Honda XR650L Thumpster

[compoundcycles]

Worked on the tank some more. I welded it up to a seal and trimmed the excess frame channel off. Looks almost like a real tank. I'll continue to grind and weld throughout the week. Not sure where the petcock is going to go.

I also got a little antsy with the subframe. I couldn't stand looking at the ugly kinked and tabbed factory frame any longer so it had to go today.

Pulled the main wiring harness out today. I'd like to go with a Motogadget M-Unit if the budget will allow in the future.

http://motogadget.com/en/electrics/electronic-control-box-m-unit/m-unit-digit-tastersteuerung-u-sicherung.html

 

[compoundcycles]

I've been extremely jealous of a few custom builds I've seen recently. These are what's currently inspiring me.

 

[jsnabbs]

liking this

 

[compoundcycles]

Time to update with some better photo's of the current state of things. I'm need to take a step back into the design phase before going any further. These profile shots will help me mockup some things in photoshop.

 

[compoundcycles]

Modified Hodaka Ace tank.

 

[compoundcycles]

1975 CB360 tank

 

[osteoderm]

The CB tank gets my vote, but then again, I'm a little biased...

Move the mounts on the frame 5/8" forward and a little lower, use stock XR tank rubber, and the CB tank fits like it was always supposed to be there, with the lower edge hiding the frame/wiring area above the engine. Careful not to go too far forward! As pictured, my forks just clear the tank with the factory steering stops.

 

[compoundcycles]

The CB tank gets my vote, but then again, I'm a little biased...


Move the mounts on the frame 5/8" forward and a little lower, use stock XR tank rubber, and the CB tank fits like it was always supposed to be there, with the lower edge hiding the frame/wiring area above the engine. Careful not to go too far forward! As pictured, my forks just clear the tank with the factory steering stops.

Interesting. So you move the frame mounts, not the mounts on the inside channel of the tank. I was a bit worried about cutting or welding on that part of the frame since it is the oil tank. It looks like you're using 3/4 inch tubing for your seat hoop. Did you bend it yourself? I've been looking for a place that will bend tube that small for me. Every place I contact 1" is the smallest they can bend.

 

[mizuchaud]

Hodaka tank for me. But need to picture the rest as proportions may be all off. Your previous inspiration image with the bright orange tank has great proportions

 

[osteoderm]

Of the two, I'd preferred welding on the thicker/flatter frame than the thinner/consulted tank. Yes, I bent my own subframe tubing; 3/4" hoop and 5/8" supports, .036" chromoly. Try asking a shop that bends up boat awning supports; they use 7/8" and 3/4" tube. Also remember that 1" tube and 1" pipe are different diameters and require different bending dies.

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[compoundcycles]

just experimenting...

 

[Joe Suzuki]

Dakar-chic? I like it!

 

[osteoderm]

I like the "Transalp Lite" look, enough to have looked at a few different fairing options in search of a suitable base. Haven't found the right one yet (although it probably does exist), and I'm still leaning towards the street-legal dirt-bike aesthetic, so I think I'm going to leave this concept to another builder. Perhaps you'll be the one to pull it off!

 

[Cuba Libre]

I really like small tanks, so instinctively I'd vote for the Ace.
But I rekon it sits too high up and you'll have some dificulty designing and building the seat/tail section to look like they belong together and to the bike.
It will be a challenge but I'd very much want to see it happen.


M.

 

[manolon6]

A little bit lower?

 

[Cuba Libre]

Better.
Can you do the same with the smaller tank?

M.

 

[dualero]

Better.
Can you do the same with the smaller tank?

M.

I think he might not as the tunnel on the smaller tank should be less deep.

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[JustinLonghorn]

With the right paint job and subframe/seat that 360 tank could be the bees knees.

 

[dualero]

With the right paint job and subframe/seat that 360 tank could be the bees knees.

I agree with dees

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[compoundcycles]

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions.

How would you guys go about lowering the front forks? Anyone know of a thread where someone has done this? Thanks.