71 xlch : 03

Sometimes projects can take a turn that is completely unexpected. For instance, maybe you decide to take the front sprocket off and take a look around. By chance alone, you just happen to notice the mainshaft that should be riding on needle bearings, is in fact riding on thin air. Is it luck that I found it now before hitting the road? Yes. Still sucks though. Enough whining, here's some pics.

Ghost bearings.





Apparently someone previously reinforced the countershaft bearing area. This support is probably the only reason the trans didn't destroy itself.





The mainshaft would bend under load and rub against the bearing race. You can clearly see where the two tried to get frisky.





Empty.



Fortunately I found an NOS mainshaft for about the same cost as the cheaper aftermarket ones. The bearings, race, seals, etc. added in put the total cost to $186.21 including shipping. Not bad at all.

Going back together.





Jump ahead a bit, and I started to make a battery mount for the YT4B-BS I got off of ebay for less than $20 shipped.





Then a bracket to locate the coil off the top motor mount. Don't mind the wires, they were replaced last night for some at the proper lengths.



I'm wrapping up the front brake anchor and cable setup, then it's on to wiring and adding oil. Yeehaw!