learning to scrounge for parts

The first things I bought were the parts catalog and owner's manual.



In particular I need to verify part numbers before buying anything, or where part numbers aren't given, I can go by the pictures. And most importantly the catalog tells me what I have, or I should say what I'm supposed to have. For example my bike has turn signals (or the damaged remains of them) on the front, and a flasher relay, wired up with speaker wire and a incongruous switch on the handlebar. But it appears these bikes never came with signals, only a tail light.

This tells me I at least have no reason to try to pound the twisted metal of the signal mount back into shape, or try to clean up and re-chrome the signal housings. If I want signals, and I'm sure I do, then I'm free to pick any I like because there is no question of correctness. What I'd like is to make some that attach with a light "footprint." Maybe only clamp on and wire up as a kind of easily-disconnected accessory, so that you can remove them if you want to see the bike in original condition.

I want to try for a reasonably original and correct bike, as long as it is practical and not onerous. If some obstacle makes that expensive or frustrating, then I'll be happy if it is at least rideable and nice looking.

Reading the owner's manual is amusing as well as enlightening, if only for the humanity of the message and the rough edges of the Italian to English translation.

...A good motorrider will make intelligent use of the controls and at the right time. When riding uphill and the machine tends to slow down, change to a lower gear at once; do not «hang on» to a high gear when the effort required from the engine advises use of a lower gear.

Indeed.

There isn't a shop manual for this bike, but the owner's manual has a significant amount of in-depth maintenance data, including a wiring diagram, ignition timing, and valve clearances.

Once I got this book I began shopping in earnest.