melloyellow to live again!

[Roady]

Way to go, Brudda!

[polkadot]

Thanks Roadster! Any chance of getting you back to Mid-Ohio this year? By the way, could you tell that my post last nite was alcohol influenced? I thought about celebrating with the Crown only because I had finished off the Ritas! Just a little update while I recover with the morning coffee. The cables were definitely a problem. After I replaced them with the 77 cables I had, I was able to route them as desired. In fact, I wish they were about 3 inches shorter. Anyway, as noted earlier, I had to replace the ballast resistor. I went with the NAPA 1.8 ohm resistor as per Randakk suggestion. (and it was in stock) The bike then started right up. It was idling somewhat hi, but I could tell it was different. I adjusted the idle to about 1000 rpms as per the bike tach. The idle wasn't too bad, but was a bit unsteady and some popping. I then did a synch with the vacuum gauges. Music to my ears! I'm sure that it could be fine tuned some, but running good. I did a close inspection of the bike this morning. I can see no evidence of the carbs leaking. I do see a drop of oil on the floor. It appears to have come off the rubber that seals the timing belt cover on the left side. Should there be any oil there? Can I remove that side of the timing belt cover without taking off the radiator? I also need to look at the horn switch. The horn works and the ground side of the two horn wires works. I figure the switch has a problem. Any suggestions? Enjoy the 4th! ernie

[sunnbobb]

Excellent, thanks for reporting back.

Sunny Moses Bradshaw Richard

[Roady]

That leak by the timing cover may be another chore for you. The only thing I can think of would be a cam seal. But it might be simple like a shifter shaft seal, that one should be replaced anyway. Any Honda dealer should have it for under 5 bucks.

So happy that you solved this puzzle. Good on you for sticking with it.

I'm not going to make any runs this year, I'm all out of vacation. Dayum!

[polkadot]

Roady, Just got back from a 20 mile test ride. All is good. There is a small oil leak as mentioned. I believe that it is coming from between the left head and the back of the timing cover. According to the fisch, there is a seal right there. I bet that needs to be replaced. It is very minor and the repair involves messing with the radiator, belts, tensioner, cover, etc. so I am not going to worry about it right now. Sorry to hear you can't make it to Ohio this year. I enjoyed our conversation there last year.

[macmusick]

This was just such a cool story of a resurection. I am pleased to have had the privilege of reading this full conversation. Good on you Ernie. Another wing lives to be ridden by another old metal nut.

Good work. Great persistence. You taught me a bunch just by following your adventure.

[polkadot]

Lefty, Glad to have a rider. I was just a kid, but I will never forget my ride from Durango to Silverton. What a beautiful part of the country you enjoy everyday!

[polkadot]

I took Mello out for another extended test ride this morning. Everything was working great. It ran great and shifted smoothly. It has therefor come the time to find Mello a new home. I would like to explain the good and bad and yet undone and get your ideas on what would be a reasonable price to ask/sell. If you do not want to post your thoughts on price, send me a pm. I am going to post the bike here first and will discount it if it stays in "the family". I will be happy to cooperate on shipping or ride it a reasonable distance. It has a good Ohio title. Here we go:

THE GOOD:
an original 1976 sulfur yellow gl1000
just over 49,000miles on the clock
Last owner had the bike since 1986
rebuilt front brake calipers
rebuilt rear brake caliper
rebuilt front master cylinder
rebuilt rear master cylinder
speedometer works perfectly
odometers both work
tach works and responds w/o hesitation
temp gauge works
fuel gauge works
fan/thermostat works
all lights work
turn signal buzzer works
steering bearings are roller type and have been repacked
new seals in front forks
all new fluids
rebuilt fuel petcock
carbs rebuilt using Randak kit
new timing belts
new Dunlop 404's
new wheel bearings
radiator flushed and pressure checked
newer battery
original key and tool kit
extras include Honda mudflap, max and willie saddle bags
and crash bars

THE BAD:

The bike is 1976 correct or original except for:
dyna s ignition (I have the points etc)
77 handlebars and throttle cables (lol)
77 carbs
period correct replacement grips

the horn switch is not working
there is a small crack in the left hand switch housing
3 holes in front fender for mudflaps
choke cable works but must be held out to fully choke
3/4 inch tear on bottom of seat
neutral light dims in gear and switch should be replaced
I believe that one of the idiot lights is not working (tail I think)
tiny oil drip at bottom of left timing belt cover
some of the clear has come off the faux tank but
underlying paint is pretty good


Here are some of the "final" pictures. Let me know what you think. Thanks again, ernie

[RebelRouser]

Now she looks great for her age.

[macmusick]

I hope this is not an insult. I would list it at about 2800. I would not include such nits ( nit picking ) things as mudflap holes as a negative. I would fix the oil leak it is only a seal. My gosh Ernie after all you have done to restore this bike. Put a bit of vinyl "weld" on the minor seat tear. Maybe replace the switch housing or not. You have a very proper old school restored scooter. I think 2800 gives you a bit of room to negotiate. Don't over look the free www.ebayclassifieds.com I sold a 2002 Shadow there just the day befor yesterday.

I also like craigslist. I move my listings after a few days. ( delete copy text and reload photos ). Good work amigo.

[polkadot]

Mac, No offense taken. I appreciate the input. I listed everything I could think of on this site. I wanted FULL disclosure. Most of those things would not be in an ad because they can be seen if you are looking at the bike in person. I would err on the side of disclosure if the bike were being sold sight unseen. Keep the suggestions coming.

[Roady]

A little epoxy here and there and some Testor's touchup paint and she's good to go with no nits to pick. Yeah, I agree, fix that li'l seal problem.

I'd be asking $3 grand as a starting point.

Looking good and running great! Well worth it.

[macmusick]

+1 what Guru Roady suggested.

Ernie I had a plan to ride to Silverton today. 62 miles from my house. About the time I was primed to go a thunderstorm rolled in. We had our first rain in over a month. Tomorrow part of the Silverton 4th celebration is a Rhubarb Festival. My wife and I will go if the weather is nice.

Come back and visit some time. We came for a visit in 2003 and bought a house that very weekend. Ha. No regrets.

[polkadot]

mac, We have one of our kids in Denver and one in Boulder. We just may take you up on that sometime. I bet that 62 miles would be one terrific bike ride. Enjoy your holiday! ernie

[polkadot]

Anybody know how many Sulfur Yellow 76 wings were produced?