Update on Winter project in WI...

[Black Dog]

Earlier this week, I posted the beginning of the front end work on my bike, and the tear down of Jim C's bike, for paint.  Well, we put in a few more hours today, and thought I'd share the results of our work.

I needed to remove the front end, right down to removing the Triple Tree, getting ready for Daryl H (of XF6 Customs) to install a 'prototype' Off-Set Triple Tree. 

Almost there...  There is a lot of stuff to remove 



A few more pinch bolts, disconnect a few more wires, and presto...



After that was done, I've got all the bits & pieces that should be shiny, ready to take home to my shop for a good cleaning.  The next big step is cleaning up the forks, and rather than polish, I'm gonna paint 'em black...  Saw a few bikes at the International MC show in Chicago, last month, with color matched forks, and I liked 'em.

While I was pulling my beast apart, Jim was securing his lady to the lift...



This past week, he's been busy with a very cool relay and wire block, and installing a new light bar.  He still has to remove the front and rear fenders, and pack them up nice and safe (he found this bike early last year, with less that 7K on the clock.  It's a '98, and looks showroom fresh), as he has a whole new set of tins, including an I/S tank, Memphis Shades Fairing, and Tsukayu (sp) bags, waiting for paint.  His idea for paint is really gonna look cool.  In a past life, he built 'Hot Rods', and this bike will turn heads, when he is done.

So, we step back, fire up a cigar, and admire our work...  I was headed out.  Jim was still planning a bit more tear down.



I'll post more pics as the projects progress.

Thanks for lookin' 

Black Dog

[Scott from FL, now in Maine]

Keep the pic's coming! I am enjoying the show!   

[R J]

Black Dog, hey Black Dog, I'm sending you an email on your forks..

[Jess from VA]

Great post.

But this bike appears to have been executed (beheaded) (with towel and arms hanging down).   :'(

[f6john]

    Offset trees???????  Inquiring minds need more info.

[Jack B]

Looking good Steve. Are you guys going to have both bikes done by next Sat. when we meet at the Fox & Hound ?

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Agree ...Good thread Steve 

[Black Dog]

 Offset trees?  Inquiring minds need more info.

John,

This is something new for Daryl.  As you may know, he makes Valk & VTX trees (and a few other brands), but the bread and butter has been 6 & 8 degree trees, for either Trikes, or the few out there that want to 'rake' their bikes. 

From what I've been told, by making these 'off-set' trees, he resurecting something like the old Two Brothers 'Racing' tree, long discontinued.  These will keep the same 'rake' as the standard triple tree, but will off-set the forks about 1" forward of the OEM position.  All mounting holes (except the fork tubes) will remain as stock.  This means that if you run a windshield, after market fairing, or have a light bar or fork deflectors that mount to the TT, they will still work.  The handle bars will remain in the stock position.  Daryl spent a good deal of time (and paper) showing me the geometry involved, and how they should improve low speed manuvers, and over all handeling. 

Once the trees are on, and the weather gives me the chance to try them out, I'll have a full report.

Are you guys going to have both bikes done by next Sat. when we meet at the Fox & Hound ?

Jack, that's doubtful...  I'm pushing for 4/1, and I think Jim will be a bit after that...  I hate it when 'work' gets in the way of what's important 

We should have a few mor pics, and an update soon.

Black Dog

[Kaz]

Good on ya Dog, lookin forward to seeing you Saturday!