Honda prices....absolutely unbelievable.

[John Schmidt]

I recently replaced all the valve stem seals on the 1200 and unknowingly dislodged an oil seal on the front off the cam. Bike ran great but I suddenly noticed oil pouring out under the bike. Further exam showed it came from inside the belt cover so pulled the left half loose (timing belt covers are 2 piece on the old Wings) and there it was....the seal just dangling and the belt cover full of oil. Naturally the left belt got soaked as well so I'm replacing both with another new set. Just to satisfy my curiosity I checked with three different dealers and the best price was Procaliber for $70.39 each. If that were even for a set of two that's a ridiculous price at $35 each. I called O'Reilly Auto Parts this morning, picked them up late this afternoon; two new Gates belts(same as Honda uses) $14.99 ea. plus tax. I've bought them cheaper from Rock Auto but had to wait for delivery, not worth it. I already had the oil seal needed plus the gasket that goes on the front of the head next to the rear timing cover but ran into another problem....fool sprocket is frozen to the end of the cam. After soaking it for 24 hrs. I got it halfway off so devised a pulley puller with some eye bolts and a threaded center hole in some scrap strap metal. A hole on either end for the eye bolts, one in the middle, cut a piece out of each bolt so the eye is now a nice hook. Hooked them under the spokes on the pulley and started turning the center bolt. Came off rather nicely. To top it all off, I just got an inquiry on buying the bike, wanting to know my bottom dollar. Great....just great.    Think I'll tell him exactly what happened, that should let me know how serious he really is.

Next problem....woke up this morning sneezing like I'd been sniffing pepper, haven't had a cold in years but this one is making up for lost time. Literally carrying a roll of TP with me all day, miserable time and it sounds like Rita is getting it also. I feel sorry for her since she can't take anything due to interaction with other meds.

[Thunderbolt]

Some bad luck then some ingenuity that worked. Sorry about the sniffles. Iris has had it since last year.  I did the box and a half of tissues a week and a half ago.  It's pretty much an epidemic.  Vitamin C and Zicam seemed to help some but I still have a cough and not up to full steam.

[John Schmidt]

Just got another email from the same guy about the 1200, offered $1800. I declined, told him I have more than that invested in parts including a replacement motor. Then added that these older Wings sell for a good bit more than $1800 if in good running condition, and they haven't been gone through from axle to axle like this one. If he comes back around $2500+/-, then we can talk. I'll keep it before giving it away, get some enjoyment out of it myself then sell it. I'd like to sell it, but I don't NEED to sell it. Big difference. 

[Pappy!]

Would love to see you out and about on that bad boy!

[John Schmidt]

I should have it back running in a day or two....if I don't have to keep blowing my nose. I could pass for Rudolph.   I'm also working on a different seat based on a cut down OEM seat, so far it's more comfy. Been having a good conversation with a prospective buyer in Gainsville, wants to come take a look soon as I get the oil seal and new belts(second set) installed. The oil leak soaked the new belts already on it and it was all my fault, nothing like making more work for yourself. He said he has 70 bikes and cars back in Michigan, either low original miles or restored. His youngest is attending UF so his wife retired and they moved down for the time their kid is in college. He plays the role of Mr. Mom due to wife's health(cancer) so we hit if off right away. Once I have the bike up and running I'll put some more miles on it, maybe to a lunch ride. After riding the Valk for so long the 1200 feels awful small. 

[John Schmidt]

Well, it's up and running again. Sure wish some lessons/experiences weren't so expensive and especially time consuming. Still have to mount the engine guards and the Bad Boy air horn. A fair amount of oil did fall on the exhaust so when I first ran it....whew what a stink and smoke. Now I can continue reworking an OEM seat and put some miles on it before I let the prospective buyer know it's back running.

[Squirrel]

Well, I hope it works out for you, John.  I know you've had it on Craigslist for some time now.  Yeah, I wouldn't give it away either, with all the work you have put into it.  Mistakes happen, regardless of how careful we are.  I know!