If it doesn't fit, cut more_MF

After hitting a motivation wall on Sunday...(most likely the giant burger I had for lunch) I watched a video on a Bugatti restoration by the Mullins museum -http://youtu.be/GCKlyeFqxcE

It motivated me to get my head back in it, so I spent the next two hours MAKING this panel fit. Removed alot of plastic, and it's nearly there.

What is awesome is how an originally Honda (81CB) side cover matches so well line for line, to a Kawasaki tank....makes me wonder which OEM copied which.

Also continued machining my adjustable rearsets.

The List_MF

This to do list grows as much as it shrinks. However the big things are beginning to cross them self off. I have all the parts I want, now it's a matter of fitting them and modifying once I see that they don't fit.

A little bit closer_MF

Man...I can taste it! I have all my parts, all I need to do it paint and install them...fabricate a few brackets and she will start to come to life.

Here's a little taste of progress!

Mini CB750 gauges installed_MF

Since I machined the top triple tree bar mounts off and the old gauge mounts down, I had room to really tuck the gauges in close to the tree and flush with the rest of the bike. New mini gauges from Dime City cycles and some custom mounts and they are mocked up!

CB750 Internal fork lowering_MF

This is a pretty common mod to lower the front end without sliding the forks through the trees, or at least not as much.

-Step one was to machine 3 inch spacers the OD of the valve seal and ID of valve body. Since it covers the stock damper holes I re-drilled the holes 3 inches lower (length of spacer) so to not limit fluid flow.

-Then simply cut springs to desired length, less spring you cut compared to spacer, the stiffer the front end becomes. I cut 1.5 inches off out of 3 and reinstalled. It is very stiff however so I think I will take a total of two out of the spring leaving an overall 2in shorter spring with a three inch spacer.

Machined upper tree_MF

Since I have clipons now I wanted to clean up my upper tree. I will finish the old mount off with a cap, as I will still be using the threaded holes to mount my new gauge bracket.

blasted Showa CB1100F shocks_MF

These will look great and give er' a little more rake. A little before and after...I love media blasting!

Back at it_MF

I have waited so long to post anything. It's been hard to get back in the shop with the holidays and work.

So here is the lowdown-
-after many Craigslist searches I found a good pair of CB1100F external reservoir shocks, which I blasted and will repaint.
-Side covers from a 81(ish) CB750, which fit nearly perfect to my Kawasaki 550 tank.
-I machined my bar mounts and gauge mounts off the upper triple tree as I want to mount mini gauges and tuck them close to the tree.
-I finished my internal shock mod. To lower the front end 3".
-I got my VRod headlight mounted.
-I for my first manly tool box I can put stickers on.

So still have Lots to do, but with some time and energy she will be ready to ride by the time the sun warms the lake!

This is what I've been doing alot of in the time meantime...

New Shop_MF

The Moto itch has spread and now we have 4 bikes in the shop, CB550, my CB750, a Yamaha 360 and a Honda 350....

Here are some randoms from the removal of an awful spider web paint job, to the rewiring of my CB.

Off of the bench_MF

Man I can't believe 3 months has gone by since my last post...a lot of news to share...

For starters, she's off the bench!

Tail fairing fabrication_MF

Clay model, paper template, transfer to metal...just like work

New bike rack for my truck_MF

Here is my dad and I's fathers day project

SUV_MF

Sometimes you just gotta step back_MF

These last two weeks building have been frustrating, I've became so passionate about getting this done by the designer carshow on July 20th that I was getting myself worked up about not getting thigs done for the deadline.

I took 3 days off, put some trust in people and went back at er.....

I got the tail section clay modeled, and tires in...bike won't sit this low but as low as possible.

The lines are starting to match up...the fire is burning again!

hero_MF

I don't have many heros but Sunday I met one of them, chatted and got to know a really inspiring person when it comes to design and philosophy. I met him and his amazing creations, the Confederate Wraith and the Hellcat at Eyes on Design show 2012.

His name is Matt Chambers of Confederate Motorcycles.

www.Confederate.com