The Helios Project (Aprilia RS 125 Rotax 122 Biaggi Race Replica)
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Rode the bike into storage today. Was about a 5 mile ride. Aww wow. It's so sweet. Didn't open it up, fresh engine and all. But just around the 6K mark you can just hear the solenoid start to open and the power starts rushing in. It rides SOOO smooth. The hydraulic clutch actuation is superb. This bike was well worth waiting to complete before riding it.
Shame it's going to be in storage for such a long time now
Oh well, onwards and upwards to the next project.
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Get a van, bundle it in and head south France for a proper test ride
sounds sweet -
@Calum Your new workshop floor matches your bikes perfectly, is that your favorite colour by any chance??? :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes: :smiling_face_with_open_mouth_closed_eyes: :smiling_face_with_open_mouth_cold_sweat: :face_with_tears_of_joy:
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Obviously I have finished this project and I'm not actively buying stuff for it. But my Dad wanted to know what to get me for Christmas, despite insisting that I didn't want anything, he was adamant to buy me something. I told him to get me this.
And yes, I am pleased with it.
My aftermarket OEM lookalike leaked fuel, so it's nice to have a high quality item that shouldn't leak fuel.
I am sure I will find some use for this brand new one another time.
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So close to being ready
Unfortunately, the used gear linkage I bought was just worn out so I couldn't get the rearsets fitted properly.
The pinch bolt has been stripped and the teeth spin on the output shaft. I was just struggling with this for a while and bit the bullet on buying a new one, quite expensive for what they are (£20).
It's adjusted perfectly now! Setup like a dream.
And the brand new fuel tap I bought leaked, thinking it could be the tap or the tank but again another £20 on another brand new tap and that seems to be fine.
Always Originate, Never Pirate!
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I did keep this a little hush hush, but after what was a very unsuccessful outing
The bike broke down in several spots, bits fell off and I badly damaged my linkage rod
A new rod was on order immediately, as well as the tie rod. Which aren't cheap!
The fuel tank still leaks! I tried a spare tank and that was the same! So I just went with a genuine tap and NO LEAK!
So it's just addressing small issues.
I love wing mirrors, but they are pointless on this bike as I can't see jack!
So I've got rid of those and need to get some blanking plates.
The linkage arm would randomly stop selecting gears and I don't know why. Perhaps I rebuilt the engine incorrectly? Well a cable tie on the linkage rod has fixed this issue.
Oh and the clocks I bought don't work. I have a spare one but I think it's a faff to change.
But this bike is finally starting to stop showing problems. I've been able to get out and enjoy bedding the engine in. It's been really stressful but I guess it's all par for the course!
Hopefully, when lockdown is over, maybe I can use it a little more.
Always Originate, Never Pirate!
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Bike fired up into life with little to no dramas after 6 months of storage.
Since I last rode it, I removed the RAVE solenoid in favour for the Italkit adjustable pneumatic valve.
Was excited about taking it for a spin...
I made it to the end of my drive and tapped the rear brake... Sezied solid. Locked the wheel up and it was a effort just to get it back into the garage!
The master cylinder had seized. So after checking the rear caliper for damage, I set about sorting the master cylinder out. Dismantled it fully, it it with a blow torch and that seems to have freed the piston!
Just come back from a quick blip up the road! What a machine!!!
I absolutely love the power delivery of a smoker. Amazing.
Always Originate, Never Pirate!
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