You know basic moto math, right? If you're unfamiliar, that's the basic premise that n + 1 is the formula for the proper number of motorbikes to have in your possession at any given time.
With project bikes, the math is a little bit different. There, the equation is something more akin to "for every problem you solve, at least two more spring up in its place." They're kind of like hydra heads that way, but as long as you have some expectation that's what you're in for, it doesn't have to be the end of the world. If problem-solving and getting stuck into the process are things that appeal to you about DIY bike maintenance and/or restoration, then this might even be your candy.
And if that's the case, you're going to love this video. It's the latest from Brick House Builds' ongoing series on a Honda Benly Dream they picked up a while back. The engine was seized, but there was still just something about it that compelled BJ and Seth to pick it up and bring it back to the workshop. I mean, as a fan of vintage Honda motorcycles, I think it's not hard to understand why. It's an extremely appealing design aesthetic, for one, and this one was definitely not in the worst shape for being the age that it is.
In between the beginning and now, they've rebuilt the engine. And the good news is, the bike runs now! They were even able to ride it to go get ice cream after getting it running in the first place.
But of course, running is just the bare minimum. Does it run well? At the beginning of this video, not so much. But by the end, after going through several issues, it's definitely on the right track and sounding strong.
Along the way, there's an oil leak to contend with, not to mention leaky carbs and an object lesson in why you can't always trust aftermarket carb rebuild kits. The real magic of getting this Dream running strong comes in switching over from a 6 volt ignition system to a 12 volt system, though. After they get that sorted out, the difference in how the bike was running before versus how it's running by the end is night and day. I'm not going to say you absolutely need headphones to listen to this one, but you might want them to fully appreciate how nice it sounds by the end.
There's still some tuning to be done, as what we discussed at the beginning of this piece still holds true: For every job you complete, there are two more to do on a given project bike. It's never, ever fully finished. Are you OK with that? If you are, then maybe now's a good time to get stuck into a project or two of your own that you've been putting off (she said, while simultaneously and steadfastly ignoring the V4 carbs sitting on her bench in her sub-frozen garage that doesn't have heat).
