We did finish the first winter project (and I always say 'we' because I don't want to take credit for what is much of my dad's expertise and effort), which was replacing the leaking pushrod tube gaskets on the S1 and fixing the front engine mount. You guys will probably remember last year's massive restoration project where we also delved pretty deep into the engine, most of that stuff went really well, except for those pesky gaskets that sit at the bottom of the pushrod covers/tubes. There's 4 of them, real sonofabitch to get in properly. I think our trouble was that those tubes, due to differing tolerances in the new pushrod-cover-base we used, had space to move up ever so slightly, causing them to clear the gaskets partially, resulting in a pretty massive leak.
Anyway, that's fixed. We also changed the front engine mount setup. The previous setup was likely causing some front suspension weirdness I was feeling. Some alterations had been made in the past (different bolt, different isolator, different diameters, the in- and exclusion of several washers) and we had to figure out what really needed to be in there. Biggest change is a new bolt with a smaller diameter, allowing the bolt to be inserted from the bottom instead of the top and the inclusion of a washer that should restrict the isolator from moving up and knocking into the headstock (yeah...). Now of course, you would say: 'why not just follow the manual to the letter?' Well, this part (the isolator, bolt and washer setup) has been updated in one of the many recalls that were performed on early Buells and it's kinda difficult to determine what parts you need exactly (where to get them, if at all) and what the final word is on how to install them. I think, after discussing it ad nauseam at the shop, we got it finally, but a test ride is necessary to make sure we did.
Last thing we did is change the rear sprocket (on the final drive) for a larger one. The gears felt quite tall before. Anxious to find out how noticeable the change will be.
Next up is my dad's M2 Cyclone. New wheels, new oil pump drive gear, 1275cc kit, new flat slide carburetor and a bunch of other stuff.