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Old School BMX 1980 - 1988 => Old School Race (riders ready, pedals ready... GO!!) => Topic started by: shearer27 on October 16, 2015, 11:04 AM

Title: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: shearer27 on October 16, 2015, 11:04 AM

Here's my 1981 Torker Maxflyte. I have owned this bike since new!

The bike was purchased from Merry's Cycles in 1982 and was used as my race bike for approx. 18 months until i changed it for a JMC Standard Long (which I also still own!)

Over the years the Torker was neglected and was left hanging in my parents garage. The time has now come to give it a little tlc so watch this space. Here are a few images of how it looks today and one with me from BITD at Poole Panthers BMX track.

Thanks for looking.

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/SCAN359.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/SCAN359.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/20151016_081604.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/20151016_081604.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/20151016_081543.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/20151016_081543.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/20151016_081616.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/20151016_081616.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/20151016_081712.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/20151016_081712.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/20151016_081742-2.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/20151016_081742-2.jpg.html)

So far, I have rebuilt the 7x rims / Suntour hubs using new stainless spokes. The frame and forks have been polished within an inch of their lives! I did look into rechroming but I didn't want to loose the bikes originality. All those knocks and scratches mean something to me and each tell a story. This bike was raced and I think it should remain authentic and not just be a perfect 'carpet-queen' (the price I was quoted also made my decision a little easier!).

The vinyl pads are original although i'm missing a crossbar pad (if anyone knows of one I'd be grateful). I still have the 3pc Dura-ace cranks and these just require cleaning. I've recently fitted a repro set of MKS BM-17 pedals. The only parts I do need are a uni hammerhead saddle (black) some chrome bars and a gold MX1000 rear brake caliper if anyone has one then please let me know.

I will post more pictures as the build progresses.

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures
Post by: MartyC on October 16, 2015, 11:25 AM

Sweet and fantastic that you have had it since new, looking forward to the build  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures
Post by: Gnarlyscoots on October 16, 2015, 11:37 AM

(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2048_zpsrpzdpc7s.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2048_zpsrpzdpc7s.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2049_zpsc1ufrydv.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2049_zpsc1ufrydv.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2050_zpsr3augzgv.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2050_zpsr3augzgv.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2051_zpsqnt7b3xc.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2051_zpsqnt7b3xc.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2051%20Buff_zpsamgafpgf.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2051%20Buff_zpsamgafpgf.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2052_zpssugyusza.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2052_zpssugyusza.jpg.html)
(http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad61/GnarleyScoots/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2052cut_zpsz9dhzgbd.jpg) (http://s922.photobucket.com/user/GnarleyScoots/media/BMXA%2080%20Torker%20Review%20page%2052cut_zpsz9dhzgbd.jpg.html)

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures
Post by: Andy68 on October 16, 2015, 11:38 AM

Awesome!!!!  :4_17_5:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures
Post by: Gnarlyscoots on October 16, 2015, 11:41 AM

Quote from: shearer27 on October 16, 2015, 11:04 AM

I did look into rechroming but I didn't want to loose the bikes originality. All those knocks and scratches mean something to me and each tell a story. This bike was raced and I think it should remain authentic and not just be a perfect 'carpet-queen'.

:4_17_5:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures
Post by: shearer27 on October 16, 2015, 11:46 AM

Thanks.

Cheers for the info. Gnarlyscoots - great reading and pics.

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures
Post by: oldscool on October 16, 2015, 09:33 PM

How cool to still have your original bike.  :coolsmiley:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures
Post by: sawzall on October 16, 2015, 11:54 PM

great pics cy,was great chatting to you at the bournemouth meet the other week :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures
Post by: shearer27 on October 17, 2015, 10:43 AM

Likewise sawzall. Looking forward to the next meeting. You never know, I might be able to bring the Torker next time!

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures
Post by: factory pilot on October 17, 2015, 11:03 AM

I'm lovin' this thread ... Great story and pics  :4_17_5:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures
Post by: markyp on October 17, 2015, 01:11 PM

nice to see you've decided to keep the original chrome,its only original once after all.im looking forward to seeing this one back on its wheels :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures
Post by: stu27 on October 17, 2015, 07:47 PM

Cool thread mate

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures
Post by: insectbones on October 18, 2015, 01:30 PM

Looking forward to seeing this come together  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: shearer27 on October 19, 2015, 08:34 PM

Before the work began...

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-06-28%2020.34.27.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-06-28%2020.34.27.jpg.html)

...and after a little time at the weekend

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/Mobile%20Uploads/20151017_110800.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151017_110800.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/Mobile%20Uploads/20151017_110826.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151017_110826.jpg.html)

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/Mobile%20Uploads/20151017_111043.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151017_111043.jpg.html)

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: CustardLips on October 19, 2015, 08:54 PM

Lovely is that mate... coming along nicely.  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: NORTY40 on October 19, 2015, 09:03 PM

Looking good mate  :daumenhoch:

Big  :daumenhoch: for keeping the original chrome  8)

And believe me your so lucky to have not just one but two of your bikes from bitd , loads of lads on here would give up one of there prized builds to have their original bike from bitd  ;) Im one of the fortunate ones who still has one of mine  :)

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: shearer27 on October 19, 2015, 09:26 PM

Thanks for your comments guys.

I guess I need to thank my parents for keeping them for all those years until I could do something with them.

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: markyp on October 20, 2015, 04:25 PM

looking awesome,you must get a set of decals for it though,torker decals are easily available :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: sawzall on October 20, 2015, 05:30 PM

that's looking great cy,i remember the bike from back in the day :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: dancetothedrummersbeat on October 21, 2015, 07:44 AM

A great story, and some fantastic photos there, especially one one back in the day. Magical  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: Jaymz on October 22, 2015, 04:47 PM

Quote from: markyp on October 20, 2015, 04:25 PM

looking awesome,you must get a set of decals for it though,torker decals are easily available :daumenhoch:

If he talks nicely to Del. I have just redrawn these decals for someone and sent them to Del, so Del now has the artwork for these

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: shearer27 on October 22, 2015, 08:40 PM

That's good to knowJaymz. Thanks for the info.

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: Jaymz on October 22, 2015, 09:03 PM

Here they are

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: Mikku on October 31, 2015, 12:19 AM

This is looking great already and if your JMC was anything to go by, I can't wait to see the finished result! Good to see that article too - I recognize a couple of avatars in there!! :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: insectbones on November 07, 2015, 10:54 AM

Looking good so far  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: shearer27 on January 13, 2016, 09:52 PM

It's been a while since my last upload but tonight the Torker now wears it's new stickers courtesy of Del. Cheers mate awesome job.

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/Mobile%20Uploads/20160113_211916.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160113_211916.jpg.html)

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: Gnarlyscoots on January 13, 2016, 10:04 PM

That is looking superb  :4_17_5:

Did you manage to track down a bar pad at all  ???

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: shearer27 on January 13, 2016, 10:24 PM

Cheers Gnarlyscoots. No luck yet  Thumbs down Thinking of getting a plain yellow vinyl bar pad and putting the Torker logo on myself be it stenciled or painted? Originals are as rare as hens teeth and if you see one I think I'll have to remortgage!

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: Gnarlyscoots on January 13, 2016, 10:59 PM

I have asked a couple of people in the US, and posted a wanted on the Museum for you too, okay  :daumenhoch:

I did see one a little while back, but forgot you were looking for one  :-\

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: shearer27 on January 13, 2016, 11:04 PM

Much appreciated and very kind of you. Fingers crossed!

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: factory pilot on January 14, 2016, 10:34 AM

It's coming together lovely is this ... Good thread mate!

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: markyp on January 15, 2016, 08:25 PM

WOW :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: BMX1973 on January 16, 2016, 06:55 PM

Great history to this.  :) Looks great.  :coolsmiley: Top work.  :4_17_5:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: shearer27 on February 02, 2016, 10:53 PM

Almost finished!
(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/Mobile%20Uploads/20160202_210312.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160202_210312.jpg.html)
(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/Mobile%20Uploads/20160202_210347.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160202_210347.jpg.html)
(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/Mobile%20Uploads/20160202_210442.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160202_210442.jpg.html)

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: BADDH on February 02, 2016, 11:08 PM

Love it mate and the fact it's been yours from new makes it even better

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: NORTY40 on February 03, 2016, 01:45 AM

Great job mate  :4_17_5:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: Tel-boy75 on February 03, 2016, 08:46 AM

That's fantastic. You've done a really good job there.  :4_17_5:

So wish I still had my old bike.

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: oldscool on February 03, 2016, 09:41 AM

Looking good top work  :smitten:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: Retrodan72 on February 03, 2016, 09:56 AM

Ooohh, I missed your first few installments on this, glad to pick up on it now.

Looks ace mate, really nice job, and as said already, your own BITD bike, something extra special about the build for you.  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. with pictures. UPDATED.
Post by: factory pilot on February 03, 2016, 12:02 PM

Gonna be a corker of a torker matey !  8)

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: shearer27 on February 15, 2016, 09:40 PM

Finally finished (apart from sourcing one salmon dia-compe brake block).
I'll take some better pictures soon but here she is in all her glory!
(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/Mobile%20Uploads/20160215_213231.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160215_213231.jpg.html)

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: griff on February 15, 2016, 10:20 PM

Lovely, just lovely  :smitten:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: Andy68 on February 16, 2016, 03:01 PM

That's lovely!!!! Look at that Max seat cover!!!!!!!!!!!   :smitten:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: Jaymz on February 16, 2016, 03:04 PM

Proper that is

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: Taipan on February 16, 2016, 03:40 PM

Lurverly!  :4_17_5:  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: NORTY40 on February 16, 2016, 04:37 PM

Looks awesome mate , that seat cover is very nice  8) :smitten:

Even better you have found your old race kit to go with it , that will make a great display .


Does the salmon DC brake block have to be NOS ? Pretty sure i should have a decent used one in the stash you can have  ;)

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: GRAB ON KID on February 16, 2016, 05:08 PM

Nice Torker bud & so cool that you kept it this long!  :4_17_5:

Wish i still had my old EK but cracked it on a submerged crane lake jumping BITD!  :uglystupid2:

If you still need a Torker vinyl bar pad made up or a logo screened on that one just give us a shout bud! 

Cheers,Mike :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: shearer27 on February 16, 2016, 06:46 PM

Cheers for all of your kind comments guys. Much appreciated. I never thought I'd see the day when I would get this one back to this condition. Norty40 - it doesn't need to be nos just tidy and clean with minimal wear. Let me know what you want for it.  GRAB ON KID - cheers for the offer I was thinking about putting the logo on the pad but wasn't sure how or who. How much would you charge for something like that and would you need the artwork? I could create something as I'm a graphic designer. Thanks again

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: NORTY40 on February 16, 2016, 07:33 PM

PM me your address mate and i'll get it posted out to you  ;) :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: rooski on February 16, 2016, 08:06 PM

That's soooooooo cool, I fookin love it! :4_17_5:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: Jazzchimp on February 16, 2016, 09:03 PM

Labour of love, nice!

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: insectbones on February 21, 2016, 09:49 AM

That turned out fookin lovely  :smitten:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: markyp on February 23, 2016, 07:15 AM

probably the best torker ive seen, :4_17_5: :smitten:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: Mikku on February 24, 2016, 02:58 AM

I've got a sneeky feeling that I like this more than the JMC! :coolsmiley:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: shearer27 on February 24, 2016, 10:28 AM

Thanks to everyone that has taken the time to comment. I'm waiting for 'Grab On Kid' to finish printing the handlebar pad then she's all finished. I'll take some better pics soon and maybe some together with the JMC (Mikku) so I'll let you guys decide!

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: crazycraig on February 24, 2016, 10:36 AM

Gotta love a torker . Great stuff

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: CustardLips on February 24, 2016, 10:59 AM

That's the business mate... you're very lucky to still possess not one but two of your bikes from bitd. Two crackers an all.  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: shearer27 on March 30, 2016, 11:45 AM

Couple of pics from this weekend (when the sun popped out!):

(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/DSC_0038.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/DSC_0038.jpg.html)
(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/DSC_0041.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/DSC_0041.jpg.html)
(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/DSC_0044.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/DSC_0044.jpg.html)
(http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af183/shearer27/DSC_0048.jpg) (http://s1006.photobucket.com/user/shearer27/media/DSC_0048.jpg.html)

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: factory pilot on March 30, 2016, 12:15 PM

It's very cool mate .. Turned out brilliantly  :4_17_5:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: shearer27 on March 30, 2016, 01:13 PM

Cheers factory pilot. Never thought i'd see the day when this would receive some much-needed TLC. Really pleased with how it looks I just wish I was 10 years old again!

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: OrgasmDonor on March 30, 2016, 02:37 PM

cool  8)

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: factory pilot on April 03, 2016, 11:03 AM

Quote from: shearer27 on March 30, 2016, 01:13 PM

Cheers factory pilot. Never thought i'd see the day when this would receive some much-needed TLC. Really pleased with how it looks I just wish I was 10 years old again!
[/quote

No worries ... Love this bike ... You got one of my votes in BOTM !
Ant

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: deeman on April 03, 2016, 11:25 PM

Beautiful, great job...got one of my votes too  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: 1981 Torker Maxflyte resto. FINISHED! PIC HEAVY
Post by: Retrodan72 on April 03, 2016, 11:32 PM

Got one of my BOTM votes, love the overall 80's look, nothing's too overdone.  :coolsmiley: