Author Topic: Project "Hard Luck - The Red Racer" - updated 07/30/2010 w/new project!!! (Read 111943 times)

KB02 · « **Reply #175 on:** April 17, 2009, 06:31:02 PM »

Okay, got the welds ground down. Looks much better now. ONce the powder coating gets on, it should look nearly seamless.

I also did a quick mock up of the front end. No bearings, but it gives an idea of what it will look like.

I might end up putting the clip ons underneath the Top triple clamp. I'll have to wait until I get further along in getting it together to make up my mind. But with the clip ons on top of the triple clamp, the steering stops will not have to be altered at all. We'll see.

I also did a bit of extra cutting and grinding since I had the angle grinder out.

There's something surreal about taking an angle grinder to your frame...

The air box mouning tabs are gone, the center stand mounts are gone... Then I put away the angle grinder... before I did any more damage.

KB02 · « **Reply #176 on:** April 22, 2009, 04:31:57 AM »

Got my mounting plate made up for the coils from the Cycle-X ignition set. Now all I need is just a couple of frame clampsto hold it in place and I am all set. And maybe a bit of adhesive rubber to dampen vibrations...

KB02 · « **Reply #177 on:** May 03, 2009, 05:49:02 AM »

While I wait on two more welds on the frame before I bring everything to the powder coaters, I have been working on the gauges again. Thanks to board member PORS, I have got some sweet looking faces that match and everything.

My workspace is is kind of a mess:

But then end product is going to look pretty cool:

I might do a little tweaking, and they're just printed out on regular paper at the moment to see what they would look like, but I'm liking what I see. Now I have to get them printed out on something that will last. What have others used? Matte photo paper? Vinyl adhesive?

cafeconleche · « **Reply #178 on:** May 03, 2009, 06:05:46 AM »

I suggest having them screen printed on some sort of plastic material like acetate or vinyl

KB02 · « **Reply #179 on:** May 05, 2009, 04:31:33 AM »

Happy Cynco de Mayo!! (is that spelled right?)

I got my needles pained to better match my new faces.

And I've got the faces printed out and read to be cut out and applied.

Pressure laminated Adhesive Vinyl. Should do the trick. Now if I can just lay them out straight I'll be all set. Then it's onto the gauge housing to make that look nice. A little sanding, a little paint... should be easy...

cafeconleche · « **Reply #180 on:** May 05, 2009, 07:46:58 AM »

Quote from: KB02 on April 22, 2009, 04:31:57 AM

Got my mounting plate made up for the coils from the Cycle-X ignition set. Now all I need is just a couple of frame clampsto hold it in place and I am all set. And maybe a bit of adhesive rubber to dampen vibrations...

Do these coils require the use of points?

KB02 · « **Reply #181 on:** May 05, 2009, 06:06:27 PM »

No, it's an optical ignition system. It replaces the points. Check out the website for more info:
Cycle-X Power Arch Ignition

Alan F. · « **Reply #182 on:** May 06, 2009, 08:00:16 AM »

Good progress KB, I just read the entire thread again and it's really inspiring.
-A

KB02 · « **Reply #183 on:** May 20, 2009, 10:36:54 AM »

Well, everything has been dropped off at the powder coaters. $225 for the frame (and bits) and then $75 per rim. Should be done by about mid next week. Then the week after that I am off on vacation to the Americade Motorcycle rally.

Then it's time for assembly!

KB02 · « **Reply #184 on:** May 29, 2009, 04:59:14 PM »

Back from Powder Coating!!!

I really liked the Silvery color after it was blasted. The powder coating is just a touch darker, and metallic. It looks really nice.

Here's a shot of things laid out as Rosco looks on.

Then I threw on some of the new rubber pieces to hold the tank. You know, just to make sure they fit.

Of Course, It's only AFTER I get everything back and start laying everything out that I realize I FORGOT TO HAVE THE DANG SIDE STAND COATED!!!

Oh well, I'll have to paint it black or some color that will blend in well when it's all together.

SO, now it is time to start in on putting it all together. Of course I leave on Sunday to go on Vacation for a week. And it's not like I'm going on a vacation where I'll forget all about motorcycles while I'm gone (When do I EVER forget all about motorcycles...). I'm going to a motorcycle rally. The Americade Motorcycle Rally in Lake George, NY. While I am gone, new Swingarm bushings will arrive via UPS. The newly coated frame will be sitting in my garage and all I will be able to do is think about it.

Well, the summer is upon us and time will be there to get it together. I WILL hear this bike run this year. That is my goal.

...

...

Oh, and pictures and video will be posted when that happens, too.

KB02 · « **Reply #185 on:** June 10, 2009, 10:39:59 AM »

Well, today has been good day so far.

The engine on it's side trick was pretty easy to do with the engine holder that I had made up.

Then the engine holder came off.

Then the FRAME was lowered over the engine.

I'll tell, you what, though, that frame kit was WELL WORTH IT when it comes to getting the engine and frame together. That little bit of extra room makes all the difference.

THEN, for the first time in Two years, Engine and Frame were joined together!!!

The swingarm is now installed as well with new bushings and everything.
Now the big problem is the triple trees. Like an idiot, I said, "Yeah, that looks good," and put it all together, including driving down the lower bearing onto the steering stem. Turns out I need a spacer under the bearing to make it fit right. Now I have to pull that bearing, without destroying it, and put a spacer underneath. That's the afternoon project. Then I just need tires and I have a rolling chassis!

cafeconleche · « **Reply #186 on:** June 10, 2009, 10:42:00 AM »

looking good

KB02 · « **Reply #187 on:** June 10, 2009, 05:25:50 PM »

Got some more work done this afternoon. YAY PROGRESS!!

I got the bearing reset with the proper spacer and got the front end on. Had to put the tank on, too, to make sure that the bars cleared the tank.

I'm not sure if I'm going to go with the clip-on above or below the top tree. Both ways will clear the tank, so I'll have to decide later. What do you all think?
Above:

Below:

Then, since I was pretty much at that point anyway, I decided that I might as well put the new bearings in the wheels. Then, since the bearing were in, and the frame was hard to move around by itself, I figured I might was well put the wheel ons.

The rear wheel was relitively easy to get on. The front needed a little extra lift from some straps hung from the rafters of the garage.

After two years working on the project, it's nice to see some progress. I decided to roll the bike out of the garage to get some better pictures. It will be nice to get some tires. I figured I had better roll out a cardboard carpet to keep the new coated rims nice and coated.

here it is as it's same year Honda CB400T II looks on in the background.

Then I figured I had to get the exhaust out just to look at it. I got so excited that I forgot to grab any bolts to hold it on. I looked around for something that would work and the only thing within my reach was a stick that the dog had been chewing on. It was the right size to fit in the hole, so I stuck it in and took this shot:

This thing is going to be Bad A$$ when I get it done. I'm really feeling the inch to get it running soon!

cafe2be · « **Reply #188 on:** June 10, 2009, 06:57:33 PM »

well whatever way you decide on the clip ons, you made me decide on putting mine below the upper tree.

Great looking project!

Joel · « **Reply #189 on:** June 10, 2009, 07:07:08 PM »

I was skeptical about the grey/silver frame but that turned out great. I think the slightly darker shade helped.

So does the red and black engine.

andy750 · « **Reply #190 on:** June 10, 2009, 08:43:46 PM »

Looking slick and I like the clipons below the triple tree....cant say I am too crazy for the red part of the engine but I am waiting to see how it all turns out....love that exhaust!

good luck
Andy

KB02 · « **Reply #191 on:** June 11, 2009, 04:37:19 AM »

Once I get everything togetheer, the red will pretty much ust be an accent color. Now I have t figure out what color to paint the tank, seat and fender. I had been planning on a nice, metalic , burnt orange which has been all the rage lately. I fell in love with that color after I painted the engine, though, and I'm not sure it will work We'll see.

Coming pretty close to my inspiration, though, huh? (although kind of reversed colors...)

Putting those old, stock shocks on was kind of like putting a turd on the hood of a nice, clean car. That's okay. It's only temporary...

HavocTurbo · « **Reply #192 on:** June 11, 2009, 02:22:34 PM »

What tire sizes are you planning on? I also prefer the clip on's below the tree.

Absolutely gorgeous even as it sits. Very nice!!

andy750 · « **Reply #193 on:** June 11, 2009, 04:41:35 PM »

I also love your "inspiration bike" - that thing is amazing!!

Cant wait to see how yours turns out!!

Good luck
Andy

KB02 · « **Reply #194 on:** June 11, 2009, 05:59:01 PM »

Quote from: HavocTurbo on June 11, 2009, 02:22:34 PM

What tire sizes are you planning on? I also prefer the clip on's below the tree.

Absolutely gorgeous even as it sits. Very nice!!

The tires on the Katana (which is what I based all of my mesasurements off of) were 160 in the rear and 120 in the front. I might go 150 in the rear, though, but I'd like to stick with the 160.

HavocTurbo · « **Reply #195 on:** June 12, 2009, 08:40:48 AM »

Quote from: KB02 on June 11, 2009, 05:59:01 PM

Quote from: HavocTurbo on June 11, 2009, 02:22:34 PM
What tire sizes are you planning on? I also prefer the clip on's below the tree.

Absolutely gorgeous even as it sits. Very nice!!

The tires on the Katana (which is what I based all of my mesasurements off of) were 160 in the rear and 120 in the front. I might go 150 in the rear, though, but I'd like to stick with the 160.

they both 18's? or 17's I cannot remember. I have a full line of Michelin and Shinko at my disposal so if you want something for the track (hint hint

)

Based on your build I'm half tempted to tear my Katana apart and use it on my XS850.

KB02 · « **Reply #196 on:** June 13, 2009, 05:48:34 AM »

They're both 17's. I ordered some rubber last night for it. BikeBandit was having a blow out on Bridgestone Battleaxe BT021's. With my AMA discount, I ended up getting two tires for $170 (full retail price is about $360). Their shipping is not the fastest, but I have gotten good service from them. Not exactly the tires I wanted on the bike, but a good tire in the same line of what I am used to. And how could I beat that price?

DollarBill · « **Reply #197 on:** June 13, 2009, 08:19:31 PM »

KB02....I AM JEALOUS! It's going to look KICK ASS! Nice work!

KB02 · « **Reply #198 on:** June 18, 2009, 05:03:50 AM »

Well, after about three hours of tinkering on it, two bloody knuckles, and a near heart attack later, I finally got the gear shifting mechanism back together. Man, that system is a pain in the butt. I got the cam "Moc" timed and the ignition in place. I've got tires and new fork seals on order and they should be here soon.

I'm heading into two week of hell at work. I don't know when the next update will be coming out.

HavocTurbo · « **Reply #199 on:** June 18, 2009, 08:13:57 AM »

Glad to hear you got the little hornet's nest back together.

Good luck at work!!

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Author Topic: Project "Hard Luck - The Red Racer" - updated 07/30/2010 w/new project!!! (Read 111943 times)