Getting back on the road, part 1.

I haven't written anything here since 2015, mostly because I haven't ridden since 2015.  Shortly after my last post (about managing to spray acid in my eye), the front brake on the 450 seized up completely, and I ran into problems with my back again.

This spring I started pulling things apart to work on the bike, in hopes of getting some riding in this year.  Here's where I am so far.

Sadly, the brake caliper hadn't magically fixed itself, so I ended up pulling it off and starting to break it down.  As it turned out, the pistons in the caliper were seriously frozen (although Pioneer Valley Motorsports in Northampton, MA was able to get them loose), and the spring assembly in the master cylinder had almost entirely rotted out... spilling brake fluid all over the brake lever.  Also, the banjo bolt is not in the best condition possible.

Fortunately, someone on the Honda Twins forum had a front end he was getting rid of, and he sold me a complete setup at a good price.  Of course, now it turns out that his handlebars were lower than mine, so I still need a new brake hose, but hey... at least it's a start!

I'm planning to pick up a new battery tonight, and I'm waiting on whether I can buy a replacement hose, or whether I'm going to end up cleaning and reusing the old one..