It's been a few weeks since my last post on the SP1 project, so I thought I'd better share a few pics with you guys to show progress. Basically from the last time I had been trying to get a sheared engine bolt out that had been proving a right little coont. Though finally I managed to get it out yesterday. I wont go into detail but it took more than a few attempts to get it out. Here's said bolt. I actually did a little dance when it finally came out. This then let me to carry on and start removing all the electrics and pipes in prep for the engine removal. First thing to do though was to drop the new oil I had put in only 60 miles ago, and remove the oil cooler. Next up was the removal of the polished swingarm, which ain't going anywhere near the bike again. My mate Shiny then went away and knocked up a wooden cradle for the engine to sit in while I built a bench for the engine to sit on. Which my dad kindly donated from his loft. Finally we nursed the engine from the frame and with a little heave ho it was up on it's new perch ready for it's surgery. I also removed the rear shock to give it a little clean up. So next plan for next weekend is to check the valve clearances, give the head a refresh, and stick in an order for any parts needed. It's been great doing this and I can see myself getting another project for next year.
Went to a local scrap yard and stumbled on an Sp1 lying on it's side. It's been there a long time. I went back to see just how bad it was and sadly everything on it from front to back had scrapes dents or snapped bits on it.The owner wanted £350 for it, not worth bothering with because even the frame was damaged.Sad to see an icon of a bike in a poor state.
It doesn't even weigh that much either Ken. I was surprised as I was able to lift it easily enough. Looking forward to delving into it's heart
sometimes it ain't worth even contemplating, but as you say it's a sad day to see a bike lying rotting away like that.
I did contemplate on bringing it home but sadly I couldn't justify anything worth the £350.He said the frame is worth a grand.I said yeah if it was straight and in good condition with no scrapes.Judging the state of the snapped forks ,smashed front end and the smash on gearbox its not worth anything.Probably why it has sat there for so long.
Not quite there yet Arthur but it'll get there. The engine is in need of a good scrub down n then re-lacquered. At least I'll know the bike inside out by the time I'm finished with it.
Very sad indeed, any chance there was a rear seat cowl on that bike? Mine blew off one day went back to find it and had the pleasure of seeing an 18 wheeler roll overit just before I got to it
