The gentlemans express concept in Gordons words is a "denial of form and a worship of function". I believe it was a term used to describe somewhat sporty cars of the fifties in England. In bikes he makes the comparisons with full blown cafe racers and prefers more comfort driven ergonomics in a sporting sense, low handlebars as opposed to clip-ons, proper peg location instead of way back rear-sets, a more tractable power band compared to big top-end horsepower. He chose to use a CB500 four as a platform and one of the magazine people owned one.
It's been a while since I've read this piece, but you get the jist, it's worth the read. Dave K can you scan the article and post it?
Geeto67 the fitment of these parts took a lot of measuring, trying to imagine if it might all fit without looking out of place. Eventually the frame was cut and I was commited. I wanted a rear fender that offered wet weather protection but would also trim weight. The front of the seat didn't mate well at all with the 500 tank, but I could see possibilities with the SS tank which has a different shape.
Sidecovers were an obstacle, because the Intercetor parts would not work at all. I watched a biker build-off episode with a guy from Auz or NZ who first made hardwood moulds, then pounded sheet aluminum over his moulds to form his parts. I thought I could do this for my sidecovers....... needless to say it is not as easy as it looks!
I'll post some more pics tonight.
