A popular accessory on the /2 bikes is the BIG tank. I kind of fell into a great deal on one, and though it wasn’t part of my original idea on how the bike should look, it is  after all just a tank, I can swap it to the stock one in fairly short order, should I want to. I didnt count on having to move the seat back 3 inches to clear the tank, (lest i risk damage to my “Gentleman Vegetables” when i hit a bump) but i actually like the seat better back a bit with the LOW bars! The Tank was made in England in the 1960’s by the Churchgate Company, and from what I understand is a rare sight here in the States. **Unfortunatly the guy I had bought it from said it had been epoxy lined, it had not! My lovely E10 michigan gasoline damaged it, It’s been sold.**

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Anke-Eve Loves Her Big Tank!

Up next: Pulling the Final Drive and Transmission

https://kirkusblog.com/2011/02/19/das-bike-projekt-removing-the-driveline/

So when you put the larger engine package into the frame, space starts to get eaten up fairly quickly. I can now understand why the last owner put the coils where the starter used to be, It was because there wasn’t any good place to hide them. But by using a modern Dyna Single Coil, and a little diamond plate, I now have a pocket under the fuel tank to mount a few electrics!

Next Chapter: BIG Fuel Tank!

https://kirkusblog.com/2011/01/27/das-bike-projekt-big-tank/

Anke-Eve Goldman shows off her R69s

Bollocks!

I put a set of British-Customs Sleeper Silencers on my Triumph Bonneville, so I had to borrow the lift from myself!

here you can see the difference in the outlet size.

ALways take time for a Nutritious Breakfast

Bollocks!

Here is why I was about 3 hours late getting home last night.

Yes we actually run a business using this phone system! This is what happens when you have been in the same building for 40 years!

Breakfast on the lift, Bra-kleen adds zest to any meal

I need to take the bike off the lift and reverse it so i can work on the headlight wiring and replacing the ignition switch. So I had some breakfast on the lift, and took a couple of photos.

Breakfast on the lift, Carb-Kleen adds zest to any meal

Sitting on the Franken-side Stand for the first time in MONTHS!

Sitting on the Franken-side Stand for the first time in MONTHS!

Up next: WIRES!!

https://kirkusblog.com/2011/01/25/das-bike-projekt-mounting-the-coils-and-starter-relay/

I put in a later reed valve breather and hose, and removed the old disk breather that was on the bike, and then put the cylinders back on. Several articles mention that you don’t need a piston ring compressor. They dont’t mention how painful pressing them in with your fingers is!

Up Next! https://kirkusblog.com/2011/01/19/das-bike-projekt-take-er-down-spin-er-around/

My Father has this theory, that you really dont own things, you are just their custodian for a time, so you take really good care of them, and after you are gone, they are passed on. So you really are just taking care of it for the next person. Kind of Zen for my dad. I suppose you have to believe that mechanical things have souls for this to work for you! Anyway this clip reminds me of all that, enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdBptlmu7kA&feature=player_embedded

Up Next?

https://kirkusblog.com/2011/01/18/das-bike-projekt-updated-breather-bolting-on-the-cylinders/

Well I got the heads back and am now at a point where I can put them back on, luckily I decided to see what condition the shafts and bushings were in. It looks like when the previous owner put the engine back together that he used a LOT of sealant on the jugs. So much that the oil passages in the block were blocked and the rockers galled from lack of oil. They look like an old Edison tube recording.  Also the rings that go around the “towers” that the rockers are on were just plain missing! Another setback, and another parts order! When he said the engine was getting “a little noisey” I can see why. The valve lifters are also a little beat up, new ones will go in!

The Worlds Most Expensive “O” Rings! And notice that there is a part missing?

The “rings” that were missing!

The picture really does not capture how shot these were.

New used rockers with inserts from the box of parts I got with the bike.

Next up: Updated breather, and buttoning up the engine.

https://kirkusblog.com/2011/01/18/a-bmw-motorcycle-story-not-mine/

The original charging system is more than a bit out-dated, even when in good repair, so I opted to replace it .
Higher output, and no diode board, or brushes to replace.  The mechanical install was very simple, here are a few images…

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Up Next!
https://kirkusblog.com/2011/01/17/das-bike-projekt-rocker-shaft-suprise/

So, as I continue the ripping the engine apart, I tried to think of what I needed to do as I took the different sub assembly’s apart. Up front we have the timing chain and tensioner, the front crank bearing, the sprockets, and various seals and gaskets. As long as I am in there, it is all getting replaced.

The cover, the seals will be replaced, what a complex casting…

The back, cam and crank seals and gasket will be replaced.

Cover off, the sloppy chain and sprockets and front bearing are revealed…

The chain has to be cut off, it has no master link, then the crank sprocket and bearing can be pulled.

Godd think I planned on doing this, the sloppy chain was hitting this boss on the cover and eating away at it.

This is as far as I care to take this apart!