Author Topic: Project "Hard Luck - The Red Racer" - updated 07/30/2010 w/new project!!! (Read 111940 times)

KB02 · « **Reply #125 on:** February 08, 2009, 05:42:38 PM »

The cuts have been made.

As the engine looks on through the frame...

Loosely back in place by the top bolts.

I'll have to get a pipe cutter to cut the newly removable section to size before I weld the new bolt sections in. I'll also have to take a trip down to see my dad as he is the one with the welder.

Progress... yes, I'm making progress...

MCRider · « **Reply #126 on:** February 08, 2009, 05:55:43 PM »

Looking good. If you ever have the need to use it you'll be glad you have it.

KB02 · « **Reply #127 on:** February 15, 2009, 06:09:57 AM »

Got my new Swingarm bolt thanks to member FFJMOORE. Thanks again!! That's what I love about these boards: We're there to help each other out. Both of the rearset mounts can now be placed on the bike. I had to cut down the pivot tube for the stock drum brake. It's actually indented into the rear down tube, so I left most of it in place for structural purposes - just cut off what I needed for clearance.

I also got most of the cutting done on my frame insert. I had been using a pipe cutter to get nice, even cuts. It's made for copper, not steel, so I guess I wasn't too surprised when it broke.

I might be able to fix it, but I don't know how long it will hold. I've got two cuts left to make and I might have to go back to my hack saw (which means another trip to the hardware store for more blades...).

I'm getting pumped about this project again. My new pipes should be done by the end of this week. I can't wait to get them.

KB02 · « **Reply #128 on:** February 16, 2009, 05:04:19 AM »

I got a great e-mail this morning.

My pipes are done and here are some of the pics as they sit on the BCR (Benjie's Cafe Racer) mock-up bike:

I can't wait to get these pipes and do a little mock-up myself.

I am getting really jazzed about this project again. Pieces are starting to come in left and right. I'm getting work done on it. I cannot wait for spring.

DollarBill · « **Reply #129 on:** February 16, 2009, 06:11:56 AM »

DADGUM! KB02 those pipes are killer! I can't wait to hear how they sound...you'll have to take some video for us. Have you figured out your Katana wheels yet? Are you going to need an offset sprocket to make the rear wheel work?

cafeconleche · « **Reply #130 on:** February 16, 2009, 07:44:16 AM »

ditto, those pipes are beautiful

rachet · « **Reply #131 on:** February 16, 2009, 09:32:23 AM »

Wow! I planned on a 4 into 1 exhaust, but after seeing those pics... And your thread is simply inspiring. I've been wasting the day away doing nothing really, and now I'm getting off my butt and going out to the garage! Keep up the fantastic work!

Rachet~

HavocTurbo · « **Reply #132 on:** February 16, 2009, 02:41:06 PM »

Quote from: DollarBill on February 16, 2009, 06:11:56 AM

DADGUM! KB02 those pipes are killer! I can't wait to hear how they sound...you'll have to take some video for us. Have you figured out your Katana wheels yet? Are you going to need an offset sprocket to make the rear wheel work?

I'll offer any help I can with this....if you need it that is.

bgfootball67 · « **Reply #133 on:** February 16, 2009, 06:10:34 PM »

Beautiful pipes, can not wait to hear those in action! Great Project!

KB02 · « **Reply #134 on:** February 16, 2009, 08:32:11 PM »

Quote from: DollarBill on February 16, 2009, 06:11:56 AM

DADGUM! KB02 those pipes are killer! I can't wait to hear how they sound...you'll have to take some video for us. Have you figured out your Katana wheels yet? Are you going to need an offset sprocket to make the rear wheel work?

The Kat wheels are all set. I was able to have the sprocket carrier milled down the small bit I needed. The chain will still clear the tires and this way I won't have to deal with any offset sprockets when it comes time to change one out.

Yeah, I just spent 12 1/2 hours at work today, it's 11:30 at night, and just looking at those pipe pics are making me want to hop out into the garage and work on the bike.

And don't worry, there will be video when I get this thing running.

Toxic · « **Reply #135 on:** February 17, 2009, 03:24:18 PM »

Just to make you feel better, those pipes are well worth the money.

Is there any baffles in there at all?

KB02 · « **Reply #136 on:** February 18, 2009, 06:09:09 AM »

Yeah, tunable and packable.

I'm not a huge fan of loud pipes that are loud just to be loud. But a good sound I like. You should hear my Ducati:Loud to be sure, but a really nice, low rumbley loud.

KB02 · « **Reply #137 on:** February 19, 2009, 05:34:10 AM »

Now I'm in a holding pattern.

All of the cuts are done on the removable frame section. Just waiting to have them welded in.
Rearset brackets are all set.
Waiting for the steering stem to get welded together for the front end.
Waiting on Exhaust.
Waiting for spring...

I did notice yesterday as I was getting the garage cleaned up a little bit that the rear section of my frame is a bit bent.

The tail part of the tubes that go out under the seat. I'm going to have to do a bit of investigating to find out just how far this bend goes. hopefully I can just straighten it back out and it's not too far into the frame. We'll see...

KB02 · « **Reply #138 on:** February 24, 2009, 06:01:12 AM »

I GOT MY PIPES!!!!! They look fantastic. I did a quick hold-it-up-to-the-frame test fit last night. Looks like I may have to redesign my rearset brackets a little bit as it looks like the lower part of the gear shifter might hit the pipes a bit. should be a simple adjustment, but we'll see.

I also go the chance to check out the rear of the frame. Turn out it is not bent (whew...). It's just the rear brace that is bent. Should be easy to bend back into place.

HavocTurbo · « **Reply #139 on:** February 24, 2009, 09:30:37 AM »

Glad to hear the frame is good.

First chance you get, pics of the pipes. I'm dying of anticipation.

It's seriously worse than waiting for the ketchup bottles.

Seriously.

rachet · « **Reply #140 on:** February 24, 2009, 12:40:31 PM »

We need Pics of those Pipes! I would also be interested in some general dimensions if you have them. I'm particularly interested in the Length of the megaphones, diameter at the widest part, and how much of a taper is on the very end. If you get a chance to.

Can't wait to see them mocked up! I bet you can't wait even more!

Rach~

Spikeybike · « **Reply #141 on:** February 24, 2009, 02:46:23 PM »

i only wanna know three things :

1. how much did they cost, i know benji doesn't half step so they're worth it but i'm curious

2. how long did it take, custom parts take time i know, again just curious

3. HOW DO THEY SOUND ...i'm sure we're all wondering that

KB02 · « **Reply #142 on:** February 25, 2009, 05:57:11 AM »

Oh, man, Spikey, you KNOW I want to know how they sound.

Right now I'm sitting at the car dealership waiting for a ride while my Jeep gets worked on, but when I get home I'll take some pics.

They cost $1200. They are repackable. They stainless, too, so they should last for a long, long time. It's horrible not having the engine in the frame for a proper mock up. Soon... soon... I must maintain patience...

KB02 · « **Reply #143 on:** February 25, 2009, 09:06:48 AM »

here are the first mock up pics. I am definatly going to have to redesign my rearset mounts... or at the very lest make them jut out a little further. the lower part of the gear selector linkage hits the pipes as they are mounted up. That will need to be seen to...

rachet · « **Reply #144 on:** February 25, 2009, 09:27:45 AM »

You lucky bastard KB02! I am jealous! Could you refresh my memory, did you make the rear sets yourself?

KB02 · « **Reply #145 on:** February 25, 2009, 10:38:27 AM »

One more pic:
Isn't this sexy?

Rachet:
Yes and no. I bought a set of "universal" rearsets off of ebay. The mounting plates didn't fit the frame so I (with the help off my Dad, who is a machinist) made up new mounting plates for them.

After looking at them a bit, I may just be able to build a spacer to move them out enough to clear, but then I might have to worry about kick starter clearance... Stay tuned on that one...

Spikeybike · « **Reply #146 on:** February 25, 2009, 11:01:49 AM »

those are so badass

KB02 · « **Reply #147 on:** March 04, 2009, 03:13:42 PM »

I think I found a solution to my rearset problem: If I simply move the foot pegs to the end of the triangle, then everything should clear. I'll have to mock up a piece out of wood to test it before I cut the metal. plus, it's very chilly outside, so I might wait for a warmer day, too.

KB02 · « **Reply #148 on:** March 11, 2009, 06:30:59 AM »

Well, it's off to the sandblaster's with the frame today. Spring is coming and I am itching hard to make this thing ridable. After blasting its time for some welding in various places for various reasons and then come the powder coating. THEN I can start putting everything together. My goal is to have it ridable by June. That's when I go to the Americade Motorcycle rally. Still have a lot of decisions to make in that time, though, so I'd better get crackin'...

KB02 · « **Reply #149 on:** March 11, 2009, 09:23:41 AM »

When I dropped off the frame at the sand blasters, the powder coating guy was there, too (they're both named Adam). He quoted my about $300 for coating the frame, assorted bits and the two rims. I figured that was a fair price.

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Author Topic: Project "Hard Luck - The Red Racer" - updated 07/30/2010 w/new project!!! (Read 111940 times)