So I was browsing local motorcycle classifieds when I came across a very interesting post. Someone in my city was giving away their C10 project for free. This project is a 1986 C10 which was running perfectly two summers ago, but popping out of 4th gear. I'm not one to shun a free project, especially a C10 as I am a diehard Kawi fan.
Amidst the flurry of people contacting this gentleman I was the first to say I intended to finish the build and put the Connie back on the road...thus I was given a truck load of parts to disperse around my garage whilst my befuddled wife looked on.
The previous owner is an auto mechanic, and sourced doubles of everything except the frame and gas tank.
The PO fixed an issue with the dash, rebuilt the fuel petcock, cleaned the carbs pulled the engine from the bike to diagnose a chipped 4th gear (through oil pan) and cracked the donor engine to pull a thankfully not broken 4th gear.
My plan of attack with the bike is to sort out the parts I will need (more on that later), crack the good engine and replace 4th gear, then start putting the bike back together.
I have a couple questions I'm hoping the forum can answer (and of course I will have many more as this project moves along).
First, while putting the bike back together what trouble spots should I address/upgrade? The PO said the spark plugs wires should be replaced, and I was planning to install overflow tubes into the carbs to prevent hydrolocking. Is there anything else I should be doing while the bike is apart.
Second, does anyone have any tips or tricks to cracking the C10 engine case?
Regarding the spare parts, once I have the project completed I plan to "pay it forward" by dispersing all left over parts to anyone who will pay shipping or come pick them up locally in Calgary, Alberta.