Thanks for the update, I've been following this thread for a while and was wondering about the progress. You are a good man! What part of the country are you in? any Idea when Bill may be able to get out of the rehabilitation center for some fresh air? sure would be nice to have a few scoots sitting outside when he does. Can you post an updated parts list that you need for some that may have just started with this thread?

 

Hey, Mike. Thanks for the comments and the support.

We are in Central Pa. So if you ever need a riding partner when you are in Laporte, give me yell. Great roads up that way.

Bill is allowed outside on his own. So when the weather was “do-able”, anytime I went to the home, I went on the bike, and he would always come out. And we would just bullshit about bikes or whatever comes up. Sometimes we just sit there, have a smoke, and not say much at all. You know how it is. Since I volunteer there once in a while, I’m well aware that the time spent is more important than what you are actually doing. I don’t mind kicking back for a while and doing nothing if can help someone pass the time.

Right now, we are looking pretty good on parts. I was going to post an update in a couple days after a few things got here, but since there are inquires, this is as good of a time as any.

This dude will probably be following along on the thread, so everyone drop a hardy pm “hello” to forum member Reaper13, who is currently protecting our asses in Afghanistan. Reaper dropped me a line the other day to let me know he purchased Bill a set of grips that have the turn-signals right in the caps. Thanks again Reaper. Reaper is also looking forward to getting together with us when he is able to come home. Real nice of him to be serving for us and at the same time assist on this build. So look forward to a post of me trying to get those things hooked up when they get here! LOL

In conjunction with that, I would like to send a big Thank You out to forum member Rail, who cut a check and mailed it to Reaper’s state-side address to assist with any shipping costs. Thanks Rail for jumping in, that is much appreciated.

And, as you may have seen on the thread just yesterday, forum member DKYORK, offered up a suggestion on how to fix my fuel leak problem. Working on the bike last night, I found that his suggestion was probably exactly what the problem is. I found that same dried out o-ring that he had. I’m heading to the shop after work tonight and this will be fixed tonight. Just minutes after he and I spoke last evening, I went back to my never-ending search for a set of used rotors. So I hit the search button for the millionth time on the forum and in the first thread that I opened, I seen someone had just posted that they had just bought custom rotors for their Night Train. Guess who it was, yep, DKYORK. I inquired about the rotors, and he offered them up for shipping. So, thank you very much DKYORK for coming through not once, but twice. Very generous of you and much appreciated.

So that brings us to today. As far as parts, everything is either on the way or ready to be completed, except brake pads and tires. The front tire took a direct hit, so there is no way in hell I’m letting that on there. The rear was slid and scraped, so I figure there is no point in leaving it on either. I was not going to post the following information until something was finalized, but since we are where we are, it is kind of needed. I have just recently received an offer from a forum member to cover the costs of whatever was needed to finish the build. Yes, the generosity from the group of guys on this forum has been so remarkable – still an understatement. When this money is received, it will be used for tires, pads, mounting, and anything else that I have missed or I find needs to be completed on the bike. Dependent on the timing of parts being received, I am anticipating on having the bike ready to ride within a few weeks, maybe less.

So, at this time, I think all that is needed is good wishes. If there is anything that you guys can think of, that I should have done, or have not thought of, or you would like to see me do, or would like to donate, or just send as good will, please feel free to do so or suggest it. I started this at the end of July and I can tell you that that past 5+ months have flown by for me. I’m trying to not be in charge, but rather be a good facilitator to the people that deserve all the thanks for this project, all of you. Not that it has been questioned in any manner, but I just want everyone to know that I have tried to take what I thought was the right direction during this, and I assure you that all donations have been taken and used with integrity and in the best interests of Bill.

This thread is a physical testament of a lot of good people.

 

Hmm, I wonder how the front wheel is holding up if it took a good bang. I'll give you my front wheel too and the tire only has 3k miles on it and is in good shape. It's 25mm bearing size. Let me know.

regards,

Dale

 

Thank you very much for the generous offer Dale. Dream, from the forum, has already provided a practically new front wheel, so we are good there. It is just waiting for a tire.

As far as the tire, what are your thought about it? you think it is worth it? What kind of mileage do you get on the 3.5x21's?

 

Actually it's the stock 90 tire for the smaller wheel(21x2.x). I don't think it will fit on a 21 x3.5.

regards,
DAle

 

My error. I thought they were 3.5's.

The tire on this bike reads D402F MH90-21

 

WOW great that you have recieved the help you needed. Can't wait to see pics of Bill going down the road.

 

At this time, I would like to send a special Thank You out to forum member Creative1 for making a very generous cash donation to this build. It is very rewarding to see a lot of you guys as excited about this project as myself. Very much appreciated.

With these funds, I will purchase tires and brakes. Since we have the time, I will search online for the most competitive prices and will have them ordered within the next few days.

And since I had my mind on the parts that go round and round, I went ahead and hit Dream's wheel with shot of polish and wax. Yes, I'm a chromeaholic.
(But I'm love'n the Night Train!)

Also, the check valve o-ring has been installed. To avoid having to drain fuel out of the tank again, I will not be checking for the leak or reinstalling the tank until after I install the grips/signals.

 

A big and to the members of HDF and CrackOfDawn.

The bike is looking great and I wish Bill a speedy recovery and a safe and memorable inaugural ride.

 

CrackOfDawn I've been wacthing this thread from the start, and am so impressed by your caring and generosity for your new friend. Keep up the good work. I want to help in some way if I can. I don't have any parts, but I would be glad to help with some shipping costs, or even a new part thats been hard to get used. Let me know what you still need and if I can get it I'll ship it to ya.