Bit of thread drift but these stories bring back memories, especially my first foray into making things go faster.

I had a Vespa SS180 and bought a 200cc barrel and piston
I suggested to my girlfriend that whilst her mum and dad were away for a couple of days then perhaps I could drive my bike into her living room to do the work in the dry, after all “it wouldn’t take long with a promised no mess”.

Parts soon off, reassembly started. Placed the new piston into position, tapped in the gudgeon pin and offered up the circlip. Pinnnnnng. Where the hell did it go? Searched for hours but eventually found it.

And then, right on cue, just as I was re starting work, the sound of a key entering a lock. Yes, mum and dad had cut short their few days away.

To this day I don’t know how I got away with it but the engine re-assembly was done in record time and I’ve never been as embarrassed since.

Incidentally, the “girlfriend” and I are still together

Regards

Geof
70th Anniversary 4/4 (Duratec 1.8), model 1995