Smithers XS650 Bobber

[Dennis]

I cannot use the stock top motor mount with my aftermarket tank.  The tunnel is too narrow, so I knew I'd have to fabricate my own.  I cut off all of the gusseting and brace on the top tube.

The stock xs650 top motor mount made up of six (6) separate pieces that are bolted together, and then bolted to the frame.



I wanted something much simpler.  I needed some channel stock made just the right size so I took the rocker box and a folded piece of cardboard to Accurate Gauge (fab shop).  They bent the channel stock piece.  $10 but I paid him $20.



I use a lot of cardboard templates and masking tape when I'm cutting parts.





Welded in.

[stevecrout]

Hi Dennis -  is the motor mount designed to absorb vibration from a forward/backward motion or sideways?  If sideways you may run into the same issue I've had that was resolved by adding small brace triangles to either side of the  frame welded piece. Just something to bolster the strength a bit.

[Dennis]

Hi Dennis -  is the motor mount designed to absorb vibration from a forward/backward motion or sideways?  If sideways you may run into the same issue I've had that was resolved by adding small brace triangles to either side of the  frame welded piece. Just something to bolster the strength a bit.

I believe the motor mostly vibrates up and down, and fore and aft.  I believe this because the crank and pistons move in the traditional British 360 degree configuration with both pistons moving up and down together, but firing 180 degrees apart. 

Steve your question is particularly salient if looking at my rubber mounted 883 project.  On that one, the mounts allow the engine to vibrate fore and aft, but not side to side.

[fj1200]

Fore, aft, salient ? Is this bobber... for the water or the road???

[Dennis]

Fore, aft, salient ? Is this bobber... for the water or the road???

I guess I'm just a wordy guy.  My nightstand has three of the Canada Reads novels ... and a stack of the The Horse magazines.

Peace & Grammar, Dennis

[Dennis]

Expensive lack of research.

I wanted the tires to have this groovy zig zaggy pattern.  I wanted them matched so I bought different sizes of the Avon Safety Mileage MkII.  ... 16 x5.0 and 19 x 3.5

This is the only picture at Canadasmotorcycle's online store.



This is what I got for a 16"



These are the photos at Avon's website.  I guess I should have done my research.



I mounted the rear just to see how it would look.  The tread is cool and vintage.  The front would have to be changed to something also vintage like an Avon Speedmaster.

I put the new Mac exhaust on for a mock up.  I think the rear tire is too large a radius.  Its much larger than the 130/90.



My options are to return both tires at the mere cost of shipping.  I could keep the 16" and get an Avon Speedmaster and deal with the tires just looking too big (radius).  The big tires raise the bike up which is good for riding but sucks for looks.   I'm all about looks so this is a problem.
 
I could sell what I have to anyone interested at a discount and lick my wounds knowing a buddy got some cool tires cheap.

I have 19 x 3.5 which has the nice zig zaggy pattern.  Both are for sale at a reasonable lower cost than I paid.  I may send them back.

I can't fabricate my rear fender mount until I know the final diameter of the tire, so I'm going to have to make a decision pretty soon.  I have all my engine stuff and some more fabbing to do, so I'll mull this over awhile.

Peace, Grease and Rubber, Dennis

[stevecrout]

Hi Dennis -  Let me know by email how much you want for the 19" tire and I'll probably take it from you.

stevecrout@hotmail.com

[Rusty Bucket]

Would the 130/90-16" have the same pattern as the 16x5.0"?  Meaning, only the 18" rears would have had the pattern you wanted to match the 19" front?  There really is little difference between a 130 and a 5" width - but the aspect ratio does make an observable difference in the height, just as you say, that looks like a tall tire.
 My bobber's Avon front tire - seen elsewhere - is the same diameter (19") but is a 3.25 - 19", so,  judging by your results, would have matched my rear, which has the pattern you like, if I had ordered a 3.50 instead of the 3.25".  My front Avon doesn't look like any of the above - it's more of a rib pattern.  If you don't like the rear, but you do like the front, you had better see if you can find out if there is a 16" Avon with the pattern you like - have you ever seen one, or can you find one on the net?

By the way, though, sharp lookin' tank; fits perfect.  Frame reflects "I'm all about looks", too;  markedly different than when you got it...

[Dennis]

I'm going to use dual discs brakes up front.   I got a dual disc front end from an xs1100 (and a bottle of scotch) from Paul in exchange for buying the whole bike  for him while he was out of town and then hauling it to his place (with Russell).  The things we do for buddies.

I mocked up the dual disc brakes with the xs1100 wheel (popped right in).  Looks beefier than a single and with mags thats good eye candy so I'm going for it.



This is the left side which is not stock on the xs650.



I will get rid of the blue paint on the lower legs, and for the regulars on the forum, I want to strip the paint off the calipers also.

Peace & Grease, Dennis

[Dennis]

I got some good work done on the weekend.  Fabbed in the rear fender.

I had a chrome fender brace kicking around.  Although they are sold by many chopper part suppliers, the geometry is just not right.  I used one on my xs650 flat tracker and it had to be cut and re-welded.  Same with this one.  The photo shows a piece of the 6" flat fender.  You can see how it will not sit properly on this fender brace.



Chop it baby.  I bent and welded on a piece better formed for the fender which also gave me some more clearance.   I welded it in place, and then cut out the old piece, welded, grinded, smoked and drank, stared and grinded some more.



Latest mock up.



Peace & Grease, Dennis

[fast1]

  Looking good Dennis! Would have thought your mock-up engine would be empty by now. CHEERS.

[Qball]

Looking good Denis!  Cant wait to hook up for a ride.

[Dennis]

This bike is going to have an electric start.  I need a big battery.  I don't like the look of them mounted on the lower frame rails.  I decided to have the battery brazenly exposed in a prominent position.  It also will not be symetrically mounted; it is about an inch to the right.

I have mounted two (much smaller) batteries in other bikes just behind carbs.  The first thing was to make the mount on the back bone.  The welded on bungs offset the box to the right.



The purchased the battery box from Bung King.  It was designed to be mounted on top of something like the lower frame rails.  The first thing I had to fabricate was a brace that would both bolt to the frame mount, but also be strong enough to hold the battery as the bike slams around PG potholes with no suspension.



And mounted.



The starter solenoid and voltage reg/rec fit underneath. 



Plenty of room for brake parts.



Gas tank fitted.  Bungs welded in so I can use these small Allen cap screws.



All holes are drilled and the fender is cut to shape, so I dropped them off with Stuntman Foobar.  I told him no rush, I have plenty left to do.



Peace & Grease, Dennis

[Sr.X]

Looking good Dennis, pleasure to watch the transformation from what I first saw. Can't wait to see it finished and hear it run.

  Later, Bob

[Qball]

Denis, once I get the brit stuff completed, My next build is a 650 similar to yours.  I cant wait to see yours and chat about it.  Did you make a jig for your hardtail? Or did you free hand it?