Author Topic: Seeley 519  (Read 45942 times)

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Offline FunJimmy

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #25 on: January 25, 2015, 09:08:48 pm »
I want one too.  ;D
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Offline jaguar

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #26 on: January 26, 2015, 03:33:49 am »
Scotty, yours is number 21 right?

Offline jaguar

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #27 on: January 26, 2015, 05:54:22 am »
K, I'm in. Got a box this week. Yep UPS left ARD again, gotta love those boys! Haha. Lol. William,  it and Webers may have to go on next build, we'll see! Good Luck,Bill

You know you would rather run RC parts.

Offline slikwilli420

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #28 on: January 28, 2015, 07:07:53 am »
First of all, great project. These specials are so cool and Im glad to see someone saving another one.

Since there are some Seeley enthusiasts gathering here, I want to ask if anyone knows where one can get replica tanks and seats? If I am out of line asking on this thread please let me know.
All you gotta do is do what you gotta do.

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Offline jaguar

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #29 on: January 28, 2015, 07:43:05 am »
No, by all means.

I have not seen anyone make a replica in either alloy or glass.
Do know a guy outside of Boston that makes many race tanks, he might have a patter.
http://www.tannermatic.com/

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #30 on: January 28, 2015, 12:15:55 pm »
No, by all means.

I have not seen anyone make a replica in either alloy or glass.
Do know a guy outside of Boston that makes many race tanks, he might have a patter.
http://www.tannermatic.com/

I am sure that Denis Curtis and Byron at CMR can replicate the Seeley tank in aluminum.  http://curtisracingframes.com/
You can also check with Ian Halcott.  http://twinlinemoto.com/  Ian's work is focused on custom design (versus replicating other designs).
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"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

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Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #31 on: January 28, 2015, 02:17:31 pm »
I have not seen anyone make a replica in either alloy or glass.
Do know a guy outside of Boston that makes many race tanks, he might have a patter.
http://www.tannermatic.com/

Give member "Music City Meatalcraft" a PM, he owns a Seeley and makes Seeley Tanks....

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?action=profile;u=29399
750 K2 1000cc
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If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #32 on: January 28, 2015, 02:25:53 pm »
He looks like a talented welder/fabricator. I didn't know he made Seeley replica parts.  Cool.  If jaguar can get someone who has templates and parts, hopefully he should be able to get a close match.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #33 on: January 28, 2015, 02:27:39 pm »
He looks like a talented welder/fabricator. I didn't know he made Seeley replica parts.  Cool.  If jaguar can get someone who has templates and parts, hopefully he should be able to get a close match.


I was talking to Mike in PM's and said he would quite easily make me a tank, amongst other things... ;)
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #34 on: January 28, 2015, 02:31:31 pm »
That's a score!
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

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1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline jaguar

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #35 on: January 28, 2015, 03:20:18 pm »
He looks like a talented welder/fabricator. I didn't know he made Seeley replica parts.  Cool.  If jaguar can get someone who has templates and parts, hopefully he should be able to get a close match.

I might reach out to him when I get around to figuring out a seat

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #36 on: January 28, 2015, 03:30:48 pm »
Oops, Jaguar.  I thought it was YOU that wanted a tank, but that was Matt (aka slicwilli420). 

Your tank looks complete but has some rust issues.  Is that repairable? It looks like you have part (lower half) of the seat.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline jaguar

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #37 on: January 28, 2015, 03:43:25 pm »
Biggest issue with my tank is a dent in the rear. 
Dont see any holes or rust issues.  Inside is clean.
Will have to check for leaks and dig deeper for sure, but I dont think anything will pop up.

I have part of a seat.  Its large enough to land a J3 cub on if needed. 
Again, I'm not sure what will need to be done.  I might figure a way to clean it up and use it.  Or just run something a little different.

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #38 on: January 28, 2015, 03:53:30 pm »
Biggest issue with my tank is a dent in the rear. 
Dont see any holes or rust issues.  Inside is clean.
Will have to check for leaks and dig deeper for sure, but I dont think anything will pop up.

I have part of a seat.  Its large enough to land a J3 cub on if needed. 
Again, I'm not sure what will need to be done.  I might figure a way to clean it up and use it.  Or just run something a little different.

Rust...?  Its an alloy tank isn't it...?
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #39 on: January 28, 2015, 04:57:18 pm »
I was wondering, since the first photo in the thread appears to show rust near the aft side of the tank, where the tanks meets the frame rail.  I could be something else, but it looked brownish-red.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline jaguar

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #40 on: January 28, 2015, 05:02:09 pm »
Tank is alloy.
Will get better pictures next time I am in the garage.

Offline scottly

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #41 on: January 28, 2015, 06:27:27 pm »
So the seat/tail on your bike is indeed steel? Mine is fiberglass....
Your tank might be repaired by having a section of the bottom removed so the dent can be worked out from the inside, but it would require a skilled metal worker.
Willi, the Seeley tank will not fit on a stock 750 frame: the underside is shaped to fit the four upper frame tubes that connect to the steering head.
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Offline jaguar

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #42 on: January 28, 2015, 06:56:27 pm »
Repairing the dent will take some skill.
Right now everything is going together "as found".
I'll convince myself that the patina and dents add character to the bike.
Really want to sort all the bugs out of the bike before even thinking about aesthetics.

Offline slikwilli420

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #43 on: January 28, 2015, 06:59:18 pm »
Scottly, I'm thinking ahead to a custom framed project and the seeley body work is absolutely my favorite. Figured I should explore options before I got to far along.
All you gotta do is do what you gotta do.

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Offline jaguar

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #44 on: January 29, 2015, 05:25:52 am »
The Seeley stuff does have a good look.
Some of the Reid Titan style stuff might work on a stock frame better.

Offline calj737

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #45 on: January 29, 2015, 07:49:38 am »
Repairing the dent will take some skill.
Right now everything is going together "as found".
I'll convince myself that the patina and dents add character to the bike.
Really want to sort all the bugs out of the bike before even thinking about aesthetics.
Steel or alloy, doesn't matter. Send it to me, I'll send it back to you perfect and dentless. You're on your own for dealing with any internal tarnish though! (no more favors for members where I deal with rust and liner removal...)

If the tank is alloy, then it will come up quite easily. A very light run of a metal file afterwards will create a perfectly smooth surface, followed by a ScothBrite. Done. It will take longer to package than to repair it.
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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #46 on: January 29, 2015, 07:52:45 am »
Nice!

Hey Jag, what's the story on your other build with the CR style tank?
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline jaguar

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #47 on: January 29, 2015, 01:53:15 pm »
Nice!

Hey Jag, what's the story on your other build with the CR style tank?

Its stuck in the back of the garage....and 200 miles away from me.

Offline jaguar

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #48 on: January 30, 2015, 02:58:25 pm »
Part of the fun, at least for me, is learning more about the bike you are working on.  They did a two volume book on Colin Seeley and his bikes.  Volume one is out of print and SILLY expensive anyplace I can find it.  But lucky for me volume two is what covers the years he was making the Honda based bikes.  My girlfriends parents bought it for my 30 birthday.  Yup in the end of January I turned 30, freaking old.  Like sitting around after work drinking some Mount Gay and reading books about old motorcycles old.

So far I have just skimmed it, but it seems to have some interesting stories in it.  Was hoping that bike 519 (mine) was to be featured and I would be regaled with stories about how it was Colin Seeley’s personal bike…but alas I was not that lucky.

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Re: Seeley 519
« Reply #49 on: January 30, 2015, 09:46:44 pm »
Jag,

Do you have any idea what the average age of the members is?
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold