Been working with Jon64 for some time now on giving the White Lightning a bit of a makeover. After 16 years and 32000 mls in all weathers she was getting a bit rough around the edges and, as many of you know, she arrived at East Kirkby last year with a serious case of bubbling fuel tank and a broken front cylinder head. I have been project managing getting all the bits and outside services together while Jon has been twirling the spanners.

Today we got the engine back together.







Front cylinder head has been ally welded. Cam cover has been cut down. A circlip on the crank was repositioned improving oil flow (this had been assembled incorrectly at the factory). And every surface has been refinished or polished. Crankcases, barrels and heads were vapour blasted, acid etched then repainted. All the shiny bits including the previously hidden oil pump have been polished and the meat in the rocker cover sandwich was powder coated white to match the frame and wheels.

For those concerned about the lack of mechanical work everything was in good order including the oil pump drive gear which was upgraded at 20000 miles and is showing no signs of wear.

Steve

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Back on the road again!

Looks good Steve. Who painted the cases?

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I started out with nothing and still got most of it left.

looking good , will it be all done for Em's day ?

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Buell Ulysses XB12X 06/08

Cases painted by Buzz, our highly skilled valetter, Mick. Wait until you see the bodywork, that has been done by Bean in our Parts Department It will definitely be at Em's Day, Barney.......hoping to have it ready for the Birthday BBQ here on Easter Saturday.

Steve

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Back on the road again!

Thats stunning!! Im aiming to get a finish on mine like that, long way to go though! Was whole engine torn down for vapor blasting?

Looking good Steve, beautiful finish

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Today my pet mouse Elvis died ..................He was caught in a trap
There are two types of people in this world, those that can extrapolate

Looking good Steve, but you know you can't vote for your own bike!

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No 1: X1 Lightning.2000. Fully Mazed
No 2: KTM 1290R Superduke SE

The world maybe round but you can still find the Edge.

I was thinking about getting someone else to judge, SillyB We weren't planning to take it right down but someone carelessly let some scrapings of paint drop into the crankcases so it seemed wise to take it all the way. Wouldn't have found the misplaced circlips otherwise

Steve

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Back on the road again!

That's gorgeous

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Partial to a bit of both

Lookin good Steve. I Hope that welding doesn't let you down, it'd seem such a shame after all the other work that has gone into it. I thought you'd have gone for a new head which would have been at cost to you wouldn't it .....You're not origionally from yorkshire are you

Very nice

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Last year I joined a group for anti-social people
We haven't met yet.

Eey oop, our Dave Stock heads were on back order at time I wanted to order so took the chance and will mount with longer studs rather than stock bolts when it goes back together. My tame engineer has done a first class job with additional reinforcement but in the long run you're probably right

Steve

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Back on the road again!

I thought Thunderstorm heads were no longer available.

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08 Specialized Langster

Didn't show as obsolete at the time, Pash but it was quoting a long lead time

Steve

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Back on the road again!

You know better than me, only what I had heard.

Maybe time to move on to rubbermount Sporster heads and XB pistons

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08 Specialized Langster