UK Bobber Build thread

[Sub xs650]

One of urs it looks bad ass

 

[Paulrxs650]

Another angle - this was my first XS650 build and was a bit of an unknown - hence the new bobber build as I now know what I want it to look like. I'll probably sell this one in the spring.

 

[Paulrxs650]

Thanks, it certainly turns heads wherever it goes and has won a few prizes at some of the rallies and shows.

 

[Johnt3]

Hey Paul, I like the look of that one. When did you build it?
That's probably what I'm gonna do with my wheels.I like the center blacked out with a polished lip.

 

[Paulrxs650]

Hi John,
Thanks, I built that one about a year and a half ago. I bought it as a half finished long chopper as a project and it went from there. I'll let you into a little secret though with the wheels - I sprayed them black and it's silver rim tape! Looks good though

 

[Sub xs650]

Nice trick and looks good

 

[essexboydave]

Another angle - this was my first XS650 build and was a bit of an unknown - hence the new bobber build as I now know what I want it to look like. I'll probably sell this one in the spring.

I like that mate, you did well there

 

[Paulrxs650]

Thanks mate! Its very good fun to ride. Maybe a bit high at the front but hey, thats why I'm building another!

 

[essexboydave]

I hadn't noticed the name on the tank before-I like it

 

[Paulrxs650]

So today, I made up the brake lines, fitted and bled them.

I fancied the cycle pedal option for the kickstart, so I ordered a couple of alluminium pedals which claimed to be 1/2" thread - not any thread i've ever seen So I machine 0.5mm off them and threaded them as M12
When presenting the thread to the end of the kick start, it was apparent thathere wasnt going to be enough metal left to provided a comfortable margin.

So I decided to machine the kickstart and thread the top 1 1/2" then machine a tapered piece to provide the extra width required. I could then machine a flat at the correct angle and drill and tap to receive the pedal, again at the correct angle to promote at flat pedal for kicking the bike over. Once done thread onto the kickstart lever, weld up and buff up.

Not a great deal to get a decent purchase

Threading the kickstart lever

Threading what will be the tapered piece

Machining the taper

Ground, buffed and fitted, ready for the chromer

 

[Paulrxs650]

Yeah thanks, I had my surname done in the Norton style - I quite like it, even if it is a bit vain

 

[essexboydave]

I like what you've done to the kickstart, might try something similar myself

 

[Paulrxs650]

Thanks - A bit of a fiddle on but I like the outcome! Maybe I have a skinny kickstart

 

[Johnt3]

Good work there Paul.Although that pedal looks mighty gnarly.
Your a braver man than I.

 

[Paulrxs650]

He he! My logic is that my foot won't slip off that!

 

[Johnt3]

Yes sir, I'd hope so.

 

[Paulrxs650]

Me too! Tomorrow, I'm going to manufacture some new exhaust brackets. I got some nice flat alluminium that will polish up just nicely, I hope

 

[Tron]

Build looks really great Paul,

Loving all the misc. fabrication.

Quick q, what gauge steel do you use for misc mounts such as head light mount, foot peg mounts, etc?

 

[Paulrxs650]

Thanks Tron, very much appreciated.
It depends, mostly on what the application is going to be. For example the footpeg brackets were out of 6mm (1/4") steel. So was the headlamp mount (a little over kill there ) Usually it ranges between 2mm - 6mm ( 1/16" - 1/4")

 

[Sub xs650]

Kickstart looks very nice I'm thinking of useing some brass knuckles I have laying around for my kickstrater