Brat/rat first chop

Dude. You must be proud. Tons of effort and hard work gone into this, and it shows. Looking forward to seeing the finished article...although are they ever really finished?!?
 
Dude. You must be proud. Tons of effort and hard work gone into this, and it shows. Looking forward to seeing the finished article...although are they ever really finished?!?

That’s a great point. I was changing out the oil filters and noticed some light particulate. I’m hoping to get some amount of life out of the engine. I know I could make it a very valuable bike, the problem is complex. I can add plenty later. If I have to rebuild the engine, I’ll send it off and get some real good grinds. I’d say they are never finished. I’m keeping everything as stupid simple as possible. Taking extra time and planning on the electrical. Luckily the motor cycle laws are pretty relaxed here, so all I need are lights and a rear view.

Fingers crossed the first ride is a good one.

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Alright.... I’m out at my shed, literally just starring down into my battery box, thinking what the hell am I gonna do..... so, I’ve got a few different switches laying around.... I really want to use this tiny little barrel key, but I have to change everything. I also had grand ideas of using a pull chain for the light switch. Here we go down the rabbit hole..... lol


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Also, I’m not sure if I can deal with this janky set of petcocks I’ve got. I’m going to end up dropping some coin on a nice set


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Alright here’s the rough 1st draft. I did pick up a relay, but I’m going to try it without. Haven’t done the math yet, but I’m thinking it shouldn’t draw more than 20amps. I do want to incorporate the kill switch on the right side, headlight switch on the left. Sadly I do not have a 3 position pull chain on hand... I do have a toggle tho. Barrel key will be to switch on the main fuse block. Then kill switch on to kick start then headlights on. Will a relay be necessary for the barrel key. If I was a gambling man, I would bet it’s a 20a switch. I don’t see any markings however. Also, I know how to wire a three terminal on off to the relay, but the barrel key switch is 2 terminal
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Also, here’s the link for a short video I took. I went to a great deal of trouble replacing everything possible with stainless hardware, and aluminum items. You can see a little more detail. It’s a little premature before the electrical, but I can’t help it.



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Going for it. I talked to the guys I got the switch from. They didn’t know the amperage either.... the guys says they are all running them with no problems. Here goes nothing. Punched out some venting holes and holes for the switches. Now I’m laying down some primer before a birthday party.
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That looks a lot like the switch I use and full battery/charging power goes through it no issues and 4-5 seasons.
 
That looks a lot like the switch I use and full battery/charging power goes through it no issues and 4-5 seasons.

Good to know. I feel pretty confident about it. I may even have a running bike today. Here’s where I’m at this morning. Just a few more connections
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Everything works nicely, but in the end (again), I’m still left to sort out the brake light. I ran out of time, and I needed to hear it run. I almost got a ride out it.

Here’s the run down. The actual first start up took about 12 kicks and a ton of carb work and a timing adjustment. Brakes filled and bled. Had a weird drag on the front wheel. Readjusted the axle and added a thicker caliper spacers. Adjusted the rear brake, and the clutch. Clutch was a little sticky at first but it freed up. Torqued nuts and bolts, and greased the swing arm.



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Got to go for a first real ride today. Only about 20 miles, but it was enough to reveal the loose nuts. Also, the carbs aren’t 100 percent there yet. Mid range feels great. Idle is poor and top end is just ok(could be better). Overall the bike is crazy fun to ride. Handling is superb and it’s pretty comfortable. I’ll make my adjustments Sunday. Here’s a short clip after my ride



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More progress today on the tuning. First thing this morning I pulled the carbs. Everything checked out good. All I did was sure everything up, and I made an air screw adjustment. It made all the difference. Bike idled great, and good through mid and high. I adjusted the clutch and chain again. Bike was running great then I pulled over with a flat tire. Lol. Luckily, I’ve got more inner tubes and I wasn’t to far from home. But needless to say, it’s been an adventure. ‍♂️


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Not a bad shake down ride. My triumph blew through a tank of oil on the first real ride last weekend. :-/ I think I've got it narrowed down to a bad oil seal in the timing cover. BMWs and Harleys are the only bikes I haven't chased endless gremlins on.

Loctite and safety wire is your friend on these 650s....
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Yes sir! Second the locktight and safety wire! The good thing is I built this thing stupid simple, so the wheel was off in a snap. It is holding air for now
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Well done. I've yet to attempt to change a tire myself with spoons. I need to do this at least once to appreciate it.
 
We have to do lawnmower tires at work, every now and then. The little ones are the worst


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Lawn tractor tires suck and I do tires all the time. They never get easier like car and bike tires do LOL. Good job though. Looks great.
 
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