Re: 1981 XS650 Project Something or other
All my weekend plans were scrubbed due to the beautiful spring pacific northwest weather we're having, rain, so I got some good garage time in.
I finally got the rest of my parts from the powder coater after having my "small" job pushed aside for bigger rush jobs, and having them re-do several parts that looked like shit. I will be finding a new powder coater.
Put the shocks back together, got them in the triples and threw the wheels on for mock up
Finished welding up the seat frame and tacked it on the frame. I ended up lengthening it 4 inches, just didn't look right before. There will be gussets added between the front forward corners of the seat frame and the back bone and a plate added to the inside front for strength and gas tank mounting.
I wanted to open up the middle of the frame, so I tacked a temporary brace in so nothing would move around, and whacked off the two small horizontal pieces. The two little vertical stubs will be cut flush with the top of the plate
BEFORE
AFTER
I then proceeded to make the seat frame support and mock up the location for the shock. As you can see, I will be running a horizontally mounted, push rod actuated shock. I've been doing quite a bit of research on the feasibility and the proper way to set up the shock as far as bellcrank arm lengths, size and angle to keep the ratio of pushrod movement to shock travel correct. I haven't seen many of this type of set up used on motorcycles, but I love the way it looks and if can get it set up and working properly, it'll be pretty awesome. That's what building a custom bike is all about, trying to find something new, but at the same time I will not sacrifice safety and functionality for looks. If I can't get it to work I'll go to a more traditional mono shock set up...but I have to try. The bellcrank will be cut out of 1/4 inch plate and will rotate on a heim joint mounted into the frame. The push rod will attach to the swing arm and be adjustable for length with heim joints at both ends.
I tacked up a more forward seat support to see how it would look. I think I like it better than the rear support. Opinions welcome