Topic: First motorcycle/cafe project (UPDATED 5/6/09 with a question...)

[greenjeans]

What color are the tanks etc going to be.    Love the flashy frame colors.

[dminner]

Most everything else will be gloss black (at least that was the plan, lately I have also been considering red, but it will most likely end up black).  I am just having trouble finding a tank  .

[Chris Liston]

Most everything else will be gloss black (at least that was the plan, lately I have also been considering red, but it will most likely end up black).  I am just having trouble finding a tank  .

gloss black tank, the gold frame.  RED wheels would make a bold statement

[dminner]

You know seeing that gold frame with that green Scion as a backdrop(hell the frame by itself looks better than that Scion, sorry but those things are retarded looking) makes me think you should do the body parts green.  Mabey not that color exactly but something modern for sure.  Ether that or a really deep metallic purple.  Black would sure work too.  I can see how thats a damned hard decision!  NICE WORK!

Hey, I love my scion (but I understand, you either like em or hate em, most hate em  ).  Actually, the Scion is a very unique color, it is actually a gold flake w/ a candy green, and probably would work well on the bike.  I dont know, I guess I have until I find a tank to decide.

[greenjeans]

Helped out a buddy of mine that was on "Biker Build-off" recently and when he told me that he was going to paint it Kawasaki green, I have to admit, I wasn't quite sure....   But man-o-man does that thing "pop" when you see it...  greens always seen to look pretty good when your done... that being said, it's hard to go wrong with black.... it always looks good & people always seem to like it.    Here's a link to that green bike if you're bored:  http://www.fullerhotrods.com/Galleries/galleriesview.aspx?gallery=abeefed3ddb248238abe6b894f476475&category=2&action=show
It's a rigid frame, but with that 32" tall tire (yes it's 32" tall) it is very comfortable.    It's different.

[dminner]

Hey guys, alright next step.  I finished taking aport the forks, swingarm, ect to get the wheel off.  Is there any easy way to clean the wire wheels up w/o taking of the tires, unspoking them,etc?  They are pretty nasty looking, and I have a very limited budget (I have actually only spent around $100 and just time right now) so dont really want to buy a different set.

[greenjeans]

sounds weird but it works... take a piece of aluminum foil and rub on the rims w/ some water  same with the spokes...
Kinda (very)tedious, but everybody has some foil....costs nothing but elbow grease.  works better than the chrome polish I had laying around....you have to see it to believe it.

[dminner]

Thanks for the tip, i'll give it a try.

[dminner]

Here are a couple more progress pics:

Guages before:



Gauges now:




Forks, polished and painted, with new headlight brackets and mini signals:



Mini signals in the back too:

[doug_id]

Looking good.   Nice job on the gauges and I like those clear lensed signals. 

Doug

[bill440cars]

   
         I agree, that is a good look that you've got going and those gauges are great looking. Nice job!
     Keep us posted, okay?

                                                           Later on, Bill

[dminner]

thanks guys, here are a couple more pics:

Here is one with the guages and indicator plated mounted (I need to clean the bolts up though)



Here is a quick shot of the handlebars, grips, and mirror that came yesterday

[bill440cars]

         They look right at home sitting there looking sooo good! Anxious to see more. Keep up the good work and keep us posted, okay?

                                                        Later on, Bill

[dminner]

Quick question guys.  I put the front wheel back on tonight an noticed something.  There is a small gap on the axel so the wheel kinda slides around (at least right now with it proped up it does).  Did something happen or is it supposed to be like this?

here is a pic of what I am talking about.

[FunJimmy]

Shouldn't be loose.
Just remove wheel and tighten the axle down.
Reinstall wheel!

Bike looks great!

[dminner]

Wow, im an idiot, I didnt realize the axel part just screwed on like that.  That was a quick fix.

[cleveland]

Wow, im an idiot........

You wouldn't believe how many times in a day I say that. 

[dminner]

A couple progress pics:

[hopterfixer]

Just curious, why are the 3 and 4 pipes wrapped so high together?

[dminner]

No real reason, I just liked how it looked that way.

[jtb]

Nice Job!  Makes me want to start a new project.

[dminner]

Here are a few pics of a couple other little things I liked:

plate mount (axel mount from internet = $60-100, Small L brackets bolted to the exhaust hanger = $1.79  )



I also really like this, I wanted to keep at least one part of the bike unmodified, in the condition it was in when I got it, so everyone could see what kinda shape it was in when I started.  I chose to keep the nasty, rusty, pited ignition and mount (although I still kinda kept it out of sight, i didnt like it on the handlebars).  I like little things people dont see at first glance.



I give my self 3 days of riding before I burn my arm 

[dminner]

[Jinxracing]

Okay, I give up. What kind of bike is that tank from? I like it!

[dminner]

Cool!  Now seeing the black tank on it, next to your green thing, I vote black.  Seriously, you dont look like someone Id see driving a Scion, you belong in a giant 4x4 with 40 inch swampers and at least a 4 inch lift kit.   Nice work, now pull your pants up hippie!

Haha, everyone says that.  I just like my trucker hats and the beard, well thats just easy maintenance.

Okay, I give up. What kind of bike is that tank from? I like it!

The tank is from a Suzuki gs450.  It took a little work to make it fit, but I got it on there.