"A Bird in the Hand" take 2. DR650 Deadtail Bobber, now with a sidecar

My only problem (beside availability) with the Rustoleum appliance epoxy is the nozzles on the cans. Even using replacement nozzles (like graffiti artists use), there is a poor pattern and their valve is super-hard to press. Tried one of the strap-on triggers, and it helped but eventually the clasp failed. Wish they would go to the nozzle/valve that Duplicolor uses.
 
Well, were about good enough to stick a fork in this one and call it done. I began this project almost exactly 3 years ago in August of 2019, and took the first ride today. Right now its all wired up through a momentary car style ignition switch with just a headlight and tail/brake light. I really love the minimalism of the system, but may look at adding at least turn signals in the future. I also am waiting for the paint to cure on the fork brake to install. That said, this thing RIPS. It weighs in at 275 lbs wet which is down a good amount from the 365 curb weight of a stock DR650. It also mustve somehow known that I put a Hardly Ableson headlight on it as I have a slight oil leak somewhere that I need to track down. All in all I'm happy with how the old dead tail turned out.

https://youtube.com/shorts/nE7h6oQ-brA?feature=share

1659566193341.png

1659566216989.png


1659566264565.png
 
If we were still doing BOM you'd be a sure winner... making you a multiple BOM WInner! It's got my vote anyway!
 
Much thanks for the kind words everyone!

I found the culprit for the oil leak/ spray. The gasket for the cam chain tensioner had failed. No where local had one in stock and I'm inpatient, so luckily my son had eaten a Lunchables and the thickness of the box seemed about right, so I cut one up and put some ultra black rtv on both sides. So far so go l good, and this is much more pleasant to ride without oil staying all over, especially the exhaust.

20220804_150250.jpg


Also, I filled the forks with oil since my idiot self forgot to do when I rebuilt them (doh) and installed the fork brace. Those two things made a big difference on handing. But surprise eh lol besides its function, I think style wise the brace ties the front end together. Had a fun evening bombing around town.
20220804_202229.jpg
 
Last edited:
i like the final color on the frame. nice work. handbuilding bikes is a labor of love.
 
BEAUTIFUL!
...makes me wish there were more DR650 motors to go around! Seems like the perfect starting point for a project!
 
JerryAssburger said:
BEAUTIFUL!
...makes me wish there were more DR650 motors to go around! Seems like the perfect starting point for a project!
Click to expand...
Thanks man, and I wish the same. Unfortunately, after having to put this one good motor together out of 4 different 96+ dr650 engines, I'm a bit unsure of it being a cheap lump to build a project around haha. I think these bikes are just so bullet proof from the get go that once the motors end up out of the bike and sold, they are just pretty much guaranteed to be used up at that point. I have had half a mind to build a cafe racer from scratch, frame and all around one of these motors, but the scarcity of the motors alone makes me pause, and if I bought a complete bike to start, I would be a bit reserved to tear it apart as they are such great dual sports as is.
 
Hurco550 said:
Thanks man, and I wish the same. Unfortunately, after having to put this one good motor together out of 4 different 96+ dr650 engines, I'm a bit unsure of it being a cheap lump to build a project around haha. I think these bikes are just so bullet proof from the get go that once the motors end up out of the bike and sold, they are just pretty much guaranteed to be used up at that point. I have had half a mind to build a cafe racer from scratch, frame and all around one of these motors, but the scarcity of the motors alone makes me pause, and if I bought a complete bike to start, I would be a bit reserved to tear it apart as they are such great dual sports as is.
Click to expand...
you need to find a low mileage wrecked one to do it with.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

DTT Light or Dark

  • DTT Light
    • www.jadusmotorcycleparts.com
    www.lostapostle.ca/
    www.sparckmoto.com

    Spread the Love

    Back
    Top Bottom