Cosmetic mods done

Yeh, for sure a group ride would be rad.

I still have a *TON* of work to do, although it does seem to be moving along at a reasonable rate. I'm still looking at at least a month, prolly 6 weeks to be safe. I at least have to wait for some warmer weather to do the paint. I'm not trying to hurry anything along, I've got another bike to ride so there's no rush to get it done. We'll see.

 

I feel you on having "a lot" of work to do. I hope my bike will be on the road at least within 2-3 weeks, but this is just the first incarnation. Then I will tear it apart again

 

More giant pics...

Threw the engine back in so I can begin work on the pipes. Also mounted up my ammo box for the battery/electrical. Things are begining to come together, I'm seeing a very very small flicker of light down the tunnel.

 

Might I make a suggestion on the rear frame section ?

 

You're free to suggest anything- it's an open forum.

 

It's starting to take shape now Kevin, very nice so far!!!
What color are the "ammo" cans going to be? That thing is going to look "industrial" when you get'r done! Deffinetly one of a kind. PD

 

The rear frame section has several points that will flex a fair amount in its current configuration. If the modification is strictly cosmetic there is no concern.

Because the XJ is shaft drive there is a torque reaction when accelerating. The swingarm flexes a fair amount, especially on the 700X, Turbo, and 900. It is not the most rigid swingarm ever designed

If you plan to ride it at speed you will need a reinforcement in one place. The stays (long piece added) are good. The vertical struts midway are good. Essentially these are two planes unconnected in the middle. A small tube or gusset between the stays at the same position as the short struts.

A nice curved gusset or a tubing would look good and really eliminate the flex in the rear section.

The other option is to gusset the rear engine cradle below the seat.

 

You might also want to buy some chest kevlar for the one time you need to stop quick. Especially with those awesome short handlebars.

 

KE,

Are you a MGD fan? I think I might have spotted a can

 

Injun--- thanks for your input. My mods are equally cosmetic and function. I want it to look the way I want, but make no mistake, this bike will be ridden. I had never considered that element of flex from the torque of the engine, my main concern was vertical deviation. I will consider the additional bracing, for sure. I also will have a short fender on it, maybe it will help sure up the lateral flex. Thanks again for the input.

 

Awesome kevin. Have you decided on a color yet? I should be finished with my welding and grinding, and be ready for paint by sunday!

 

I'm either going a lighter green or copper with heavy flake on the frame, I'll probably leave the tank and accesories black. I'm moving on to the pipes, and trying to finish the little things I've been puting off--speedo mount, signals, sissybar(maybe), contemplating jockey shift/foot clutch arrangement. Rear fender. Repaint engine. Front wheel crap. Seca rear wheel swap. Tires if the rear wheel crap works out. Finish tank mounting. Other crap. It's frikkin endless. More beer. It's High Life, by the way not MGD. Or whatever someone else brings.

 

Yes, it is endless. The paint combo sounds cool. Did someone paint your engine?

 

I painted my engine.

 

Yesterday and today were half hearted work days. I got the rear fender mounted up, although I'm not 100% decided if it'll stay or not. Started work on the pipes, I think I have a plan that will work. There's not a whole lot of room back there for 4 pipes to come in, but I have an idea. As if I dont have enough to do, my bro came over with his bike and we started cutting, welding and drinking and it's now residing in my shop for a while. Suzuki GS 450, pretty cool little bike. He's reel keen on how my XJ used to look, so we're going that route with the strus and bars, exhaust etc. Should be a fun little bar hopper when we get it done. Anyways, here's some smaller than usual pics...

 

It's comin together! I can't wait to see the finished product, you seem to have it all worked out.

 

Have you had an engineer look at your modifications? The reason I'm asking is that I don't think your steering stem modifications look particularly safe. Nor does your hardtail look very stong (particularly around the area where it joins the main frame).

Not trying to be an ass, just don't want to see you get hurt.

 

No, I dont really know any engineer that would swing by the house and give their opinion of the structral integrity of my modifications. Tell me more about what you dont think is "particularly safe". The hardtail is is welded solid not only to the tubes that were placed there stock from the factory, but the swingarm also is welded solid to the frame at the hinge point for extra strength. Everything up front is welded with good penetration, and I added a gusset between the backbone and steering tube for additional strength. I'm curious to where you see the weakness.

I suppose only time will tell the sucess and safety of my backyard engineering.

Also my buddy thought of a better use for my "exhaust".

 

I'm not an expert on frame design, but I have gathered a bit of information on it over the years. Have a look at this site:

http://www.thefont.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/bikes/index.htm

This guy has been building frames for many years and his site is a good source of information for practical frame building.

Also look here:

http://www.thechopperunderground.com/forum/

http://www.chopperfix.com/

There are quite a few articles on frame building on these sites (including using DOM tubing as opposed to pipe)

Like I said before, I'm not trying to put you off, just trying to keep you around.

 

can you post a blown up shot of lower shock mount on the left side of your bike and of where you welded the swing arm to the frame?