Second RE5 restoration.

[ziggystardust]

All,

Just like to give credit to where it's due and this is to Jess of Rotary Recycle.

rotaryrecycle.net

The restoration of my M model is almost complete and would have been impossible if not for Jess and his commitment to the RE5, his help has been beyond the normal call of duty regarding supply of the correct parts required for my project just as Sam was for my first restoration with the A model.

Again I would like to thank him openly and encourage more readers of this forum to use him as a supplier rather than the bike breakers down the road, get the right part first time and with a first class service.

For those who have never seen my A model restoration you can see it here.

www.angelfire.com/retro/roadster/index-12.html

My present M model restoration is in it's infancy on my site, check it out for updates.

www.angelfire.com/retro/roadster/index-9.html

Lee.

[RE5Gary]

You've got your work cut out for you on the latest one. It will be interesting to watch as you progress through it.

[steveuk]

at least you are starting with a complete bike unlike mine. after 30 years is the engine stuck?

steve

[ziggystardust]

For a couple of months I regularly squirted engine oil through the spark plug hole which created a puddle of oil under the exhaust manifold.

I then carefully turned the engine over with the kick start, it seemed to be free and made the same sound as my A model when I restored that, adding more oil got it moving quite freely, I removed the manifold and inserted a finger to feel the apex seals, they pushed back freely.

Unbelievably the coolant and sump oil looked like new, the petrol tank and tap were full of treacle but the carb was surprisingly clean but I cleaned it all out again to be sure. After a few hours working on the electrics I could spin the engine with the starter button.

Using one of my spark plug adapters and a can of pre mix I tried to start it, within a few attempts it started, I couldn't believe it. As there was no exhausts fitted the noise was deafening, it reached operating temperature and even ticked over although not smoothly.

I switched it off knowing that I had a runner, just hope it will start again after all this work and expense.

Z

[shep]

Wow, I can't believe it runs. Looks like quite the project. Your first restore motivates me to keep going on mine. I have mine stripped down and ready to paint the frame right now.

[suzukiclub]

Good luck Lee with the restore .will it be ready for Stafford show in October

[ziggystardust]

Should be ready this spring Les, the restoration is far more advanced than the photos suggest.

I'll put up a new photo of the restoration regularly for those that are interested. So save the page to your favorites.

Had a couple of big orders off Jess at Rotary Recycle, all top quality items which has helped to make good progress.
Even though I'm one for originality I've had to make a slight exception with this bike simply because of the condition it was in when I got it, a number of very expensive and very rare parts were so badly corroded that I've had to work around it, most people won't even notice, only the true enthusiast. So not sure if I could show it at Stafford and expect a result.

[Jess]

Lee,

We appreciate your kind words very much! We give it our best attempt to underpromise and overdeliver...

I have no doubt that the bike will be stunning and run flawlessly when you are done with her. I am looking forward to seeing more photos of your progress.

Again, many thanks!

Best,

Jess and the Rotary Recycle Team

[steveuk]

Hi Lee

just looked on your site and the freshly powder coated frame with its engine is looking great now, it always amazes me that when we buy these bikes people think we are mad and that they are only fit for the scrap yard, but it just goes to show that with a little work (alright a lot) deep pockets and patience just what you can end up with.

mine is on hold till the weather warms up a bit.

can't wait to see the finished bike.

Steve

[new2rotary]

looking at the condition of it at the start did the engine rotate or was it seized?

[ziggystardust]

It was over two months before I attempted to turn the engine over. When I eventually spun it over with the kickstart there was no seizure.

Z