Red Belly 2.0

From basic novice to the hard core cutomizing. Sharing tips, tricks and knowledge. Feel
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Easter
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Re: Red Belly 2.0

#136

Post by Easter »

ericheath wrote:Looks great! How’s the Trail Tech lighting in bright sunlight? I need something different.
Haven't been out in the sun with it yet but it is a very clear and crisp display. The Tach portion is a bar graph so not very precise but adequate for my needs. Adjustable for MPH or Kph. Many other functions appropriate to its primary application on off road trials bikes. I don't have the sensor for the temp gauge yet. My kit came with a 16mm throat size adapter and I needed the 25mm, alternately they make a sensor that plugs into the fins of the radiator. I opted for that. It should be here in the next day or so.
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
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Easter
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Re: Red Belly 2.0

#137

Post by Easter »

I rolled the bike out in the bright sun today and was pleased to see the digital panel was easy to read in the light. Much easier than the Aspencade I had.

Also the water temp sensor arrived today and was installed: 30 seconds or less. I was on another project so have not had it running but the fit in the radiator fins was snug and it is copper so it should work fine.
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
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Easter
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Re: Red Belly 2.0

#138

Post by Easter »

It has been a great summer and I have a few more weeks before I am home again but am looking forward to getting back to working on the bikes. I hauled my 1800 with me in the back of the pick up but haven't ridden it enough for all the trouble loading and unloading it.
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
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Easter
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Re: Red Belly 2.0

#139

Post by Easter »

Home again now for about two weeks. Have been working on a front fender but got orange peal in the paint so have to sand that out. I didn't clear coat the rest of the bike but may need to cc the front fender in order to get the shine back in the paint. Or maybe sand it all off and start over but I am getting low on paint and I am on my second quart already.
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
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Easter
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Re: Red Belly 2.0

#140

Post by Easter »

The front fender is from an 87 1200 (as are the forks) and required a bit of work to fill the six or more holes PO's had drilled in it for flaps and ornaments. A current fad on U-tube is to mix baking soda with super glue to form a quick dry putty. I tried it on a couple of the holes but was not satisfied with the results so I switched back to the process advocated by fellow club members. That is to melt a plastic wire tie into the hole from the back with a soldering iron or gun. The tie melts easily and bonds with the plastic of the fender. Conventional body putty is then used on the outside to level the hole.

After sanding out the orange peal texture I gave the fender three good coats of clear with, I think, very good results. The bike is starting and running really well so I am calling this "finished"! The bike is going up for sale but I may ride it out to Luckenbach TX for the Harvest Classic (Oct 18 and 19) Hope to see some of you there.
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Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
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Track T 2411
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Re: Red Belly 2.0

#141

Post by Track T 2411 »

action1 action1 action1
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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maineman
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Re: Red Belly 2.0

#142

Post by maineman »

That looks nice .
Why isn't the back fender red ?
Current stable
1977 Honda Gl1000
2006 Yamaha Roadliner
2006 Kawasaki 900
1978 Yamaha DT125
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Easter
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Re: Red Belly 2.0

#143

Post by Easter »

The back fender was powder coated (it is metal) earlier in the project. At the time I thought I might have a chrome front or maybe no front fender. But when I settled on the 87 fender powder coating wasn't an option since it is plastic. I considered silver paint or black paint but settled on the red. I actually don't mind the difference.
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
GW Hobo
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Re: Red Belly 2.0

#144

Post by GW Hobo »

Wish I had your engine knowledge. And I dig the red. Curious you mentioned you weren't satisfied with the baking soda/super glue putty method vs. melting the tie. I've not done either - can you say why the one was better?
1982 GL1100 Cafe - Born Naked
2020 October BOM
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Easter
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Joined: Thu Sep 13, 2012 11:33 am
Location: South of Houston 100 miles

Re: Red Belly 2.0

#145

Post by Easter »

Thanks, Baking powder was.not strong enough. With either you still need to finish off with body filler.
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
txtriathlete
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Re: Red Belly 2.0

#146

Post by txtriathlete »

Wow beautiful - both versions! And I learned at least 3 new things from reading about your build. Thanks for sharing!
A few of my favorite things...
82 GL1100 Interstate - The PhatGL - Current Project
77 GL1000 - Next on deck - will be converted to a dual sport
99 Vakyrie Interstate - Daily (when the weather is nice) Driver
78 GL1000 Vetter - Restored to original - Sold
79 GL1000 Vetter - Refurbished as a Driver - Sold
78 GL1000 Naked - Project I never got around to - Sold
78 GL1000 "Old Gold" - The one that started me on this crazy path- Sold

95 20th Anniversary 1500 Wing - Sold
99 Kawi Drifter "Faux Indian" - Sold
03 100th Anniversary Harley Heritage Springer Softail - Sold
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