Its a 500 Jim, but not as we know it !

[Zunspec4]

Sorry all,

I have recently acquired another 500, doesn't have an "S" in the name though

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10638107@N ... 6837/show/

What have I done ?

Cheers Zunspec

Warning: Contains photos of post restoration vision

[two-stroke-brit]

looks like a lifetime of work there but good luck and keep us posted.

mark

[Joiseygirl]

Oh my good Lord....is there anything on that bike that's salvageable?

[oldjapanesebikes]

Sorry all,

I have recently acquired another 500, doesn't have an "S" in the name though

Very nice indeed ! Full resto, or more of a refurbishment ? I ask as I know a few folks who have not done the paint, chrome etc., but just the mechanical which can work well if the metal is sound.

[Buffalo-guy]

A little carnuba, and some WD40, and it'll be running by the weekend. A true classic. The displacement that that engine design was meant to be all along. My brother-in-law is working on an ES2/featherbed combo that is looking very sweet. Your Speedtwin will also. Cheers, and best of luck.
Fred

[johnakay]

spares are plenty full here

[rngdng]

That Triumph looks like a good project........for someone with an unlimited budget! Good luck.



Lane

[tz375]

When I saw the headlamp nacelle and Tiger 100 badge, I thought 59 or maybe 60 and I was expecting to see a distributor, but it has points in the side cover. Must be a much later model 5T Looks nice.

I had one of those back in the day as a cafe racer with Spitfire shaped tank and stupid 17" wheels. What were they thinking.

Great little bikes. Same HP as a 350 Honda and less than the DB32GS I had a year or two later, but much more mellow. They are great for a daily rider. Easy to live with and fun to ride.

[Zunspec4]

Thanks for the words of encouragement everyone.

Actually it is not as bad as it looks (fingers crossed), both my T500 and TS125 had rolling chassis is similar condition and if you are going for a full resto you would have to go the full 9 yards even if the bike was in eminently ridable condition. With one in this state you HAVE to go the full resto route so that saves a bit of dithering. The engine might be a different proposition but it does turn over with out any awful noises but will obviously need a full strip, new bearings, re-bore etc. That might become a wee bit expensive. As John says however spares are plentiful either genuine or remanufactured aftermarket (e.g. new seat £105, new mudguards £70 - £100) If only NOS Suzuki prices were as modest.

As to its provenance, it has a 1966 500 Speed Twin rolling chassis (as per the registration) but it has been fitted with a 1960 T100A engine (according to eng. No.) I guess that is why it wears a Tiger 100 side panel badge. (60 T100A a has an alleged extra 9HP over the 66 Speed Twin whoopee)

I'll keep you all informed of how it goes, just got to get the hang of weird imperial spanner sizes (again). I'm sure I will have worn a groove in the garage floor between bike and tool box by the time I have finished

Cheers Zunspec

[oldjapanesebikes]

I can relate to the restoration comments - still working on my Rubbermaid (the type of storage containers it came in) GT750 !

[tz375]

Ian,

That looks like an ultra rare 10 speed 6 cylinder Rubbermaid. Don't see many of them anymore.

[Zunspec4]

Hi everyone,

The Brit 500 project is moving along, a big change from the bike I brought home:



As expected it is absorbing a good part of my "fun" money, and I haven't even started on the engine yet. All good stuff however and I can't wait to get it purring along the lanes of sunny Wiltshire.

Cheers Zunspec

[Zunspec4]

Hi all,

The trumpet project is progressing :



A later photo with, believe it or not, all lights/switches and coils connected and working.



I'll need the engine running to sort the charging/points stuff out but well happy at getting over this hurdle. Most surprisingly the new repro loom and the workshop manual circuit diagram actually matched . Ask me about the TWO sets of new handlebars I have bought which don't fit (this bike at least).

Cheers Zunspec

[H2RICK]

One year into the project and she's looking good so far. You ARE a persistent rascal, Zunspec.
Those original pics would have made me think REALLY hard about parting her out.....but you've persevered and made real progress.
Good on yer !!!

[Zunspec4]

Thanks Rick,

As with my T500 & TS125 a real part of the pleasure and motivation is bringing an old wreck back from the "parts bike" category. The cost is stupid of course but you don't get into amature restoration for the pay-day . I can't wait until the time I can swing on that kickstart and it roars into life (with no oil leaks of course )

Cheers Zunspec