Fixing side covers
The ZN is actually in fair condition for being 31 years old and, for the most part, was probably taken care of. The side covers, on the other hand, haven’t aged gracefully. There are a lot of bobbed bikes (and … Continued
Getting rid of sand in the gas tank
It’s the little things that can drive me crazy. Not that I need any help in that department. Some time ago, the inside of the fuel tank was cleaned. It was, in fact, cleaned three times—once by the interim owner/seller … Continued
Painting the gas tank on a budget
After reading a multitude of internet threads about painting motorcycles, here’s how I painted the ZN’s tank using just rattle cans. Yeah, you really can do that—or so I’ve read—so I decided to give it a shot…both out of curiosity … Continued
Where it all happens! My workshop (3 of 3)
For the last post in this three-part series (see the first two posts here and here), I have a round-up of a few more fun tools and gadgets that make a great addition to any bike shop. Tire Changer with … Continued
Where it all happens! My workshop (2 of 3)
Now that I’ve written a bit about my shop and essential equipment here, I’m going to move on to my most-used tools. My tools aren’t high end Snap-On or Matco tools, but I have what I need to get the … Continued
Starting a bike that’s been sitting idle
Some things have finally calmed down, including the big snow-making machine in the sky. And while there’s a break in the action we call ‘life,’ I decided to attempt the next two items…priming the tank (done; more in an upcoming … Continued
Where it all happens! My workshop (1 of 3)
Next up on the bike are (a) priming the tank and (b) seeing if the motor turns over. I have all the materials on hand and I’m itching to do both, but since I’m momentarily hampered by both polar-bear weather … Continued
My sandblasting rig is a blast!
A few years ago, I began parting out old Japanese bikes and selling them on eBay. It’s been an enjoyable learning experience and gave me some extra income to boot. After a few go-rounds with heavily rusted parts, I looked … Continued
Prepping the fuel tank for paint
The internet is flooded with information of all kinds. Some of it is good. Some of it is, shall we say, dreadful. It’s no different when it comes to stripping the exterior of a fuel tank. The internet readily offers … Continued
Another way to clean out a rusty gas tank
With reality and impatience biting at my heels (see previous post), I decided to improve my patience at a later date and, instead, deal with ‘reality’ by cleaning the tank with a revised process that can be done safely indoors. … Continued