Author Topic: Not the best job!  (Read 844 times)

Offline Johnny4428

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Not the best job!
« on: February 28, 2026, 09:02:40 AM »
This is hilarious I had to share, but the good news is it works! Bike starts and stops and charges on the new button controls which are lying on the bench at the minute. I will of course tidy up now that I know it works.
Awaiting just a simple key switch to fit as well.
1952 Cymoto on Triumph bicycle.
1961 Matchless G3
1974 Honda CB550K1
1978 Honda CB550K3
1999 ST1100 Pan European 50th Anniversary.
1975,1984,1986 Honda C90’s
1973 Honda CB750K3
1977 Honda CB550 (almost)

Offline Laverda Dave

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Re: Not the best job!
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2026, 10:48:23 AM »
Well done Johnny. I wouldn't tidy it up, it looks like my 1978 Moto Morini 3.5 and that wiring was as it left the factory!
1977 Rickman Honda CR750
1999 Honda VFR 800FX
1955 750 Dresda Triton
1978 Moto Morini 350 Sport
1978 Honda CB400/4 'The Flying Banana'
1982 Laverda 120 Jota
2020 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
1990 Honda VFR400R NC30

Offline Yetanotherbike

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Re: Not the best job!
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2026, 11:52:23 AM »
On one of my many projects (a Saab 96V4) After an engine rebuild, I suddenly realised I had the opportunity to make it start for the first time in 17 years of slumber.
The problem was I didn't have any plug leads, a minor detail. So I improvised with stripping some 2.5mm twin and earth cable. Needs must!
« Last Edit: February 28, 2026, 11:56:20 AM by Yetanotherbike »

Offline Johnny4428

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Re: Not the best job!
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2026, 01:55:04 PM »
Surely no Dave! 😳 Cant beat a bit of bodge. Quite a few wires to go in there yet, lights, indicators, horn, neutral switch wire etc, so better tidy up. Who needs plug caps!
1952 Cymoto on Triumph bicycle.
1961 Matchless G3
1974 Honda CB550K1
1978 Honda CB550K3
1999 ST1100 Pan European 50th Anniversary.
1975,1984,1986 Honda C90’s
1973 Honda CB750K3
1977 Honda CB550 (almost)

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Not the best job!
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2026, 02:18:37 PM »
I had a metal shrouded plug cap fail driving down to Cornwall in an Automatic Opel Record 1900.
An auto on 3 cylinders is barely able to accelerate. :-[
Car was under warranty, dealership near Bridgewater had no part on stock, also not very helpful.

I used a nappy pin to push into the carbon plug lead , the loop on the pin was made to fit the plug.
It worked a treat, that bodge remained in place for around six weeks as the part was on factory back order in Germany.
Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

Offline TrickyMicky

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Re: Not the best job!
« Reply #5 on: February 28, 2026, 03:00:18 PM »
My last real bodge was 4miles from home, so, a 1 hour walk pushing it, or an 8 minute very careful ride. This was on the 400, and the main fuse had cried enough and I had no spare.  Even though all myn thoughts were scre aming "Don't do this", I found that the small screwdriver bits that we all use nowadays fit the fuseholders perfectly, and yes, this was after I had identified the cause!!!

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Not the best job!
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2026, 04:50:23 PM »
My last real bodge was 4miles from home, so, a 1 hour walk pushing it, or an 8 minute very careful ride. This was on the 400, and the main fuse had cried enough and I had no spare.  Even though all myn thoughts were scre aming "Don't do this", I found that the small screwdriver bits that we all use nowadays fit the fuseholders perfectly, and yes, this was after I had identified the cause!!!

The screwdriver bit would take some current to blow.  ;D
The loom would burn out first.
Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

Offline Johnny4428

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Re: Not the best job!
« Reply #7 on: March 01, 2026, 09:26:04 PM »
That nearly outdoes the 6” nail Micky! Like the nappy pin fix Ted.
1952 Cymoto on Triumph bicycle.
1961 Matchless G3
1974 Honda CB550K1
1978 Honda CB550K3
1999 ST1100 Pan European 50th Anniversary.
1975,1984,1986 Honda C90’s
1973 Honda CB750K3
1977 Honda CB550 (almost)