I should introduce myself

[shep]

I've been poking around here since I picked up my '76 RE5 a month or so back. I bought it from a fellow in Oregon (he's on the board also) and had it shipped to Utah. I've wanted an RE5 since I saw one at Sevenstock a few years back. I have been collecting rotaries for over 8 years now, and run the local club www.slcrotary.com. I currently have a 93 and 90 mazda rx7.

I'm excited to get started on this project. I bought the bike without a title, so I have submitted all the paperwork to the DMV to get it retitled. That is going to be a long waiting process, so in the mean time the bike is going to get an overhaul. It currently runs and drives quite well. There are a couple of minor issues with electrical and the carb that I need to look into. I plan to strip it down this month to paint the frame and rewire the whole thing.

I've been debating on whether to restore it to original spec, or customize it. If I customize it, I'm going to have a custom exhaust built (ceramic coated black), and a few other minor changes (seat, fairing, fender, etc). I'm also looking to pick up a spare motor to tinker with. Maybe port it a bit and lighten the rotor.

Here is a link to some pics I snapped when I received the bike
picasaweb.google.com/ChrisA.Shepherd/SuzukiRE5#

Here are some of the current damage and things that will be restored
picasaweb.google.com/ChrisA.Shepherd/SuzukiRE502#

Here is a video of it running. Has an exhaust leak, so that's what is going on with the whistle.


I'm sure I will have lots of questions for you all, and hope I can contribute some knowledge also.

[tom93gts]

Welcome Shep, nice looking RE5! May have been my RE5 you saw at sevenstock, I have had it there the last 3 years. If it was before that it was probably Tim's.

You going to sevenstock this year? I will be bringing the RE5 out in the back of my REPU this year. If you want to join the AZ caravan you can route yourself down through Phoenix an join up with 30 or so cars. Hope to see you at SS12!

[shep]

I only go every other year, so I'll be sitting this one out. Next year I'll prob bring my FD or my RE5.

[RE5Gary]

Welcome Shep. I'm glad that you joined up. It looks like you have a very nice RE5.