Griz - My first post was back in February 2012/02/homebuilt-budget-
Not much left on the to-do list anymore. Need to wire up the taillight, find an electronics box that I like that fits where I want it to fit, install a smaller than stock battery, replace the carb boot gaskets, find a set of bars I like, clutch lever, grips, and then run over every nut and bolt with thread locker. That’s about it to get her on the road. It’s plated and insured so I’m itching to take her out. She runs now and vibrates like mad. We had to install some baffles in the pipes because she was LOUD. Too loud. I don’t want that kind of attention from the local police. The baffles toned it down a bit but I’ll probably end up installing actual mufflers eventually.
Here’s some pics from this past Saturday (08-18-12) that I took after we were done working on the bike for this round. My Dad is on it, trying out the riding position. Really comfortable but I’m debating adding 2″ risers to bring the bars up a little. That just depends on the bars I end up with. This has definitely been a learning experience. When I first started planning out the build I never could have imagined all of the small details that you have to get just right. I’m grateful for the time that my Dad and I have spent together on this. This is the first, and hopefully there will be a few more. I can’t wait to get her on the road.
-Thanks
-Griz
Yeah man …..thats neat ! id like to ride that rat !
Thelat could be a kymco scooter and the time you spent with your dad makes it one of the greatest rides you’ll ever have. Nice work guys, keep it up. Ohh and nice lookin rat..
Cool seat spring idea!
I thought this bike was super ugly at first, till I saw you sitting on it. It looks cool. I would personally have handlebars that come back a little bit so I wouldn’t have to reach forward as much. Pretty cool though.
I was thinking the exact same thing, what an ugly bike. Then I saw what it looks like with someone sitting on it and totally changed my opinion. It is amazing how a small project turns into a big one quick. Change one thing, then you’re like damn now i need to do this, and now this. But the time spent with friends and family bonding over a project is worth more than anything else when it comes to things like this, plus you learn so much. Thanks for the post.
cool, build nice seat spring idea could tweak the rear fender so it fits the tire radius better ( use a couple of 2x4s ) excellent time well spend with Dad good luck hoping to see update soon !
Rad scoot man! i love garage built affordable machines. That seat however… it’s got to go! 86!
Love the bike man. So envious. And cheap too. Can’t wait to see it with a little paint…and a better seat.
Looked good to me ‘WITH OR WITHOUT” a rider on board Great job………………
I can’t hate on this Scot dude! Its to frigen cool.and what a great idea for seat shock.
Thanks for the kind words everyone. The bars have been updated to something a little bit higher and a bit more pull-back. The Harley take-off seat has been swapped out for something with the same support (butt space) but a much slimmer profile. I’m gonna finally cave and install a PMA system. I hear ya on the comments about it looking weird (the fender will get radiused, that’ll help a bit), but the riding position is what makes it worth it. I’ve got a blown-out back (4 discs with muscle and nerve damage) so riding position is what mattered to me. Everyone who’s sat on it says they want one just like it. I won’t argue with “funny lookin” or whatever else, but to be comfy and able to go for rides makes it all worth it. Health issues have been holding me back but she’s sitting in my shop now, ready to button up a few things then stripped down for my wife to paint and powdercoat. And again, huge thanks to my Dad (he’s on the bike in the pics) for sharing all of his wisdom. I’d love to build more with him. Even when we’re arguing about the build, it’s all worth it. I can finally say for sure that she’ll be on the road this spring. Really. I mean it this time
-Thanks everyone. I’ll be sure to send in pics when she’s finally finished.
Thanks for the kind words everyone. The bars have been updated to something a little bit higher and a bit more pull-back. The Harley take-off seat has been swapped out for something with the same support (butt space) but a much slimmer profile. I’m gonna finally cave and install a PMA system. I hear ya on the comments about it looking weird (the fender will get radiused, that’ll help a bit), but the riding position is what makes it worth it. I’ve got a blown-out back (4 discs with muscle and nerve damage) so riding position is what mattered to me. Everyone who’s sat on it says they want one just like it. I won’t argue with “funny lookin” or whatever else, but to be comfy and able to go for rides makes it all worth it. Health issues have been holding me back but she’s sitting in my shop now, ready to button up a few things then stripped down for my wife to paint and powdercoat. And again, huge thanks to my Dad (he’s on the bike in the pics) for sharing all of his wisdom. I’d love to build more with him. Even when we’re arguing about the build, it’s all worth it. I can finally say for sure that she’ll be on the road this spring. Really. I mean it this time
-Thanks everyone. I’ll be sure to send in pics when she’s finally finished.
Best bang for the buck, for sure.
She ain’t a Cheetah girl that would demand a high toll but she’ll do you on 42nd St anytime and that’s the name of the game. Whenever you are ready to roll .. she’s there for you and willing to play.