New to Tresette

[Morini Jen]

Hmm... Yes, the tank looks more Yamaha TZ than Morini Tresette, and I don't think I've ever seen a white headlight this side of an Ivory Calthorpe. Still, not to worry, I'm sure there are several options available which won't break the budget.

Just a couple of questions..
Q.1. Does the red stripe on the tank match the red paint on the frame?
Q.2. Are the mudguards and side panels painted to a 'finished' standard? If so, what colour are they?

I've got a busy few days coming up but I will give it some serious thought and get back to you. We'll work something out. I want you to feel justifiably proud of the bike you will be riding in the Giro.

[trinder]

Just a couple of questions..
Q.1. Does the red stripe on the tank match the red paint on the frame?
Q.2. Are the mudguards and side panels painted to a 'finished' standard? If so, what colour are they?

Hi Jen,

A1. The red stripe is exactly the same colour as the frame.
A2. The mudguards side panels and other parts are the same red and are to a ‘highly finished standard’.

I just can’t think why he would have had the tank, headlight and rear light/number plate mounting painted the way they are. Unfortunately he is no longer with us to answer that question. I can only think that he wanted it to be ‘different’ my budget wont stretch to re painting, so I’ll have to live with it On a brighter note, I’ve managed to locate and purchase a new Italian made speedometer £142 pus postage.

[Morini Jen]

Hi Neil.

Congratulations on finding a speedometer.

If the red stripe on the tanks matches the other red paint, then it makes sense to leave it as it is. Putting on the Moto Morini decals will make a world of difference.

The best thing to do is to bolt the bike together and see how it all looks. It might look perfectly fine, if a little 'different'. I've attached a couple of photos which offer a bit of a hint...

[trinder]

I am almost at the point of getting a rolling chassis, but first I have to delve into the dark art of wheel building once my hubs come back from being polished. I’m still stumped by having a pair of rear shock absorbers in stripped down condition. The top covers are present and have been painted the same red as the frame etc as are the springs and bottom covers (needing re chroming), but the collets that hold the whole shebang together are conspicuous by their absence. I tried buying a second pair from Italy that were supposed to be for a Tresette as donors for the missing collets, but they were too big. Any suggestions as to alternative shock absorbers or replacement collets?

[Morini Jen]

If you are willing to stretch to a new pair, I would recommend Norman Blakemore at NJB Shocks. They do shrouded shocks and they are custom made to order. He made me a set for my little Honda race bike in 2011 and if memory serves they were about £100 and were done within a week. His prices haven't gone up much since then.

If you go that route he will need some information:-
Size of eye holes.
Length, centre to centre between the eye holes.
Length from centre of bottom shock mount to centre of swing arm spindle.
Length from centre of top shock mount to centre of swing arm spindle.
Weight of bike.
Weight of rider.

https://njbshocks.co.uk/products/

[trinder]

If you are willing to stretch to a new pair, I would recommend Norman Blakemore at NJB Shocks.

https://njbshocks.co.uk/products/

Hi Jen, I contacted Norman yesterday and he has told me to send the shocks I have to him to re build them if he can as I asked if it was possible to use the top covers that had been painted from the Tresette (fingers crossed).
Update as to progress:
I entered the arcane art of wheel building and very much to my surprise I found it relaxing and therapeutic. Trust me, it s not as daunting as it seems, this is where YouTube can be your friend. I also invested in a trueing jig made by Laser Tools which was fairly inexpensive and a god addition to my tool kit. As soon as I get some shocks back from NJB, I can tun it into a rolling chassis, meanwhile, I’ll turn the frame upside down and attach the centre stand.

[Morini Jen]

Hi Neil.

Well if Norman is able to rebuild your shocks that would be great, especially as the top covers are painted to match.

I'm pleased to hear that you have found wheel building relaxing and therapeutic. Some people baulk at the very idea of it. Each to their own... Apparently, some people enjoy doing the ironing!

[trinder]

Hi Neil.

Well if Norman is able to rebuild your shocks that would be great, especially as the top covers are painted to match.

I'm pleased to hear that you have found wheel building relaxing and therapeutic. Some people baulk at the very idea of it. Each to their own... Apparently, some people enjoy doing the ironing!

I draw the line at ironing! Here are some pictures of my efforts.

[trinder]

The finished product

[Morini Jen]

Your wheels look superb, Neil.

For a first attempt I'd say you've nailed it!

[Steve Brown]

Nice work Neil! By coincidence I'm in the middle of the same job on a Camel wheel, it needed the screwed on spoke flange replacing as that had cracked and three spokes had broken. Too warm to be therapy today though!

[trinder]

Nice work Neil! By coincidence I'm in the middle of the same job on a Camel wheel, it needed the screwed on spoke flange replacing as that had cracked and three spokes had broken. Too warm to be therapy today though!

If it’s a Camel wheel Steve make sure it doesn’t get the hump.

[trinder]

So, after removing the front tyre and putting the wheel on the truing jig as I wasn’t 100% happy with the first attempt (turns out I was overthinking it put the tyre back on and succeeded in pinching three new tubes and gave up in disgust yesterday. Quick visit to my local friendly tyre dealer who repaired two so of the three tubes (he commented on the third saying “Vladimir Putin couldn’t have put more holes in this one”) I scuttled back into the garage and redeemed myself I hope by attaching the centre stand and rider footpegs and finally putting the front and back wheels into the frame (see attached photos) once I get some rear shocks into the beastie, then the fun can start, I’m happy now it is starting to resemble a motorcycle at last. I’m also starting to warm to the colour scheme as the pictur of the headlight nacelle with switchgear and speedometer in it have lifted it. It wont be Tresette colour scheme per se, but I think it will be individual at least.