So after tasting what buckets were like on the MB100, I decided if I was going to enjoy this hobby I needed a reliable bike.
Those that know me know I am not a mechanical type, preferring to get things serviced or repaired by others. I am also lazy so the thought of building a decent bucket did not really appeal to me.
So the plan was to let someone else do the hard work and buy a ready done bucket. I had my eye on a couple on Trade Me, but they had older engines that may need work to keep them going. So a new plan was formulated to get a Loncin engine and 'simply' put it into a frame and get riding.
The frame was found on Trade Me, being a RG250 that Bren chch was selling. I picked it up while at the BOB and started what I thought was going to be the quick install job
Skunk and I then spent (insert a large number I do not wish to think about) hours getting the bike to a bucket ready state. How wrong could I be thinking this was a quick job. Each time we looked at the bike the list of things to do seemed to grow, eventually I had to start rating 'must do' and 'can do later' in an effort to make sure it was ready for the next bucket round.
The moving of the bucket date out one week was a blessing. The weekend we were scheduled to race we couldn't even get a spark. My energy levels and motivation was at an all time low and I was starting to doubt it would ever be finished, the list to complete was still pretty long. But then the bucket gods smiled a little, the spark arrived and a new level of energy spurred us on. A couple of days later we kicked the engine over for the first time, on the day before the race we finished fitting the exhaust and I got the bike moving in first gear
On the race morning I had one job left fitting spacers for the rear shock, then it was load it into the van and off to the track.
A wet start to the racing did not help my nerves. I was a little paranoid about the 18/16 wheel combination, not sure what the bike would do, plus I had become a little attached to the bike having spent so many hours on it.
To say I slowly rode around the track would be an understatement
As the track dried I got a little quicker, but was having real problems turning my head into the corners (this will be my focus next time).
The bike was great, a couple of bolts came loose but other than that it was all good. I pretty much rode the entire day in 2nd and 3rd gear (wanting to gently run the engine in), but I can sense there is some power there.
So I am really happy with the Silverdog (figured I better name it soon before Silver Slider stuck). The ride position feels good, I like the four stroke feeling over the two stroke and it has fully working brakes.
A big thanks to the following people that made the Silverdog a reality:
Trudes: For working on the tank, and letting me go off bucket building day after day, night after night.
Skunk: The only reason this bikes runs is due to your tireless help and support. You are the true essence of NWM.
Skunk Control: For letting me take so much of Skunks time over the last few weeks.
nudemetalz: Thanks for helping with the wiring and general assistance. It was great having someone with the same engine to check things with.
Bring on the next round.
Before and after the build.
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Originally Posted by Kendog
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As for the name...I like your thinking...SS is very good initials 
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