Meet Ol' Sparky

[HOTT]

I thought you were going to make a long distance tourer

That is the '80 Dresser. Just got done with the seat. Brakes and paint next.

[BeeSharp]

have you done anything about a fuel gauge?

The Valkyrie (std) doesn't come with a fuel gauge - just a farkle!
I use the trip odometer and reserve, no issues. After awhile you get
pretty good at estimating fun factor, head wind, load and anticipating
when she'll start sputterin'.

WOW! What a build! Really fun to watch!

[Kwixdraw]

I thought you were going to make a long distance tourer

That is the '80 Dresser. Just got done with the seat. Brakes and paint next.

Do you have a thread on the 80?

It seams that you would want the 83 for the Road bike cause of the overdrive. There is a big difference between the two. I would put the 83 engine in the dresser and the 80 engine in the cruiser.

[HOTT]

Do you have a thread on the 80?

Yes sir, check over at Restorations "Well there you go again..."

I would put the 83 engine in the dresser and the 80 engine in the cruiser.

Wellll funny you should say that. I have that as a 'plan B' in the event I bit off more than I can chew (which I always do), but I never considered the gearing difference. I know it's not the original motor in the '83. Tell me how to identify it. The '80 clearly has GL1100 stamped on the block. The '83 has SC02E above the ser.#.
Here is a shot of a removable crossmember / seat mounting bracket I'm concocting. Why removable ? To access primary fuel tank. And make it easier to hook up them @#$! throttle cables.

[HOTT]

Time for a little fender bizness. I found this Harley fender at salvage, and yes I paid too much for it. I wanted it 'cause it's an old skool thing to convert these fenders on bobbers. There are many companies out there manufacturing fender blank$, but with a little....well see what you think.

I followed the crease provided by Harley about a 1/2'' up. Going for a thin look.(Note; just visible inside the rectangular cutout is a little tab I'll use later for a front mount)


There are many styles of brackets you can do, I took 3/8'' stock with cutoff tubing and used the shock mounts (which just happen to have no other practical use)

The little dogleg on the drive side gives a more symmetric look to the rear end ( and I think we all like symmetry in our rear ends).

With the fender reversed and bobbed (cut short-bobbed fender, get it ?). I welded the holes closed by using leftover fender metal as a backing and ground smooth. Also, brake anchor arm was slightly bent with the help of a propane torch to clear fender. I like the curved look.

[JBz]

WOW Your project is super. Just a thought Rick that you may have thought of already you can probably pivot the rear caliper way forward and either shorten the stay or affix it to another location on the swingarm to make the rear wheel stand out. JB

[HOTT]

Good idea . Will give that a try. Thanks JBz

[LikeMike64]

WOW! I love what you are doing with this one. It is really turning out sharp.

How are you going to support the seat? And, what kind of seat are you planning?

[HOTT]

Thanks,

How are you going to support the seat? And, what kind of seat are you planning?

that's why I have cropped the photos a little, but here's a hint. A solo seat, boomed out for a 'floating' look. Thanks , Ric Stay tuned

[ericheath]

I have wondered why mother honda has that long arm holding the caliper in place. Anyone think it needs to be that long? I would rather see it tied nearly straight down to the swing arm. Looks cool, HOTT. (oxymoron)

[Kwixdraw]

OK Ric, now I see how bizzy you are, working on two bikes at the same time. I hope you don't get confused and do the wrong thing to the right bike.

Must be a down time for you tandem bidness?

As far as the rear shocks are concerned, How much travel do you get on the rear? I hope there is a delimiter for upward travel other than the shock itself?

[HOTT]

Anyone think it needs to be that long?

I think it has to do with transferring energy. By sending it forward it (braking energy) towards the pivot reduces the tendency for the rear wheel to want to hop or load the suspension under braking. Especially when the rear is being 'unloaded' by the front brake. I probably would never encounter it on a bike like this (if I'm smart).

Must be a down time for you tandem bidness?

Sales are good we have the Houston to Austin MS150 coming up, just a lull in the repair dept. Plus I have lights in the Cave
Soo Kwix, you don't think that big brown Vetter would look good on the SL ?

[HOTT]

How much travel do you get on the rear?

sorry missed that one,, Rear travel is three inches. They 'bottom'(actually TOP out) out just like regular shocks.

[JBz]

the 1200 rear brake stay and i believe the 1500s went back more to the 1000 style. The 1100s are the only ones I remember seeing with the long arm stays. JB

[Hoosier Daddy]

Love it! thought I was missing the updates until I see it was today (whew)

Hott, on that Sparto tail light. Does it have 3 mounting points? One at the top and two at the bottom, in a triangle? If so, can you tell the hole pattern?