2019 Spring Project: 'Layla'

[Track T 2411]

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'Layla' is a 1981 Standard that was dealer dressed with a fairing and Hondaline saddlebags. She's been waiting (rather impatiently) for more than a year for me to get her back in tip-top shape. Here's a link her 'intro' thread, with more pics from when I brought her home...
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Although she's been tucked away in storage for most of that time, I've tried to be fairly diligent at giving her some love, starting and warming her up on a regular basis. I also had an extra set of carbs, valve covers, and timing belt covers, so I did get a bit of a head start on working on her.

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For future reference, here's a shot of the odometer from last weekend, before I started tearing into it...

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...and some general condition shots.

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The issues are apparent from the photos, and seem to be common to all of my 1100 bike purchases lately: leaky carbs, leaky forks, and leaky rear shocks. The tires have almost full tread, but are ten years old, which sucks, but was expected. The rear brake caliper sticks, and the front brake pads are obviously contaminated with fork oil. All the rotors look to be in exceptional condition, though.

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Up on the lift she goes! (Yes, I'm doing this portion of the project in a storage unit, and yes, I'm a hoarder! )

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It's funny how parts start falling off almost immediately...

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Saddlebag and rear rack, gone...

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Rear fender, gone...

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Tire and wheel, and rear shocks, gone...

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Just your typical road grime build-up!

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I should state my goal for this project, i.e. "begin with the end in mind." Cosmetically, the bike's in quite nice condition, with the usual scars one might see on a well cared for 38 year old bike. A very thorough cleaning is definitely in order, and as the belt and valve covers have to come off for the usual belt change and valve adjustment, those will be polished.
The same goes for the front forks, which will get a full rebuild, as well. The rear shocks don't seem to be leaking fluid, but won't hold air. I'm on the fence regarding replacing the springs with progressives, mostly due to budget concerns.
The brakes will get a full rebuild as warranted, with the addition of ss lines, and I'll probably drill the rotors, as well.
I'm not certain if I'll replace the wheel bearings at this point, but I'll repack the steering head bearings at the least. And of course, new tires would round out the suspension work.
I'm trying to convince myself that I can live with the fuel strains on the engine. I'll give it a good cleaning while the carbs are off, as well as change out the fluids, thermostat, radiator hoses, and crossover tube o-rings and gaskets. The water pump seems to be in good shape but will get the 'twist and play' test while I'm down there.

[desertrefugee]

I agree that you've got a remarkably well-preserved specimen on your hands. Congratulations on that score. But, with the Covey "end in mind" manta...what DO you have in mind? Could go anywhere with that one.

I still find it remarkable how many of these things are still running around with some or all original fuel line. I guess if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[Track T 2411]

I agree that you've got a remarkably well-preserved specimen on your hands. Congratulations on that score. But, with the Covey "end in mind" manta...what DO you have in mind? Could go anywhere with that one.

I still find it remarkable how many of these things are still running around with some or all original fuel line. I guess if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

You're right, I didn't state the actual goal.
Short term, my goal is to clean it up well, get it roadworthy, and enjoy the ride.
The machine is, as you say, well preserved, so my long term goal is to return it to a true Standard, losing the fairing and bags. I'm not overly interested in keeping a bike 'stock' per se, and I think she'd look great running a set of '83 wheels with the matching two pot brake calipers, and maybe the anti-dive forks. That's a ways down the road, me thinks...

[Jonesz]

Layla looks like a great bike already. I am sure that with a little TLC she will be phenomenal!

[OldRider2]

Nice looking bike! I had an 82 Standard similar that sat for a number of years. Good project.

[flyin900]

Great looking bike and as already noted very well looked after it appears. The paint and clear coat also look very good too. If it hasn't been previously molested too much the project is usually a little smoother.
I like the idea of down the road using a 1983 set of wheels, front end and brakes as an upgrade.

[rcmatt007]

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I've got a little bit of prep work to do...

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The intake runners and carb caps are worse, but I didn't take a pic of those before I started sanding. I would have loved to just send everything off to Sunnbobb for a truly professional polish, but I've got way more spare time than spare change. In a couple years she'll get the full treatment, I swear!

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These carbs are from 'Old Crusty,' the free '82 I picked up a while ago. I figured I'd rebuild these as time permits rather than pull the rack from Layla for who knows how long. Besides, they're a bit easier to do with the screw-in jets. At least the screws aren't stripped!