Getting Started

The first thing I needed was a place to work. The two metal sheds I had were full, even after a full weekend of going through everything, getting rid of a ton of stuff, and organizing. So I built another storage area from some dog kennel fencing, a cheap gazebo, two giant tarps and some rope. I put the bicycles, lawnmowers and yard tools in there. Then I had one metal shed with my working motorcycle, (old CX500C), my toolbox, and the Shadow. Cost: $0.00.



Next was the workbench. I discovered that there are quite a few people out there selling plans for workbenches. That's ridiculous. I found some pics of one I liked, modified the design a little, and built a rock solid 2 level bench to fit the space I had on one wall next to the toolbox. It's topped with 3/4" plywood and some high density polyethylene from Tap Plastics. (That seemed like a good surface to protect the wood.) Cost: $100.00.



After a much needed re-organization of my tools, I got my manual out and went to work. The first problem was that there was no key. To get the tank off, the main seat has to come off. To get that off, the passenger seat has to come off. And to get that off, the storage compartment in the back must be opened with...you guessed it...the key. So, I did some research and found that there is often a code stamped on the ignition cylinder from which somebody somewhere can make a key. So I removed the headlight, undid about a million electrical connections that I will later regret not labeling, wrestled a bunch of stuff out of the way and removed the ignition cylinder. Sure enough, there was a code. I had to take about 10 shots on macro with my camera to be able to read it all, as some of the characters were barely stamped into the metal. I then did some more research and found a guy in California that makes keys from codes, and ordered 2 of them. He is very quick to respond and get your order shipped--www.motorcyclekeys.com. Cost: $30.00.



While waiting for the keys, I got some Nevr Dull and a rag and set to work on the rust. I've never used it before, and I was impressed. It works great on the exhaust, handlebars, and some other metal parts that are supposed to be shiny. However, the forks might be a problem--the tiny spots, (pits?), that are left after polishing don't want to come off. And they will tear the seals as they move in and out. This is as yet unresolved. New forks will cost more than the bike is worth. Anyways, Never Dull and rags. Cost: $12.00.



When my keys arrived, they worked perfectly. I removed the seats and tank. This bike has a crazy fuel system, and gas was spurting out from the line that I pulled off the tank instead of the tank! It seems that there's a secondary fuel tank--it will become clear in time. The fuel lines don't look correct. They worked at one time, but I began to suspect jerry-rigging. That makes my job a lot harder. The air filter box didn't look right either, so I compared it to the book. It's been cut in half, and the top half is missing. There's a metal screen poorly pop-riveted in it, and two oil soaked pieces of crumbling foam jammed in on top of it. I guess that's been my air filter.



Next up: air filter box and air filter!