Non Standard Project
I decided I wanted to make a non-standard project and found a good basis to start with. The frame was cracked, the engine was seized and all I got was what you see in the pictures.
Where to start, how to modify? I decided quickly that I wanted the frame to be monoshocked and reinforced. By this time I had also decided on GSXR 1100 wheels and modern 4-pot brakes. Front Marzocchi forks were sent to Maxton for new internals, and for the rear a Wilbers monoshock was chosen.
What style? I played with a flat tracker/street tracker style for a while.
I also played with a sort of SFC replica style.
Engine was to be top specification.
In went new crankshaft, new gearbox bearings, new 4C cams,new cam bearings, Corsa-spec head (valves, porting) with new valve guides, skimmed head and offset 10mm spark plugs, further away from the valve seats. The barrels had new standard size liners fitted and 9.8:1 pistons installed. I initially wanted the engine to be black but soon decided to revert to bare alloy
In went new crankshaft, new gearbox bearings, new 4C cams,new cam bearings, Corsa-spec head (valves, porting) with new valve guides, skimmed head and offset 10mm spark plugs, further away from the valve seats. The barrels had new standard size liners fitted and 9.8:1 pistons installed. I initially wanted the engine to be black but soon decided to revert to bare alloy
Once I had decided on style I cut off and/or welded in brackets to suit. Then I had the frame painted black. Wheels were painted silver.
The final style I decided on was to be loosely based on a 3C (with a modern twist).
Rough prototypes were trialled.
Rough prototypes were trialled.
Seat was to be based on a 3C seat but had to be subtly modified.
After:
Electrics: I was using new Suzuki switchgear, a Kawasaki alternator, and Sachse ignition, an m-Unit electronic relay system and a gel battery. The monoshock now lived where the battery and electrics used to live, under the seat/sidepanel area. There was no choice but to make my own system from scratch. Alloy plates were fabricated by hand to mount everything to.
Coming together now. I decided on a subtle grey/green colour for the bodywork.
Final version. By now I had tied down all the variables. It would have 40mm OD downpipes, a contoured wide bore collector box and special absorption silencers from Canada.
It has taken several years to get to this point and too much money (don't ask). It started out as a broken bike frame and engine with no papers or numberplate. In order to get papers for it I registered it in the UK. Now I need to find a way to register it here in Spain, which will be difficult as it has to be a matricula historica, which means it has to be 100% standard. To date I have no solution for this problem and it sits in my garage, perfect and ready to run, but not legal for Spain. Watch this space.