After several failed attempts, I have my first part printed!

It’s the back cover for the air filter on a 1971 Honda SL100. While my original cover is in remarkable condition, it does have a small pin hole in it. It looked like the perfect candidate for my first attempt at creating a replacement part.

My first attempt would probably work in a pinch, but was far from what I wanted. During close inspection after that first try, I discovered that the original, that I had modeled my design after, didn’t fit properly due to the location of the bolt that is fixed to the filter housing. The hole in the cover is centered in the piece, but the retaining bold is offset towards the top of the housing.

I printed this using inexpensive PLA filament, not the most durable material available, but I wasn’t sure how many attempts it would take to get it right! At any rate, the learning goes on. I might start working on side covers next, or maybe the sprocket cover. Both are becoming hard to source for early 70’s SL100’s.