putting my 400 where it belongs

[po-boy]

I know it may be annoying when someone puts in when the project is almost done, but I'm going to justify my putting in on the basis that others who may attempt simular projects will read this.
I cannot fully tell from the photos, but I'm assuming that the distance from your front axil to your rear axil has been increased from the original size. if that increase is greater than say, 10%, depending on your confort level of course, you may want to reconsider your choise of wheel size. namely, you would want to go with a slightly wider rear tire with a smaller diameter, and a slightly taller front tire, perhaps a little narrower as well. the reason for this has to do with how the tires roll in a turn, and small amounts of slippage occure in the contact patches. the basic idea on the rear tire is that in a turn, it will have a smaller turning radius that the front, as well as a reduced lean angle. on the front, the lean angle is greatly increased (hence narrower) and the turning radius is large (hence a larger diameter)
but there is more to it than that, but if you are curious i suggest you buy a book on motorcycle geometery, and study to bits concerning wheel slection, tail, and suspention.

very well done by the way. How large is the tank? my 400 uses about 4.8L per 100km. I'm wondering what kind of range you will get.

???

[uudfourty]

Wow.
Those electrical lines... man.... a true inspiration.
Camel filters and all.

[BentRod]

sorry, was something unclear? The main point i was trying to make is that when the frame and steering geometry is changed on the bike, the wheel sizes should be altered as well to account for the new turning radius and lean angle.

[briyenkieth]

I really don't think that applies here. My frame is all stock dimensions. No rake, no stretch and only maybe two inches lower. Couldn't get lower without losing fork travel or rake and stretch. Thanks for your consern but it is real close to stock.
and here's a bit of progress.
BTW I did go down one inch smaller on the rear. The spokes I bought had a 17 laced to the rear and it is wider than the front. Hope that puts you at ease more. As for me I just can't wait to ride the balls off it!!!!

[po-boy]

Your a very naughty boy, choppin, hardtailin, modifyin a bike like that. Can't be safe, but I'll bet it'll be a hell of a lot of fun man! LOL...
Just givin ya grief, lookin good, now get it done already!

[briyenkieth]

I'm working on it! Damn ball breakn slave driver! Even when I get done I won't be able to ride till I get it registered. $500 bucks is steep but I will need to part with it if I want to ride. Currently I'm waiting for the clear coat to fully cure so I can color sand. Then I can put on the fender and finish up the wiring. After that it's pipes and mufflers a spot of oil and some fresh gaskets. Then see if I crossed any wires. LOL

[briyenkieth]

so this weeks drama was fun. Managed to break the dowel pin that locks the points advance off in the crank. A kind member offered to send me a new one but I couldn't get the other half out. Drills magnets nothing was working. Since the thought of taking the motor apart to have a machine shop fix it made me sick to my stomach I just welded the bugger in. Need to order a few gaskets and seals then put my covers back on. Think I'm going to order up a stainless bolt kit for the motor since I have most of them off as of now. Still have a bit more work ahead but very close.

[briyenkieth]

alright parts are on order and next Tuesday my buddy is gonna stripe the tank and fender. It's real surprising how much is still availible for my 400. Next order I think I need new foot rest rubber. I've got some ideas for my foot controls and kicker that I'm keeping under my hat. Should look slick.

[Craiger]

It's really coming together, dude. Can't wait to see more pics.

[briyenkieth]

so here's some real bad pics of the stripping. Need to clear over it in a week or so. I figure the longer the better as I have ruined pin stripe before on art projects. This is what's gonna take up the most time waiting for paint to cure. Should recieve my gaskets tomorrow and already got the bolt kit. Those little stainless bolts sure made a difference. Pretty pretty Oh yeah, I also have a functional headlight now and the starter relay clicks when I hit the button so that's hooked up right also. Gives me hope that I drew and followed a proper wiring diagram.

[mighty13d]

I'm not a huge fan of bobbers but I do appreciate it when other people drive them and I'm really appreciating this one. Probably enough so that I'd be proud if I was the owner! post up more pics. I'm sure we all want to see some bike pron! (yes I know I spelled pron not porn)

[briyenkieth]

more pics to come, promise. Worked on the foot controls today and I have to say they look good so far. Wish I had a tig welder so I wouldnt need to grind down welds so much. Total cost for custom controls $6, can't beat that, huh!

[briyenkieth]

couldn't resist as I was so stooked to see it on.
and here's my kicker pedal
and the rear brake!
Finished up the shifter as well but no pic. Also tested more circuits, much to my happiness, they checked out. Still waiting on gaskets and paint to cure. Maybe two more weeks and I should be done. Aimed for a three month build and ended up at more like eight, oh well it's not like I knew what was doing in the begining.

[hillsy]

The devil is in the details Mr BK - and your 450 is looking very tidy indeed!

Oh, and I've been advised that cutting your own gaskets out of gasket paper (oil jointing paper, to use the correct terminology) is far more economical than buying them from Mr Suzuki

Keep up the good work

[po-boy]

Yur killin me man,
All I'm lookin for is a simple "from the side" shot of your bike in good light w/a decent camera, is that too much to ask for? Just kiddin ya dude, lookin great! Keep it coming...