Pictured is the start of my 1983 Special build. Frame and engine matching numbers 5V5- 0306xx, build date October 1982. Bought this in Parry Sound about six years ago as part of a two bike abandoned project. Came with several boxes purporting to be all of them and the motors packed in crates. Other than seeming complete and not seized, know nothing about the motor. (The other is a hinged seat Special which had been thoroughly detabbed, stripped and clear coated - project for later or sold as a bobber in a box.)
The 83 came as seen with all the electrics including the TCI box, side stand switch has been removed, tapered bearings in steering head, swing arm bushings sloppy, and a drum mag rear wheel. A couple years ago, I bought a really nice factory paint 83 tank, black with maroon side scallops, picked up a new OEM seat and along with the usual detritus of a reformed indiscrimate hoarder, I have more than enough stuff to put this together.
So you see my first problem. Some time in the past, someone got busy with a grinder and no plan and cut off the loop. Since it is going back all stock, the loop has to be welded back on. However, the cut off loop did not come with the other stuff, so back to the shed and out with a couple prospects. I have the heavy alloy handle so once I get some reinforcing slugs machined - inside diameter of frame is just over 18mm, the slugs I could find are 3/4 inch so I have to do some grinding to get them to fit - I will be able to dry fit this before welding so that the seat can go on and off without a wrestling match.
I will be buying a new harness so will get all the electrics off the frame then go find someone to machine my frame reinforcements.
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