SBS Project - Sportster Chop w/ Lots of Photo's

Picking up where we left off a week ago!

Picking%20up_zps7ikbqemb.jpg



We got the spacer for the caliper and the rotor, but we had to make one to go between the caliper bracket and the wheel.

Because there was no way to measure the distance between the two, it was trial and error. Took about 1.5 hours, just shaving a little off each time til we got it right.

Spacer%20needed_zps4otw2wqu.jpg




Last time we worked on the bike it was to get the mounting points for the tank welded in and finished...

Spacer%20Done_zps453sjkf5.jpg





...but we never took a pic of it tightened all the way down with the leather washers between the frame and the tank tabs. Here's one.

Tank%20Mounted_zps9tl9uz7u.jpg





Since I was a dumbass and did not have a shift lever, we could not get it into neutral to spin the wheel and get measurements for outside spacers for chain alignment.

I even went and pulled a shift lever off my Twin Cam I rode into work...no go, different spline pattern.

So we did a little work on the seat.

Testing%20Seat%20again_zpsesmrnkuc.jpg




Then we took some new measurements for the oil tank. We were planning on using all the space between the frame rails for a rectangular oil tank that would sit down low.

BUT, as you can see, we won't be able to use all that room, because the chain passes thru part of that area.

Oil%20Tank%20Thoughts_zpso9caiwnn.jpg




So, not much visible progress made. But stuff that had to get done, got done. It is really good to have all three spacers finished up and installed. The two remaining spacers will be easy.

Next time we work on the bike we will be:

Shortening the chain to the proper length
Making the last two spacers that will keep the chain in a straight line.
Working on the brake caliper tab
Working on the rear fender, getting it cut to accommodate the chain, and then nailing down the mounting points
After working on the seat, I decided I wanted more travel in the shock. So I have a 1" longer shock on the way already. It will give an extra .75" of travel. But that means we will need to cut off the tabs we welded and weld some new ones on.

The next two projects after all the above, are the oil tank, and then figuring out how to mount some low profile floorboards.

Kevin
 
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Spent a couple hours yesterday working on the bike...not much in the way of pics.

We shortened the chain-

Shortening%20chain_zpsliv5681g.jpg





Put it on the bike and then spent some time working on getting the outside spacers made so that....

Chain%20on_zps7ml0tngl.jpg






...the chain was lined up with the trans sprocket.

Chain%20alignment_zps6vqcs2pf.jpg





We then played with a few ideas for a low profile anchor tab for the rear brake caliper...one that will not require a bulky heim joint set-up. I think we came up with a good solution. We'll fab it up and have pics next time we work on it.

We then decided where to cut the rear fender for chain clearance...also planned out the reinforcement of the fender, and where/how we will mount it to the frame.

Fender%20cutout_zpsrsjejbnr.jpg




I'm hoping to have more time later this week to get some more done. :)

Kevin
 
Lookin really sanitary & basic, all at the same time Kevin!
Are you planning on a modded horseshoe style oil bag of some type? That might be tough to fit in the limited space above the chain, but would really give it an old school chop look, in my opinion...
Keep up the good work, manThumbUpThumbUp
 
Lookin really sanitary & basic, all at the same time Kevin!
Are you planning on a modded horseshoe style oil bag of some type? That might be tough to fit in the limited space above the chain, but would really give it an old school chop look, in my opinion...
Keep up the good work, manThumbUpThumbUp

Thanks!

We are planning on building a rectangular oil tank that will go down low, between the bottom rails...below where we put the battery. It should be pretty well hidden...certainly enough for folks to look twice, wondering where the oil tank is.

Kevin
 
There looks like plenty of room on those bottom rails for your custom tank. That will leave people wondering for sure!

Looking forward to your progress pics on this build:clapping:...
 
Matt and I had 3 hours yesterday to do some work on the chop.

Some folks have asked for pics of someone sitting on the bike...to get an idea of size. Pics below are of Matt. He is 6' 1". No bars or footpegs make it a bit weird, but these give an idea.

Better%20view%20of%20sitting%20on%20bike%201_zpsdkwjggmy.jpg




Better%20view%20of%20sitting%20on%20bike%202_zpsloogprif.jpg





This photo shows a laser we used to check the sprocket/chain alignment. We had it pretty close from our eyeball alignment earlier...but you can see it is still a tad off. With the laser we will be able to get it dead on after we put it back together.

Photo also shows where we marked for the caliper anchor tab to go. (forgot to take a pic of the actual tab...again) We had to slide the wheel all the way forward in the axle plates to get the most forward position for the tab.

Anchor%20Laser_zpsebts1x4t.jpg




We also test fit the new, longer, shock and marked where we need to put the new tabs on the frame. Also realized we need to make a new seat tab bracket. Final thing on the seat was finalizing how we were going to reinforce the hinge. All little stuff, but important...and I did not get any pics. But when we actually do the welding (hopefully next week) we'll have a bunch of pics of the improved seat set-up.



The rest of the time was spent getting the fender oriented...

FF%201_zps67tkih0w.jpg


...notice we cut out a good size piece of the fender for chain clearance. It has a nice radius (unlike what we did on the DK Sporty) to lessen the chance of any cracking from harmonic resonance.



We had to pull the wheel all the way forward, to make sure we had clearance in the tightest possible adjustment...

FF%202_zpsrpgd51sj.jpg





...we used wood and some set screws to hold the fender in place. We then had to pull the wheel all the way back, to make sure there was clearance in that position also.

FF%203_zps81pi2r1o.jpg






Once we verified where we want the fender to sit on the frame, we marked all for mounting points on the frame.

FF%204_zpsqofkfhdt.jpg






Unrelated to this chop, next week we are finalizing our Milwaukee-Eight air cleaner prototypes, then on Saturday we are spending all day on the dyno testing them out.

Hopefully we will still be able to squeeze in some time next week to-

Weld the new seat set-up
Weld the anchor tab
Cut off the anchor tab that the hardtail frame came with
Weld in the the 4 fender mounting bungs
Complete the weld on the top cross-brace

Once all that is done, we will be able to begin on the oil tank and floorboards.

Kevin
 
I wasn't sure we were going to have any time this week to work on the bike...but we ended up having a good part of Friday afternoon to get some stuff done.

We braced the underside of the fender. It's not pretty, and probably not necessary. But this bike is going to be a rider, and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Rear%20Fender%20bracing_zpsqnddt5gx.jpg




The bracing corresponds with the four points that the fender will be mounted to the frame at.

Everything that will be seen when on the bike still looks purty.

Rear%20fender_zpsisumhznr.jpg






Uncovered for the first time in a week...ready to get some work done on it.

Ready%20to%20start_zpsybvv96im.jpg






These are the brackets we want to get welded up...

Brackets%201_zpszblpbyq3.jpg





Top Hat bung to go into the crossmember to attach to the center of the rear fender.
3 bungs to go on the frame rails to attach sides of fender
Caliper anchor bracket
2 New Shock brackets (to replace the ones that need to be removed)

Brackets%202_zpszzgwpxan.jpg




We had already measured everything last week...but we measured again this week, then removed the rear wheel.

Start%20Welding_zps6wvkzmqe.jpg





Then removed the tank and covered up the powertrain and the chrome kickstand.

Cover%20Up_zpssfisue58.jpg






Ready to get started with the first side fender bung...

First%201%20a_zpsxhfz57fc.jpg






We put anti-seize on the threads of a bolt, and then thread it into the bung, so as it is welded the threads do not distort.

First%201%20b_zpsneuhd7hd.jpg



More in next post.
 
Getting the second mounting welded up...

First%20Done%20start%202_zpssc77s3qs.jpg





...and the third.

3%20done_zpsvvzo1dum.jpg






Caliper anchor bracket.

Anchor%20tab_zps4qg572ai.jpg





Time to get the cross-member welded in place. It comes from TC Bros. tacked in place, like you see in the photo below. This is so it is easy to move should you want to.

We like it where it is. But before welding it in place we need to spread the axle plates about 1/2" wider than we want them to end up at. Part of the TC Bros. Hardtail kit are the parts needed (thread-all, nuts, and heavy washers) to keep that plates at a static 9" while we're welding. Once welds are done on the crossmember we remove the spreader to let it spring back to the desired 8.5".

Spread%20Plates_zpsm3mxfgrt.jpg





Matt, getting after it.

Weld%20Crossmember_zpsqrfvqyf0.jpg





Since I went to a longer seat shock, we had to cut off the lower shock mount bracket...all back to new..like they were never there.

Shock%20Brackets%20removed_zpsq4brfx7r.jpg





We put a spacer between the to new tabs to hold them in correct relation to each other as they are welded into their new spot for the longer shocks.

New%20Shock%20Brackets_zpsamoj7jpj.jpg






All done....

New%20Shock%20Brackets%202_zps3pf9y0tu.jpg





...for the day. We will do the top hat bung next time we have to work on the bike.

Next week is looking pretty busy...some prototype work and dyno work we were going to be doing Friday and Saturday of this week has been pushed to next week. So not sure if we'll have time next week to work on this bike or not.

Kevin
 
We had zero time last week to even think about this bike, let alone get anything done on it.

Today we spent about an hour doing some finish work on the seat mounts. Much stronger now. Forgot to take any pics. Will do that soon and post them up.

Then we spent a couple of hours trying to figure out how to mount the floorboards high and tight, but still maintain the ability to:

  • Fold up when leaned over
  • Have forward/rearward adjustment
  • Have angle adjustment

Close to two hours of batting around different ideas, we had about come to the conclusion that it was not possible....then Matt had a good idea that looks like it will work.

We're going to cut/grind/weld together a prototype (it won't be pretty), then try and break it. If it holds up, then we'll get some nice looking ones machined.

Kevin
 
Here are a couple of pics from earlier this week.

This is what the seat hinge originally looked like. I did not want to trust my ass (literally) to the two small weld points where the pivot bolt goes thru...

Seat%208_zpsvvradrk7.jpg





...so Matt beefed the connection up on one side. Still needs some shaping/finishing to get it nice, but I'm confident that the seat hinge is no longer a weak link in keeping the seat connected to the frame.

Beefed%20Up%20Seat%20Hinge_zpslux3mwxj.jpg





Doing some clearancing to the bottom seat shock mounting tabs. They shock needs to fit in between the tabs now AND after they are thicker from powder coating.

Clearancing%20bottom%20shock%20mounts_zpsn0a2u5sc.jpg




Matt finished up the prototype floorboard mount, right before I left the shop yesterday. Looks like it is going to work. Monday we will bolt it up (and I'll remember to take pics) and then proceed to try and break it! :D


Kevin
 
Had a bit of time yesterday to test out a couple of floorboard prototype mounts.

Here's a pic of the second one in the process of being made-

2nd%20prototype%20in%20process_zpsnzrk5uha.jpg




Here's a pic of the first one, next to the second one. The first one did not break, but it did not hold tight in the slot when Matt's 220 lbs jumped on it. :)

1st%20and%202nd%20prototype_zpsz7agtvif.jpg





These are ugly prototypes, but all we were testing for is strength....

Trying%20to%20break%20it_zpsvqrpagnv.jpg





...and the second one held fine, no breaking or slipping.

We are going to go ahead and make some nice looking ones now.




A couple of views from the side....

View%201_zpsqugrbzwe.jpg






They are adjustable, both forward and rearward, as well as the angle of the board being adjustable...AND they will fold up. :)


View%202_zps9rncwmgo.jpg




Kevin
 
We put the seat on, put the floorboards and tank on, then took some measurements of where I want the grips to be on my handlebars.

SBS%20mocked_zpsutflca87.jpg




The above photo is at a weird angle...really makes the seat stick up like a sore thumb. Might be partly because the rear fender is not on too.



Wrote on the tank the different measurements for grip placement.

SBS%20handlebar%20measurement_zpsy64wrr2r.jpg




I'm not a whiz at geometry...gotta double check, but I think these handlebars from TC Bros. are going to work.

101-0126.jpg




101-0125f.jpg



Kevin
 
Those handle bars have a true nostalgic chopper lookThumbUp
Are you planning on re~using the stock HD handlebar switches/controls?
I ask, as those bars might not accommodate the wiring from the switches without drilling & going internal?
 
Those handle bars have a true nostalgic chopper lookThumbUp
Are you planning on re~using the stock HD handlebar switches/controls?
I ask, as those bars might not accommodate the wiring from the switches without drilling & going internal?

Yeah, I think the look will be good, plus I'm hoping they will be comfortable too.

Not using anything off the stock bars, different grips, different levers, different front brake master cylinder and different switches. The wires for the switches will be internal, will be drilling a few holes.

Thought about doing an internal throttle, but pretty much decided against it.

Kevin
 
A couple of days ago Devin and I worked on the oil tank.

Here are a couple of photo's....

Oil%20Tank%20Loc%201_zpsnocalnjs.jpg


...of the space we have to work with.

Oil%20Tank%20Loc%202_zpsy5f21arq.jpg


We spent some time with a liquid capacity calculator, then with scissors and card stock...

Mock%20Oil%20Tank%201_zpstdtfdjvx.jpg


...mocking up a tank that will fit in the space we have...

Mock%20Oil%20Tank%202_zpsmpa0tvcb.jpg


...and have room for 2.5 quarts of oil, plus .5 quarts of air space.

Mock%20Oil%20Tank%203_zpsjfipoxsw.jpg


The tank will also be the place where the battery goes...

Mock%20w%20Batt%201_zps3stjh4vz.jpg


...there is going to be a .25" air gap between the bottom of the battery and the tank...

Mock%20w%20Batt%202_zpsem8wye1u.jpg


...also, decided to put some "wings" along the sides, just to make the look flow better.

Mock%20w%20Batt%20Wing_zpsfkxnsuut.jpg


The bottom of the tank protrudes .75" below the bottom of the frame rails, but that is still .5" higher than the frame rails below the engine.

Just below the tank will be a skid plate, which will also double as the mounting for the oil tank. There will be some oblong holes at the front of the skid plate for plenty of air flow across the bottom of the tank.

Here are the drawing for the laser...

Drawings_zpsb24pzryk.jpg


...we were going to cut this by hand, but after seeing all the angles & holes needed to make the tank, we decided to get the pieces laser cut.

The oil tank has turned into a much more complicated endeavor than originally anticipated....but I wanted to leave a lot of open space between the rear cylinder and the rear fender. Fingers crossed that it turns out looking good. :D

More coming soon.

Kevin
 
We got the tank pieces laser cut, and the bungs came in from Bung King.

Bungs_zpsnmbbyeh8.jpg


Here are all the parts laid out...

Pieces_zpsnzvnbvml.jpg


...what goes where.

Tank%20Ports_zpsvjatzheg.jpg


Today we are just going to tack everything together, making sure it all fits.

Before starting we coated the threads in anti-sieze and put bolts/fittings in to keep the threads from deforming while being welded.

Anti-Seize_zpsy6cwciyq.jpg


The four tophats are the only pieces that will be fully welded on the inside. They will also be welded fully on the outside. These 4 points are where the tank will be rubber mounted to the skid plate.

Bottom%20Tophats_zpsgfde8w1y.jpg


Tacking in the drain plug bung.

Bottom%20Drain_zpsirkyeelr.jpg


Don't laugh...or go ahead, it is pretty funny. The last time I welded was 42 years ago!

Devin held the 1st side plate in place while I tacked it. Not pretty, but it held. :D

1st%20Side_zpsovr38sgm.jpg


btw, I've shared this before, but....

The way that DK Custom Products got started was when I (the "K" in DK) had an idea for some Custom Handlebars. I had several shops that said they would weld them up for me...NONE of them had even started them within weeks of when they said they would be finished with them.

Devin (the "D" in DK) was, at the time, engaged to my daughter. On a flyer I asked him if he could weld them up for me. He said sure...AND, he had them done pretty quickly!

I had a few other ideas for parts...he made them up. Then other folks started asking for parts, and it grew from there. :)

More on the oil tank in next post.
 
Oil tank continued...

After tacking in the second sideplate we put in the first cross plate.

Both%20side%201st%20cross%20panel_zps1jju6vgd.jpg


Everything is square!

Tacked%20in_zpsousbnsen.jpg


Backplate tacked in....

Back%20Panel_zpsxs0a2vf4.jpg


L-Tray tacked in...

L%20Tray%20tacked%20in_zpsmavleh2l.jpg


Looking at how the filler bung will be placed. Have some cutting to do, plus we'll be welding the entire tank before welding this big bung in.

Filler%20Cap_zpsssjhrfwe.jpg


Top piece...

Top%20Piece_zpsem45m633.jpg


Corner piece. This part of the tank is "cut-out" to accommodate the curve in the frame rail on the low side.

Corner_zps0rap2uel.jpg


All tacked together, and square.

All%20Tacked%20together_zpsbqmvwikv.jpg


From an idea, to a card stock mock up to....

Mock%20w%20Batt%20Wing_zpsfkxnsuut.jpg


...holding it in place on the bike....

Test%20Fit_zpsjanimmpv.jpg


How it sits now. Gotta weld it up, and do the skid plate...but hard part is done. :)

Waiting_zpsc7uryw7d.jpg


Kevin
 
Wow, it has been almost 2 weeks since I've done anything on this build. I have NOT lost interest in it. We've just been very busy.

I have this coming Friday afternoon blocked out to do some work on it. Will be updating soon after that.

Kevin
 
Last Friday we had some time (not as much as we hoped) to make a little progress on the SBS Chop bike.

Oil tank is sitting right where we left it 2 weeks ago-

1%20Where%20we%20left%20it_zps6w4dommd.jpg


Tacking a little holder ring to the corner piece...

2%20Temp%20Holder_zpsjbjxyme4.jpg


...so we could hold it in place while tacking it to the tank.

3%20Tacking%20corner%20in_zpscwy1mucn.jpg


All done-

4%20Done_zps3lrkebxz.jpg


Even though the seams are not at a 45*, we are beveling one edge so that the welds will look centered.

5%20beveling%20corner_zpsmm9radhi.jpg


It begins...

6%20Welding%20begins_zpsf9kdnwwx.jpg


...turned out nicely. We are going to be doing some pressure testing when done, fix any leaks, then we will clean everything up before powder coating.

7%20turned%20up_zpslnzptd9y.jpg


Continued in next post.
 
Oil tank continued-

Another weld done. We are doing these for strength/seal and trying make them so that they have enough meat to spend some time to make them look good too.

8%20Another%20down_zps4djfyqef.jpg


All done with the seams, except for one last on in the corner bottom....

9%20getting%20close_zpsicfqjet0.jpg


...cleaning it up just a bit, looking for any obvious points that might leak.

10%20Cleaning%20up_zpsheppfgb8.jpg


Time to get to work on the bungs...

10a%20KP%20welding_zpsfyjwdryy.jpg


hahahaha, I have no idea what I'm doing...only the second or third time I've welded in the last 40 years.

10b%20haha_zpsgvoi9afn.jpg


All done for the day....

11%20Bungs%20welded_zpsxdmtxt3y.jpg


...going to do the fill hole and tank skid plate next time we have some time to work on it.

12%20Back%20to%20table_zps7aoopjid.jpg


Kevin
 
Oil tank continued-

Another weld done. We are doing these for strength/seal and trying make them so that they have enough meat to spend some time to make them look good too.

8%20Another%20down_zps4djfyqef.jpg


All done with the seams, except for one last on in the corner bottom....

9%20getting%20close_zpsicfqjet0.jpg


...cleaning it up just a bit, looking for any obvious points that might leak.

10%20Cleaning%20up_zpsheppfgb8.jpg


Time to get to work on the bungs...

10a%20KP%20welding_zpsfyjwdryy.jpg


hahahaha, I have no idea what I'm doing...only the second or third time I've welded in the last 40 years.

10b%20haha_zpsgvoi9afn.jpg


All done for the day....

11%20Bungs%20welded_zpsxdmtxt3y.jpg


...going to do the fill hole and tank skid plate next time we have some time to work on it.

12%20Back%20to%20table_zps7aoopjid.jpg


Kevin

:LooksGreat::goodjob:

Roger
 
Yesterday afternoon we had a bit more time to work on the bike.

Pulled it out...

13%20At%20it%20again_zpskworfrrj.jpg


...onto the shop floor. We need to do some welding on it.

14%20Side_zpsj5hdcaqe.jpg


This is a combo mounting plate/skid plate...

15%20Skid%20Mount_zpsr3wm7dlo.jpg


...that the tank sits on. The one hole is for access to the drain plug. The others are for air circulation. It is fastened in the 4 corners...

16%20Mounted_zpsz4qzzjrd.jpg


...and rubber mounted.

17%20Rubber%20Mounted_zpslr0fo3ku.jpg


Getting it lined up in the frame...

18%20lining%20it%20up_zpsxyln26ir.jpg


...and level.

19%20Getting%20it%20level_zpsaxaqb6dn.jpg


The angled bottom of the tank follows the same line as the rails.

20%20In%20line%20frame%20rail_zpsvt2un7uf.jpg


Ready to start tacking it together.

21%20All%20set_zpsseirtyno.jpg


Cutting some metal for the front skid plate brace.

22%20Cutting%20fron%20support_zpsdi6ngzvl.jpg


Continued in next post.
 
Put a few holes for air flow in the front plate support bracket.

23%20Front%20Support_zpsxyo1cfvh.jpg


Tacking the front support bracket and the two side support brackets to the frame and the tank mounting plate.

24%20tacking%20in%20place_zpsabxkjmrd.jpg


It's tacked in pretty solid for now....

24a%20Done%20for%20now_zpsu48dnjxm.jpg


....the next time we pull the engine out we will fully weld all three support brackets to the frame and the mounting plate.

25%20Done%20for%20now_zps1heekkzo.jpg


Last step...

26%20Filler_zpsfeo4kyca.jpg


...figuring the angle for the oil filler bung.

27%20Looks%20good_zpss8mhjf4h.jpg


Tacking it in place, so we can check the angle one more time on the bike.

28%20Welding%20it%20in_zpsv4r0bvon.jpg


Looked good, so here we go....

29%20Part%20way%20done_zpsgoywuklg.jpg


All welded up.

30%20Done_zpshrjdk9cz.jpg


I need to get some fittings, clean out the inside of the tank, and then do some pressure testing. If there are any leaks, we'll fix them, clean and test again.

Hope to have time to work on it some more later this week.

Kevin
 

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