Author Topic: 650 Bobber buildup photos (Read 5994 times)

BT650 · « **on:** February 01, 2009, 07:06:20 AM »

I finally got around to posting the progress photos of my BT650 Bobber build. Hope you like. The first set of pics shows me experimenting with seat ideas and paint.

BT650 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2009, 07:08:51 AM »

Shining up the motor using scotch brite pads, steel wool, and buffing wheel with red and white polish. At this stage I was going to leave it with a brushed look, but ultimately decided to shine it up more. Still working on this a little at a time.

BT650 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2009, 07:10:40 AM »

Added trailer lights from local auto store. Still not liking the seat and thinking of cutting the tail section off and putting in struts.

BT650 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2009, 07:13:15 AM »

Shortened the seat and fit a larger wider tank off a 1999 Nighthawk 750 because mine was so rusted on the inside and I wanted a wider look on top to give it a broader curvy look.

BT650 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2009, 07:18:49 AM »

Now I've bobbed the tail section, added the struts, made a trim accent piece with aluminum for the back of the seat to hide the wrinkles and fabricated a new fender out of a scrap piece of sheet metal. Also changed the bars out, added a license plate mount to the chain guard, and put turn signals into the frame tubes which look really cool lit up.

BT650 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2009, 07:24:24 AM »

Here's the final outcome so far. The last photo shows some PhotoShop work to see if I should black out the wheels and add a little more fender to the back.
So how about some feedback?

captaincrash80 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2009, 11:56:38 AM »

I'd ride it

Once i get my chopper finished thinking about doing a bobber out of the parts bikes I have left over. Good job so far.

BT650 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2009, 04:57:28 PM »

Thanks. Is your chopper posted on the site?

captaincrash80 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 02, 2009, 09:32:51 PM »

Sure is:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=39075.0

BT650 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 05, 2009, 05:53:38 PM »

I checked out your thread and left you a guess about your starting problem.

So does anyone have an opinion on whether I should blackout the wheels or shine up the aluminum?
Does anyone know how to clean up a slightly rusted o-ring chain (still moves pretty freely and the sprockets are in great shape) or am I better off to buy a new one? I'm just too cheap.
I've only got $750 bucks in this bike so far including what I payed for it.

Also, I reworked the rear fender to add a little more shape and length. I'll post pics later.

ba55kas3 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 14, 2009, 07:42:46 AM »

Quote from: BT650 on February 01, 2009, 07:24:24 AM

Here's the final outcome so far. The last photo shows some PhotoShop work to see if I should black out the wheels and add a little more fender to the back.
So how about some feedback?

i'm liking the blacked out... but that's just me... i also like that you kept the 4-4 exhaust, are you going to leave it like that?

Tim in Ohio · « **Reply #11 on:** February 14, 2009, 07:51:41 AM »

Quote from: BT650 on February 01, 2009, 07:06:20 AM

I finally got around to posting the progress photos of my BT650 Bobber build. Hope you like. The first set of pics shows me experimenting with seat ideas and paint.

If you are seeking opinions... I think this first seat option looks like a$$

BT650 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 14, 2009, 06:06:54 PM »

I'm keeping the exhaust. I like the 4 pipes. And yes, that seat sucked @ss. It was the first to go. I'm working on a solo seat right now and am going with a smaller tank soon as I get it ready. I liked the width of this tank at first, but I don't think it does the bike justice without a fat tire on the back to balance it out.

BT650 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 22, 2009, 05:26:59 AM »

Well, I couldn't leave it well enough alone. The tank just seemed too big (long) for the bike, and I wanted the exposed tire but it didn't look right with the tank and seat, so I chopped the tail section off another 8". Welded end caps over the frame ends. Lowered the rear another 2". Lowered the front end another 1". Lost the big bulky instrument cluster (going to order the mini speedo from Cycle X). Made a new solo seat. Went with a much smaller tank (off a dirtbike). I had to weld a "gooseneck" piece to the frame to raise the back of the tank enough for the petcock to clear the heads.
What do you guys think of the new look? Better or worse? I'm going for more of a raw look.

Soos · « **Reply #14 on:** February 22, 2009, 10:04:39 AM »

I think the only (aesthetic) improvement you got room for would be eliminating the airbox, and hiding the electrics.
Mabey a santee style box?

Finding pods with clearance with those carbs is a challenge though.
Mabey change the bars....

but a improvement IMO over stock.
Dropped about 50 lbs of parts there?

have fun!

l8r

GoatBaSS · « **Reply #15 on:** February 22, 2009, 10:28:01 AM »

Lookin' Good.
Wanna hear how it rides though....

BT650 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 22, 2009, 12:07:43 PM »

I was going to go with ape hangers, but I'm too short so I don't have the reach. I'm thinking of going to pod filters, but not sure if I'm ready to tackle rejetting the carbs yet. As for the ride, I'll have to lose the center stand first. Too low.

A Grove · « **Reply #17 on:** February 22, 2009, 06:24:02 PM »

this is exactly what I'm wanting to do, except a few different twists... looks great man!

BT650 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 08, 2009, 08:42:53 AM »

Smaller tank, new seat, removed gauge cluster and installed smaller speedometer, new rear struts, blackout wheels, tires, reshaped rear fender, new "suede" paint. Next is the hot rod pinstripe for the tank and fender.

A Grove · « **Reply #19 on:** March 08, 2009, 11:24:51 AM »

That thing screams for some drag-bars and loud pipes

looks good

details on tank?

BT650 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 08, 2009, 06:51:33 PM »

Thanks. Got the tank off e-bay for $10. It's off a 70s Yamaha 175 dirt bike. It took some work to get it to sit right, and it had to be raised up quite a bit for the petcock to clear the heads. I had to shape and weld new tank mounts to the top of the frame for the rubber tank bushings to nest into. I trimmed and welded an exhaust tailpipe piece to the frame just above the seat in order to raise the bottom of the tank and give it a stable place to mount. It actually worked out pretty well. The tailpipe actually makes the frame appear to curve up under the tank.

BT650 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 08, 2009, 07:11:05 PM »

Oh, and I finally got to take her out for a ride yesterday. Amazing what a difference 76 degree weather can make when trying to get it started. Started right up. Rode just like I thought it would so good thing I added more padding in the seat this time. Apparently the kick up in the seat was a good idea too because it saved my @$$ when it hooked up so well off the line. I nearly slid off the back of the seat. Guess I underestimated the power a little. What a blast. Reminded me of my first mini-bike (you know the kind with no shocks and the Briggs and Stratton 5 hp motor) except this one is a bit faster obviously. Can't wait for Spring!

Hush · « **Reply #22 on:** March 08, 2009, 11:28:39 PM »

Never underestimate the mighty 650

MosquitoJones · « **Reply #23 on:** March 10, 2009, 10:04:09 AM »

If you still have that ugly-ass bucket seat I'll buy it off you. I need something to tide me over while I fabricate something new, since sitting right on the frame and battery isn't an option.

BT650 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 10, 2009, 05:01:40 PM »

I know, that was a sweeeet lookin' seat! Too bad it's long gone.

dtnocr · « **Reply #25 on:** April 07, 2009, 07:56:43 PM »

Quick question, I'm a college student with a limited budget. I have a triumph speed triple currently but really want to start working on my own bobber. If you had to rough estimate what you have spent on this transition, what would you say?

GoatBaSS · « **Reply #26 on:** April 08, 2009, 05:03:50 AM »

Money is not the same as TIME!

You always spend a dollar more than you want to.

BT650 · « **Reply #27 on:** April 08, 2009, 03:54:01 PM »

Quote from: dtnocr on April 07, 2009, 07:56:43 PM

Quick question, I'm a college student with a limited budget. I have a triumph speed triple currently but really want to start working on my own bobber. If you had to rough estimate what you have spent on this transition, what would you say?

I paid $450 for the bike. It would barely run when I got it and if you saw the before pic at the beginning, well... Anyway, to get it to where it is right now, I've got about another $400 in parts. I did 100% of the labor. Still not a lot, but when you're on a budget, it's the $20-40 items that add up. Good luck. Welcome to the obsession.

martino1972 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 06, 2009, 02:54:57 PM »

do you have any kind of springs under the seat..

if you do,do you have a close up picture...

our bikes look very similar,same kinda seat even,but i'm running mine without springs...thinking about changing that..

BT650 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 06, 2009, 07:44:35 PM »

No springs under the seat. Tried it but looked stupid with the shape of my seat. There's enough padding in the seat that it isn't too bad for the first hour or so.

manjisann · « **Reply #30 on:** July 07, 2009, 07:42:28 AM »

Nice buildup. I love the cafe look, but it's always fun to see something different. I've got a buggered frame off a spare parts bike I'm thinking I'll bob so this is very educational.

To the educational part, I believe you said you made your rear fender from a piece of sheetmetal, how did you round it over to fit the contours of the tire?

Keep up the good work!

Brandon

The_Crippler · « **Reply #31 on:** July 07, 2009, 06:18:27 PM »

*applause* Bravo. Nicely done. I've got a 650 that I'm planning a bob for myself, and you've given me some ideas. Certain things like the lack of fenders the great Commonwealth of PA won't let me do - but other stuff left me inspired.

I had originally planned to swap out the quad megaphones, but they really work on your ride. Are the solid struts custom made, or were you able to purchase them somewhere?

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Author Topic: 650 Bobber buildup photos (Read 5994 times)

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