Almost finished with the 72 and we’ll underway with the 73. Painted the tank on the 72. The forum advice was spot on…each coat got it closer to the correct shade. Damn if I got a small drip on the last coat. My daughter wants the graphics from the 73 and in spite of the inaccuracy I think it’ll look epic with the bright red. Also painted the fins on the jug and sanded off the edges. Clutch was slipping a bit so installed new fibers. Probably didn’t need to go to the trouble since it appeared all the fibers were adhered to the steels. Should be able to deliver both the ‘69 and the 72 to my girls in a few weeks. 

the 73 has been quite a job. The PO had used a mid mosh of incorrect parts including sae flat head screws everywhere, a chain that was too wide and a sprocket from a later model that didn’t fit the hub size, DT360 shocks put on backwards, and a bunch of other incorrect parts. Idler gear was missing teeth and the bearing behind it was in pieces. All the rubber parts were shot and rust was everywhere, I heard it run via bump start and today I kicked it over and it runs and idles great. Engine is a bit rattley so perhaps it’ll need a top end soon.  Need to locate a suitable chain and rear sprocket. Air to carb tube, speedo and heat shield. After that it’s basically paint and decals. 

 CT2 color, CT3 flair. Not my bike, not my call but I do like the look. 

Good job.
The CT-3 decals really add something to the look.

The 1973 block Yamaha lettering with the swoosh is one of my favorite paint schemes for the enduros.  Of course I am partial since my first bike was a purple 1973 LT3 100!  I don't have an enduro with this paint scheme now...  maybe my next enduro goal!

Looking forward to seeing it installed on the bike

Was up at Sugarbowl today for some fun in the snow but looking forward to clear coating tomorrow. Finally had to leave the snowboard at home and go back to skis. Just having too much trouble reaching my bindings, especially after lunch. Getting older really sucks sometimes. In my mind I’m still able to do everything I did in my 20’s but the machinery’s  got low compression. 

  Clear coat applied. As usual couldn’t wait too long to see it on the bike. Will let it finish curing this week then install the cap and petcock. 

Looks good! Get the skiing in while it lasts right, been a heartbreak of a January/February but at least it's warm enough to clear coat I guess?

Finally got the front 15t sprocket from Partzilla for the CT3. They said it was backordered for a month and a half so I questioned them and they agreed to ship it out of their Georgia facility. So a quick reminder from RT325's chain reduction video and chain shortened, new 44t rear sprocket installed and I'm ready for my first test ride...that is once I figure out where the carb is leaking fuel from. Interestingly, the PO had installed a chain and sprockets that were not correct with wider links between teeth and with a 1/4 inch or so too wide for the sprockets. When I removed the front sprocket several ball bearings dropped out. The inside teeth didn't even touch the mating teeth on the drive shaft. Best I can tell the PO placed ball bearings to give something to bite on and tightened the heck out of the sprocket nut. Ingenious or a complete hack. Thankfully the transmission shaft didn't get destroyed. Though costly, it's rewarding to rectify things like this.

Trying to visualise the ball bearing part of the story. Blimey, the length some people go to to save money. I wouldn't do something like that haha--Or would I-!!