Benelli 750 sei

[John H]

Sounds like you are getting things done. Cleaning bolts and screws is always a job. I found that using a stainless wire wheel with .010 wire works really well. It also leaves a nice finish on cad plated bolt and screw heads without damaging the finish.
I get mine from McMaster Carr.One is for parts that are a bit grubby and one for clean dry parts.
Are you entering the Scottish Trials or spectating? That's quite a trip.

[Lotus54]

Just spectating.
But the others we were going to meet had to cancel (no fly from their route)- so we are delaying until next year.

Thats ok- I would like to visit the Lotus factory and they are not doing tours until this summer.

[John H]

You may have this article. Interesting comparison of the 3 triples of the day.

https://www.cycleworld.com/2009/10/16/t ... dium=email

[Lotus54]

I prefer the 750 sei over the 900. Although I recall at the time thinking I would like the power. But I don’t want lots of power anymore (too tempting to use) and reportedly the 750 is smoother. Which makes sense with smaller engine.
I like the 6 pipes too, although the 6-2 I’m sure weighs less, the 6-1 I had weighed a lot less too. But too loud (certainly sounded cool though).

Post office lost some parts (some used for another old Benelli that is no longer available). Working on recovery, but will have to work out replacements. (Including cam chain and primary, those are readily avaliable)

[John H]

A Ebay seller that parts out bikes has 750 parts occassionally. Have you seen them?
https://www.ebay.com/usr/flashback_inc? ... 7675.l2559

[Lotus54]

Yes, I’ve gotten a number of things from him.
Some just spares, some I needed.

[Lotus54]

The main/rod bearings are finally ready to ship.
They made a claim for all the parts the post office lost - so hopefully that is resolved before too long.

I’m finally feeling good again, so time to get cracking. I have new stainless spokes and a spare rear. So I’m going to start on that one (lots of measuring, and I think a jig to help get offsett correct and started pretty close)- plus I’ll vapor hone the hub and polish the rim.
I’ve never done one, but since it is a spare I can get it right - then do the original.

I can put the shift shaft/drum/forks back in. But not too much more before more parts. I’m replacing all the bearings. No use taking chances with all this work.

Next will be fitting the 4-shoe drum on my Benelli 250 SuperSport.

Mark

[Lotus54]

I cleaned up, lubed and installed the shift drum and shift forks. Very similar to Honda 500/4- but more robust.
Wish I could put in the gearbox, but the since the darn Post Office lost my package...

I popped a valve out of the head. Looks ok once cleaned up and lapped. But I’ll check everything. The valves are sure small! Think 125cc single.
I could check all the ring gaps, piston clearance and fit the pistons/rods. But no rod bearings so I can’t put the crank in. I’m replacing cam chain and primary chain- those were all lost. Dang it!

Worst part- Post Office said it was at some sorting station near LA, but cannot seem to find it, and of course can’t talk to a human there. The local PO people have been very helpful (well, as much as they can).

[John H]

I hope your parts eventually show up. The fun of working on these old bikes is sometimes painful. I'm having problems with shipping as well. Thankfully I won't be ordering any more parts outside USA for a while.

[Lotus54]

I took apart my spare rear wheel today. All the spokes came loose just fine.
Checking the new Bucannan stainless spokes, a quick check looks like they will work just fine.
There are two different bends on the rear (all straight pull on the front). But they packed in two bags, so should help. Having the other wheel to look at when putting all the spokes in should help too.

I’m planning vapor honing the hub tomorrow, starting polishing the rim (Borrani alloy).
Of course, we will see how far I get and if I get sidetracked.