Re: 1975 Suzuki T500 New mock up pics 1/08/11
Titan performance said:
Those standard side panels look ok with the stock tank and seat, but they just don't go with the cafe look Mark.
Any plans in that area?
I know the "cafe" thing to do would be to ditch the stock tank and battery cover, hide everything in the tail and make that area of the frame as open as possible. The problem is, I don't care for that look and I like the stock tank and cover. Nor am I into the beer-keg sort of oil tank you guys are using on your current build, at least not for a bike like this. To my eye, that sort of tank looks more at home on a chopper/bobber type bike, more 50's hot rod than 70's two-stroke. Most of the T500 cafe's on your site have the stock covers and I think they all look great.
HerrDeacon said:
I'm really struggling to keep up with everyone's builds here and just came across this one...glad I did. Looking beautiful. That tank and tail combo looks great! Nice work so far, keep it coming.
Thanks. I have trouble keeping up with all the content here too.
teazer said:
Wingspan,
I'm really liking that oil tank. OEM tanks and side covers often look out of place, but those look good. It looks more like a cafe racer that way than say a race track refugee. It's a different, more sophisticated look.
BTW imagine how good it would look with an extra frame tube from the swingarm area to under the fuel tank - right in front of the oil tank. The oil tank would look like it was styled to fit there and the extra brace would make the frame look more "complete". Did we cover this ground before. ;-)
sparkymoto said:
I agree with teazer. My first glance at the new combo of tank/tail/oil tank was that it made for a nice, compact arrangement of body work...and when the seat is upholstered, it will look even better. The frame brace will look slick in there.
Thanks guys. I think it'll work fine. The stock parts are also going to give me some area for color, which the bike will be sorely lacking if I went with the open frame look.
Here we go again with these friggin' frame braces. Can we beat a dead horse any more?
Guys, I think you've forgotten that there are a pair of carbs right where the braces would have to run with the stock oil tank in place. I've tried to work out a way to do it that looks good and doesn't create more problems for me later on and I've decided that it's just not worth it to me. Yes, the frame could be stiffened. Yes, that has obvious benefits. However, it just won't matter to me for the way this bike will be ridden. Again, this build is mostly just a styling exercise for me. Stock motor, stock suspension, etc. I'm just trimming some weight and making something I think looks cool to cruise around town on. I really don't care what the bike will do at the track and Sparky can back me up on this one...we have NO twistie roads here.
I cut a piece of tube a while back to try an mock up some braces that would work. I just don't see a way to do it that I like. The most workable solution and most functional solution would be an"X" style brace through the center of the frame, but that cuts right across the carb intakes and as they'd be totally hidden behind the body work wouldn't add anything to the look.
Note that in the last picture I'm holding the tube against the OUTSIDE of the frame rails, and not centered with them as you would actually want to attach it. Even in this outermost and unworkable position the tube is firmly against the carb at the inlet and top cap.