 Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Anybody on here? Other than the Biltwell bars I see standard bonneville gas tank, bobbed rear fender, lucas taillight, removed front fender, wrapped headers, trumpet mufflers for gators, bullet front turn signals with BC brackets, the Freak, and probably much more. The blog says he's going to be fabbing up some mid-controls. Looks nice and clean, but those rear signals have got to go. 
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 149
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 149 |
It's not mine, but I wish it was! That is one sweet looking ride. I agree though, it'd look better with smaller rear turn signals and closer to the fender. I just noticed the Guinness bottle cap bar ends. 
Last edited by Pete777; 09/14/2010 10:55 AM.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284 |
Very nice, I have seen this somewhere. I must agree about the rear signals,(I'd almost snap them off). Also, I don't get the mid controls. I like to stretch out a bit. Nice Bike! 
Strangler
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
What possess someone to have such cool lookin bike then leave that gawd awful GFG on it? The like a pimple on a pefect a$$.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525 |
Quote:
but those rear signals have got to go
.....as does the rubber mount for the exhaust pipe before he loses it all together.
Nice looking bike though.
Erwin
05 America
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 215 |
That is one clean looking BA! Yeah, the signals look like kind of a booger. The bars look super-clean, but I don't know if I could be comfortable riding with NO mirrors. Still... pretty bike!
2003 Speedmaster
Red/Black
FREAK, AI removed, Emgo Shorties, NH Peg relocation, Progressive suspension (front and back).
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
"What would Brent do?"  Very funny Lance. I'll never say you don't have good taste. ~Brent
Last edited by BCarnage; 09/14/2010 12:11 PM.
~Brent
-----
"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
Yeah that's sweet, a little detail work, some time trimming off mounts,a set of mirrors and smaller signals and it would be even sweeter though.
I could see mid controls working well with those bars, they look to far forward to be comfortable with everything in the stock position. JMO. Someone taller (I'm 5'9") may not see it as an issue.
Anyone know where I could find a tail light like that or even better does anyone have the Lucas part number? My Dad's business has access to Lucas parts through several distributors.
And last but not least what is a "GFG"?
Smaug said "What possess someone to have such cool lookin bike then leave that gawd awful GFG on it? The like a pimple on a pefect a$$."
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
Is it the Guinness decal?
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
The tailight can be had from Bellacorse for $30. Me? I wish they'd continued the stripe on the rear fender; I dig the Guinness caps on the handgrips :-) Judging from the gaiters and the Progressive shocks this baby's been lowered a bit, too, which gives it a nice sporty stance.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988 |
I like it! I like it a lot!! and agree with the other comments: Sprocket cover has to go, Rear turn signals need replaced with smaller lights, and he needs to get rid of the rubber mount that is still hanging there but other than that I would be more than happy to have it sitting in my driveway!!
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988 |
Quote:
And last but not least what is a "GFG"?
Smaug said "What possess someone to have such cool lookin bike then leave that gawd awful GFG on it? The like a pimple on a pefect a$$."
George Foreman Grill Sprocket Cover
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
Oh Ok, I actually kind of like those on certain bikes.
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I get the impression from the article that it's a work in progress. I only pointed out the rear turn signals because that took effort, whereas he may have just not gotten around to changing the sprocket cover yet. And he went to the trouble to move the stock rear pumpkins but replace and relocate the fronts. I'd guess/hope the rear relocation is a temporary measure.
But all in all, "proper job," as our cousins across the Atlantic are apt to say.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 276
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 276 |
Does anyone know how much is involved in putting a Bonnie tank on on our bikes, or is it a simple swap?
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988 |
Quote:
Does anyone know how much is involved in putting a Bonnie tank on on our bikes, or is it a simple swap?
That does look awful tempting!
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
I have read somewhere here you have change the tunnel under the tank. It doesn't sound crazy hard to do.
~Brent
~Brent
-----
"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853 |
That was where I was trying to go with my speedmaster....really got me thinking about smaller tank
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
Member sneaky pete says the bonny tank switch aint easy.But they do look good.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
It ain't easy, basically you have to bash the tunnel with a hammer to widen it to fit over the America backbone.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
******....thats a good looking bike!
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647 |
I like it, really cool detail is the guiness bottle caps on the bar ends. Very cool.
06 America 904
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
|
|
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Geeze... had a hard time finding the Reply button.
What's not to like? It's a gem really (well it would be if the warning sticker on the swing arm fell off).
Live to love, love to live.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 142
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 142 |
Wouldn't mind the tail light and number plate holder for my bike, the stock number plate has got to be the only ugly thing about the TBA, but here in the UK they have to be A4 size to be legal
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 558
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 558 |
I did the tank swap. Its not too hard, just make a custom bracket from mounting it, small other tweaks. Nothing too too hard. No bashing with a hammer is required(for me).
2008 Speedy, AI removed, DIY airbox destruction with K&N filters, spectres, re-jetted and "custom" rattle can paint job.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988 |
Quote:
I did the tank swap. Its not too hard, just make a custom bracket from mounting it, small other tweaks. Nothing too too hard. No bashing with a hammer is required(for me).
Some questions. What year of tank did you put on? Is your bike carbureted or injected? The bracket I am assuming that you are talking about is for the rear mount. Correct? I wander why Pete is saying it was a lot of work though? Any info that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853 |
Quote:
I did the tank swap. Its not too hard, just make a custom bracket from mounting it, small other tweaks. Nothing too too hard. No bashing with a hammer is required(for me).
did you relocate the CDI, flasher and other box next to the flasher...seems like that you would have to make room for or get the hammer out..those are mounted on the side of the back bone
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
I think I remember Pete showing me where he had to widen the tank to make it fit. I'm sure he'll chime in shortly.
Al
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853 |
Looking at pictures on ebay I looks like the area where the CDI is located would have to be widen
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210 |
maybe its bad memory, but I thought pete said he used a sissor jack to open the middle up. Just stuck it in an cranked it outward....dont quote me on that though..haha
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853 |
That is what I remember also and hammering it
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210 |
alright i'm not crazy then...cause its hard to hammer something when you cant get a full swing inside a little tunnel.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
alright i'm not crazy then...
Whoa ho ho! Not so fast, sport... 
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853 |
The area in green I think has to be widen or relocate the flasher and the the thing next to the flasher 
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
The thing by the flasher is the starter relay, had to replace mine about a year ago 8 days after my warranty expired : | . It's available from standard ignition for well under $20, most auto parts places stock it. I'll see what the Standard part number is and post it In a dedicated thread. My memory is crap now a days : |
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853 |
What I was saying is the Bonneville tank has to be hammed out in the green area for the flasher and starter relay. The other alternative is to relocate both the flasher and relay off the back bone of the bike to clear the tank...which probably be best. I am hoping one of the guys that has done this modification would wade in and explain what they did using my posted picture.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 276
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 276 |
I'd like to hear more details about this too. Maybe a new thread is in order.
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
...cause its hard to hammer something when you cant get a full swing inside a little tunnel.
  
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 609 |
Quote:
Quote:
...cause its hard to hammer something when you cant get a full swing inside a little tunnel.
Okay erle, get your mind out of the "tunnel", dude! They were talkin' about gas tanks here, bro!  
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Custom America on Biltwell's Blog
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210 |
Quote:
Quote:
alright i'm not crazy then...
Whoa ho ho! Not so fast, sport...
haha...."sport"
but erle said!....
|
|
|
|
|
