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I finally got the RD400 cafe racer back on two wheels. This isthe result of tons of time in the garage...and I still have much to do. These are just general pics to show you how she sits. It shows the braided line, license plate and all the other little details. Note the tank and the side covers (not shown) still needed to be painted. I've plowed so much money into this bike over the last few weeks that I really need to let her rest a bit. When I get a little polly in my pocket, I'll prime and paint her my secret color. In the mean time, I'm wrapping up the little stuff and moving onto the MG midget.
At least now I can get her into and out of the garage. This week, I'll change out the bolts on the front wheel <sigh> and make the clocks bracket. Then, I'll finish wiring her. It's odd how easy wiring will be on this bike since it is 95% stock. All the other projects I did were wired from scratch!
The bike is coming along nicely Chris! Your seat fit this bike so damned well. I can't wait to see the color choice!!!
I actually think for the look and stance of this bike (i.e. no rearsets) drag or superbike bars are the way to go. With every thing so low and no gauges (maybe you're changing that) there is just a big void created by the clubmans. All in all it's no deal killer for me I just think they may suit the style a bit better.
Once you get that tank painted you should really try using some of that black door edge guard they make for cars. It really finishes the tank seams of nicely and I think it'll pull the bike together even tighter.
Awesome build so far Chris I'm anxious for what's in store for bike number four!
I don't wonder at all. Function over form on this one. I like the rubber isolators. I also like lil beast's handlebars. If anything, I'll go to more that style. But to be honest, I love what I've got.
Today, I made a mount for the clocks. It's just a sheet of .125" 6061-T6. It looks OK, but it is a 1/2"off. I need to put it in a spell. Anyway, I don't like it at all, but it will do for now. After this, I'm off to the Internet in search of a sheet of 4x4 carbon twill. Now that will look the dogs balls.
I don't wonder at all. Function over form on this one. I like the rubber isolators. I also like lil beast's handlebars. If anything, I'll go to more that style. But to be honest, I love what I've got.
Hmm, I've heard that ergometrically, clip-ons are easier on the wrist in riding position. I'm not sure how rear sets factor into that equation though. I liked the clip-ons on my CBR, but that bike is set-up totally different frame-wise.
Hmm, I've heard that ergometrically, clip-ons are easier on the wrist in riding position. I'm not sure how rear sets factor into that equation though. I liked the clip-ons on my CBR, but that bike is set-up totally different frame-wise.
Not only is the frame set up differently, but the motor is a silky-smooth 4 cylinder. The vibration on modern sportbike engines is very little. These old twins vibrate like crazy, though to be honest, the 2-stroke vibrates much less so.
Yep, rearsets also factor in as well. Who knows; I might change them out later. But I like it as-is right now.
It's pretty easy really. Take a sheet of 6061-T6, then drill the holes for the mount. Next, turn the clocks upside down and trace out where you want them. Then drill their holes. Note that you should drill a 7/8" hole for the machanical cable to pass through. Then you just cut it to shape.
I use a cutoff wheel on a grinder because I don't have any fancy tools. A hacksaw would work fine as well. Once you have the rough cuts, just file to shape. I use a pnuematic sander with a roloc disk.
My next interation will use carbon composite because it's easier to shape. You might try that as well.
Nope. Lotus chrome orange with the smallest metalic mixed then. Then satin clear. You got any cool oranges running around the shop? I'll try those.
I'm also thinking that super-metalic mud gray Ford's using on the Explorers/Expaditions with a satin clear. Can you tell I have a bunch of the stuff?
Honestly, i was going to leave it up to you because it needs some silkscreening and pinstriping. You understand the motofiaccone brand image and the bike. Want me to drop the stuff off and you can go to town ?
Like this, only with a satin/flat clear. I want a bunch of silvery metalic mixed into the base, but not the HUGE flake--something a manufacturer would use. I'd prefer not to mix more flatner in the clear, just use it right out of the can...
With a little pinstriping to offset the color, and of course, the typical motofiaccone blah, blah, blah.
Orange came to mind immediately, I think you've noted my love of it already.
A little while ago we mixed all the 2009 Ipod nano colors... and then didn't use any of them, so we've got those:
(they're all metallic)
I think you told me at some point that the lotus color isn't a tricoat... but I still don't believe you. I'll take it as long as it really is absolutely paint ready. I'll help you paint it... as long as I don't have to sand anything . I've been sanding the steering wheel to my truck for the better part of two weeks now.
Awesome! So a motofiaccone/dropbars joint (again). iPod orange it is. Should I pick up some metalic to mix in? it's up to you.
Oh, did I tell you the Lotus orange isn't a tricoat? It is; i think. It's a basecoat, pearl (with a little green in it) and a clear. But I figured the satin would completely knock out the pearl. Hell, the satin will knock out a lot of the metalic as well, but it's something I've always wanted to try.
I'll call you tonight. Or swing by tomorrow. I could use your opinion on some stuff.
Yeah you need DMD-1680 for the basecoat, get a pint. You should also be able to pick up some good aerosol primers there too (etch and fill) make sure the PPG DBC system will like them. If you can make it to the Grove road English Color talk to Mike and tell him you're working with Kit and he should be able to set you up. Going the Aerosol route you'll want it ready to spray with a 600 grit sand before I take it into the booth. Just let me know when you want to set it up.
i love that seat! you can do that with powder as well man... they make dorment colors that have a stall in them once you clear over it you get the true color... i was at a buddies shop this week and he was playing with them... this was gray then he cleared it this is what it came out of the oven looking like! light flake in there... some of the coolest powders i have ever seen... almost like a candy but not as wet but just as deep... this is laid over stage 1 chrome
sorry the pics suck but it was my cell
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