Post 2: The Second Acquisition: The Blue Bike

After I'd acquired the orange bike and started to collect the parts I needed, I came across this one which looked like I could repair it using mainly the extra parts acquired in "job-lot" purchases of parts required for the orange bike. Hopefully I'd need  very few extra parts. Of course that turned out to be absolutely wrong, but nonetheless I tried. I've described the resto of this blue bike  as I did this one first to prepare for the orange... but here is a selection of "as purchased" pictures and the text of the original ad.

Text of ad follows....

"For Sale is my Honda Express project that is 99% all there. Indicators missing. Will need work. Bought it about a year ago and only took the head off. 

Will need wiring sorted as it was cut through but easily reconnected as it is still there.

Bad.

Will need at least a new sleeve and piston fitted . Head is OK. See pictures.

Wheels have rust on and chrome will need redoing.

No Key.

No Paperwork as was given by the previous owner so assume it was never registered or will need applying for. (Will give a full written note) 

Vin clearly visible

Was told it was a 79 model but can't be sure.

Like I  said all parts are there incl. side cover for drive chain except for indicators.

Bike is complete and will not sell parts from it. Please see pictures and ask questions before bidding and winning."

Clearly this bike is in worse condition than the orange; the barrel for instance couldnt be salvaged as the spigot projections were broken and not even  a rebore can help that! The head was salvageable and at least the bike was otherwise largely complete. Just like the Orange bike, the air filtration system and carburettor cover were both missing. I wasnt too worried about that at the time because I'd acquired 2 in my spares collection. Sadly this simply came to show my ignorance as the air system was changed completely when the Keihin PA25A carburettor (with auto choke and oil injection) was adopted. These later air cleaner systems didnt last long and are now hard to find, commanding a good price o the used spares market.... I'm guessing that this is why the entire air cleaner is missing from both bikes! The carb is at least there although it looks jumbled and complex and the electrical system has been butchered.

When the bike was advertised the left hand cover had been removed, I think in a vain attempt to free up the siezed rear wheel. This was refitted when I collected the bike but none of the problems had been sorted, a few washers had been lost, there was no gasket and no oil. Clearly this bike will need a transmission strip which I was hoping to avoid on both bikes- still we live and learn- and what does not kill us makes us stronger.

Now read on!