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19 Aug 2010
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dave ett
I love the idea of making my own bike, but I think the trouble is where do you set the compromise slider?
If you're massively into offroad, then I guess 250 is the engine size limit. This will make for tiresome motorway work though. Maybe 400 would be a good compromise.
So you start with a DR400 perhaps, fit a big tank and bash plates etc, then strip the whole rear end down to the sub frame. Fabricate bespoke brackets to hold the luggage you want - making sure you go for something small and slim of course!
While you're at it you ought to build in some extra fuel capacity, an extra 10 litres should do. I guess using a couple of bladders is easier since making fuel tight alloy tanks is very hard.
Now have the seat sawn in half and remade to your comfort requirements - gel inserts and sheepskin lined perhaps!
Make up a bracket to hold a small top box which can sit much closer to the rider - maybe even a dual position so it can be a backrest on the road, and moved aft for off road.
Saw off everything that isn't needed - pillion footpegs etc.
Brace anything which is renowned for being weak.
Make some kevlar covers for the engine cases.
Fit a fully enclosed chain guard.
Any other ideas?
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Sounds a little similar to a bike I've just finished for my girlfriend, it should be out of Customs today in BA:
Pumpernickel on Tour
Don't bother with a top box on a small bike IMO, luggage roll bags provide a good backrest. Also leave the pillion pegs in place, they weigh little, could be useful & they provide a secure mounting point for soft luggage straps.
I've replaced Ela's 10 litre steel tank with a 16 litre plastic Clarke tank, a 5 litre can in the pannier frames and managed to blag an 8 litre foldable fuel bladder from a friend literally days before she departed on the 17th.
No need to strip the subframe down, beefing it up or bracing it to the bike frame using the luggage racks is the way to go IMO.
Personally I prefer a 400cc+ engine rather than a 250 but it depends on your physical size also in addition to luggage etc. It's very easy to overload a smaller bike and reduce it's power to weight ratio to a useless level if you're of a "stouter" build yourself. Riding a low powered bike offroad or up steep inclines can lead to a burnt out clutch. I also find that off road ability & experience has a big impact on bike choice, personally I love my 400EXC for tighter/tricky riding and my 950SE for longer, faster offroad jaunts.
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19 Aug 2010
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Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Pickford
Sounds a little similar to a bike I've just finished for my girlfriend, it should be out of Customs today in BA:
Pumpernickel on Tour |
So you've left her to the ravages of Argie customs ? On her own in Baires?  Man, you're gonna here about this one later! 
Are you joining her on your 950SE ?
Will check in on the Pumpernickel tour.
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19 Aug 2010
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 376
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Pickford
Sounds a little similar to a bike I've just finished for my girlfriend, it should be out of Customs today in BA:
Pumpernickel on Tour
Don't bother with a top box on a small bike IMO, luggage roll bags provide a good backrest. Also leave the pillion pegs in place
No need to strip the subframe down, beefing it up or bracing it to the bike frame using the luggage racks is the way to go IMO. |
Nice!
I was thinking more along the lines of removing the plastics and pillion seat, and replacing that area with the secure box. It'd only be a few inches higher than the seat since 50% would be sunk into the frame, effectively becoming the rear mudguard.
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
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