Hello everyone, I'm new here, my name is John, I'm 71 and from the north of England. I thought it only good manners to introduce myself.
I recently bought a CA77 which is in a very sorry state, the intention is to fully restore it over the next couple of years, I say that if only because it may well take that amount of time to locate all the bits and pieces that I will need, speedos and headlights come to mind.
I collect the bike on Friday and I'll give you all a laugh by posting a picture of it when I figure out how to do it. I must confess that I'm quite looking forward to the challenge and being retired, if I get too frustrated I can leave it alone for a while and then go back to it.
In the meantime, does anyone have a non-operational headlight I can purchase? It's the front glass I'm really interested in, I'd like to have a close look at one to see if it can be altered to make them more re-usable by fitting a different reflector, I'll pay whatever you want, plus, of course postage and packing.
Hi
Hi John, having just gone through a CA77 restoration I can tell you that it's the tin bits that are difficult to find in the uk. The left hand side panel, chain guard, carb cover and the plastic covers over the rear shocks all seem to be rare. They are available in the States but the postage is often more than the item you need. If you can find someone who visits the states it's possible to buy it using a US address and get them to bring it back for you. Good luck with the restoration, I certainly enjoyed doing mine and the lack of brakes make for an exciting ride,but, as you are not riding in London probably not an issue.
Thanks gents, a slight hitch in that i am unable to collect it today so I've asked for quotes from a few couriers to have it delivered so I'm afraid the pictures will have to wait, rather frustrating but no use worrying about it and as I said there's no hurry.
Geoff, I wouldn't want to ride in London for a pension, what with the level of crime being reported against motorcyclists these days, no such problems here oop norf! Hi John, You should enjoy every minute when it's done as I do. The CA77 305 was the bike I wanted in the 60s but could never afford so when I retired I looked around for one.
The one I found that had been imported was a bit sad but everything was there apart from the covers. I intended to bring it back to something reasonable to be ridden and not a museum piece and enjoy it every time I am out. It took me about 6 months and was prepared to pay the asking price on parts as I couldn't wait. In August it became a show winner on it's first entry so I am more than happy with that. You will find the part and make plenty of contacts and phone calls as I did. Good luck John and look forward to your photos. Steve.
Steve, that is absolutely stunning, many congratulations.
I am very much of the same mind set regarding spares, if it's there and I want it, I will pay the price. I first came across the Brit version around 1967 whilst holidaying in a caravan park with my then girlfriend(now my wife of the last 48 years), and the chap next door had the 250. At the time I was riding a BSA B31, a 350 single, he let me have a go on his Honda and of course it was a total revelation. What with kids and moving around, I was a soldier at the time, bikes took a back seat for a number of years and it's only in recent years I've got back in the saddle. A guy I contacted on Facebook rebuilt the engine for me while I concentrated on the cosmetics so I can't take all the credit. He also fitted the turn signals as well as I wanted it UK spec.
It was a fairy tale story how I found him that I won't bore you with but am more than happy with the results. This is one of the best sites I have found and the guys on here have a lot of technical knowledge and no question is dismissed. One thing I will say is DO NOT put old parts back in the engine however good they look as it is the heart of the bike and you can ride it knowing it won't let you down. Steve.
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