.

Lastly I fitted the NOS belly pan, fitting kit and radiator cover and its really starting to look good!

Update, I now have all the missing brake parts and a battery, next job is get the front brake on and bleed and get the battery on to check if I have it wired up correctly!