Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Custom Corner bobber/custom update

I should be less than a week away from having my bike done. It's been tough not riding it with the weather in the 70's and 80's. All I lack now is cables jets and a dyno. I'll post picks probably next week.
I planned it to take only a couple months. Guess I missed that goal a little.

I can't wait to see the pics!

Could we get a little info. on what you've done so far? Parts, machine work, anything?

Lee

Lets see,
painted fork legs gloss black

powdercoated fork shrouds satin black

installed 12" apehangers

removed blinkers and speedo

removed peg hangers

removed chain gaurd

removed air box and side plates

removed air injection

installed chrome pod filters on carbs

built sideways mount for battery under the seat (for use with gel battery) (opens up the area behind the engine)

lowered rear with boggieman mounts

side mount license plate and taillight bracket

rear wheel: 16" 5.5" rim (black powder coat) with custom
made longer spokes (180 me Metzler) 5.5" makes a big difference

front wheel: powder coated rim and installed a 120 me tire

12" shorty emgo pipes

powder coated the sprocket cover

bobbed the back fender

removed front fender

powdercoated the fender struts

Key mount on right side

I think thats pretty much it?

I forgot, I'm also wrapping the headers. I'm using that light tan wrap.

So you really haven't done much. Sounds like she's still pretty close to stock. You should have been able to do all that in one weekend!

Ouch!
I guess I don't have as much spare time as I thought, but come on a weekend.
As soon as I can get some pics you can see what you think.

Just giving you a hard time paschal.

I'm looking forward to seeing the front end. I've wanted to get rid of the ugly grey paint on the lower legs for a while now. Having them done in black should look real nice. I'd like to do the same, but I would like to lose the shrouds and install some gaitors.

Looks like we are on the same clock. I was shooting to be finished by Daytona but I'm still waiting on paint. I've got about the same list without the front end or wheel work. I picked up new lower forks and America wheels for the SM, but I'm out of cash, guess I'll have something for next winter. Im still scratching my head trying to tuck the starter solenoid out of the way. Good luck putting it back together, keep us posted.

I think the 16 inch wheel will make a big difference. i went ahead and bought a 2002 Triumph Thunderbird rear wheel. They are stock 16inch with the same hub as the America and Speedmaster. The stock Thunderbird rim is 3.5 inches just like the Americas and Speedmaster as well. I realized that I couldn't go with a wide as tire as I wanted so I ordered a 5.5 inch rim from Buchanan to go on the 16 inch rim. Buchanan will custom drill the holes to match the spoke setup on the stock Thunderbird rim. I may go with a 200 series rear tire but I know Avon makes a 'Fat Freddie' rear tire that is 8 inches wide. I know the rear fender is 8.75 inches wide so i should have enough clearance there. I have a 180 series rear tire on a Speedmaster rear rim that is 7 inches wide. I have about 3/4" clearance between the tire and the rear sprocket so I should be able to go a half inch wider on either side. Hopefully.

If anybody is interested the Triumph Thunderbirds' stock rear wheel is 16 inches and the same hub setup as ours. If anybody wants to go real tall, the Thunderbird Sport runs a 17 rear wheel that has the same hub as ours as well. Just in case anybody was interested.


Can't wait to see the pics of your bike. Sounds like you put a lot of time in it. Keep up the good work.


Fryguy

Fryguy,
I had Buchanan make longer spokes for my America hub. That only cost $50. And I had an Exel rim drilled for about $350-400. That may be a cheaper alternative than purchasing a thunderbird hub and buying the rim anyway.
Let me know how that 200 works for you. I might look to buy one next time. That 5.5" rim really stretches out the tire so I'm interested to know how much clearance a 200 will leave.
please keep me posted
Paschal

I actually bought the Thunderbird rim for $75. I was planning on using the stock rim but I got the itch to go wider. Thats when I called Buchanan and I got the 5.5 Excel rim as well. The good thing about the Thunderbird wheel is that its 40 spoke rather than the stock 32 spoke on the America's. Gives it a little more oomph.

You say you are running the Metzeler rear tire?


Fryguy

$75 bucks is a great deal. I would have went that route to. It would be worth it not to wait on shipping.
I'm running the Metzeler ME. I like look of the Avons, maybe next time.
I cant wait to see pics of your bike with a 200 on it. If it works out well I might just trash that 180 and step up.

I have been scouring the Motorcycle tire companys' websites, gathering info on the rear tires. I like the AVON am42 200/60 rear tire its 7.9 inches wide. I looked at Bridgestone's rear tire the BT020 and it is 8.1 inches wide. So I may go with the Bridgestone.

How wide is the 180 Metzeler?

Hey FRYGUY I was just going through the photos and I must say that is a sweet paint job on your bike.

The pic you see of my America is still of the stock blue color. Its at the painters now getting a House of Kolor Root Beer paint with some gold leafing.

Fryguy

Sorry my bad- it was Airguy's paint job I saw. It took me a little while to find it again. Here I thought I was loosing my mind

It's been a while but I now have pics.
Paschal

Paschal,

That's one of the nicest rear fender bob jobs I've seen on these bikes. Not too rounded, not too flat. I also like the black front end with silver yokes. Nice work.

Nice job !!
Makes me want to strip mine down and start over.

I appreciate the comps. Once I get her cleaned up I'll post better pics.

Very nice! Great looking bike. A big thumbs up. How much clearance do you have left between the tire and the chain? I just bought an Avon 200/60-16 for my 16 by 5.6 rim and I think I have enough clearance. Avon says the tire is 7.9 inches wide. The rim is total of 6.1/4 inches wide. I have an 1 1/4" clearance on either side of the rim. Just wanted to see how much clearance between your 180 series tire and the chain you have. If you get a chance to measure for me?


Fryguy

suhweet ride man! I love it! It has a consistant look all the way around. It just looks right.

thumbs up!

thanks for sharing.

Yes the 180 series tire will fit the America rear wheel. Both the Speedmaster and America wheel are the same size, 15 by 3.5" The 180 series tire I have is made by Pirelli. I have it mounted on the Speedmaster wheel but I have never used it. I am selling the Speedmaster wheel plus tire. I think both Dunlop and Metzeler both have a 180/15" tire. You just have to be sure that the tire is made to go on a 3.5" rim. Some 180 tires are made to go on a wider rim. It will still fit on the 3.5" rim but it won't be any wider than the 170 series tire.

I had my dealer lace up my rear hub to a custom 16 inch Excel rim. Your dealer should be able to lace up your front 21 inch rim to your stock hub. As long as you have the proper spokes, you should be cool. Check you local Harley shops, NOT the Harley dealers but the local independant hog shops. They usually have a guy or two that can lace a wheel. let me know how you make out.

Fryguy