I've decided that its finally time for my 1981 MHR to see the road again, after spending 25 years being a big ornament. I restored it back in the early 90's, since when its sat in my living room, only moving a few feet when the room was decorated. However, its been kept 'dry'.. no brake fluid in the brakes, no acid in the battery, no fuel in the tank, just fresh oil in the motor. Since the engine is kick start only, every few weeks over those years, I would kick it over as I walked past, just to keep things moving inside the engine. All of which should hopefully have helped preserve it. No doubt famous last words ! Its still sitting in my living room, and it'll be awhile before it can be moved. But I've made a start by removing the master cylinders and callipers, they'll be rebuilt with new seals and pistons if needed. I've also bought a pair of new Avon AM26 tyres and inner tubes, to replace its Pirelli Phantoms, even though they've got plenty of tread left, but then they are about 30 years old, so I think they've seen their best. I don't have a lot of time to work on my bikes these days, and with other bikes to finish this year, I don't know how long this 'recommission' will take. But I hope to have it done this year.
Hey Mister, great to see your getting her up and running after a rest up. Have an 81 myself, looks to be the same apart from the gold brembo's you have up front. How many K's on the old girl?
Its done 20,000 miles, though the engine has been cleaned and polished its never been apart, fingers crossed its still good for a few more miles yet.
The local bike shop had trouble removing the old rear tyre, as it was so hard and dried out. They had to put a tyre warmer on it for awhile before they could safely lever it off. I'd told them to be extra careful, as the wheels are known to be easily damaged. Jut finished polishing all the alloy adjusters etc before refitting the rear wheel. Need to repeat the process with the front. Its been so long, that I cant remember if the bike is stable on its centre stand with the front wheel removed.. I've also just ordered three rebuild kits for the P08 Brembo callipers and one each for the front and rear master cylinders. Cost £108 in total, I found the Guzzi specialist Gutsibits cheaper than any Ducati supplier.
Run it with fuel additive. I do with mine and it gives no bother with detonation etc. Are you the dude with the 851 from YouTube?
Looks great hope the recommission is as trouble free as it can be.It will be interesting to watch your progress
Thanks for the info, what additive to you use? I don't have a 851, but I do have a 888 and a small YT channel, where I post the slow progress on my projects, including this one.
Use the following - the only UK fuel with no Ethanol - no need to fanny about with additives and witchcraft - don't put the Ethanol in to start with Esso Synergy Supreme+ premium https://www.esso.co.uk/petrol
What a stunning motorcycle my dad had one a few years ago I wanted him to keep it so maybe one day I could own it but like a lot of things my dad owns he sells he's owned over 750 motorcycles in his lifetime and at 78 still buying/riding his lastest a triumph thurxton 2016 to go with his 10 other bikes in his garage Great to see a bike like that being put back on the road and enjoyed Look forward to watching more videos and seeing it come to life after all these years
I think this is an great idea! I have an -82 model, its also been sittning some years but my plan is to make it to the streets this year. I dont know if you have facebook? There is a group named ” Mike Hailwood Replica and Ncr enthusiasts group” (or something similar). Its a great bunch of dedicated Hailwoodowners there. Good luck with your Hailwood// Leif
Respect to your Dad Clarkey, an inspiration to those of us who aren't young any more! I'm not as old as him (quite!) but still ride an 1198S and 851 SP3; sometimes wonder if I should. Reading your post, why not???
