My Bike, Restoration update front brake part 1

When looking at the front brake assembly of my MBX80 it quickly became apparent the spare parts may not be as easy to come by as the double front brake set up of the UK specific FWDD model.

The front brake of the FWDD has a different master cylinder as it has to push a different ratio of fluid compared to the single disc model. The brake calipers are single piston sliding calipers (LH and RH) opposed to a single twin piston caliper. Obviously there are three hoses opposed to one and also a splitter unit.

Here are the parts diagrams from CMS

So the first task was to find replacement brake hoses, which if you want to use steel braided brake lines is actually easy as everybody seems to list the FWDD and will sell you a set. However as this bike is meant to be factory spec build I needed to find replacement rubber OEM style hoses.
Looking online on CMS and also speaking to David Silver Spares at the Stafford Classic Bike Show only one hose is now available as a spare part so I needed to find an aftermarket supplier.

Google unearthed Brake Quip rubber hoses via Proflex hoses so I sent a speculative e-mail to see if this is something they did, the reply came back and they said they could make them no problem and would just need the original hoses as patterns. I posted my hoses and they made a replica set for me and also supplied all the bolts and copper washers. The price is comparable to the braided hose kit, so if you want a set for your restoration give them a shout and say I sent you!

Old hoses on the left, new on the right

Owners bikes, Dene Gorfin, bike 3, part 4

"A quick update from me.

Finished? Not quite, but it's come on quite a way since I photoed the heap of parts in the garden!

Thanks to my mate Steve for another excellent job on the paint/decals that was done in quick time even though he is very busy at the moment. I confess I like the white ones better as that is what I originally had but as this was originally black I thought id go with that.  I must also thank Luke for the cleaning/coating of frame/ wheels/ swingarm/ torque arm/ stand/ mudguard brace/ footrests/ headlight and fairing mount etc etc.

Still unable to source a good condition rad guard hence the purple one I had was put on until I find another, may end up getting this painted (thanks Steve) if nothing else shows up.

Not happy with the performance of the front brakes so they are coming apart again (could be master cylinder?)

Also the pattern ignition I bought I'm a bit disappointed with, it sticks out through the clocks about an inch longer than the genuine one and the connector on the back had to be cut as different to the loom, my fault should have bought genuine.

Leaving the standard exhaust on for now as its nice and quiet especially as running it quite a bit to set it up and the seat I like the look of and its a lot firmer than the standard one.

Once I've sorted the brakes and got an mot there will be another MBX 80 on the road which I am happy to see!

I've had fun building this, is anyone else out there doing one as well as Dan, id like to see it on the site?"

You can read part 3 here
You can read part 2 here
You can read part 1 here

Owners bikes, Dene Gorfin, bike 3, part 3

Here is a restoration update from Dene Gorfin

"Slow progress, I replaced kick start shaft to correct size and while i was there replaced the clutch friction plates. I am currently still doing the wiring which I find is the least enjoyable part of rebuilding bikes and

at the moment I still got the temporary European forks/front brake. The UK forks are ready after replacing fork tubes, oil seals, dust seals and oil but whilst stripping the UK brakes one of the bleed nipples sheared so tha'ts another job to do/delay. 

The exhaust is also temporary until i decide what to fit. While the standard seat is being recovered i found this seat to go on for now.

The paintwork not yet started so my target date for completion of Aug bank holiday may well slip."

Owners Bikes, Dene Gorfin, bike 3, part 2

Here is the latest restoration update from Dene Gorfin:

"I have decided to make a start with the build even though still after some bits and some parts which turned up were wrong and have been sent back.
The forks and brakes on the bike are temporary while I wait for parts on the UK spec brakes/forks (twin caliper/discs) rather than the European single disc set up.
Rather a slow start as when I started to fit steering bearings noticed the lock stop on the frame had taken a hit so this had to be welded and then coated again.
While checking the engine i noticed the kick shaft was a bit thicker and wouldn't accept the kick start so that's another job to do.
Apart from that its starting to take shape, more soon!"

Owners bikes: Dene Gorfin bike 3, part 1

Our friend and serial MBX restorer Dene Gorfin is making great progress on his third MBX80 project, particularly impressive is the finish on the wheels. Dene said:

" Just a quick update on latest project, got some parts back from the coaters today, very pleased (especially how well the wheels came back) considering how weathered it all was.

I have got some more parts on order so hopefully in about 3 weeks once I have all the new parts and finished cleaning the reusable bits i will start the build."

*** If you have a restoration story that you would like to share please get in touch!

My bike, lots of small jobs update

This weeks updates are lots of small jobs, see photo descriptions!

rear drum brake connected - not keen on the painted rocker arm, I think I'll replace this.

seat retention clip fitted

Radiator fitted

looking through my spares I found a NOS oil tank I forgot I had...

NOS oil tank fitted

Chain guard fitted

clocks frame, clocks and handle bar on, now where was the wiring diagram!

Clocks warning lights done, LH switch gear done, throttle and throttle cable fitted

progress!

Honda MBX80, project 2

So… I have gone and bought myself another MBX80, I hear you ask ‘why another MBX80?’, I’ll counter that with ‘Why not!’

Seriously though, I have been on the lookout for another project to work on after my bike is finished and in the end the list got very small, with the main contenders were a Honda NS125F or R, Honda MB-8 and a Rothmans MBX80. Either bike would of fitted the bill although I was leaning towards the MB8 for cost reasons, then I was reminded of a MBX80 that was for sale from Jay Hancock who is a fellow moderator on the Facebook M Club, so the deal was done and the bike was collected.

So the next question is what do I do with the restoration of bike 2?

Partly inspired by Dean Gorfin’s parts special I think this is the direction of this machine. Actually a lot of the cost of a restoration is chasing that factory or showroom finish so bike 2 will not be pushed down this direction. It is possible to make a great restoration with a great finish but not factory, so things like stainless bolts, braided brake lines and powdercoated parts. Also as one of the bikes on my list was a Rothmans this is going to be the colour of this bike.

paint job inspiration 

UPDATE: After a change of plans I have now sold this bike, so this project wont go ahead. However there will still be a second bike project that I will share, just not this one, stay tuned!

My bike: Restoration update, the middle of the bike!

This week’s restoration update was to fit the Oil reservoir, coolent reservoir, airbox and battery box.

The oil reservoir fits very snuggly inside the frame and to get it in required the removal of the inner mudguard and the top shock bolt. With these removed I could lift the back end of the bike up to make the gap between the rear tyre and the frame larger and get the oil tank in to the frame via this gap. Once the tank was in I could re-fit the top shock bolt and then the rear mudguard which the oil tank bolts to it.

Next in was the air box, first connect the airbox to the carb and then bolt the air box to the frame. On the other side the battery box can go in with the coolent reservoir bolting to the bottom battery box mount. The oil res was then plumbed in to the oil pump and the coolent res water pipe routed roughly where it had to go.

Next the rear indicator mounts were de-greased, sanded, painted with primer and satin black paint.

Next job I fitted the rear cowling and checked alignment of the rear light in the bodywork, and its all looking good.

Lastly I stripped and straightened the front indicator stay, unfortunately one side has a broken tab. This part although cheap is a no longer available item, so it is going to a friend of mine who will fabricated a new tab and weld it on.