Well. After making pretty good progress over the last few weeks, it looks less and less likely that I will make the March 20 date for the first race.
Reason for it? Engine build. Was hoping to get the engine into the frame this weekend. But, after an extended session at Nelly's dialling in cams and checking valve pocket depths, it turns out that the exhaust valve pocket are not deep enough in the pistons. So, instead of final assembly, the piston have been mailed to AJ Racing for machining 1 mm off the exhaust valve pockets to get the specified clearances. That means, at best, the engine will be ready to go into the frame next weekend, meaning I have only 1 week really to finish assemble the bike. Mind you, the frame is still sitting on the floor naked.
It just doesn't look probable that it all comes together in time for the first race weekend.
So it goes. However, a HUGE thank you is due to Nelly for the loan of his workshop, his times, and all those pucka specialist tools. An equally HUGE thank you is due to Alan Shirley of AJ Racing for his invaluable advice, putting up with my constant pestering, and his excellent service.
Fairing space is getting tight now. I'll post some pictures when it's all done. So far, we have:
Joe Bar Team (Pguenet)
Cornerspeed Cornerspeed (Nelly)
AJ Racing (Alan)
Motorcycle Cosmetics (highly recommended paint sprayer in Leeds)
All of the above have provided invaluable assistance either FOC or at cut rate prices.
Paying title sponser is still required...