SolarFreak
New Member
This is my third attempt today to start a build thread... I keep getting interrupted - pesky work!
Quick summary: I acquired this bike early summer this year (2012). Never really been all that much into bikes, and intended to fix this one up and flip it. But between bleeding on it and the fight for the title - well, I'm hooked. Once it was drivable, I came to know the term "cafe racer" from a co-worker. Knowing better than to go looking, I did it any way - hook line and sinker, and here we are. I'm already looking for the next one...
The bike came to me in pretty good shape - neglected, but in good condition. The Chrome is great, just a few pits here and there. Gas tank was riddled with holes near the bottom in straight line - I would guess where it sat with water in it. Three rounds of soldering later... I had to clean the carbs three times before it would run right, and run it does! I put new tires on it, new chain, etc. Basically what I call the parts that "support life and limb".
Here's a few pics of the development thus far:
As Received (minus the battery)
Interim condition...
And as she sits today.
I'll get to the parts that make it look like a cafe racer over the winter - My first stop is the electrical system, which is going to be a complete overhaul. I mentioned a bit in my into about my plans - completely new electronics centered around a AVR microcontroller. New ignition, guages, etc. All of it basically. Also as I said there, I will post schematics shortly (week or two).
Theme - Gemini
Parallel twin, so it's fitting. I'm going to go with a dualistic/parallel theme. I added the blue, which I like, but I went a bit overboard. I'm going to stick with it moving forward, but just a few highlights here and there. I've thought about adding white in for a black, chrome/aluminum blue & white theme, but I'm still undecided.
Modifications, in order...
1. New electronics, about 40% complete already.
2. Strip is down, sand blast frame & swing arm and have it painted.
3. New gaskets for engine. It leaks oil a bit here and there, not too bad - but...
4. Wheel bearings.
5. Clip ons, clubman bars or ???
6. Seat, tank etc.
7. New rear tire.
Here's the number one, (maybe) odd addition - and if you care to comment on anything, make it this: The new electronics will include a second "throttle", which will allow for dynamic timing adjustment while driving. I'd like to see it manifest as a thumb lever on the right, giving +- adjustment to timing, maybe 1 or 2 degrees + or - either way around computer setting. When released, it would snap back to 0. Thoughts?
Quick summary: I acquired this bike early summer this year (2012). Never really been all that much into bikes, and intended to fix this one up and flip it. But between bleeding on it and the fight for the title - well, I'm hooked. Once it was drivable, I came to know the term "cafe racer" from a co-worker. Knowing better than to go looking, I did it any way - hook line and sinker, and here we are. I'm already looking for the next one...
The bike came to me in pretty good shape - neglected, but in good condition. The Chrome is great, just a few pits here and there. Gas tank was riddled with holes near the bottom in straight line - I would guess where it sat with water in it. Three rounds of soldering later... I had to clean the carbs three times before it would run right, and run it does! I put new tires on it, new chain, etc. Basically what I call the parts that "support life and limb".
Here's a few pics of the development thus far:
As Received (minus the battery)
Interim condition...
And as she sits today.
I'll get to the parts that make it look like a cafe racer over the winter - My first stop is the electrical system, which is going to be a complete overhaul. I mentioned a bit in my into about my plans - completely new electronics centered around a AVR microcontroller. New ignition, guages, etc. All of it basically. Also as I said there, I will post schematics shortly (week or two).
Theme - Gemini
Parallel twin, so it's fitting. I'm going to go with a dualistic/parallel theme. I added the blue, which I like, but I went a bit overboard. I'm going to stick with it moving forward, but just a few highlights here and there. I've thought about adding white in for a black, chrome/aluminum blue & white theme, but I'm still undecided.
Modifications, in order...
1. New electronics, about 40% complete already.
2. Strip is down, sand blast frame & swing arm and have it painted.
3. New gaskets for engine. It leaks oil a bit here and there, not too bad - but...
4. Wheel bearings.
5. Clip ons, clubman bars or ???
6. Seat, tank etc.
7. New rear tire.
Here's the number one, (maybe) odd addition - and if you care to comment on anything, make it this: The new electronics will include a second "throttle", which will allow for dynamic timing adjustment while driving. I'd like to see it manifest as a thumb lever on the right, giving +- adjustment to timing, maybe 1 or 2 degrees + or - either way around computer setting. When released, it would snap back to 0. Thoughts?
