Manky Monkey Motors

After having the piss taken massively on a possible project, I found this and picked up my latest bike to 'create' something out of today from a very nice man in Kent!

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/681E9CF3-5AFF-44F4-BF7F-E5AAFB121679_zpscisu8wni.jpg)

This was how it looked when I got it home, and this is it two hours later.......

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/BD79D773-A4FC-4B7F-9374-3D665EFBA145_zps8jjdim0i.jpg)

I have an idea for this in my head, and I think it may even be achievable by me, we'll just have to wait and see. :D

Nice. With that high headstock and long forks, Swedish comes to mind.  :D

The DR is a great bike to use as a projektbike. There is loads of videos on Youtube of scramblers, trackers, caferacers etc made from the DR or XL platform. So good luck with your projekt, It looks to be in a good shape.

Thanks buddy, did an XL cafe racer last year... http://www.mankymonkeymotors.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=14756.0

Always enjoy the birth of a new project -good luck!  ;)

I liked your XL (I have one myself stock for now, but will see what the future brings)  
What model is the DR? I mean what year?

It's an '85 buddy

Anyone know of someone reputable who could rake an extra 10 degrees into my frame, please?

Obviously, the nearer the better to Andover?

I've got a brother in Marlborough who'd do that. Damn good, but he wouldn't be cheap.

https://www.facebook.com/fieldcraftfabrication/?fref=ts

Thanks Andy, will give Brock a shout.

Nothing photo-worthy today really. Just more pulling parts off.

Going to first look at maybe shortening the forks, the same way I did on the XL, and see if it looks 'right' before possibly raking the headstock. We'll see once the rear is set to the correct height (in my head).

Talking of which, o collective might of the forum, can anyone see any massive flaws in this plan to create a 'removable' hardtail? Or any potential pitfalls?

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/5F243C79-D951-4001-A1E1-E836046A5E50_zpspfvpgj4k.jpg)

My apologies for the drawing, but we all know I'm not very artistic? :D :D

I'd want a little more "angle on the dangle" for the 20mm tube  :D

You might also need a thick comfy seat ?

That's not far off the angle it'll be to be honest. Any massive dramas with it you can see?

Comfy, yes. Thick, possibly not :D

Just make sure your top angle tube is pushing against that top tube and not below it as in your pic ? If possible ?

I'm sure it'll be fine, I'd just like it a bit more perpendicular to move the forces along the length of the tube instead of trying to bend it.

??????????

Here's my plan

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/c8adedde35060fa9c9244226f1307051_zpsisadzf3h.jpg)

You mentioned shortening the forks or raking the front. Are you planning on leaving the arse end high ?
Lowering the rear, about 2.5" - 3" would align the 'hardtail' tube with the existing frame tube.

Nope. If you have a squint at the pic above (with the scribbles on it), I will be lowering the the rear until the swingarm is parallel to both the bottom of the frame, and the floor, for exactly the reason you stated, for 'flow'...............

That pic has already been manipulated, so the drop if you look at the one in the first post, is more like ten inches :)

Ah yes. see it now. ;D

You can lower it more if you like ?  Are you still keeping the drop seat ? If you do it will make for a more comfy ride ?

Fitting a sprung solo seat, so the scribbles are the bits being removed. The drop will, hopefully, keep the lines looking 'right' if you know what I mean.

Got it sitting about right:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/127FCC6E-A5CA-4039-874D-1F88BAFB53B4_zpswdrne13x.jpg)

Think I'll get away with the stock headstock, but will have to lose 12cm off the forks:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/23D9C855-92A4-493F-BB34-3572781542F7_zpsszzjuhww.jpg)

If I shorten the forks by about 40mm again, like the XL, and use clip ons it 'should' give me the look I'm after

Does anyone know what the flywheel and clutch covers are treated with/covered in, as some has rubbed off and I'd like to re-do it?

Or will it be easier to maybe get them polished? Anyone know of anywhere to get them done if so?

Got the first fork shortened today.

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/8E67B76F-2EF6-4FA7-9939-A3816BB5C3B3_zpscgndfntj.jpg)

If anyone's interested in how it was achieved, I'll take some pics as I go along, on the other one.

^^^ YES

Seeing i'm not the first, oh go on then  ;D

So, I did the other one today like this:

Take off the top fork nut, remembering it's under Spring tension from below, and then take out the spacer:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/9DDC0B34-AD8A-4983-AB79-D12D33A8D1AA_zpsqvfgmmry.jpg)

These are all different lengths depending on the forks, and aren't even consistent across 'types' of bike. The XL I did last year had a 40mm spacer, this one a 150mm spacer.

Take the spring, and the little collared washer that sits on top of it out slowly, remembering that it will be covered in oil,  and then remove the leg from the triple tree and drain the oil, remembering to pump the forks to drain the oil from below the inner tube as well. Some forks have a drain point at the bottom of the fork leg, so use that before removing from the triple trees.

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/5DAA1061-141A-4518-AA01-E75C492DDB09_zpsqqv0leke.jpg)

Now the piston needs removing from inside the tube. Each manufacturer sells a removal tool that looks like a big nut at the end of a 'T' handle. I've seen people make their own as well, but I've always found a universal fit one is...............a wooden broom handle. It just needs a little trimming into a hex shape and then some not-so gentle persuasion into the piston. This then prevents the piston from turning, as you undo the Allen bolt at the bottom of the fork leg.

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/05F8B562-07B0-4D74-B724-661A9097BAB2_zpswlrqxltd.jpg)

And voila, the piston is out, along with the little spring that it sits in.

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/BE21DC62-4762-49DC-8891-4684B901672C_zpsrefsonvh.jpg)

Here's the internals laid out, pre adjustment:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/F9ED5BA8-51DB-4321-9333-153744F782A4_zpsbkllzohl.jpg)

The trick to shortening the forks, is however much you take from the top (in this case 120mm), has to be added to the bottom, between the piston 'head' and the little return Spring. Luckily in this case, the spacer at the top was long enough to cut, and the spacer was a spot on match for the piston head and Spring, so it was just a case of trimming 120mm off the spacer, and moving that 'down'. When I did the XL, the spacer was only 40mm long, but wouldn't fit lower down, so the good Mr Hunter kindly machined me a couple of spacers for the piston.

After cutting, pre-assembly.

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/E68F2D7A-D1C4-4997-A8CD-D4C32BE43D1D_zpsndaxecml.jpg)

After that, it's just a case of re-assembling it, and re-filling with oil.

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/06424BEF-E556-45E6-B0AD-16AF0327F1BB_zpsimusb3wj.jpg)

If you were going to change the fork seals, then after removing the piston, take the dust seal and little Spring 'washer' off the top of the outer fork tube, and keep sliding the inner tube apart, with a little bit of force, until the fork seal comes out. In the good old fashioned words of mr Haynes, re-assembly is the reverse of the above.

Also did some trimming of unwanted bits off the swingarm in preparation for having a go at hard tailing it. Some more grinding is required, to remove the last remnants, but I killed my angle grinder, so will be off for a new one tomorrow.

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/89226D72-0B1D-441E-9D3B-D86C66319F91_zpsln8mkf07.jpg)

Nothing exciting today, just making the brackets for the 'hardtail', hopefully get them welded on tomorrow morning.

Anyone on here have the ability to put a 180 degree bend (will be about 250mm diameter I think)  in a piece of 20mm tube I have, please?

My hydraulic bender's at Loony's workshop, but it only puts a bend at a single point, not a continuous curve, unless you move the tube around in the former.
Nathan, (Galaxie500), has a roller bender, which would do it, but only on lightweight tubing, (he uses it for bicycle framework).

Cheers Andy

clive  try and find an industrial electrician  ,, a conduit bender should do what you want  ;) ;)

Is there a particular reason why you are retaining the swingarm, rather than a full bolt in hardtail ?

Cheers Mike.

No buddy, no particular reason, although, to me, it looks like it creates the right lines but that's just me

Good enough reason as any. ;D

Actually, as well as that, it means it takes a lot of guesswork out of some of the other parts of the setup, things that may have been above my knowledge/skill set at the moment; rear wheel alignment, frame making, chain length etc

Managed to get the brackets welded up, and the tubes finished as well:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/DF5ACC1A-CFA5-4614-A5F2-620051CE3B12_zpsr0gapnot.jpg)

Still looks a little strange with the seat rails still on, but I don't want to attack them yet, until the seat, and tank arrive................just in case :D

that looks superb chap..

Building hardtails around swingarms used to be quite common -as you say Clive, for those with limited facilities, it acts as a built-in jig to ensure everything stays where it should. In the late 80s/early 90s it was popular cos it gave a more purposeful, aggressive look. A lot of big Jap engined chops ran a box section brace through the middle of the hardtail, (where the swingarm would be). I quite like that style.

Engine got a bit of a spruce up today. Ignore the gold spark plugs, they were getting changed so we're ideal to leave in to 'plug' the hole (see what I did there? :D :D )

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/8DE250C7-81D7-4D89-8854-16AD2D3F59E6_zpsvzvhbpiz.jpg)

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/C6E67161-A7D6-45F6-A506-B35D42ED10A2_zps8tfk59kq.jpg)

Some other little bits and pieces done, but nothing photo-worthy

That looks tidy, attention to detail I like  ;)

Thanks buddy

What did you paint the engine with Clive?

Paint :) :) :)

This stuff:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/9CC8ECD1-2803-4610-9CEB-38CB4B4A441B_zpszy8tuzwq.jpeg)

Really impressed, it initially comes out quite runny, but seems to thicken and harden as it dries

The side casings, had some wear marks on them, and I'd asked if anyone knew where I could get them re-done. I was looking at them yesterday, and realised they're almost exactly the same colour as the front scallops on my savage, so gave them a quick coat with that, and some Matt lacquer. Looks spot on now.................if it all flakes off when hot, I'll have a re-think but seems okay to me

Certainly looks good.

Put it back on its wheels for a bit, just to check it was sitting right:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/BA271D4D-3BE6-405D-8F3F-901745D5F3EB_zpsz2qqremn.jpg)
(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/7AA9FEFB-F415-4185-A198-299CAD69C597_zps78uli9l4.jpg)

The shorter Aprillia sidestand, works just right, which is good as it was a complete guess! :)

And trial fitted the tank and seat, just roughly:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/9078809C-FCF5-458F-8DE4-A02B21C470EF_zpshsexyvsh.jpg)

Seat will sit a little lower once the frame rails are removed, but with a little computer trickery.......

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/2cfae596a4f2790e9e6c8885bb13e10b_zpsxytbdxwi.jpg)

I like that.

Thanks Andy

thats almost Speedway bikeish  ;)

Yeah, I suppose it does at the moment buddy.

The bars are being changed, and once the lights etc are on, it may look slightly different

Moved the seat mount off of the horizontal rails and re-mounted it vertically to eventually become the mounting point for the tank, either via the strap hook or by filling the gap underneath and using the bolt points. We'll see once the seat is mounted.

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/5AF4DCA3-120D-4795-8FFB-F4EE50927BA7_zpsogxhgvsb.jpg)

Talking of which, I also made up the top mount for the seat.

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/11C03C1A-F9DB-4159-8404-FD1D314FF2DE_zpshg9d9mfq.jpg)

Finally cut the top rails off (but forgot to take a pic), so need to now decide on the seat angle once some metal I've ordered has arrived, and then how high the tube loop will go.

Been playing with handlebars today. Firstly tried some drag style ones:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/379140AE-EE26-4DC3-BEB2-50C72AB8AD1E_zpsquvktdau.jpg) (http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/91C1E728-9ADB-4701-8E77-44A576CBE7B5_zpsvlfzdh1g.jpg)

But they didn't give the look I'm after, so I'd bought some Yamaha Dragstar ones:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/99DBB452-8D7A-45D8-BB12-F4A6334AA436_zpsbt5srffv.jpg) (http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/EACE3FA7-478D-48DD-911B-72B475F7AA49_zpsqhc5kcle.jpg)

Which are spot on, but.............foolishly I thought they'd be the same diameter (22mm), but aren't!!!!
Soooo, if anyone has any 22mm bars in the same style, that they either want to swap for either other set, or sell, I'd be grateful.

Don't know if these might be suitasble, both 22mm/7/8" nom. o/d....Morrag

Thanks for the offer buddy, but think I've found a set, on my way to me at the moment, but if they are still unsuitable, I'll be back to you

Got some YBR handlebars that look just like I want.

Made some progress on the back end today. Got the rear mudguard cut and the bottom mounted to the swingarm
(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/29157E78-BC1B-4ADB-BF98-B32E95B205D7_zpscseanyce.jpg)

Then welded the rear loop on. Looks a little weird at the moment, but the rear mudguard will be mounted to the top of the loop eventually.
(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/32EE1FC9-7442-4282-A1C0-E779046D8E1B_zpsxrws11p8.jpg)

And then after making a joint seat front/rear fuel tank mount, got the seat loosely in place.
Not sure if it looks a little high, will have a play before deciding.
(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/05448811-6DF0-4429-A345-38CCC849E061_zpsldcfks1x.jpg)

Well it's definitely a custom bike..and your doing it which is cool! And hey guys did you notice he said Mudguards ?

Cheers buddy, that almost looks like a thinly-veiled 'don't like that, but have to try and say something nice' :) :) :) :)

Not sure about it now myself, after playing with the computer:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/324da29d6da239a29a686e920f01d647_zpsafffitxl.jpg)

Well I do, though I'd have to bring the nose of the saddle up to meet the back of the tank, or lift the diagonal rail under the seat & the "hardtail" struts, to meet the base of the tank. I like bikes that don't follow the usual styles. Quirky's cool. Doesn't always work, but this one does for me.
Oh, you seem to have a large hole in your engine casing by the way.   :o

If I didn't like it I wouldn't say a word ? I like bits of most hand built stuff,and very fond of using what you have lying about builds..you carry on doing it your way sir..it's your bike..it's about getting the correct lines in your eye.. :) but I wouldn't use that seat ::)

I like the seat but I thought the same as Manky, front of it needs to come up a bit.

Luckily that's just playing around on the computer. How it actually looks at the moment is on the previous page

Computer ? Is he actually building it ? ::)

:D

The more I compared the pic of the bike as it is with the computer adjusted one, the more I disliked it, soooooooo............

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/403EFD0A-6673-4DDA-A736-C126DE315D99_zpsmox7gjv4.jpg)

That's the good thing about building it yourself -if you don't like it you can always do it again.
So what's Plan B?

Like the pic at the top of this page Andy, get the stance a little lower, well the seat and rear mainly

Think I'm finally happy with how it's looking/sitting

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/C8F76089-05AF-40E4-AE86-272AEC0EB191_zpsmtxjmevq.jpg)

And I never said a thing ? ::)

This was my sons first attempt at building a chop,notice the seat ?i guess that pic is to small?

Let's try again ?

:D :D :D

If your not rushing this build then you will get it right..I spend hours doing stuff then more time standing back and eyeing things up..it's all about the LOOK ! And seeing as you can fiddle with the pics on the comp,must help while away boring time indoors :)

Yep, every time one of my neighbours wanders over for a chat, I'm normally hunched down behind it staring, rather than actually doing anything!!

My neighbours NEVER come near me ? Must be my grumpy face ?

Still tinkering away with this:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/BA759E82-C86F-4241-A973-15B9D5BA831A_zpsiwdyl3tt.jpg)
(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/E922898E-C366-4ED5-9798-94B7FBFE293B_zpsweevezxg.jpg)

Looking COOL dude..me likey 8)

Cheers buddy. Did have a minor re-think on the tank and bought an old BSA one, but it would have taken some major (for me) mods to either the frame, or tank, so stuck this one back on and like it enough to stick with it...............

You may need to take a bin liner out with you for rainy days though ;)

I like this too. Can we see someone sat on it to give an idea of scale?

Are you going to keep the tank plain white?  Cos I think it looks amazing!

Oooooooooh nooooooo! The white on anything you can see is just primer.

I did think of an all white paint scheme at first, but think I have a more 'unique' one planned now! :D

Will try and force one of my kids to sit on it at the weekend! So long as I can put it back together...........again!?!

Haven't stopped on this, but had a nightmare painting the forks. Three times now and finally done!

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/C6CDFB9F-98AA-4176-B5D2-80DA0FD1B766_zpsqjzdsuzh.jpg)

Brackets for the forward controls are tomorrow's job, along with rear indicator brackets, and maybe some extra 'protection' for the rear after a quick PM chat with the good mr Olds

Gold leaf?

Me likey ;)

Yes buddy, and a horrible '70s metallic green...............looks great in the sun!!

 ;D   8)

Looks better on the bike!

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/7f1d9de6834d29e5dd828c46bdbe7c17_zps3ilwb77m.jpg)

I can't wait to see it.. ;)

You've pretty much seen all that's painted so far............. :D :D

Well, didn't achieve any of the jobs planned.......

But had a day of painting brackets, torsion bar, headstock etc as the weathers so nice.....

And got the rear mudguard almost done

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/31D55093-0EED-4CEB-8B4E-BAF4B7D3B3F0_zpsaiopynmr.jpg)

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/A7501D71-DBB1-4E94-B76D-BA8DE8D15A32_zpshhkoriaz.jpg)

So love the green/gold funky paint job..I wanted to do mine 60/70s style but can't afford it now..plod on sir.. ;)

Thanks buddy

Oooh, lacey!

excellent as usual Clive ,i really like your builds

Thanks buddy

Loving the rear mudguard.
JJ :)

you sir are a proper artist,great!

Yep I agree with the above, that is a great colour and nicely done    (http://www.desismileys.com/smileys/desismileys_7020.gif) (http://www.desismileys.com/)

Started on the tank. Still lots to do......

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/860F258A-3C85-40C3-8BD8-59B1AFB486B4_zpscbm0zwqo.jpg)

Not sure whether to do the frame in the green also, or black. What's everyone's opinion?

wow! that's great. Really good. But it makes me hungry, our Chinky is decked out in similar colours, The green dragon, honest ;D and no insult intended. Frame black I think :-\

Think you may regret asking that question ....... I go with the green, so thats 1 all.

White -just to be awkward :)
The Green Dragon would be a great name for it!

Names already picked out. That's the next bit to go onto the tank! :) :)

Have you got a Chinese Kung fu side kick ? ( The Green Hornet) ::)

:D :D :D

Frame black - not to detract from the green parts!

Still undecided, but still a while until I have to commit.
Got the idiot lights mounted into the headlight, and the first layer of shiny stuff on the mudguard.

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/4AA16DEB-52C1-4CBA-BFB6-C6CFC02E0C7E_zpsnkmm0mgb.jpg)

Quick question; the original air filter had the standard foam filter in the air box. If I just go with the mesh filter only, will it affect the fuelling massively?

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/D9D406C8-91FE-491B-9E5E-F6ACCD3C2522_zpspmp72crr.jpg)

If just using that mesh in the pic I reckon you will have more air going in than with the foam so it will alter the air fuel ratio with the existing jets and you might find it will fun a bit weaker, you will need to run it to be able to take plug readings to see how much it has changed.

Stix

Got the idiot lights mounted into the headlight.
-got an idiot in the headlight too! -joking! Just joking. Please don't dive bomb me with your helicopter.
(hey Clive, did you hear Loony won't be at his workshop much longer? -every time a Lynx flies over we still look up & chant Cli-i-i-ve?)

I know! :D :D At least you now know I don't work naked!! :D :D

I'll need to hunt his new place down.........

Thanks buddy, but that's a looooong way off yet....................maybe

Oh Clive, I got excited then but I obviously missed the word "don't" when I read your post.
Hey ho. JJ  ::) ;D

I'd put some foam inside ,stop the crap getting in too?

More goldleafing today!

So yes, I've decided the frame is going green! :D :D

Also got the rear light painted.

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/85E7E875-3B33-46DC-88F5-F42BD7D426AB_zpscz2lmrov.jpg)

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/288E4079-171F-422F-A165-BDB9E93FC7D7_zpsb6shl7cw.jpg)

Also, does anyone know what diameter the screw in section of Harley fuel caps are. I'm after a cap that's 39mm diameter, but the screw threads make it 43mm. I've got a plastic one, but would like a vented metal one.

just for jay jay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbrU5r8DmVE  and sorry to bust in on your excellent  thread.

Thats just plain stupid jeez it hurts enough when it hits your chest leave off any important bits. ;D ;D ;D ;D

Stix

The green looks very smart Clive very much like my 800 trike.

Stix

Thanks buddy

Cheers Coppersmith. I didn't know you had a tattoo!  ;)

All the goldleaf looks great Clive. Back light with the gold collar looks good too. Will we all need sunglasses when we see it in person? You will definitely get noticed.  :)  I know you are a way off but I'm really looking forward to you finishing it.

Got some paint on the frame today:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/817F481F-B63B-40FD-84D1-FA316D52C2F5_zpsmwthqb9g.jpg)

 ;D ;D ;D  looking good Clive.

stix

So, you decided to go with black then.
That green certainly looks better on a bike than it did on the cars. Nice choice.

Old's. Green is the new black.   ;D :D ;D

Stix

Started the rebuild today:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/0A0E7767-63F8-47A4-8689-6FF121170875_zps9zovmbs7.jpg)

Ended with it looking like this:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/4F5EC4A7-B998-4E37-929B-0E477BD1DB07_zpsja0g0ffx.jpg)
(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/FD5178D0-65F3-4FBE-8599-491B837DD58D_zpsfpn9g6ew.jpg)

I think the forward controls (a set of rearsets for a cafe racer) may end up a little too long and put my feet a little too close to the front wheel for comfort, so may have to make a new set of mounts for them.

Looking good, (personally I would lose the apes) it sort of looks speedway bikeish. Big single and low frame, uhm! I like it.

I was going to say the same, cool dude

Me like! Even if I got a picture in my head of a really short person standing on the saddle to reach the handlebars. :P Love the paintwork!

Balanced the seat, and tank on today, just to have a look. Looks GREEN!! Once the tank is finished that should hopefully break it up a little.

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/E200AD44-B163-4553-9CC6-D1323DF8EA7E_zpsldqj0dod.jpg)
(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/CE95C267-7A02-42AB-99DC-87C89973C5A7_zpsbnmv2iw1.jpg)

And then started to add on the main bits, so I can start the re-wire:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/44A6C57B-8558-45BE-88B7-85803D3A09A1_zpszxf2wchx.jpg)

Dat be COOL dude ;)

the coloured frame is defo the way to go ,salutations

Decision time again. This time on the handlebars.

If I stick with the apes, it means longer clutch, and throttle cables, and a shorter speedo cable.

The lower bars just mean shorter speedo cable.

Not sure which look better:

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/8C740A2D-35F9-4936-A9D4-C72B0AEFC98D_zpszef6y86a.jpg)
(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/B3A69EF6-B7E6-487D-8561-1C6C1319D9E4_zpscqvv4qtc.jpg)

Which is the more comfortable to use?? with the apes are your hands going to be above or level with your shoulders? if above you can suffer with your hands going numb on a long run.

Stix

I'd say the Apes look whackier & so suit the bike more, but the lower ones might be more practical if you're riding it regularly.

interesting, I do prefer the apes now I've seen it altered. Maybe if they were in line with the forks? if? Oh, just ignore my ramblings :D bike is looking good whatever way you go, sort of "cool" 8)

Iv always thought Apes are for people who can't afford long forks ? . ::) like Stix says ..you will feel numbness with the high bars ?

I could never see the point of apes, but it's your bike

apes for me ,wat about a flat bar or z bars maybe but if it were mine apes lol

What's the point of any custom alteration? -if you like it, do it.  ;)

Fit what you want Clive. It's your bike.
BTW those aren't ape hangers. A bit too low.
These are ape hangers.

Guess he can't afford long forks then ? ???

Cheers for the input gents. I've got time to mull it over, as we're off on holiday for ten days today

what about flat bars , would be interested to see what that looks like

For me the high bars make me think of a Raleigh chopper!  In case of younger folks who don't know what I mean.....

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/Raleigh_Chopper_Mk3.jpg)

Yes what about flat, wide bars?

That's a later version, the proper ones had a one piece rear seat.
Caused many injuries those things. i still have a scar on my temple, and on a seperate occasion when racing another chopper my foot went from the pedal straight into the front wheel - instant flip. It must have looked funny, but it took me a while to gather what had happened.

You're right - that pic doesn't have the gear knob that was likely to damage a lad's future prospects!

Still plodding away at this when I get the chance.

(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/87766BDF-018A-4884-83EC-CDBCD605BAF7_zpsvjtlibcm.jpg)
(http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac360/533clive/DR%20Chop/83B54B1D-DF7E-4021-8483-5B68EC8BBF69_zpse8pmpywi.jpg)

The tank needs artwork and lacquering, wiring done, exhausts, and I need to find someone to make me some stronger rods for the brake, and gear levers.

Clive,You may like the style of the rods running on the underside,And i must admit i do,
The brake won't work efficiently it must pull not push.

Hmmmmmmmm, okay

The rod pushes from the pedal, but pulls the brake arm on the drum itself

Still need rods made up though :D

Sorry Clive,I promise i won't use specsavers again. ;D
Anyway what dia and length of rod do you need,
Can't promise anything but will see if i have anything here.

I reckon 8mm rod, but with about an inch of M6 thread on the end.

I'd have to get the lengths tomorrow

OK.

Looks cool!
Have I missed a post somewhere with the christening of the bike in it? What's the name on the tank Clive?

Nope, you didn't miss one buddy (apart from the one on the top of page 10 :D ), just forgot I wasn't going to put a pic up of it until it was finished............oops!!

It's called Green-Go. Getting some Mexican style artwork on the tank!

I would recomend using tube - stainless if you want. It's less likely to buckle in an emergency.

Eh, Gringo  8)

No progress on this recently as I've had a knee operation (which may put paid to being able to kick this over), and as I was recovering, got taken into hospital in agony. Ends up with me having to go back next week to have my gallbladder out!!

Ooooh! Nasty. Take it extremely easy mate. You're excused bike building duties for now then.  :)

All the best Clive, take it easy and get well soon

Hope all goes with the op mate, and here's wishing a full & speedy recovery.

Right ladies and gents, having been up to help our glorious leader with some electrical problems, and 'assisting' him with kicking it over, I now find that I will have no chance of kicking this over when finished, so I'm going to have to either finish it and sell on, or sell on as is.

It's the latter...................

It still needs the wiring sorted, although it has a perfectly good standard loom with it, and apart from that all it would need major is exhausts made (it would come with the standard header pipes).
Almost everything else is there to finish.......

Bugger -have I broken you? Mr olds came to sort out some wiring in my truck & now he's got a bad back. :(

No, not at all buddy, just am more than aware that if I try to kick this, I'll end up damaged again, and can't risk it!

It's hard when you get to a point where you realise you can't do the things you've always done and still want to do, but it gets easier once you've made the decision.  My bikes are gone, and I'll be selling the trike as soon as the weather gets better and I can get out a clean it up.
I've really moved on to the campervan and I'm gradually moving on from the bike forums etc that I've frequented for years.  It's almost a relief now, not to try and make myself want to go out in the cold and ride miles to a meet to have a coffee and shoot a line with some bikers, then ride all the way home again and not be able to move the next day!

Well BG if your shooting lines I'm not surprised you feel rough ? ::)

Ha!  Showing my age - that's what the fly-boys used to call it, maybe I should say 'telling tall tales'?