Mannulus Mechanica (build thread)

[RustiePyles]

Finally got back to working on the chopper. The the bike didn’t have any neck bearings in it when I got it so I’ve been rolling it around like that. Pretty tired of the front end folding up when I try to get it up on the lift. So I tore the front end off and put a set of All Balls tapered roller bearings in it and a new tension/jam nut. I put on the rotor flange cover I got from @Beags64 on the front wheel. I’ve got a buddy 3D printing some bushings for the gaiters.

 

[RustiePyles]

I also dropped the headlight down about 2”, not sure if I like it or not. Next time the forks come apart I’ll make a set of lowering spacers and lower them properly.

 

[RustiePyles]

 

[RustiePyles]

Since I hade the rotor off, I decided it was time to drill it. Covered it in layout fluid and laid it out with dividers and a V square. Had to get a little creative to get it jigged up in my tiny drill press. Used and old Craftsman 4 jaw lathe chuck, a set of 321 blocks and machinist jack.
I used a large SS star knob to secure the chuck/rotor to the table so I could quickly tighten/loosen it.

 

[BowlingSS]

You are getting there. Keep it up.

 

[Mailman]

Great work, your bike is really shaping up!

 

[Jan_P]

Just a thought as input ...Better now than after the chrome is on perhaps worth consider
The upper exhaust perhaps close to the wallet ? in the back pocket of the driver
And if a passenger seat in the future shall be an option ( perhaps next owner ) It wont hurt to test sit on it thinking in those terms.
Personally I don't like back mudguard with nothing on them even if a passenger is not so common But sometimes it is good to have
a backseat.
I have even picked up unplanned lifters after Motorcycle Breakdowns / Bus not coming because of holiday / And people set off at the roadside after an argument in the car ( Lady of Course )

 

[Adamc]

Just getting started on this bobber build, got ahold of frame (someone else welded the TC Bros HT on it) and a couple of motors I'm going to be building a bobber out of. Just picked up some wheels from Jim (big thanks) today so its officially a motorcycle and not just random piles of parts in my garage now. Machine also sent me an aluminum front rim ( also big thanks) that will get re-spoked and cleaned and eventually live on the front end. Lots more to come!View attachment 178006 View attachment 178007 View attachment 178008 View attachment 178009

I will watch this one with interest!

 

[Adamc]

Got the wheels from @Jim on, looks a little more like a bike now.View attachment 178237View attachment 178238

Like the spoke arrangement.

 

[RustiePyles]

Like the spoke arrangement.

Stock XS650 Heritage Special wheels.

 

[RustiePyles]

Just a thought as input ...Better now than after the chrome is on perhaps worth consider
The upper exhaust perhaps close to the wallet ? in the back pocket of the driver
And if a passenger seat in the future shall be an option ( perhaps next owner ) It wont hurt to test sit on it thinking in those terms.
Personally I don't like back mudguard with nothing on them even if a passenger is not so common But sometimes it is good to have
a backseat.
I have even picked up unplanned lifters after Motorcycle Breakdowns / Bus not coming because of holiday / And people set off at the roadside after an argument in the car ( Lady of Course )

@Jan_P my wallet isn't in any danger, thanks to old motorcycles its mostly empty anyway. There 's going to be a heat shield there and both pipes will extend to the end of the frame. Not to worried about passengers, there is only one passenger I'm allowed to have and she has her own bike. If she REALLY wants to ride with me we can take the 80 XS650G. Choppers are supposed to be dangerous most everything on this bike is form over function. As for future owners, thats more their problem than mine A P pad is easy enough to install at a later date. I'm also not sure if I'm sticking with that seat. I may make a cobra style seat.

 

[joebgd]

How was it to drill the rotor. Was it any harder or softer.than expected?

 

[RustiePyles]

How was it to drill the rotor. Was it any harder or softer.than expected?

I got about 75% of my pilot holes drilled (3/16), I started with a new sharp nitride coated HSS bit. It’s still cutting like a champ, haven’t used a single drop of oil or coolant. Keep your RPMs low and quill feed pressure steady and firm.

 

[5twins]

There's really no need for the grease seal on the top steering bearing. The original tin dust cover is sufficient. You do want to use it on the bottom though, it really helps there. Put the original rubber one back on too.

 

[RustiePyles]

There's really no need for the grease seal on the top steering bearing. The original tin dust cover is sufficient. You do want to use it on the bottom though, it really helps there. Put the original rubber one back on too.

I need to order a dust cover, I only used the seal as a washer. I wanted something between the nut and the inner race.

 

[Jim]

I need to order a dust cover

OEM's are still available at Partzilla, Partshark, etc.

 

[RustiePyles]

OEM's are still available at Partzilla, Partshark, etc.

Yeah I found it on Partzilla for $9. I'm not in any hurry, It'll go back together with the dust cover when it comes apart for paint. I just needed to get the front end stabilized for moving it around the shop and up and down on/off the lift table. I was afraid I was gonna wreck the stem/race seats moving it around with no bearings just clanking around in the neck. I might even turn a fancy SS or billet aluminum dust cover.

 

[TJZ662]

I’ve never had to braze anything in the field but man that inspired me to go try. It’s just a hose rack, no pressure or anything obviously. The build is definitely looking good though

Ah brazing we will go, ah brazing we will go
View attachment 189220 View attachment 189221 View attachment 189222

 

[RustiePyles]

Thanks! For never having brazed that looks pretty good! Definitely looks like it'll hold.

 

[TJZ662]

Oh yeah it should hold.. i think. I usually use silicon bronze over a tig bead to just get the appearance