Hi again Guys Due to popular demand I am going to do little build type thread on my SP1. I hope that I dont bore you guys and I'll try and keep it as simple as I can (for my own good as I'm sh*t at this stuff) After months of deliberating, I finally went out to LOOK at a couple of bikes, and ended up picking 1 up a couple of days later. Now this is where I might sound a bit messed up upstairs, but I picked the bike that actually needed some work done to it. Reason being is that I enjoy a bit of tinkering, and love the sense of achievement you get when you roll the bike out after your hard work. Here's the bike as I got it. It does look the part to a degree, but it is in need of some TLC. First off the exhaust was blowing from the rear cylinder, I has tacky polished wheels, and a polished swingarm. There is also a few rusty parts on the bike, mainly the exhaust and a few bolts here and there. It was also in need of a good service. TBC
So the first plan was to give the bike a good service and fix the exhaust. Let the strip down begin Off with the exhausts and time for a little tidy up This was a right pain in the ass, I don't know how people can do this, it takes ages just to get it to a half descent clean look. It was then time to give the bike a service while it was stipped down. First up it was the fitting of new spark plugs. Which takes us to the first hickup. While I try to get the front HT lead out I manage to rip it clean off at the spark plug cap This then sends me down the route of having to remove the radiators and delving even deeper into the bike to replace the coil pack. Not too fussed though as things like this will happen. It aslo gives me a chance to clean up the engine a bit, and also flush out the old coolant and replace it with the fresh. TBC
The new coil pack arrives next day and it is re-fitted to the bike. It's then onto re-fitting the exhausts with it's new clamps, and seals. Next up were the new airfilter as the old 1's were well past their best. Old New Time to get rid of the black stuff And in with some lovely cherry red and a new filter. TBC
It was now time to put the bike back together for my first proper ride of the bike. But not before a quick clean of the fairings. Nearly there A quick wash down of the bike to get rid of any grubby/oily residue. That'll do for just now, but its nowhere near finished yet. New brake and clutch lines will arrive in the next few days and will be fitted. Thanks Arthur. I need to give my mate Craig (shinysideup) a MASSIVE thanks for giving me a hand and always being there when it's time to tinker with the bikes. The plan for during the winter months are: Check the valve clearances Replace the polished swingarm Powdercoat the polished wheels gold and fit new bearings. Check the clutch plates and basket due to a little problem today. (more to be revealed later) Replace any furry bolts and give the bike a proper going over. Anyway hope I haven't bored you guys too much
Well I'd pretty much convinced myself, and Jeanette that my 'Blade was going to be the last bike I ever own. You swine Colin.
That was the plan, but shit happened. Anyway, back to the thread. Don't forget Col', we're going to need a direct side by side comparison twist 'Blade and Beast.
Hey am down with that. Colin al take the blade out n you take the SP? or other way round am not too picky. Miby rite a letter to make a wish foundation to see if they will help a non blade owner out!
Any time Ken. I think I have actually put second doubts into Craigs (Shiny) mind as to which bike to go for now. He has a V-Twin at the moment and was all for getting a Blade until lately. Oops
Well before I got the Blade I wanted a V-Twin to replace the Ducati like for like but with some semblance of reliability so started looking Honda options. Didn't hear a bad word anywhere about the Firestorm but fancied a slightly more 'sporty' appeal, so latched onto the SP2 as a target. They're like rocking horse turds around here and astronomically priced, even the ratty ones. Then I bumped into the 954 one day and the rest is history
