u/Leeroyireland

I had the big 500 out for a run recently and unfortunately, it blew out the back of the kickstart case so it’s time for a complete engine refresh and a redesign of the graphics etc.

I have been building up some parts over the last few years and while the case is being repaired, I want to cerakote the cases I have. I’m not sure if I should stick with a titanium or burnt bronze/gold combination. Polishing the cases is not a choice I will take, far too much maintenance required to keep them looking good.

The engine will get a complete overhaul, new seals, bearings, crank, rod, piston etc, and the head will finally get a decompressor to take the stress off the kicker section. I was lucky the failure mode was as tidy as it was.

I already have new graphics, seat cover, grips etc and while everything is apart, I’ll consider powder coating the frame and swing arm, as the polished frame is a pain to maintain, but I’m not 100% on that yet.

Needs new front wheel bearings too.

Any other ideas for the engine coatings are welcome.

Apologies for the screen grab.

My favourite helicopter proving yet again that the second engine can only take it to the scene of the crash.

Like seriously, 2 underpowered engines, a fuselage that is one huge crumple zone and a flight control system that was built by a Siberian farmer out of his gourd on vodka…

In fairness to the pilot, he did the best with what he had left.