Some of you will remember this > http://motorbicycling.com/f15/2door-uncle-santa-14211.html
I guess it was a mistake. I found this poor little bike sitting outside, rusty and disused. When I asked my nephew what was wrong with it he said, "The chain came off." I asked if he ever adjusted the chain tension. "I don't know how." Why he didn't call me I don't know.
I then discovered that the engine is seized. I pulled the head off and the piston and cylinder walls look like they were worked over with an acetylene torch.
I asked him if he was mixing the fuel the way I showed him. "Sometimes, I think." Great! I drained some fuel from the tank. Yep, straight gasoline, no oil. I asked him why he didn't put oil in the gas. "I just forgot, I guess."
I didn't say a word, just loaded the bike into my truck and took it home. Now I have my work cut out for me. I'm going to rebuild the engine, clean the rust off and try to put the little guy back into shape.
What a shame. It was a beautiful little bike when I gave it to him. I guess I learned a lesson, or confirmed what I already knew. Motorbikes are not for everyone. Especially a kid who doesn't have any appreciation for mechanical things. I'll keep you posted. Oh, and he isn't getting it back. So much for Uncle Santa
Tom
I guess it was a mistake. I found this poor little bike sitting outside, rusty and disused. When I asked my nephew what was wrong with it he said, "The chain came off." I asked if he ever adjusted the chain tension. "I don't know how." Why he didn't call me I don't know.
I then discovered that the engine is seized. I pulled the head off and the piston and cylinder walls look like they were worked over with an acetylene torch.
I asked him if he was mixing the fuel the way I showed him. "Sometimes, I think." Great! I drained some fuel from the tank. Yep, straight gasoline, no oil. I asked him why he didn't put oil in the gas. "I just forgot, I guess."
I didn't say a word, just loaded the bike into my truck and took it home. Now I have my work cut out for me. I'm going to rebuild the engine, clean the rust off and try to put the little guy back into shape.
What a shame. It was a beautiful little bike when I gave it to him. I guess I learned a lesson, or confirmed what I already knew. Motorbikes are not for everyone. Especially a kid who doesn't have any appreciation for mechanical things. I'll keep you posted. Oh, and he isn't getting it back. So much for Uncle Santa
Tom