Slight Modification
Little time for blogging lately, been hitting the garage hard to try and get this thing finished. The registration is due for it in four days time, I know I wont have it done by then but the closer I am the better. The RTA (or RMS it is now) give 3 months grace after the due date to register it before they cancel the registration, so I’m banking on a bit of this time to get it done.
After getting the seat back, I had a slight fitment problem with the hoop that goes over the top of the tail light. In short, it was actually propping up the rear of the seat. So I did the only thing I knew how, and that was to cut it off. After evaluating the actual function of the hoop and rear portion on the frame past the last seat mount, I figured it was actually surplus to requirements anyway. The frame has enough braces across to be stiff enough without it.
The other thing I wanted to do at the same time was move the tail light up slightly. This allowed me the room get a snug fit between the tail light and seat. So I had to make up a new rear cross-member and weld it in. I think this little change is going to make a big difference in appearance from behind.
Will update with a photo of seat and tail light together tonight.
Update: Photo.
hi Lincoln, it’s been awhile. your bike is looking awesome! I really like what you did to the frame! I have been trying to figure how to do the same, but I want some rust under a flat clear, kinda “worn” looking. I finally got some time to work on my bike. here is a link to picts http://s89.beta.photobucket.com/user/unclejtl/library/xr600? i’m still contemplating the rear fender. what do you think? again, your bike is coming along nicely! :)
jason
Hi Jason, Thanks! The easiest way to get the finish you want is to let the frame rust a little before clear coating it. It will still rust under the clear, but wouldn’t rust as quick as without any paint. You’re bike is looking really good. You could try a chrome rear guard like an old scrambler? Might match the seat/style. You could even cut it stubby to modernise it a bit? Which might also make it look at bit better with the larger gap under the guard.
that’s what I kinda thought, like a scrambler. I’ve bought two fenders off ebay, cut them up and ended up tossing them both. I need to find just the right fender I think. one was off a Yamaha dt125 and one was some Kawasaki 175 dirt bike. do you have any suggestions?
are you going to run a pod filter? I’ve been reading about jetting problems with the stock cv carb. not sure yet what I will do in that area. if you have any good links on the subject, I sure would appreciate that.
I sure like your blog with all the bikes. I especially like the Claymation video of the dirt bike!
jason
Hi Jason,
I don’t really have any suggestions about what other guards would work, other than just looking at bikes on the internet, find a guard on one you like and go from there. You could also look at front guards, they’re more likely a uniform shape and long enough to give you plenty of room for trimming.
Yes, I’ve got a K&N filter I’m using with a short amount of elbow silicone intake tubing to get it around the shock. I think it’s visible in some of my photos. My jetting is all messed up anyway, the pod filter and exhaust will both throw the jetting out, but mine also has a Keihin flatslide carb on it. The plan is it get it tuned by someone who knows what they’re doing once it’s running.
Cheers.