Return of the Bandit

Fancied a little change of pace. The fuel tank on the chopper is off at the minute and is undergoing some repairs/modifications so I thought I'd have a go with the bandit.

Its sat un-used all year, so first thing was to try and get it running. Its got a Motobatt in it and I was once again amazed at the quality of those things. It still had enough charge to keep turning the bike over for several minutes!! Anyways, after a bit of fiddling (and remembering to use the choke!) it fired into life :)

Next thing to fix was the tank. I bought the tank that you see in the picture above as the original one that I had re-painted was leaking. So ages ago I welded up the original tank and re-painted it. I checked that it didn't leak anymore and swapped the tanks over.

A long time ago I bought a set of red decals for the bike, and so I stuck a big Suzuki 'S' on it.

Back on the bike:

Sorry about the picture quality! Im also thinking of adding another decal to the rear of the tail section. Probably just the stock 'Bandit N600' logo.

Only other thing to fix on this bike is one of the front brake calipers. It passed its MOT last time, but if you squeeze really hard then you can force some brake fluid out past the piston. I gave all of the calipers a re-build with new pistons and seals. So hopefully I just need to re-seat the piston in the seals and all will be fine... (fingers crossed!)

Chain tensioner for sale

Presenting the latest from HVC - a brand new chain tensioner!!

Designed to fit 530 roller chain which is standard on most large engine motorcycles. The 14 tooth sprocket fits chain with 5/8" pitch and 3/8" roller width.

The bearing in the sprocket is sealed and greased for life so requires no maintenance.

The main bracket is a chunky 8mm thick laser cut steel with plenty of length (165mm) for you to customize to your requirements.

The bracket has a 50mm slot for quick chain tension adjustments - a lot easier than axle adjusters!

The bearing sits on an Aluminium bush which I hand make on my lathe at home.

Designed to be cut and welded straight to your frame (recommended!) or create a bolted connection.

Provided with stainless steel fixings throughout. Everything that you see in the box below is what you get, including a little guide on what everything is, and a free HVC sticker!

Made in Yorkshire!

As I manufacture the aluminium bush myself, please feel free to contact me with any special requirements (more/less clearance etc) and I will do my best to suit.

The tensioner cost £35.00 + £4.50 for 1st class Royal Mail postage. You can buy it through my Big Cartel online shop, or though ebay;

Big Cartel

ebay

Both pay via Paypal but contact me if you wish to do otherwise and we can work something out.

As far as I can tell there isnt anyone else making these in the UK, and these are a hell of a lot cheaper than the American ones! So grab yourself a bargain and get that chain tightened up!!

Ball Cutting Tool

Treated myself to a ball cutting tool for the lathe. Thinking of making some foot pegs out of aluminium bar so bought the tool from RDG Tools. Fairly pleased with the item, it said it was for Myford Lathes, though it didnt come with any attachment fixings, nor did the handle fit into it. There is no markings on it either, to tell you what radius the blade tip is set to, so I made some marks myself to get a general idea...

Going to have a play in Aluminium and then maybe try some Brass...

Im back...Shop is open!!

Just back from Cyprus! Had a great time - shop is open once more so open your wallets!

Rented a scooter while I was away - we nicknamed it Percy PileO'Shite..