And off she goes for the MOT, which she flew through bar the advisory for no rear chain guard I think:
Once MOT’d I had to register her at the local DVLA. I had checked all this out beforehand, and got all the necessary forms and paperwork. All seemed to go well, until I got a letter through saying that my ‘Year of Manufacture’ certificate from Honda was wrong (they had put an extra digit in the chassis number). I ordered this well in advance as I know they take a while to come, so I had to pester Honda for a new one, and to hurry up with it. Eventually the new one came, and I went back to the DVLA and registered it. It was now a waiting game for the log book through the post and so I could insure it on the road. Finally this came, and I took her for her first blast on the road!!
Here’s just some of my favourite finished pictures, I hope you like them, apologies for so many:
Thanks to my sister for the above coloursplash photoshop edit which I begged her for, she had this printed on a canvas for my birthday.
Unfortunately the bike doesn’t look this good now, which is why I took so many scenic photos when I first built her. She has the obvious usual signs of off-road use, but this is why I built her after all. I must say she’s a pleasure to ride, and really puts a big grin on my face every time.
I have experienced several teething problems as expected, all of which I have now sorted. I did re-jet the carb once after a plug chop and a play around, and since have had the bike dyno’d. Max power was 30BHP with 22lbf torque. To be honest I expected a little more, however after reading on the forum, it seems that is about right!! I still haven’t weighed her, but not too fussed. I’d like a comparison to modern Enduro bikes, however I’d not be too competitive, as I haven’t aimed for maximum lightness, mainly practicality and looks.
The project took around a year from start to finish, during which I was at work full time, at Uni part time and bought my first house, so not too bad considering!! It cost in the region of £6,500 to complete, but the cost was nicely spread by buying bits as and when I could afford them. It meant many sacrifices had to be made, but was worth it! It could have been done an awful lot cheaper, but could have also cost a lot more. I don’t regret any of the money I’ve spent on it, as it’s now exactly as I want it!! Just one wheel is worth more than my entire car!! Haha.
Here’s a few pics out and about (apologies for the ones taken on my phone):
Here she is, line up against my mate’s AR, a nice comparison:
And lastly a few action shots of me pratting around on her, not long after a steady running in:
Finally, I must say a massive thanks to the following people, who have helped me in one way or another towards this project, without you all, I’d probably be sticking a box of bits on eBay.
Therefore, a big thanks to:
• Firstly, everyone who has helped me financially, by either lending or giving me money towards it, or buying Christmas/Birthday presents which are now all over the bike.
• Everyone at work that has helped (far too many to mention) for all your time and efforts.
• All the lads on this Forum for continued support and advice (even though I managed to keep the actual project a surprise).
• Shock-Tech suspension for the suspension re-valve and set up.
• Pro-Racing for all the excellent quality aftermarket electrical items.
• Gary at Fusion graphics for the fantastic custom graphics kit, thanks for your patience!!
• Both my neighbours for receiving parcels all the time when I’m at work!!
• Leisure Trail for sourcing CRM parts, and the full engine rebuild.
• The lads at CJ Ward for all the Powder Coating.
• MX-Bits.com for all the pro-carbon accessories and those lovely wheels!!
• A special thanks to Scott Clarke and Glenn Williams (Glenn who owns a CRM mk2, and is on here as ‘250greenlane’), two very good friends of mine who have helped in many with their knowledge and experience, and kept the banter rolling. Massive thanks lads, I owe you both a beer or three!!