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Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 12:38 pm
by audiojunkie
(edits for post bookmarking)

Starting my build thread, since I'm getting more serious on this build. As mentioned in my introduction post, I got this bike end of summer 2018, and while I loved riding the bike, went back and forth on keeping it long term. I loved the naked wing look before getting it, and always thought the "wINgS CaN't bE cAFe'D, THeY're ToO hEAvY" criticism was silly, because on that logic just buy a modern naked sport bike...

Since getting it to the baseline of what I envisioned my naked wing to look like, the compliments and interest from people at bike meets and even just random pedestrians on the street has convinced me to embrace the bike and go all-in.

Going to catch up the build, but I missed a lot of photos because I had never intended to do a build thread.
  • Phase 0: Make it my own Basic maintenance, aesthetic changes
  • Phase 1: I am speed Weber 40 IDF and Ignition System
  • Phase 2: 21st Century 'Wing Modernize electronics and controls
  • Phase 3: What's my age again? Front fork swap? Brake and wheel upgrades?
Current Build Stats Updated 2024.01.05
Engine:
  • Italian Weber 40 IDF 82/83 Carbs
  • Randakk's Gen III intake manifold
  • Custom woven spark plug cables with NGK caps
  • Dodge Neon Coil Pack
  • Universal electric fuel pump
Suspension:
  • Race Tech Gold Valve Emulators
  • Race Tech front springs
  • Patriot Suspension Front Preload Adjusters
  • Hagon Adjustable Dampening Rear Shocks (32016TTSA)
Brakes:
  • Nissin 5/8" Radial Front master cylinder
  • Stainless Brake Lines
Phase 0: Make it my own

Day I got her:
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Early overhaul, valve clearance, cover gaskets, timing belt and tensioners. Guest appearance by my other money hole.
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New house, new garage, and realizing there's a lot of things that need to be done on this bike.... Had fork seals leaking. In replacing the seals, discovered a PO had attempted to drill out the oil seals, and gouged the outer base badly. Had to find some ebay replacements.
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Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 12:44 pm
by Fred Camper
Good logic, one has to like the bike to be salified. Making so others like it is not so important. Watching with interest.

Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 12:46 pm
by audiojunkie
Sandblasting engine covers and new lower forks to prep for paint.
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Turns out "cast iron" Dupli color engine enamel doesn't at all match the cap. But actually really liked the tone that came from it. Must have been attempting some carb cleaning. I ultimately brought it to a local guy who does a lot of Japanese carbs. He said they were REALLY dirty but he did what he could.
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Rough fit, liking how it looks.
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Not sure why photos aren't rotated correctly. Might have pulled off too much exif data.

Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 12:48 pm
by Fred Camper
My head is off axis and your photos look fine. What are you thinking for crash bars, yours were kind of distracting for me.

Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 1:14 pm
by audiojunkie
Bonus photo, while on vacation in northern Italy, saw tons of bikes while driving in the Alps, decided I needed to give that a try too. Would recommend.
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Wasn't a fan of the red, but not at all confident in my painting skills, decided to try a wrap. Went with the 3M Volcanic Flip (color shifts from a brown/copper to red/orange). Loved the wrap selection, doing the wrap myself was a mistake. Waaaay too many curves for a novice. You can see a tear on one side of the tank I just gave up on and accepted was going to stay there. Going to bring it to a local place later on to have it redone.
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Rough fit of sportster exhaust, and final welded fit. First time welding anything that wasn't pure practice pieces.
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Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 1:24 pm
by audiojunkie
Fred Camper wrote: Mon Feb 06, 2023 12:48 pm My head is off axis and your photos look fine. What are you thinking for crash bars, yours were kind of distracting for me.
No crash bars. Used them the first season, and just decided I'll take the gamble I don't drop it. Don't like the look, and want to keep Big Bertha here looking as lean as possible. Plus I picked up a donor engine end of this season already :lol:

Back to build: I hadn't yet learned the screwdriver trick on kickstand springs, so I did this redneck-engineering method. With safety glasses of course.
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This is the most "final Phase 0" picture I have. I ended up painting the headers black, but at the time hadn't decided if I was going to do an exhaust wrap or not. I'll have to get an actual "Final Phase 0" shot before I start Phase 1 in the coming month.
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Other items done, but not documented, that I still can remember: brakes fully rebuilt, led headlight, smaller turn signals, Hagon adjustable damper rear shocks, Replica Ducati front fender of some kind, chopped rear GL1100 fender, ebay seat, lowered bars, honda supersport replica grips.

Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 1:35 pm
by Fred Camper
Good progress for sure. Nice to keep your plan somewhat fluid so the search does not become overwhelming. Many nice features in your list above.

Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:51 pm
by 5speed
looks great..

Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2023 3:43 pm
by rcmatt007
looks nice

Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 4:43 pm
by Fred Camper
Congratulations on Bike of the Month for March. Since Phase 0 got BOTM, then Phase 3 might gain BOTY. Looking forward to more updates.

Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 6:04 pm
by joecoolsuncle
looks good! im not a fan of someone destroying a motorcycle and renaming it something it isnt. you did a good job. and kept it real! you have a gift !
peace

Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 7:24 pm
by gltriker
action1 March,'23 BOTM tumb2

Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 9:21 pm
by Rambler
Amazing .. I do applaud all the work and Congratulations on the BOTM. Well Deserved..

Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 9:58 pm
by ritalz
Congrats on BOTM.

Re: Blood, Sweat, and Beers

Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 10:11 pm
by wingrider
Congrats on BOTM!