Unfortunately life and other projects, namely my Lui 125 conversion, got in the way and I never built the engine and it’s been sat in the loft for the last 8 years but now it needs to be built or go so I’ve rescued it from the loft, borrowed an engine stand and determined to build it.
Back in the past having acquired the casing I set about buying the internal parts to fit it. Mostly these were sourced from ebay, but the starting point was a scooter restorations 175 barrel as these were being sold off for £40 at the time. I also purchased an Asso piston, some cutters for my Dremmel to clean up the ports, an unused 2nd hand Indian Gp200 crank with FAG bearing (the sleeve already fitted), a GP125/200 gearbox, a 18front cog and (from memory) a stretched chain.
I also acquired a Delorto PHBL25 carb, used endplate and kickstart mechanism and new inner and outer clutch baskets plus a new Indian layshaft, I later needed to use the inner clutch spider to replace a worn one in my road scoot and found it impossible to fit – that’s what you get from buying parts from ebay I guess. As such I’m not that optimistic that the layshaft will turn out to be any good either but fingers crossed. As I need another inner spider I have in mind replacing the clutch with a 5 plate type, ideally one with as little messing about to fit as possible. The Magneto side bearing is the only one I bought in the past so although I did buy some of the gaskets it looks like I need to shell out for all the remaining bearings and seals as well as chain guilds.
I seem to remember an article in Scootering comparing 5 plate clutches but any advice would be appreciated on this
My first task is to clean up the casing – as I’m on a tight budget its white spirit and toothbrush’s rather than having vapour blasted. Whilst I’m doing that I’ll price up the missing parts I need.
I’m surprised at the price of rear hub bearings. The cheapest I could find has been Beedspeed at £27, compared with say Scootopia at £42. As it’s hardly a race bike I’m building is there any need for the more expensive bearing?
I also need a drive side retaining plate. Why are there grooved and non grooved types? Is to do with the bearing and oil seal used?
Also having been stuck in the loft for so long the Christmas tree has suffered a bit from rust. It only looks superficial but should I worry that it’s affected the bearing face?
. I've certainly got a bit to think about. It did cross my mind on the way to work that it might be worth checking whether the crank had the pin or big end replaced already - as I know nothing of its history. I guess any replacement work would leave marks on the webs where the work had been carried out? I wouldn't want to get the same thing done twice!
