Maduncle's WTF450

M

maduncle

Guest
Yeah I know - I need a better name.

To start with -

I decided that since I have enough CB450 engine parts to build another engine, and I can now build one (having just built one) then my next project can be based around what I have and what I can do.

So I picked up a CB450 frame off eBay, and then read a few posts on this forum.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Now I have a 1980 Yamaha IT425 mono shock swing arm and I am working on the CB450 frame to take the swing arm.

Next steps -

Take some picture for y'all.

Use the pictures I take of the basic frame and swing arm set up to design some serious frame mods, I am thinking of taking the side rails than come off the centre top rail and running them down to where the swing arm bolts in. Almost Norton Featherbed frame in side profile (kinda).

Then sling a custom seat off the frame, floating over the mono shock swing arm.

Hand made aluminium tank, something small and bullet like.

Maybe a bikini fairing....

I also have access to a set of reverse forks and callipers off a Ducati Monster - hmmm.

Pictures and drawings to come soon - my general theme is streamlined art deco in styling, so who knows what it will look like.
 
As discussed - first photos of the stock frame and swing arm combo.

file-63.jpg


file-64.jpg


I will use the side on photo to plan the frame modifications.

And here is the CB450 engine I finished tonight, ready to go into the Runcible Racer (my first CB450 build).

file-62.jpg


Plenty of bling.
 
Just been reading Compound's thread on his mono-shock project, brilliant work!

I will finish the drawings today and then start looking at spring mount options - not sure if the spring can sit horizontal, or whether it needs to angle up - or even if it can angle down?
 
Today's madness.

I went to the tip to get rid of a car load of cardboard boxes, and since I was close to a local motorcycle wreckers at the time I called by to see what they might have in used mono-shocks.

file-68.jpg


I ended up buying this monster of a progressive spring unit. Fully adjustable and rebuildable - I can change the spring over too if I need to.

So - now to work out how to make it fit...

file-69.jpg


It's handy having a CB450 almost complete, to check measure stock swing arm axle centre to top of shock centre distances, and to check clearance around carbies too.

So I hung the IT425 swing arm on a wire at the set length to match the stock swing arm location on a standard fully built CB450.

I then rigged the mono shock off the swing arm pivot to one side - outside the frame. This allowed me to take the side profile photo and start to see how much frame will have to go to accommodate the mono shock.

All achievable - I can see how the frame will be modified to take the suspension set up...

... er - quite heavily it seems.

I will be cutting a fair bit away from the frame, including the centre down tube.

I will be welding new side frame tubes in before I remove the down tube - so the remaining frame does not move once cut open.

More madness later this week - I will try to do some drawings.
 
I did some cutting...

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I removed the centre down tube area where it connects into the frame - as this is where the mono shock will mount.

My challenge is that because this shock is so fat, the spring hits the side tubes in the frame where I want to mount it.

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Also - if I can shorten the bottom end mount by 10mm or more - I will gain more room, anyone know if these can be cut down?

file-71.jpg


But then what ever I do - I will end up with an engine clearance issue with the shock at that angle, so it may end up poking through and sitting under the tank.

One other option is to go radical on the frame and cut in a hoop end for the front that allows the mono shock to sit inside it, this I might just do - I could mirror the hoop at the rear for the seat, then the frame would look rather neat.

Plenty of options.
 
Christmas kinda slowed me down a little, and I am trying to get my CB450 cafe finished and on the road soon, as we need to move house in March and I want to ride it to our next home - not trailer it.

But I am designing stuff in my head for the WTF project. Next thing I need to make myself is a spring compressor for the huge Progressive mono-shock I am using, so I can get the spring off and so I can see if I can shorten the lower shock mount slightly.

Anyone seen a good home made spring compressor?
 
Might be a stupid question. Hell maybe you've already thought about it, but why not cut down the mounts on the swinger and move them back and then you won't lose so much engine clearance
 
Ksch1232 said:
Might be a stupid question. Hell maybe you've already thought about it, but why not cut down the mounts on the swinger and move them back and then you won't lose so much engine clearance
Click to expand...

I did think about doing that, but it would require some complex cutting, bending, shaping and welding on the swing arm, plus it might interfere with tyre clearance.

I will get the space I need if I shorten the lower mono-shock mount by 10mm.
 
WeberKid said:
I used a bridgeport. that's probably more complicated than you had in mind, though.
Click to expand...

Probably - I want to compress the spring on the mono shock.
 
That spring compressor is a good idea. I've been trying to come up with adapters for use in my 12 ton press.
 
Slow progress on this build, as all my time is going into my other CB450 which is close to complete.

But - one of my plans is to do a reverse head on the engine, so the carbs stick out the front and the pipes flow off the back of the head and up under the seat.

Bugger me - someone has done it!

http://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/2013/01/krugger-tribute-to-japan-honda-cb450.html

So now I know it can be done - I pulled my spare CB450 engine out and did a 'mock up' run just to see how it all fits.

file-102.jpg


Well - the big bits go together okay, I guess it's all the bits inside that will make it challenging...
 
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