Tires and Shocks

I was able to work on the bike again Sunday.

It's been awhile...

I've run into a few snags and have little time to work on my project. Just had another problem today but, hey, at least I've been able to work on it over the holidays. I've rebuilt the front forks, got all the cutting, grinding, and welding done on the frame, replaced all the bushings in the swing arm, put new bearings and seals in the front wheel, primed and painted, and started replacing the rear wheel bearings and seals and discovered that one bearing is the wrong size. I'll have to re-order it. I finally started re-assembling the frame. Attached are photos of my progress.

Take a seat

The seat is here. It's black with a red spider web.
It's just laying on top until I get done with the grinding. It's going to be a slow process but I'm working on it. Stay tuned for more...

Let the grinding begin!

Wow, why have I waited so long to buy a grinder? This is a tool every man should own! I'm using the grinder to smooth out the rough edges on the frame. It's working like a charm and I'm having fun too!

And so it begins...

I decided to use the 1980 model frame because it will require less cutting and grinding. I've decided to go with the Bobber. I bought a new grinder and started cutting and grinding. Boy, why have I waited so long to own a grinder (argh, argh). What fun!

I purchased a 4" stretch swing arm (http://www.wiseguyschoppers.com/) and received it on Saturday. I immediately installed it and it looks good. With the front end lowered and the stretch swing arm installed, the seat height should be around 26". Long, low, and lean...

Another New Toy!

Okay, so I gotta have parts... So I searched the internet and found someone in Georgetown with a bike for sale. So, one Saturday morning, I got in the truck and headed west. I found the address and made a deal. I ended up purchasing another bike. This one's a 1980 Yamaha XS650. It's not running and the person I purchased it from is a lady so, we had a heck of a time getting that thing loaded up into the truck but after much struggling, we finally got it loaded. I brought it home and Kelly helped me unload it (not in a ditch!). Now I have to decide what I'm going to do and with which bike... hmmm...

The Adventure

I've always wanted to build a chopper. Earlier this year I got the chance to purchase a 1978 Yamaha XS650 with the intention of tearing it apart and turning it into either a bobber or a cafe racer. I purchased the bike in Houston from a college student who was trying to get rid of some of his toys. The bike was running but the brakes were pretty bad. We backed our pickup into a ditch and were able to load it up pretty easily. On the way home, Kelly and I contemplated about how we were going to UNLOAD it. Kelly had the great idea of backing it into another ditch around the corner from our house. I said, "This doesn't look good. That ground looks too soft." Kelly assured me it would be fine. So, I backed the truck into the ditch and we unloaded the bike. Kelly jumped in the truck, started it up, and stepped on the gas. (This was an "I told you so" moment for me). So... I got on the bike and rode it home (about 2 blocks) and came back with the car, some wood, and some bricks. Half an hour later, with mud slung everywhere, the wood and bricks not working, I hooked a rope up to the car and that little Ford Focus pulled that big truck out of the ditch! Yea!!!