I’ve been off the forum for some time distracted by a myriad other things including a total rebuild of my high mileage 851 SP3. I bought the bike from my best mate in early 2020. He had owned the bike since October 1993 and was the 2nd owners: it had 7k km on the clock. By the time I bought it Dave had spun the clock around to 140k with about 5k not recorded due to a broken speedo drive on a long continental jaunt. I was looking for a project bike and Dave convinced me that this bike was the one for me. Dave still loved the bike but had been battling cancer some a few years and didn’t really feel up to riding it anymore or giving it the refurb it deserved. Dave and I came to an agreement on price and the bike came home with me. Outwardly the 888 looked nice but close scrutiny and peek under her skirts showed a bike in need of a refresh (to say the least!).
The pictures of me at Shelsley Walsh hillclimb make it look like a very tidy example. It had always received the best attention throughout its life but Dave was not a weekend polisher, he was a rider. Apart for the usual service requirements a high mileage needs the engine was largely untouched - everything below the cylinder heads was original. I rode it untouched for 18 months or so replacing the obviously worn cycle parts as I went and replacing cam belts before riding it at all as part of a recommission. The most important job initially was replacing the original front disc carriers with new items. The originals were totally knackered and I was lucky enough to find someone on this forum who had some new ones re-cast and cerakoted. The engine was decidedly rattly so deserved a full strip and rebuild.
The bike has now undergone a full nut and bolt rebuild and I have tried to retain at least a little of the patina I believe it deserves. The motor was completely stripped and rebuilt with all new bearings etc. The bores amazingly were within spec and unscathed as were the pistons. The bores were honed and the pistons of course got a new set of rings. The casings and all external parts were incredibly scruffy as only a 30 year old untouched motor could be, so shot-blasting and powder coating were in order. The frame was powder coated and everything else treated to deep, deep clean. The front and rear Öhlins suspension has been completely refurbished also with new springs etc. The result is a very clean bike that is a thrill to ride every time I go out on it. Hopefully another 140k km lie ahead for the next 30 plus years!
