Went on little shakedown run to evaluate the ole 77 today before the rains came in again. I did ride it before briefly for a few minutes slowly around the neighborhood but that doesn't tell the story well. This time I rode over 50 miles and into Sam Houston national forest to do some real world testing of the machine and hopefully get the stuck clutch plates to break loose,
I was quickly reminded that riding a naked unfairinged bike feels very exposed, and that hitting big grasshoppers when wearing an open faced helmet at cruising speed SMART. (ouch)
Next time out my FF Shoei.
A few surprises: This old bike is surprisingly (dare I say) quick and nible for a 70's vintage Honda. I didn't lean on her hard this first test ride but I did jump up to 75 mph a few times but average around 60 most of the way winding thru the woods.
The brakes work well, better than I thought they would for single piston calipers. I did replace or rebuild most everything but still, not too shabby.
Afterwards, no puking of coolant it ran cool, no leaks glitches anywhere.
The newly rebuilt (all balls) steering head and forks are doing the right things and handles well with no more notchiness.
All in all I am pleased with the performance.
Now to take care of that clutch issues and some other minor tweeks and she should be golden.
