1977 Honda Cb550 A Tale Of Lies, Engineering Incompetence And Fraud.

[Matlock]

Wow, a friend of Mystic Baldrick is full of sh*t? Who'd have thought it?  I'm glad this saga is now nearing the end though Chris.There are so many charlatans and con men in the classic bike industry. Thankfully you've got one of the best on the job now, Lee won't let you down.

If it makes you feel better, I got conned years ago, back in the 80s when I was racing classics and I bought a 'rebuilt" race tuned 350 Ducati engine off a guy who was considered to be the UK's No.1 Ducati specialist, he'd actually written books on the subject. And they were published! I was racing other bikes at the time and although I'd fitted the engine, I hadn't got around to starting the bike when I went to the first preseason practice session at Mallory. The Ducati  got chucked in the van with a 750 Triton, with a view to starting it up and shaking it down when I was happy with the Triton. When it came to the Ducati's turn, it wouldn't start. Luckily, a mate of mine was a real Ducati expert and was at the practice day. He soon spotted a list of issues, starting with the fact he'd timed the ignition 180 degrees out!!! Internal race parts he said were fitted weren't. The bevel valve gear drive was incorrectly shimmed and it didn't have the close ratio 'box he claimed it did. Needless to say, the Ducati "specialist" denied everything when I got hold of him and stopped answering the phone. Fortunately, I got hold of his home phone number and, when I rang it, his wife answered. She was obviously the boss as she apologised, I got my money back in the post within a week and the cheque cashed  :good: He was supposed to come and collect the engine, but he never did, so I was up an engine on the deal. Not the engine I wanted, but an engine  :rotflmmfao:    

I hope you have a decent outcome with this muppet. I'm sure Lee will write you a report you can use against him. If your claim is under £10k, use the Small Claims Court, your local Citizens Advice office will help you fill out the paperwork and you won't need a solicitor, just a few hours off work.