My '76 z900 'Strip-fighter...sorta

StreetfighterKz wrote: I was able to get into the garage last night for a few hours.

I tackled the new steering stops.

I thought about using one central steering stop on the lower triple and two tabs on the frame but I placed a bolt on the lower triple and I didn't like the fact that it overhung the curve a little.

So I found a tab I had already made for the frame but felt it was too simple.

I made a template and made the tab wider but angled that sides. I felt this design was much better.

The next step, I cleaned up the tab a bit and tacked welded it to the frame. I took two rubber washers that were 3/16" thick and taped one to each side of the gas tank where the fork tubes would hit. I then proceeded to mark where the bolts should go, keeping in mind the reinforcing tabs on the underside of the triple clamp. The hardest part was making sure the bolts were in the same spot so that everything would look even. I think I did OK for just eye-balling the position of the second bolt.

Here's the final product...

I hit the reinforcing rib but just barely. I don't think that I will have affected the strength too much.

Later, Doug

Now thats using the mellon.....great idea....looks really nice and keepin it simple.....nice build....

testarossa wrote: That swingarm is lookin good. As good as Leon is at building swingarms he's an even better dude to have beer with.

Can't wait to have a beer with both you guys!

After about three different brackets and half-dozen attempts at welding the last one on, I got my rear M/C mounted. I think it looks somewhat "factory." However after Leon posted a picture of a WrenchMonkee bike in another thread, I'm second guessing my design.

What's everyone think?

My original design...


Wrenchmonkee's designs...



Later, Doug

doug the way you have it looks really clean.

funny i hadn't noticed the way they had it mounted on the wrenchmonkee bike.that is a very simplistic design tho.

rough freakin call there man.

i guess it comes down to personal preference .

leon

I like the way you have it now. Maybe use a bigger, more solid heel guard that would hide the m/c more to clean up the lines.

I like the way you have it now too. it looks better there than the other photos. u nailed it .
i have never been a big fan of the look of the master itself. but i see an opertunity to cover it with a cool heel guard. jmo.

I think the master cylinder is going to stay where it is. I'll just find a nice solid heel plate to cover it up.

I was thinking yesterday while in the garage that I'm going to be running a lot of electronics (reg/rect. combo, Dyna2000, big fuse box, air shifter solenoid, horn button multifunction box, possible a nitrous system) and the one panel I have behind the right side cover isn't going to fit everything so I made a panel to fit behind the left side using the right as a template.




After 3-4 attempts at a battery box, I finally came up with a solution. I originally planned years ago to use a Odyssey PC680 but it's almost 15lbs and rather huge. I've been doing some research on A123 batteries and particularly like the Antigravity brand and the 12-cell they produce. It is more expensive than the PC680 but it's also about 15% the weight and 20% the size with over half the CCA at 360.

I wanted to get all fancy and have an all encapsulating battery box but after much thought it hit me, what about a battery tray. So I took one of my previous attempts and added some loops for velcro to loop around and added a couple mounting tabs...






That leaves only the side stand to be mounted, a tab for the exhaust bracket, tail section mounts, and maybe a few other items and the frame should be ready for final welding then powder-coat. Maybe I'll finally have a rolling chassis by the spring like I've wanted the last 4 years?

Later, Doug

you can do it doug!!!!!!!

leon

Nothing like a simple solution.
Good stuff.

Wow! I had no idea that I haven't made any progress on this bike for about 9 months.

I picked up a small (7x10) Harbor Freight lathe about a month or so ago. I finally got it cleaned, lubed, and set up close enough to start turning out some parts.



My first project isn't the most glamorous but a good starter project none-the-less.

Since I first put Tarozzi rearsets on my 1000, I couldn't stand how the acorn nuts and washer arrangement seemed so bulky. So I came up with the idea to cut, drill and thread the studs to take some button head screws. I think it adds to a better fit and finish to the bike for not a lot of work.








Hopefully, I'll get some more motivation and do work.

Later, Doug

That does look good...really cleans up that area alot. Good to see you back at it. Was following your build until you stopped... Keep it up til you get it done! lol Always interested in what you guys do...

racer54 wrote: Good to see you back at it. Was following your build until you stopped...

Yeah. Life got in the way as it seems to do sometimes. Moving twice in two years didn't help along with some other of my bikes needing work, too. But things are starting to turn around and I'm back at it. Little by little...

Later, Doug