[Devil on Wheels]

Hi Guys!

I own a '96 Yezdi Classic which was gifted to me by dad when I passed my 10th Board exams with flying colours. Dad was all prepared to face the fact that I would have to spend another year in 10th.

The bike has done less than 10,000 KMs in the last 14 years, simply because I moved to Delhi in '98 and because of my reputation as a risky driver I was not allowed to bring the bike to delhi. My borther drove it for about 3 years untill 2001 and then he had to move to Orissa for his B-tech.

The bike stayed in the sun exposed to all elements of the nature for 7 years and was driven very rarely, when either me or my brother would visit Jamshedpur on vacation.

Finally, after I got married Dad felt that I am now sensible enough to drive safely and I was able to bring the bike to Delhi in 2008. The bike was still doing fine I was able to kick start it in the first attempt. It was doing really fine and was perfect for short trips to the market, visiting friends, etc.

Some time last year some stupid kids in my society broke the head lamp, the auxillary lamp and the speedometer. Ever since I have not driven it and it has been eating dust in the parking lot.

Now I am planning to restore it completely to its original glory, with help from my brother-in-law and support from all T-Bhpians. My BIL has recomended me a mechanic who specialises in Yezdi' somewhere in Narayana. But I am yet to meet the guy.

The critical things that I could think of right now are:

1 Fuel Tank: There' a lot of rust in the fuel tank now and the first step would be cleaning up the fuel tank with the method provided by following the procedure E listed at the following link:
How to remove rust from your motorcycle's fuel tank
If anyone can suggest a better way, please advice.
2 Headlamp and Speedometer: I still need to find a new original Headlamp and Speedometer. I did check with my friends at Minda Industries, but they don't have anything in their stock. They did offer to track it down if any dealer has it, but I need to follow-up with them.
If anyone knows from where I can source the original headlamp assembly, please help.
3 Shockabsorbers: The front shockabsorbers definetly need to be worked upon, as regards the rear absorbers, will have to check again.
4 Seat: I will need new seats. Any suggestions from where I can source it. Or will it be possible to get the old one redone.

Any valuable suggestions will be highly appreciated.

[Devil on Wheels]

I don't know how, but two threads were created when I was trying to creat one.

Mods please delete this thread.

[tarunmadhok]

Most of the stuff, you can get from Karol Bagh. My advice would be to get full paint work and chrome work done.

Originally Posted by Devil on Wheels

Hi Guys!

I own a '96 Yezdi Classic which was gifted to me by dad when I passed my 10th Board exams with flying colours. Dad was all prepared to face the fact that I would have to spend another year in 10th.

The bike has done less than 10,000 KMs in the last 14 years, simply because I moved to Delhi in '98 and because of my reputation as a risky driver I was not allowed to bring the bike to delhi. My borther drove it for about 3 years untill 2001 and then he had to move to Orissa for his B-tech...
Any valuable suggestions will be highly appreciated.

[voodoochild]

Devil on Wheels,
You've been handed a gem!! 10,000km means she's probably still like new! Hope she's still on original paint and chrome. I'd leave it that way until repainting is reallllllly necessary. Delhi climate isnt really harsh on cosmetics I hope.

The tank-cleaning stuff mentioned in that link sounds pretty lethal

Their old-school method of sand/gravel/jellystones in the tank is what is employed by almost all mechanics here. If there isnt much structural damage to the tank, you can most certainly use the jellystones method to good effect. Otherwise, a replacement tank is easily available.

From what I've read about Karol Bagh (never been to delhi), it seems like the place for every biker's needs, and a Classic speedo and headlight assembly arent really hard to find even elsewhere in India (especially the south), so it shouldnt be a problem.

About the seat, check bottom of the seat plate for corrosion, and if the two clamps at the rear end are intact. Rusting usually destroys those clamps. If ok, then obviously new foam can certainly be used on the old plate. If not, new seats (plate + foam + cover) are easily available (atleast in bangalore for about 650 bucks).

Hope you get her back to her original glory.

Cheers
Rahul