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Skunk
6th February 2008, 19:54
by Reuters local reporter Mahatma Koatmakane.

The Skunkworks Norf Welly Massif Bucket Factory will be open this weekend (Feb 9-10). There is expected to be few on Friday night, and a crowd on the Saturday. The Factory will be closed Saturday night due to other commitments but will reopen on Sunday.

Current projects are:
AX1R (minor mods)
Pamela (full build)
Aprilla AX (chamber and engine rebuild)
Purple Death (finishing)
ZX1R (engine rebuild)
other projects that may turn up on the day.

Due to the expense of feeding and watering such large numbers the SNWMBF has be forced to ask attendees to pitch in with the costs. This is a break from tradition where all costs were attempted to be met by the factory owners.
"BYO drinks or put up with beer" said an un-named source.
Another was quoted as saying "Bring a plate or cash". It is not clear what was meant by this.

Everyone appears to be welcome, though non-workers have been known to be made the butt of all the jokes.

One thing that has not changed is the cramped, dirty, noisy working space and the general low quality of workmanship.

Kendog
6th February 2008, 21:12
I have golf on Saturday, but may turn up on Sunday as one of those 'non-worker' types to give you guys and girl someone to point and laugh at.

Trudes
6th February 2008, 21:14
I have golf on Saturday, but may turn up on Sunday as one of those 'non-worker' types to give you guys and girl someone to point and laugh at.

You do know you don't actually have to be present for us to do that don't you?:dodge:

Kendog
6th February 2008, 21:17
You do know you don't actually have to be present for us to do that don't you?:dodge:

My ears had been burning all day today :rolleyes:

Skunk
6th February 2008, 21:21
My ears had been burning all day today :rolleyes:
Rightly so too, with what an un-named female was telling us about you. :killingme

nudemetalz
6th February 2008, 21:24
As fellow competitor Team Nudsty co-owner, I may just show up to steal a beer and generally see what ideas I can pilfer.....

Trudes
7th February 2008, 06:13
Aha, job for Nigel, he can be a look out!!
When team Nudsty turns up, we act like dope growers and put the covers on! lol

merv
7th February 2008, 07:06
One thing that has not changed is the cramped, dirty, noisy working space and the general low quality of workmanship.

Ssssshhhhh - don't want to arouse the Health & Safety Inspectors that might be lurking here.

Do you need some illegal immigrant workers to defect from the Shineray factory?

Skunk
7th February 2008, 12:33
Ssssshhhhh - don't want to arouse the Health & Safety Inspectors that might be lurking here.

Do you need some illegal immigrant workers to defect from the Shineray factory?
That was the reporters opinion not mine. Not that reporters can tell a straight story.

Illegal immigrant workers; some to do the cleaning would be good.

nudemetalz
7th February 2008, 14:14
Just don't steal any workers from the Loncin factory.
Team Nudsty is hoping for an engine from there this month.

Skunk's "low compression" GL145 engine may not be that competitive....

F5 Dave
7th February 2008, 17:12
PM us your address I might make it for a sniff around:shifty:

Sully60
7th February 2008, 18:30
PM us your address I might make it for a sniff around:shifty:

Don't sniff too hard, it is the Skunkworks after all!:laugh:

And I might be there:whistle:

Str8 Jacket
7th February 2008, 18:32
Just don't steal any workers from the Loncin factory.


I have a Mr Pitbike Loncin living in my lounge at the moment. Reckon he'd know a thing or two?...

Skunk
7th February 2008, 19:30
PM us your address I might make it for a sniff around:shifty:OK...


And I might be thereI hope so... I've got a CB140 or something T to assemble and I'm not sure of the clearances.


I have a Mr Pitbike Loncin living in my lounge at the moment. Reckon he'd know a thing or two?...Can he sweep?

skelstar
7th February 2008, 21:19
Tempted to drop in on Friday. Maybe after 8-9pm. Flick me your cellphone num skunk.

Skunk
7th February 2008, 21:54
Part of the factory floor... (currently home to 7 bikes)

Trudes
8th February 2008, 06:10
That photo makes the factory floor look almost spacious!:pinch:
And remember not to stare too long and hard at poor semi-naked Pamela, she may like it too much.

Buddha#81
8th February 2008, 09:26
Part of the factory floor... (currently home to 7 bikes)

That LC needs tipping out the door, its taking up the space of two buckets.

F5 Dave
8th February 2008, 10:38
I'm closer, I have room for it I'm sure.

nudemetalz
8th February 2008, 11:03
Here's some inspiration for your Kawasaki buckets, Skunk.

The 2008 ZX-RR.....wicked machine !!!!

<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v677/turbo_NZ/?action=view&current=08_ZXRRa.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/turbo_NZ/08_ZXRRa.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Str8 Jacket
8th February 2008, 11:42
Part of the factory floor... (currently home to 7 bikes)

Looks like you have room for an A100.....

Freakshow
8th February 2008, 12:55
Pitty I am heading away as this would be great to see, learn, laugh!

Skunk
8th February 2008, 14:06
That LC needs tipping out the door, its taking up the space of two buckets.


I'm closer, I have room for it I'm sure.

Piss off both of you!

I do have to find the source of the miss fire it has (one cylinder only). Cleaned the carbs etc so I can only guess it's electrical. Replaced the plug too.

Skunk
8th February 2008, 14:11
Looks like you have room for an A100.....
That space is for another bucket and the Z1000

Str8 Jacket
8th February 2008, 14:13
That space is for another bucket and the Z1000

:crybaby: Yeah, yeah.....

F5 Dave
8th February 2008, 14:19
I'll have a think.

Plugcaps worth a look. The coil is of course dual but a duff cap will reduce energy. When it starts does one pipe stay cold for a while?

When you cleaned the carbs did you have a gurnsey down at the reeds? Might be worth pulling them.

Skunk
8th February 2008, 14:34
I'll have a think.

Plugcaps worth a look. The coil is of course dual but a duff cap will reduce energy. When it starts does one pipe stay cold for a while?

When you cleaned the carbs did you have a gurnsey down at the reeds? Might be worth pulling them.
Plugcaps are near new. Haven't checked anything electrical yet though.

First thing in the morning it's fine for the first 100 metres then it goes off song. By the time I got to work (7-8 mins) it's running fine. Going home it started fine, goes off after a minute or so then cleared up 5 mins later and stayed good till home (total 12 mins+/-).

Hadn't thought of reeds, but it doesn't seem likely (now you have a better picture) does it?

F5 Dave
8th February 2008, 14:45
hmm. The fact that it seems to get better is odd. Reeds can do strange things. The classic symptom is that it becomes hard to start, on a twin not so noticeable. On my H100 (now the pie racing H) it started just tickityboo but had a misfire (used to kill plugs with std ignition but I replaced it & they lasted thereafter) so this misfire was unexpected when it turned up one day. Almost a whole reed was gone.

Not that that explains Elsie getting better, but a stator issue would likely get worse not get better. I'll dig around, I did have a spare coil somewhere. RZs & hence RDs do kill plug caps which is why the genuine ones are so expensive. I favour the NGK marine rubbery ones with the receptacles for the plug covers rather than the bare plug thread type that ovalise with the vibration.

Skunk
8th February 2008, 15:40
A quick glance (as I did the carb) the electrics seemed newish. Needs closer look.

Slingshot
8th February 2008, 16:30
What time does SKunkworks open tomorrow morning?

Buddha#81
8th February 2008, 19:39
What time does SKunkworks open tomorrow morning?

2pm:laugh:

Trudes
8th February 2008, 19:43
When i show up and bang on the door usually!!:eek5:

Skunk
8th February 2008, 21:27
When i show up and bang on the door usually!!:eek5:
Yes. Between 9 and 10am (That's AM Buddha)

nudemetalz
8th February 2008, 21:29
Were you keen on those wheels, Skunk?

Trudes
8th February 2008, 21:30
Wait till you see what I'm bringing for lunch!!!!!:drool:

Sully60
8th February 2008, 21:31
Wait till you see what I'm bringing for lunch!!!!!:drool:

Cough,

Did someone say lunch?

Skunk
8th February 2008, 21:50
Were you keen on those wheels, Skunk?N and G weren't too clear what it was they were offering. I'm not going to take them but one of the others might.


Wait till you see what I'm bringing for lunch!!!!!:drool:SC is attempting to make bread. We'll see how that goes.

nudemetalz
8th February 2008, 21:55
Well I why thinking about $40-50 for both if anyone is keen.

Slingshot
9th February 2008, 07:24
Well I why thinking about $40-50 for both if anyone is keen.


Details please?

Skunk
9th February 2008, 07:47
Details please?
1.4 x 18 ex RGV.

Nasty
9th February 2008, 07:59
N and G weren't too clear what it was they were offering. I'm not going to take them but one of the others might.

We were offering what we bought over to your house Skunk ... which is why we bought them to show ...

In addition we have a TZR 2.5*18 rear for sale.

quallman1234
9th February 2008, 17:10
18's ewwwww.

Str8 Jacket
9th February 2008, 17:34
18's ewwwww.

You're ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!! :p

Slingshot
9th February 2008, 17:55
Thanks Skunk, had heaps of fun grinding, welding and doing man stuff (like talking about marinating courgettes).
:shifty:
Here's a pic I took on my cellphone...the factory was packed with bikes but there was nobody in sight, the smell of SC's freshly baked bread had enticed everyone inside.

Sully60
9th February 2008, 18:06
We managed to get the engine reassembled with the new big bore kit.
CB142T engine mounted back in the frame and some fresh petrol we fired it up for the first time.

It sounds sweet, just needs some tuning and it'll fly!
Not too fast though, eh Skunk:msn-wink:

Sketchy_Racer
9th February 2008, 18:56
So the ZX fired up all good then? any hicups in the assembly?

nudemetalz
9th February 2008, 19:07
Good to hear the 140 went back together okay. :) :clap:

That AX steering stem is identical to the RGV's one so I have to look further.

The TZR rear rim is a 2.5 x 17.
Slingshot grabbed it to see if he could graft it into the back of the RZ50 frame.

Sully60
9th February 2008, 19:17
So the ZX fired up all good then? any hicups in the assembly?

No sir!
Must say I was impressed by the job on the barrells! :niceone:

After we got some fresh gas in it, it started and run ok.
Didn't have time to do much checking as Skunk and Skunk Control were just about to head out.

skelstar
9th February 2008, 22:48
Well didn't make it on Fri night, but if weather clears up I might head down Newsland way if the factory is still humming.

Skunk
10th February 2008, 09:38
Tried tuning the ZX1R today... decided I don't have the ears for it. Drilled the mains a little larger as per the recommendations yesterday.
Wouldn't start. Someone left the switch on all night so there's only 2 volts left.
Must remember to get a new chain (the things breaking links on the current one. :lol:)

Oh well. On to other things...

No Skunkworks Norf Welly Massif Bucket Factory next Saturday (and maybe not Friday or Sunday either, we'll see)

Thanks to those of you that brought food, drink or money - it helps.

Skunk
14th February 2008, 19:05
There is a serious restriction on the number of hours the Skunkworks Norf Welly Massif Bucket Factory will be open over the next two weeks.

This Friday (15-2-08) it will be open for emergency collection of Buckets as the only other open time foreseeable is the Saturday before racing!

Sorry for this blow to any plans. I have committed to helping out at the Manfield round of the NZSBK. If you are in dire need contact me. My cell number is in my User Notes.

quallman1234
14th February 2008, 19:08
There is a serious restriction on the number of hours the Skunkworks Norf Welly Massif Bucket Factory will be open over the next two weeks.

This Friday (15-2-08) it will be open for emergency collection of Buckets as the only other open time foreseeable is the Saturday before racing!

Sorry for this blow to any plans. I have committed to helping out at the Manfield round of the NZSBK. If you are in dire need contact me. My cell number is in my User Notes.

Ill pick mine up tommorow then :banana:. What time is good for you?

Skunk
14th February 2008, 19:16
About this time.

Bring your chamber and we'll quickly weld the stinger on.

gav
14th February 2008, 19:24
I've been meaning to ask ...... when does the Christchurch sector open for business, surely a move to the South Island must beckon? :yes:

Skunk
14th February 2008, 19:54
If I could find a job (paying what I earn now) in Chch, the sector would be open..

gav
14th February 2008, 19:59
C'mon, think cheaper real estate, hmmm, hang on, is it still cheaper here? Think lifestyle, think B track! ;)

Skunk
14th February 2008, 21:08
C'mon, think cheaper real estate, hmmm, hang on, is it still cheaper here? Think lifestyle, think B track! ;)
Yep! All cool. House prices seem about the same. Just need the incomes.

Buddha#81
14th February 2008, 22:15
I've been meaning to ask ...... when does the Christchurch sector open for business, surely a move to the South Island must beckon? :yes:

I thought we already had such a beast..........Norf Rangi Pisspoor.......Stanko's place.

quallman1234
15th February 2008, 11:38
Hey skunk slight problem, I can't pick it up tonight, because i need to be in Pram around 5ish, Any chance i can pick her up in the week?

Skunk
15th February 2008, 21:39
I'll call you. Hope you've updated your cell number in your details...

Skunk Control
22nd March 2008, 16:02
Missing spanners now threatens permanent closure of the Skunkworks Norf Welly Massif Bucket Factory.

Reportedly since the spanners went missing there has been a serious restriction on the number of hours the Skunkworks Norf Welly Massif Bucket Factory has been open for. Inside sources say that the factory had been stripped down in search of the missing tools but to no avail.

Another inside source said that The Skunk was pleading for the safe return of all three spanners, esp the Powerbuilt rachet one as it was a special birthday pressie for him (and never leaves the garage).

Un-named source said that the factory owners where still in negotiation over the factory closure however other sources has been recorded in saying "it won't be opened till the spanners are found or replaced".

Drew
22nd March 2008, 16:13
Missing spanners now threatens permanent closure of the Skunkworks Norf Welly Massif Bucket Factory.

Reportedly since the spanners went missing there has been a serious restriction on the number of hours the Skunkworks Norf Welly Massif Bucket Factory has been open for. Inside sources say that the factory had been stripped down in search of the missing tools but to no avail.

Another inside source said that The Skunk was pleading for the safe return of all three spanners, esp the Powerbuilt rachet one as it was a special birthday pressie for him (and never leaves the garage).

Un-named source said that the factory owners where still in negotiation over the factory closure however other sources has been recorded in saying "it won't be opened till the spanners are found or replaced".

Fuck I hate the walking tools. Only ever seems to happen when others are around, but nobody knows where they went. Usually not intentional, and quite often show up months later, but still frustrating as hell.

Happens worse than ever at the track, on that note, if I used someones tyre irons, and they now cant find them, I seem to have accuired a pair. Curiously, when I noticed I had them, I asked the guy I did borrow some from and he still has his. A mystery for sure:blink:

Trudes
22nd March 2008, 18:06
Come on everyone, if you've visited the Bucket Factory in the last month or two, please check your tool boxes, cars, utes, vans, bags, mouths and bums to see if you have a couple of spanners that aren't like the others.
Skunk is good enough to let us hang out and use his space and his stuff, the least we can do is to make sure his special tools don't go missing and if they do, have a look for them! PLEASE!!! Cheers :)

Slingshot
25th March 2008, 21:19
Have the spanners turned up yet???

quallman1234
25th March 2008, 22:22
Have the spanners turned up yet???

+1, Ive looked for em, just in case i picked em up somehow (im that kinda of person who would do something like that on accident) However haven't found any.

Hope they turn up soon!

Skunk
26th March 2008, 09:08
Have the spanners turned up yet???
Nope. It's really the racket 10mm I'm missing the most. Oh and the 12 and 14mm.

Not that they're sizes I'd use often eh?

Looks likes I'll be buying some new ones.

quallman1234
26th March 2008, 10:41
You heard da man.

See ya at the buckets.

Trudes
26th March 2008, 10:42
Maybe we should all make a "Buy Skunk some new ratchet spanners fund".

Sounds good to me!!! Buckets on Sunday.......

Skunk
26th March 2008, 11:52
I'm not looking for charity... I was just hoping someone had them.

For all I know I could have lost them. Save your money for getting to the BoBTT.

Number One
26th March 2008, 14:03
I was just hoping someone had them.


Skunk I wholeheartedly own up to never having handled your tools...My hubby however is another story:lol:...will ensure he has a look through his bits and bobs too :spanking:

Skunk
13th April 2008, 20:22
At the end of the day, while packing up after a day spent working with the Kendogs on the buckets, I opened the drawer to my tool chest and lo, there is no gap in the spanners.

A quick txt to the Kendogs. They say they are sure they don't know anything about the spanner appearing.

All I can say is thank you, you shouldn't have, and I know you weren't around when the spanners disappeared.

A very nice gesture. Thank you.

Buddha#81
13th April 2008, 21:35
A quick txt to the Kendogs. They say they are sure they don't know anything about the spanner appearing.


Fingerprints man........we can prove it was them..........barstards. Don't talk to them again, what were they thinking!

Skunk
13th April 2008, 21:40
Fingerprints man........we can prove it was them..........barstards. Don't talk to them again, what were they thinking!
The replaced one is slightly different to the set...

Buddha#81
13th April 2008, 22:42
They defiantly didn't take them (they weren't here when they went missing), and the replaced one is slightly different to the set...


No no no......I was meaning to prove it was them who put the dam mismatched one into your set.........barstards!