Land of the Pines Rally, Honda Z50's, CL70, Norton Commando, Yamaha XT500, Volvo P1800S repairs, revivals, and builds.
The annual North Texas Norton Owners Association “Land of the Pines Rally” was on the first week-end of October in the woods of East Texas. The 1974 Norton Commando Cafe racer and 1972 Honda Z50 were brought to show, and the “Hater” bike was brought to ride. The Norton took first place in the cafe racer class.
A fully restored 1970 Z50 K2 model that was painted and put together years ago, but just recently completed for a potential sale. i have been getting rid of some bikes here and there, as my abundance of Honda minis is being traded for bigger British bikes or more space.
Another hardtail built at the same time as the blue one above, and only recently started up. Both bikes were in the loft of the shop, and following assembly left alone without any fluids left in them.
This 1966 Volvo P1800S is being prepped for sale. A new set of seat covers, new wheels and tires, and most likely a paint job will tart it up a little.
These early Volvos were known to have drainage issues in the rear, with the trunk lid and fuel filler door being problem areas. This trunk drip channel is totally destroyed by rust, needing a replacement.
The channel has been replaced and is ready for paint. The new Volvo gas tank can be seen in this image. It is a brand new correct pressing authorized and sold by Volvo. Along with the tank, the new fuel lines, filter and electric fuel pump make for a completely fresh fuel supply.
A 1979 Yamaha XT500 enduro thumper found its way into the shop. This one is special. It belonged to a friend who let me ride it years ago in a big Texas field. It was and still is a torquey, strong ride. It has been getting some basic maintenance and repair before going to another friend. This is the bike as it came, with the right handlebar bent upward from a spill
When purchased, the point cover and condenser were crushed by a rockl in a Colorado trail ride. The skid plate took some damage and had to be straightened out as well.
This one came through the shop recently for a top-end rebuild and some other repairs.
A 1971 Honda CL70 that is going to be built into a rider. The e-start Chinese engine it came with will be changed out for a Honda model.
Feeling up inside the body of the CL70, I could tell there was something unfamiliar in there where the coil usually is. Turns out it was just a voltage regulator with an extensive natural insulator on top.
The 1972 Honda Z50 took second place in the competition class, losing to Richard Asprey’s beautifully restored Cannonball winning pre-war Norton. Hard to be disappointed about second place with such a cool bike in first place.