Nicely done on that bolt.. Did you remove the head and weld on a nut?

 

yes sort of. I ground down the messed up end until flat then I added weld material to the 90 degree slice that was missing. Ground it all down again a few times until it looked right then welded a flanged hex bolt head on so it would be fixed. Considering the replacement part cost around $50 it was time well spent.

 

Looking at purchasing a set of tire irons. Anyone have any experience or preference they can pass on to me?

It would just be for the cafe bike, but don't know if that makes a difference. Thanks

 

No-Mar is what my friends use. there're $$$ but worth it if your changing a lot of tires.

tim

 

That swingarm brace was an unexpected surprise, good on ya mate!

I think you should powdercoat the rims black, I also think you should first replace them with anything alloy (shouldered Akronts or Akront look-alikes would be bitchin'). Steel rims are for Harleys. JMHO though, thanks for all the entertainment.

 

ring-ring .... ring-ring ....

hello, mr. painter ..... , ummm ..... WHERES MY PARTS !!!


tim

 

I know, I am ready to have my parts back from the painter too. It will be worth the wait though.

I looked at the no-mar setup, a bit expensive for me right now. I really just need a simple way of removing the old tires so I can do what I need to do to the rims. I will have D&S mount and balance the new set of tires.

So yesterday I bought some supplies, engine oil, fork oil, and oil pan gasket. I can't believe I am getting to the supplies stage.

Oh, also on friday I finished welding up the exhaust system. So I will order some black wrap. Not exactly sure how much I need. Also started the clear coating process on the carbon canister. I have completed 5 of the ten coats of clear.

 

cheap way to remove an old tire.... use a grinder to cut the cord ( bead ).

you'll be getting new rubber & tubes... just protect the wheel.

tim

 

I had thought about just cutting the tire off, like you say, with a grinder. I would have to be pretty careful. That may be the route I go. After the tire is off I need to sand blast the old flaking chrome off. And begin prep work for paint. I wish I could powder coat them, but I am a bit worried about flex cracking the points that the spokes enter the rims. If there was a good way to powder coat just the rim and match paint the spokes I would be down for that. At any rate, alot to still get done on this beast.

 

When I want to remove an old motorcycle tire fast & easy I've found that cutting it down the center with a jigsaw works like a charm. Start by letting all the air out & drilling a hole for the blade to fit, and go to town. You may have to step on the tire to separate it from the rim-think I did that before I cut it. The two halves will come right off the rim after that, and you don't have to fight with the bead wire, which is really strong, or worry about marring the rim. A little ghetto but it's free, it's fast, and you really can't harm the rim doing it.

 

You could literally make a bead breaker with a 2x4 and a door hinge. Motion Pro makes a cheap good set of tire irons that are readily available just about anywhere.

 

Great info guys thanks, that was the information I needed to know.

I may tear off the forks and swing arm today if I find the time. I need the swing arm off so I can finish the brace. The forks need a full service. I guess I should get new seals. That is what I forgot to get when I was at the dealer. Oh well, I will order myself a set when I pick up my gasket. I may still tear the forks apart since that makes it a whole lot easier to polish the ends.

 

Exhaust can is packed and assembled, check that off of the list.

 

Started the tear down process. This could take a little while, a little a day though and it should get done. Maybe a month.



Took off the rear swing arm, the rear sets, a rear brake assembly

Then I welded the swing arm ground sandblasted and painted it.

 

It's not even my bike and I can't wait for it to be done.

 

My personal deadline is Feb 21st... so hopefully not too much waiting.

 

Front end is off, maybe later today the motor out.