Like a hole in the head...

[pete]

Glad to see the arrival Larry, now I'm looking forward to what you do from here

[nvr2old]

You are welcome, Larry.
In '77 the third and last year they built these little gems they got rid of the rearsets and added taller bars. Amazing what a difference those two little things made.[not in a good way, imho]

That's exactly why I always thought the '75 was the best year, too. Those small changes really make a difference in the value, too, strangely enough. Never really liked the paint scheme on the '77 either.

[nvr2old]

You are welcome, Larry.
In '77 the third and last year they built these little gems they got rid of the rearsets and added taller bars. Amazing what a difference those two little things made.[not in a good way, imho]

Hey, Steve..check this out..the friend that sold me the 400, Tobin Peever, was born in the same city you live in. I sent him the pics of the parts you gave me and told him you were from Ontario..he asked where, and sure enough..small world, eh..?

[steve murdoch]

Larry, that is almost spooky.
I have lived here for 45 years and belong to the local Vintage Club. I wonder if we have any common acquaintances or has been gone for a while?
Great that you have the tool kit, tray and lid. Finding nice ones are tough.

[nvr2old]

I know..weird, huh? Tobin's been in Washington for awhile. He's a college professor in Pullman at Washington State University. He got a big kick out of the coincidence, too. The 400 is very complete, right down to the original tool kit, so I'm pretty stoked about the whole thing. Started cleaning up the engine cover tonight. The dents came out real well, and after tapping out the low spots from behind and filing now I'm down to finish sanding and polishing. I'm hoping the few pits that are left will come out with sanding, but if not, no biggie. It's still WAY better then the one I have..

[nvr2old]

You know the old proverb.."every journey begins with the first step.."

From this..



To this..





Seems like such a tiny thing to post about, but I was pretty happy with the results. It's also a reminder not to think about the crazy amount of time it takes to do these little tasks. That engine cover costs $45 new. I spent 4-5 hr.s (including the lower stator case) filing, sanding, polishing and repainting it. Easier and more cost effective to replace, but where would the fun be in that..?

[Vmass]

You know the old proverb.."every journey begins with the first step.."

From this..



To this..





Seems like such a tiny thing to post about, but I was pretty happy with the results. It's also a reminder not to think about the crazy amount of time it takes to do these little tasks. That engine cover costs $45 new. I spent 4-5 hr.s (including the lower stator case) filing, sanding, polishing and repainting it. Easier and more cost effective to replace, but where would the fun be in that..?

Not bad for a rookie.

[pete]

Nice one Larry, and I'm with ya'... no satisfaction in just buying a new one...

[tkent02]

If you keep your attention to detail level at that level until the bike is done it will be one Hell of a nice 400.

[nvr2old]

Thanks, tkent..I always try to set the bar high for myself right from the get-go, so that way you "shame yourself" into following through with the rest of it.. Other then the body work and paint, I'm thinking these parts were the worst. The rest of it should just be major cleaning, polishing all of the aluminum and repainting sections of the frame. Don't really wanna pull the motor, but it will probably have to be done to do it correctly..we'll see.

[nvr2old]

I had originally thought I would restore this bike to factory original..until..I set this Ducati 750SS tail section on it. Is it just me, or does this part scream to be modified to fit this bike..?






It fits the width of the frame perfectly. Either needs to be notched around the stock tail light to lower the rear or another smaller light used. Stock rear fender would be retained.

[pete]

It does indeed Larry!

Just notch it like I did with my tail piece, not a lot of work to make it to fit by the looks...

[chuck hahn]

Plan it thru so the Duc parts will retro fit and NOT compromise the original frame and seat hinges..that way, the bike can be switched back to either the OEM or Café style by just swapping body work.

I think that what I would do anyways....the OEM original bike is worth saving in my opinion.

[ART]

I had originally thought I would restore this bike to factory original..until..I set this Ducati 750SS tail section on it. Is it just me, or does this part scream to be modified to fit this bike..?

It certainly looks like it wants to be there. I'd go for it.

[tkent02]

Actually with the original fender on there it looks stupid. IMHO.

Looks great without it.