Author Topic: For all my project threads, I'm stuck and need some help.  (Read 1417 times)

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Offline GroovieGhoulie

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For all my project threads, I'm stuck and need some help.
« on: March 06, 2007, 04:12:40 PM »
Ok, I got my project frame and engine.  But now I'm stuck because I don't know quite what's the best place to start.

The FIRST thing I'm gonna do is get the frame titled.  I know, I know, I know, buying a frame without a title is ill-advised, but this was too good of a deal, even without a title.  So once that's done, I'm thinking about what I'm gonna need to do.  There's a bike guy down here with a frame jig and such and I'm probably gonna take it to him to make sure it's straight and true and I'm not using crap for the basis for my project.  If it's a little kinked from being dropped, he should be able to straighten it.

Then what?

I mean, it's too easy to start buying parts and fitting them, but that seems like the only thing I need to do before I tear into the engine.  I plan to do the engine last, since the engine is kinda the "fun" part to me and I wanna knock out the grunt work first, so I make sure I do it.

So what to do?  Front or rear suspensions?  Wiring/electrical?  Tank/Seat?  The frame powdercoating/finish-out will be the last thing I do because I don't want the pristine frame getting nicked or dinged during fitting and mock-up stages.

How should I progress on this?  What's the easiest project progression?  It's a total ground-up cafe project.  My starting "bank" for the project is $8,000, with more being added each paycheck, so I have some capital to get started.

Offline LoopsAndLogic

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Re: For all my project threads, I'm stuck and need some help.
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2007, 05:34:13 PM »
What Model frame did you buy???

I would work on the suspension first then the wiring. Then you will be able to mock-up the front and rear lighting, and then the placement of the tank and seat should follow.

Thats how I've been doing it for 4 years.
 
Rims are really up to you..... I really like mags but not on smaller CB's.

  I would definitely look for a triple disk setup. Much safer!!!

And whatever you go for, I know you will be pleased with your work.

$8,000 to put in this project :o  You lucky Dog!

  And don't forget..... Post progress pictures 8)

Best of luck to you.

My rides:
75' 76' Honda CB400F Super Sports
86' Honda XR600R for Street Madness
84' Honda Interceptor VF500

Past Rides:
80' Honda CX500C Fully Dressed
81' Honda CB650C very nice!
83' Kawasaki KZ550 A3
78' Hondamatic 400 Hawk
80' 81' 82' Honda GL500 Silverwing Insterstate

Offline GroovieGhoulie

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Re: For all my project threads, I'm stuck and need some help.
« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2007, 06:10:34 PM »
What Model frame did you buy???

It's a 1970 750.  Total basket case.  Rolling chassis only.  Got it for a song.

I would work on the suspension first then the wiring. Then you will be able to mock-up the front and rear lighting, and then the placement of the tank and seat should follow.


Not a bad idea.


Rims are really up to you..... I really like mags but not on smaller CB's.

I would definitely look for a triple disk setup. Much safer!!!


Going to dual discs up front and am gonna optimize the rear drum for now.  Gonna eventually go to the CR-style twin-leading-shoe magnesium rear drum from M3 racing for the rear, but that's a ways off.

$8,000 to put in this project :o  You lucky Dog!

$8000 to start.  Total planned budget is 12K.  If I can get away cheaper, woohoo!

And don't forget..... Post progress pictures 8)

Best of luck to you.

Of course I will, and thanks!


Offline bwaller

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Re: For all my project threads, I'm stuck and need some help.
« Reply #3 on: March 06, 2007, 06:40:36 PM »
Start with tapered roller bearings up front

Send your swingarm pivot tube to Hondaman and he'll polish that & machine bushings to snug up the rear.

Decide what you'll use for forks, make sure the tubes are straight and don't accept anything showing any wear, then new seals and if stock items go for at least progressive springs and air fittings help.

Choose your weapons for the rear end (shocks) and don't scrimp here!

On these bikes I like having a steering damper.

Whatever wheels you use, automatically replace the bearings, I've used stock hubs and shouldered Excel rims with polished spokes from Buchannans and like that look, but each to his own. Pick your choice of tires and don't scrimp here either!

Choose your handlebar options and make sure the cables & wiring fit.

End of day one!