Vintage Dirt Racing on a 350 Honda Twin

[LC Garage]

As noted previously, Mr Fast has offered to have their machine shop go thru my cylinder head (for a small and reasonable fee) and regrind the valves, touch up the ports and probably check the springs. Yesterday I did the last and final cleaning before shipping, here's how it looked;

Before;





After;





And in the box;



I've included one of my Pow-Roll pistons for a sample since Azcagiva (son of Fast), has offered to go to Total Seal and see if they can provide a more exact set of rings. The rings bought off the internet from the Greek would probably work, but are just a little iffy.

Thanks to John Graves Propane and Lameco for helping get the SL350 properly built and race ready for next season!

Also thanks to OC for loaning me a plastic fuel tank for the bike, here is the test fit;



I think the tank can be color sanded and buffed, and would look pretty good. Originally I was considering a painted fuel tank with polished aluminum fenders, but I may go this route and see if I can find some cherry Preston Petty fenders in a matching red. By the way, Luke and I weighed the two fuel tanks and this one weighs 3 lbs, the stock unit is 6 lbs.

[Mr Fast]

Rick, got your head & piston. Owen will get on it next week. I think you probably should get new springs. Will send you a pm tomorrow. After completion Owen will bead blast the head for a nice finish. Jr. will let you know on the rings.

[LC Garage]

Originally Posted by Mr Fast

Rick, got your head & piston. Owen will get on it next week. I think you probably should get new springs. Will send you a pm tomorrow. After completion Owen will bead blast the head for a nice finish. Jr. will let you know on the rings.

Very much appreciated, I know you guys are really busy prepping for the Baja 1000, so a special thanks for squeezing me in!

[wrk2surf]

the Graves are a great couple of guys!

[oregoncoast]

Originally Posted by LC Garage

Very much appreciated, I know you guys are really busy prepping for the Baja 1000, so a special thanks for squeezing me in!

very cool

[LC Garage]

The rain finally returned to Oregon after almost four months of glorious sunshine and with that the projects will start moving mostly indoors. This whole summer has been devoted to getting the house, shop and honey do's into a manageable state with an eye on next season. Although it will probably take another couple of years to get the shop really dialed in, took another small step forward this weekend, building a HD work bench to accomodate metal working tools and creating a storage space underneath to house welders, torches, sandblaster, etc.

Here is a before picture, lots of %$#^&*%#!!! clutter;



Another view;



After building a HD bench, still planning to make a backstop and cover with metal and also wiring in 220 for the welders, etc.;



Lots of room on top for the mill and perhaps a heavy vise, after this picture was taken moved the rest of metal working tools underneath. My wife came out to see what I wa sup to, her first comment was "will the motor home still fit in the shop?" DOH! A quick measurement of the shop width and motorhome indicates that with care, it will still slide in (just barely ) WHEW!

[LC Garage]

Originally Posted by wrk2surf

the Graves are a great couple of guys!

true that Michael!

[Mr Fast]

Rick, Master vintage mechanic Owen has finished your head & it looks great. When I ordered the springs & keepers there was some miscommunication & they sent XL350 springs. When we got the right stuff it was titanium instead of aluminum for the same price! We'll get it shipped to you next week.

Sue & I are headed down to the beach house in Baja on the first. We'll meet up with Jr., Allan & the rest of the Wounded Warriors gang for pre-running. I'll be following along behind on my new to me 2003 WR450. We installed a Baja Designs headlight & a GPR steering stab. on it. Should be fun! Then we're headed back down on the 14th to catch the race!!

[LC Garage]

Originally Posted by Mr Fast

Rick, Master vintage mechanic Owen has finished your head & it looks great. When I ordered the springs & keepers there was some miscommunication & they sent XL350 springs. When we got the right stuff it was titanium instead of aluminum for the same price! We'll get it shipped to you next week.

Sue & I are headed down to the beach house in Baja on the first. We'll meet up with Jr., Allan & the rest of the Wounded Warriors gang for pre-running. I'll be following along behind on my new to me 2003 WR450. We installed a Baja Designs headlight & a GPR steering stab. on it. Should be fun! Then we're headed back down on the 14th to catch the race!!

Titanium, nice upgrade!! Once the head gets back I won't have any more excuses and will get crackin on the old girl again.

Sounds like you guys should have a great time, hopefully all will be safe and have a successful race! Hope you guys will do a lot of posting of updates so we can follow along.

Thanks again for your help! (and please give my thanks to Owen as well)

PS; is that steering dampner a one way dampner or two way? Am planning to put one on my TTR250 and Luke said that for desert only go one way and for enduro go two way. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[Mr Fast]

Originally Posted by LC Garage

PS; is that steering dampner a one way dampner or two way? Am planning to put one on my TTR250 and Luke said that for desert only go one way and for enduro go two way. Any thoughts or suggestions?

The Scotts which is one way (away from center, nothing coming back) is probably the best. We couldn't get it in time so we settled for GPR which is both ways. I'll just turn it down so it doesn't wear me out. Still beats the Hell out of nothing.
John

[LC Garage]

Got the SL350 head back from Mr Fast, his master mechanic Owen did a beautiful job ;









Valves ground, ports ported, bead blasted and new titanium retainers. I have a feeling the old girl will be feeling her oats come next summer!

Thanks again Mr Fast!

[Ladybug0048]

Those are some pretty parts now get that bike together and running.

[oregoncoast]

Originally Posted by Ladybug0048

Those are some pretty parts now get that bike together and running.

+1

[LC Garage]

Originally Posted by Ladybug0048

Those are some pretty parts now get that bike together and running.

Amen, sister!

[LC Garage]

Originally Posted by oregoncoast

+1

yep!