I have been a bit remiss in not getting build details up on the Chopper Project forums, so here at least, is a quick look at some project progress...
My son Paul's CB500...
Major frame reconstruction including lengthened front down tubes and 45 degree rake requiring 10.5" extended forks, a 550 motor, 10.5" HD rear shockers. It was done in about 4 days on the spur of the moment and some midnight oil got really burnt... needs some moulding and repainting and the pipes raised as there's not a lot of ground clearance...
Absolutely beautiful to ride.
Henry's 95 Virago...
Even though henry has lowered the rear end and added 6" extended forks his Virago still has that 'ran into the back of a truck' look, so Henry asked what could be done about it. He has dropped by a few evenings and Saturdays to help with the following changes...
After some discussion with PC we came up with removing the steering head...
Extending it with a well plugged 4mm box section (made our of sheet steel)...
Adding down tubes...
and forward controls using modified rearset linkages. the levers include the foot rest made from 7/8 tube and takes a hand grip (not shown) as the foot rest cover. Works really well.
new shorty rear guard and removable sissy bar...
We also got rid of electrics boxes above the front pot and removed the bulky (read crazy) aircleaner and intake system replacing it all with two pod filters. You'll see a pic of the set up on Dylan's bike which comes next.
Looks like a real chopper now...
Henry has taken it home for moulding, painting, new seat and may bring it back for a rewire.
Dylan's 81 XV 750...
Dylan bought this xv for $800 and has his vision for what it should be... low and long and not at at all like this...
Like Henry and others, Dylan has been coming in regularly so we can work together on his dream.
First step is getting his backside closer to the road. Most of the rear sub frame has been removed and a nice curvy section built to sweep around the guard. Guard is from an HD Low Rider, shortenedand bobbed. He is just trimmng off the valences to follow the shape of the wheel. The sissy bar is cold-bent 5/8 Stainless. A maltese cross taillight is going on as well...
We dropped the rear two inches by cuttting an inch out of the the top rails of the swingarm where they meet the monoshock and then bent the verticals with heat. Yet to be welded.
Steering head was next. bit of a pig to do as the steering head is attached in two places inside the neck as well... the 5" cutting disc only just had enough reach.
Here's the bike on the ground. 4" extended neck, 5" fork extensions, 39 degree rake and just makes the 550 rule.
Down tubes next. They bolt up under the new neck. bottom tubes are machied to fit to the bottom front engine case bolt. Middle tube is 7/8 x 2mm wall for the forward controls. Holes in them are to retian the forwards, allowing them to be removed if they get bent in a bingle.
Neatest way to build the linkages is to use rear set linkages. Here, the short joing rod (originally 1.5") has been cut and a longer section made ready to be welded in to allow reach to the forward levers...
Original air filtration system has been removed and replaced with two 62mm pod filters. You can see where the fins have been trimmed to allow the filter to fit. Oil lines also need some gentle rerouting.
Shotguns (with fancy turnouts) are made with preformed bends.
Still seat, wiring, electrics box and battery box and smaller petrol tank to be finished, but it's not too far away. Dylan wants it down by mega Ride, but he'll have to get in sweet with his bosses and get a bit more time off!
Well that's enough for tonight. next post we'll show you some pics of Pygmy's bike, daves Sporty, a classic stainless sissy bar and a couple of other sets of forward controls. A nice Trident in a rigid frame came in on the weekend for a fair bit of work, and Darren has left his rigid CB750 to be done soon.
