MOTOBRICK.COM
TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => Project Custom Motobricks => Topic started by: frankenwing on August 15, 2016, 03:21:35 PM
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New to this site. Been building some different bikes for a while. This one's my first BMW. So I'm pretty excited about it. I picked this one up a few weeks ago for $650. It's in pretty rough shape, but I was able to ride it and test it at least. Motor sounds and runs strong.
I'm doing this build in 2 phases. The first phase is to get some necessary work out of the way. Since the purpose of buying this bike is simply because my wife and I don't have a bike that we can ride on together. All our other bikes are single seater customs of mine. And we have a bike trip planned soon.
2nd phase will consist of the finer details. Like making a new 2-up seat designed specifically for this frame. Then maybe some minimal frame modification at the far back. Wire up new gauges and dashboard (from what I've read, thats a bit of a mission for these bikes). The rest is uncertain, it really just comes down to how i see my vision moving forward once I get there.
So a list of things to be done:
• Fix and update wiring issues. Couldn't believe the botch up job that was done to "fix" broken things on this.
• Clean / Rebuild injectors and throttle body.
• Clean out and paint motor block. Polish up some metal bits. Remove paint off of some things and polish.
• Polish/paint valve and cam covers.
• Powder coat wheels and frame to a faded goldish color.
• Paint tank white.
• Repaint remaining body parts black.
• Maybe reshape front fender a little bit
Here's the bike as I bought it and brought it home:
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/1C201Y2L1b0s2M221T0S/1.jpg)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/1o283U1F3F0m1T3X010A/2.jpg)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/1c3m063A433M37473U3a/3.jpg)
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After taking the bike apart, finally got to see how much crap there was to clean off. Some areas had up to an inch of caked on mud/grease!
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/3l1T0d3v3i2j2i1Q0X3t/1.jpg)
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Before and after of basic cleaning on the throttle body
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/3l102I3s2y3N3u011f2O/2.jpg)
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Painted the motor block / valve cover / swing arm etc black
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/3j2a0B2v2b2r3m1M0j1T/3.jpg)
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After cleaning out the throttle body and injectors, i started to put some stuff back together. Cleaned out the airboxes and a fresh coat of paint to cover up some faded plastic.
Stripped the paint off of the fuel rail, shifter, brake pedal and a number of other things.
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/2r3Y3o0d38020D160m45/4.jpg)
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Do you have any pictures of the masking you did on the block/transmission? Any worry about separating pieces/covers when you need to disassemble in the future?
And good lord, did you use a pressure washer or 20 rolls of paper towels to get all that grease off? That's incredible.
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I started with oven cleaner to get rid of the majority of it as quick as possible. That stuff is gold. Just dont ever let it sit TOO long. I also bought one of these things: https://www.shop.brushhero.com This is absolutely one of my favorite toys for cleaning bikes.
No pics of masking. I did however remove all the panels that can be removed easily from the motor and painted separately. Then just covered and masked any open areas of the motor. Simple enough job.
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Now I really want a Brush Hero. Even the dog, they say...
For masking the block without the valve, crank, and timing cover, just painters tape and like newspaper or something?
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Yup, thats all I used.
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Are you going to paint the crank cover too?
Why remove the black coating from the fuel rail--black radiates heat better than anything and you want your fuel cool...?
That was the worst greasy motor top that i've ever seen--how could it get that bad.
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I've painted the inside grooves of the crank cover. The rest of it I'm polishing. Still workin on that.
As for the temp on the fuel rack, that's not something I thought of. But after thinking about it, wouldn't it be hotter with black still on it? I'm no scientist or anything. Just assuming that it would absorb more heat if it was black, right? With the cleared metal its going to reflect light. But maybe I've got that backwards?
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Unpainted metal will have a higher thermal conductivity, thus transferring heat more easily. Black paint would absorb more heat from light. It doesn't matter in the least.
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Interesting. Definitely nothing I factored in. I'm thinking since the fuel will pass through there fairly quickly anyways, it should be fine and not have any affect. But if it does it's easily reversible.
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Yeah I don't think the temperature of the fuel changes much after it leaves the tank and gets to the injector. I've heard of fuel boiling in the tank, but not too much you can do about that.
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Black absorbs energy better than any other color, and it radiates in the infra-red region (aka heat energy).
my k75 fuel tanks have a sheet of insulation glued to the bottom to reflect engine heat away from the tank.
The action of the fuel pump puts heat into the fuel, it gets recirculated constantly thru the fuel rail and back to the tank.
We paint electric motor housings black and they run 10-20 degrees cooler than if left unpainted aluminum.
But don't take my word for it, do your own research if you care or think it matters.
i think painting the engine and trans black was a good idea, for looks and thermally.
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Finally an update to show for. The frame and wheels have been with my powder coat guy for a few weeks (been taking forever) and I'm finally picking them up today. I've fixed the wiring issues and repaired the botched up jobs. So now it's just time to start putting it back together. Will be ready to paint the tank and panels soon.
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/3s1Z0T2Z2f3z2y2j1N1E/powder-coated-frame-gold.jpg)
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Re: Black paint on fuel rail
On an RT, the fuel rail is covered in foam. As a result heat conductivity would be next to nil - either heat loss or heat gain.
Really don't think it is a concern. Furthermore, your bike may end up naked (no foam), so heat loss will occur if anything.
While you have it apart, you might update the radiator fan to a Spal 6.5" puller fan (approx $50 and up) - my current project. Coupled with the insulation blanket on the underside of the fuel tank, heat issues should not be a concern.
Regards
Guy
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Thanks for the tip on the fan. I do hear a lot about peoples' fans seizing up. I currently have a manual switch hooked up for it as well.
Got the frame and rear wheel mounted now, absolutely loving the gold finish.
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/3a0L0N1g2f140O192u3b/gold-powder-coat-1.jpg)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/2Q043u1m1O3l0O2L1s0O/gold-powder-coat-2.jpg)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/1m471j332P3J1t1N3T0V/gold-powder-coat-3.jpg)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/0N0Y3o3v0F2d3W1n1w44/gold-powder-coat-4.jpg)
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Whoa, that black and gold! It's totally baller, as I would have said as a teenager.
I kind of hope you're down in New Orleans.
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It was a bold move for me, I've always stuck with black frames. I just had a vision for this one and i saw the gold frame and wheels working really well. The tank will be a white / pearl, and remaining body parts will be black.
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:popcorm can't wait to see the finished product...
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Great attention to detail! You are going to have an awesome bike!
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Inching along
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/0v3B3g1D260U3h3A3T2S/image.jpeg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/012x1G3e1P3v1W0G0z3k/image.jpeg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
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BEAUTY! :clap:
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Looks amazing so far! Looking forward to seeing how it progresses:)
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The standard of your work seems to be of a high quality. I suppose for many on this forum, it's reassuring to see that the bike is in the hands of someone competent and that the finished product will be impressive. Keep the pics coming.
Have you got an idea of costs so far?
Now about that air conditioner in the garage...
Regards
Guy
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The standard of your work seems to be of a high quality. I suppose for many on this forum, it's reassuring to see that the bike is in the hands of someone competent and that the finished product will be impressive. Keep the pics coming.
Thank you sir. I appreciate that.
Have you got an idea of costs so far?
Bought the bike for $650. Running but in pretty rough shape. Most of the costs so far have just been in maintenance/replacements. I'm very much a DIY kinda guy, and whatever I haven't done yet I try to learn how to do it myself. So as far as the cosmetics are concerned, the only thing I've outsourced was powder coating. I got the wheels and frame done together for $240 (remarkably cheap). I'm maybe under $600 total so far (including powder coat). All the littles things add up: filters/gaskets/o-rings.
Fortunately I have a fairly decent stock pile of random parts and accessories that worked really well for it. I had an extra set of R90 bars to replace the bent up and rusty ones that were on the bike. 👍🏼
Now about that air conditioner in the garage...
I love it 😁
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Yes the rubbers are a perishable - as stated numerous times elsewhere on this forum.
Sometimes you might be lucky and recommission old rubbers with little problems. Other times, best policy might be to replace all the usual suspects (esp those relating to the fuel system - it is fuel injected and this operates under pressure). I guess most of us walk the line in between - replace the obvious, rebuild the bike and then find out what else is causing problems (eg. crankcase breather hose ... cheap .... throttle body to engine head inlet rubbers ... expensive).
Laitch has voiced his doubts about idle bikes (ie off the road for some time) ahead of used old bikes. I guess the rubbers benefit from being used and maintain pliability.
Any idea on what changes in rubbers - do they dry out? or is there some chemical change?
Question for all:what is the best rubber salve we have found that will maintain rubbers ... will paste a copy of this question as fresh topic.
Guy
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best policy might be to replace all the usual suspects (esp those relating to the fuel system - it is fuel injected and this operates under pressure). I guess most of us walk the line in between - replace the obvious, rebuild the bike and then find out what else is causing problems (eg. crankcase breather hose ... cheap .... throttle body to engine head inlet rubbers ... expensive).
Just yesterday I had new brake lines made. Partially because the R90 bars I put on somehow set the master cylinder too far away from the steering stem. And today i just bought 3 meters of fuel line to replace all of them. I agree, its better to just replace it all if it's been sitting awhile. Eliminate any vacuum leaks right off the bat.
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Just about finished modeling the dash kit for Fuel/Temp Gauges, ignition switch, and hazard/fan/aux power/ switches. I absolutely love having a 3D printer 😁
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/2P1t2h42071D1R3H2W2L/dash-kit.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
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Impressive! :riding:
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How big is this 3D printer?
Perhaps we can have a #D printer model recommendation.
The school I work at has several and all they seem to make is shitty little key tags ... and replacement backs for TV remotes
Now you've moved the printer into a whole new arena
Well done
Is the plastic a special UV safe type?
Regards
Guy
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How big is this 3D printer?
I have a print area of 6x6x6" (15.24cm).
Now you've moved the printer into a whole new arena
yeah I've used the printer to make a few bits and pieces on this and another bike of mine already. It is a major money saver when you can make your own plastic parts! And fortunately I've been doing 3D modeling for about a decade. I even replicated a quad-lock mount for one of the bikes to work with my quad-lock case on my iphone. Very handy 👍🏼
Is the plastic a special UV safe type?
Probably not. I believe its just a standard PLA filament. But I always spray a number of coats of sand-able primer, smooth it down, then paint it.
Just printed it last night, only thing left to print is the bottoms of the fuel/temp gauges' casing.
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/0a001Z032n1W3D0Q2M0g/dash2.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/3J0g3Z1v2d2S1V360402/dash1.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
Also managed to get all the wiring and electronics settled in on saturday. Biggest thing left to do is repair the dents in the gas tank and repaint it.
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/211b290J1I3j3s0O0747/bmw.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
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Are you going to paint the crank cover too?
Why remove the black coating from the fuel rail--black radiates heat better than anything and you want your fuel cool...?
That was the worst greasy motor top that i've ever seen--how could it get that bad.
They get that way on top of the motor if the breather hose is split or cracked. Very common on these older motors as they are around 20 years old now.
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That is great work. I'm getting re-energized to get back into my project. Getting ready to powdercoat my wheels and intend to do the frame. I like the idea of using the same color on wheels and frame.
Yours will be so cool with white body on the black and gold mechanicals.
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Well color me green over the 3d printer! My dad has a laser cutter - maybe I can convince him to get a 3d printer too...
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Well color me green over the 3d printer! My dad has a laser cutter - maybe I can convince him to get a 3d printer too...
It's worth the $. It helps being able to model 3D objects well too though. 3D printer software usually runs pretty terrible, so you'll want to make sure you can build a solid model.
I was able to test the fitment last night and the gauges, ignition, and switches fit really well. It was a bit too tight though, and one area didn't print correctly. So I'm going to fix it and modify the openings slightly and reprint again tonight.
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A white tank and finished 3D printed dash. Have yet to smooth out and paint the print. But I'm not crazy about how it looks, or where itll sit. I may have some rethinking to do on it.
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/3T3s2q0y350c0j1A1i1O/k75.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/180X0w021y2f0N1p451E/dash-gauges-buttons-2.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/2c2Y0a2G2E1B0P011t0n/dash-gauges-buttons-1.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
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"Gauge Sweetness"
They look really nice.
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That is so cool.
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That is so cool.
+1 on the gauge coolness factor.
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Reshaped the cowl.
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/1Z2A0a000H14203E1H0p/IMG_5309.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/0f043E0q3b3X0M1S3Z1X/IMG_5315.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
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(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/233l0A3a3V1n0G0J3B3a/IMG_5343.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/1Y0V3U3r2e1U1Q2F2v3P/IMG_5345.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
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Hm... I like this, but I feel like the bright white takes away some of the visibility of the gold frame.
If that isn't the intent... perhaps some gold pinstripes would make it pop?
Beautiful job overall, no criticism intended.
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For me its the seat thats ruining it. Which is fine, that's just what came with the bike and I'm having a custom one made for it. But I went over some color options and I really couldn't find anything i liked more than white against the gold. I'm really liking the color combination.
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I agree about the seat, it looks a swollen and way too big for the bike. I look forward to seeing the custom one you are getting. Nice work so far it is looking great :clap:
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I'm really liking the color combination.
Excellent choice then!
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Like what you've you done; tank holes needs to meet Mr. Dremel
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Like what you've you done; tank holes needs to meet Mr. Drexel.
Thanks. Actually putting the radiator shrouds on. Ordered a set off a guy from here.
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Managed to fire it up and ride it tonight!
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/110K2745150E0D2l1x24/IMG_5365.JPG?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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:2thumbup: Yeeee Haaaaa
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wow! that gold frame looks amazing.
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looks great in the more natural light! I change my mind. You gonna put a heat shield back on the muffler?
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Victory! Congratulations!44 :2thumbup:
But you know the curse: once you ride an uncompleted project, you will never get it finished! :clap:
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looks great in the more natural light! I change my mind. You gonna put a heat shield back on the muffler?
I am. Just need to clean it up first. Eventually I'd like to replace the muffler with a shorter one.
But you know the curse: once you ride an uncompleted project, you will never get it finished! :clap:
Thats true, probably why i never finish any of my bikes 100%
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It looks really good dude!
Now finish it already ;)
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Workin through the bugs! Got the temp gauge working last night. Good thing too. Riding this morning to work I noticed it going a hair of 3/4. So it's running too hot. Gonna have to start replacing stuff: thermostat/seals/gaskets. Flush coolant again. Fan works fine, I have it wired up with a manual switch so i know its on.
Fuel gauge still not coming on. Haven't tested the wiring on it yet though.
Gotta replace the breather hose, and waiting on radiator shrouds to ship.
So far though, no leaks! And motor is running beautifully. I'm currently also shopping for an external steering damper (the internal one was shot and I removed it).
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Progressing.. And enjoying more rides. Running great now that I replaced the crank breather hose.
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/463Q1H3T2L1W1Z293e1Z/k75-1.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/1l2v0s0i352g1r1S0T1q/k75-2.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/0R2s1r2l0D402g3A0O35/k75-3.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
Letting all the children out to play
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/2W1Q2Y0Q3w0A1e3w261m/k75-4.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
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Now we see where the frankenwing came from...
The k75 is looking really nice--great build for sure.
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Now we see where the frankenwing came from...
Good eye. That is correct. Here are a couple of better views of it. Chopped the backend off, built a monoshock. Those are Weber IDF40 carbs off of a vw/porsche. Very old tractor seat. Harley split tanks. had to chop and reshape the top of the frame to suit actual gas tanks, and rearrange the electronics. Runs very hard, brings a smile to my face every time I go for a ride on it.
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/2Q2x1U2t1E3Z0T3w1d3a/deathwing.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/2U0A3I0R0J2J44342C0H/deathwing-gb500.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
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Minor updates: Getting ready for a trip next weekend. Got a 35 liter topcase and color matched the lid. Attached a universal windshield. And replaced the stock expansion tank with something a little more interesting. Kinda forgot to get a pic of that though... 😐
Also received my badges from EX-BMW (https://www.instagram.com/exclusivebmwparts/)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/2a0x0f2J3S0T3R3K2g43/k75-1.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/2d251H3y3u0W2c3S0n1b/k75-2.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
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What windscreen is that? Looks great. How's it ride?
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Rides pretty good 👍🏼 doesn't block all the wind, but you'll feel the improvement
Got it from here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GTUM9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Any chance of details on the mountings for the tractor seat with pics?
I think it looks especially nice. Coupled with the downdraft carbs .... good gear.
Well done.
Can see another project lurking in the background.
Couldn't do it all without the air-conditioner in the garage!
Enjoy the ride
GF
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Any chance of details on the mountings for the tractor seat with pics?
Since this is a goldwing, there was a lot of frame modification to do first. Aside from chopping the back-end off to make the monoshock; i chopped the top portion of the frame and fabricated a "neck" (to accommodate the split tanks) and then a square tube coming off of the neck to support the seat.
Here is the neck and square tube
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/3G1v3T0s1E1n3l42000F/seat-2.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
Then the tractor seat is mounted using only 2 bolts, a couple different oddly shaped washers and spacers. The 2 bolts simply go straight down through the top of the square tube frame.
(https://d3vv6lp55qjaqc.cloudfront.net/items/1S3j1V0H1l1R0k1r0B1q/seat-1.jpg?X-CloudApp-Visitor-Id=141588)
Can see another project lurking in the background
Yup, I've gotta get back on it now that I'm running around on the BMW. That's my wife's CB350four. Right smack-dab in the middle of that build. Left off with reshaping the tail section of the frame. This one's a fun project. 👍🏼 In the meantime, my wife's been riding my GB500 around. Keeping it warmed up 😁
Couldn't do it all without the air-conditioner in the garage!
Agreed! That AC is the reason I've been able to hang out there so much this summer. But now I'm going to need to get a proper heater out there too, in the words of Jon Snow: "Winter is coming"
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Minor updates: Got a 35 liter topcase and color matched the lid.
That is a 50 liter topbox, search pictures of a K1100LT and you would see what a 35 liter look like.
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That is a 50 liter topbox, search pictures of a K1100LT and you would see what a 35 liter look like.
Even better 👍🏼 Got it super cheap too $75
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Keep an eye inside the ducktail now and then......it was only available on the K100LT for a short period
because it become a problem as the ducktail cracked because the long weight arm and the heavy Box.
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Couldn't see the pic of the neck and the square tube ... please re-post if okay
Regarding the cracking of the tail piece - I expect a metal plate on the inside will share the load and hopefully stop the rot.
Make sure to keep the missus happy ... a source of either 50% of the money or the permission.
Well done on your efforts and good luck in the future
Regards
Guy
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Keep an eye inside the ducktail now and then......it was only available on the K100LT for a short period
because it become a problem as the ducktail cracked because the long weight arm and the heavy Box.
I actually caught that a couple days ago riding. I thought it seemed like the top case was movin vibrating more than it should (shouldnt at all really). I saw the tail section wanting to crack so I reenforced it with a couple of broad brackets, problem solved.
Couldn't see the pic of the neck and the square tube ... please re-post if okay
Not sure why you can't see them. But I'll attach them here
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Parking body weight on a vibrating cantilever sure adds to a motorcycle adventure. What type of welding was used?
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It was MIG. And I'm happy to report that this setup (on the goldwing) has been working flawlessly for 40,000 + miles :)
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And I'm happy to report that this setup (on the goldwing) has been working flawlessly for 40,000 + miles :)
:clap: