Red 1100F Project

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:42 pm

Thought I'd start a new thread that I can update as I make progress. Here's the official before shot;

This is after removing the crappy bodywork, disconnecting a front caliper (so it could be moved around), swapping out the rearsets and a quick power wash. My Big Crank didn't turn up today, but I borrowed one from another bike and hooked it up.

First problem - dead starter solenoid - borrowed one from another bike.
Second problem - starter just spun. Pulled the ignition cover and the starter clutch bolts were finger loose, the spring retainers were also bulging out of the housing. Locktited the bolts and staked the retainers back down.
Third problem - no choke. Cable was locked solid - replaced with a spare.

With that all taken care of (and a shot or two of starter fluid), she sputtered into life. The old gas in the bowls stank, and made it want to die but after a minute or two she settled into a nice idle. No nasty engine noises, revs up well and sounds pretty good.

Couple of previous owner horror stories.... check out the silicon around the valve stem on the front wheel Shocked

. There's also a big smear/blob of silicon over the #2 carb synch. port. I haven't scraped it away yet to see why it's there Confused

.

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:53 pm

Nice score Pete I will be watching this thread and the progress. PO horror stories are great.

Are you going to bring her back to stock ? or create something new and diffrent/

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 9:17 pm

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 9:35 pm

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 1:12 am

It is just so F'n cool to see somebody with the skills to bring one of these basket cases back to life! I gotta try my hand at it soon, just gotta find one...

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 4:12 am

How'd you come across her, Pete? Local score??

Looks like 900F sportkit controls. Cool!!! Cool

Seems you may have your work cut out for you over the winter. Nothing like the suprises of the PO. Rolling Eyes

Good luck!!!

BTW, just a tip for some added ponies,....get blue body work ASAP! Wink

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 4:31 am

Fastball wrote:

How'd you come across her, Pete? Local score??

Craigslist - out of Long Branch, NJ.

Fastball wrote:

BTW, just a tip for some added ponies,....get blue body work ASAP! Wink

I have a spare set of red 1100F bodywork so it's staying red and white Wink

.

At least, that's the plan for now...

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 5:10 am

Ahhh yes,....the fine print! Laughing

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 7:07 am

Its probebly everyone,s dream to pick up a bike like that and to restore it,I will follow this thread and looking forward to progress and pics.
Succes,Wim

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 11:18 am

Good luck Peter! I'm sure that bike is mighty happy you found her Wink

That's one CLEAN Katana by the way!

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 11:51 am

If I were a motorcycle,, I would want to live at your house Pete Very Happy

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 12:14 pm

Midnight wrote:

That's one CLEAN Katana by the way!

A reminder of how the Katana looked at the beginning of the project:

Look familiar? We already know the 1100F is going to turn out pretty damn nice.

The man does beautiful work.

Hawk Joined: Feb 21, 2008 Posts: 334 Location: mobile al

Dang, You guy's up north have all the luck! Seems like every project bike that comes up is in the northern states and in a lot better shape than what I started with. Great score! Smile

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 8:34 pm

bamaf wrote:

Dang, You guy's up north have all the luck! Seems like every project bike that comes up is in the northern states and in a lot better shape than what I started with. Great score! Smile

See there is an bright side to snow are 1100F`s are realy only 13 years old.

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 12:23 am

Good luck Peter

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 12:44 am

The killer score of the year hands down....... Cool

Whose rear shocks are on that...and will they be available?
Just thought I would ask.... Very Happy

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 12:57 am

Jebbysan wrote:

Whose rear shocks are on that...and will they be available?
Just thought I would ask.... Very Happy

The shocks are one of the reasons I went after the bike - they're Works Road Racers like these;

They'll need a rebuild and cosmetic restoration but the shafts are rust free and they'll clean up fine (and I'm keeping them Razz

).

Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 6:48 pm

Great score Pete. Reminds me of the ones I have sitting around. Maybe this project will be the motivation I need to get started on the 4 1100's I have just sitting around collecting dust. If you need any parts fast or something you just can't find at the moment let me know I have plenty to go around.

Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 7:23 pm

Fster wrote:

Great score Pete. Reminds me of the ones I have sitting around. Maybe this project will be the motivation I need to get started on the 4 1100's I have just sitting around collecting dust. If you need any parts fast or something you just can't find at the moment let me know I have plenty to go around.

Does that mean you are going to be getting wet too on the next N.E ride?

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:41 am

Got the frame back from the powdercoater today;

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:49 am

Hey Peter
How much for the powder coating.
Bruno

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:52 am

langys wrote:

Hey Peter
How much for the powder coating.
Bruno

Hi Bruno - I have a local guy here that media blasts the frame, plugs all of the threads/holes/shock mounts and powdercoats for $200. Same guy did my Integra and Katana frames. The finish is like black chrome;

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:21 am

You should frame that frame...it's KILLER!

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:19 pm

Anytime you can lay a frame on your white carpet.... you should take a picture. Cool

Your man does nice work!

Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 2:10 am

Made some progress this weekend - forks are all done, got them and the triple bolted up along with swingarm and wheels;

The rear shocks are just on there temporarily until I restore the Works that came with it. They're my next step, along with brakes.

Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:10 pm

Very nice work Peter - that bike is going to look better than new !!

Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:22 pm

johnyoung wrote:

Very nice work Peter - that bike is going to look better than new !!

Cheers John. Got the front brakes done today - new seals, new pads, braided lines;

Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:03 pm

Dude...thats clean work. I hope my restore looks half as good as that...OUTSTANDING!

Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 2:28 am

Got the cluster cleaned up and on;

..and what's left of the (sad) NJ bike;

CB1100F Joined: Jun 18, 2006 Posts: 2511 Location: UK

Hi Peter, looking very nice allready!
Are the Black Comstars VF1000? Is the Rear 17x3.5''? as i have a pair of these that i may fit on my Red 1100f,if your rear is also 3.5'' wide what is the Tyre Width you are using?

Regards from England

Keith