1971 Single sided swingarm fastback (2011)

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Peter R said:
Good looking machine, congrats, but why did you fit that stupid exhaust wrap, spoils the look of this otherwise fine machine imo.
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Still torn about the exhaust wrap. When I did the wrap I was in "that" mode........the headers were unfinished metal and I didnt want "flat black" headers either. But i am not necessarily leaving the headers like this. Right now there is not enough time before the show this weekend...but perhaps for the Quail show in a few months I may get the header chromed.
 
Danno said:
Very impressive piece of work. I'm pleased you didn't cover it up with the dustbin shown in the first picture. I'd love to hear a review of how it rides and handles compared to a stock-framed and suspended Commando.
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Thankyou, and yes dont worry. I will be posting all about it when on road....Ive already got it licenced and registered and really the only "part" Im still needing to start bike is the blanking plate for the tachometer drive. I was able to get another 3 hours productivity today and made a lot of headway on the electrical harness......and I did complete the plumbing of oil lines and cc venting.
One thing I had to deal with is that the fastback oil tanks have 7/16 fittings on bottom while the oil filter and engine lines are 3/8. I switched the engine fitting to the earlier 7/16 style and had to make adapters for everything else
 
Danno said:
Very impressive piece of work. I'm pleased you didn't cover it up with the dustbin shown in the first picture. I'd love to hear a review of how it rides and handles compared to a stock-framed and suspended Commando.
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Oh, and yes, Im glad i did not go dustbin either, was just an idea that faded....Im saving that for another project involving a ugly bike.
 
A couple of more vids, tomorrows the day, i think, i m gunna fill her with gas and oil and give it a kick.

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpOK0SvHbAw[/video]

some thing really cool about the old britts ignition is that it comes with 2 ignition curves, stock and a "racey" curve, can be changed back and forth via a switch on handlebar

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgWedSqjDbQ[/video]
 
And just one more still, now its off the workstand
1971 Single sided swingarm fastback (2011)
 
It going to look a bit strange kick starting something that flash, especialy if it has one of those don't wanna start moments, nice project
 
well kids, today was trueiy one of my best days. the Norton fired up after about 3 kicks and ran strong and idled perfect. probably still needs a carb sync. but man...does it sound mean

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVwYQ6ydddc[/video]



Hard to belive these are both 1971 commando 750s..but you can see the huge profile difference from the modern suspension on the Red one

1971 Single sided swingarm fastback (2011)
 
motoalchemist said:
well kids, today was trueiy one of my best days. the Norton fired up after about 3 kicks and ran strong and idled perfect. probably still needs a carb sync. but man...does it sound mean

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVwYQ6ydddc[/video]



Hard to belive these are both 1971 commando 750s..but you can see the huge profile difference from the modern suspension on the Red one

1971 Single sided swingarm fastback (2011)
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Now that's what I'd call a fine pair :)
sam
 
could just be the pix but looks like the bike is sitting a tad low, then the exhaust pipes are right there underneath,

i've also read some prefer longer shocks even from stock clearances or setups
 
84ok said:
could just be the pix but looks like the bike is sitting a tad low, then the exhaust pipes are right there underneath,

i've also read some prefer longer shocks even from stock clearances or setups
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The bike does sit lower. but still should have plenty of room. the suspension is stock honda and should be sufficient....but these are issues I will be taking care of in the next few days when I start riding it
 
So a day after finishing this bike, I had it entered in the Clubman vintage bike show. My reward was the hundreds of people telling me what a beautiful, awsome, amazing , and plenty of other adjetives, bike it is.

The bike did receive a silver award, which came unexpected, because there were many other gorgeous bikes at the event.

1971 Single sided swingarm fastback (2011)


1971 Single sided swingarm fastback (2011)


1971 Single sided swingarm fastback (2011)


This guy , Barry Wiess ? really fascinated with my bike, here I am explaining things to him....he has a Kenny Dreer Norton himself. and hes a big gear head....I had no Idea

1971 Single sided swingarm fastback (2011)


and of course my goofy ass on the podium with the bike

1971 Single sided swingarm fastback (2011)
 
Nice, very nice, better than any modern bike.
Old and new, and you cannot say what is new or old.
The perfect fusion.
Bravissimo.
Ciao
Piero
 
Hello all,

so this weekend I finally got the bike done to the point of taking it out for a ride. It was only a series of 4 or 5, 15 minute rides, but i wanted to check things as there are so many "one off" parts on this bike. Overall the motor is strong, no major leaks and the CR carbs are very nice, but still need a little fettling..

The seat is very comfortable, but the riding position is "different" . The bike ran very smooth and strong, and I am completely stunned at how well it is handling so far. I have had the bike up to about 45 miles and hour and have taken a few residential turns at 30.bike response well and true, so wobble or confidence killing movements, holds its line and goes like a norton. One thing I did learn is you must keep balls of feel on pegs while making aggresive turns, my big feet drag if I dont. Which gives me more reason to upgrade the rear spring for my fat ass and to raise the rear of bike for a bit more clearance.

over all I am extremely excited at how well this bike is running and handleing. I wil post a vid as soon as I can get someone to tape me.
 
motoalchemist said:
Peter R said:
Good looking machine, congrats, but why did you fit that stupid exhaust wrap, spoils the look of this otherwise fine machine imo.
Click to expand...

Still torn about the exhaust wrap. When I did the wrap I was in "that" mode........the headers were unfinished metal and I didnt want "flat black" headers either. But i am not necessarily leaving the headers like this. Right now there is not enough time before the show this weekend...but perhaps for the Quail show in a few months I may get the header chromed.
Click to expand...


exhaust wrap is going, this stuff stinks when hot and smokes.....when I have some downtime Ill get the headers costed...prob in a gloss black
 
l think the thread swingarm info shows 96 vfr honda

might be going this direction myself & seems that the thread swingarm looks more like what came with the new 98 vfr 800,

vs 96 vfr750, or what comes up on a ebay vfr 750 swingarm search
http://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_pgn=1&_u ... 20swingarm

looking for a confirmation what year vfr swingarm is being used here?

1971 Single sided swingarm fastback (2011)


also not sure/clear on cradle (head steady ? ) mods involved?

1971 Single sided swingarm fastback (2011)


1971 Single sided swingarm fastback (2011)


close up pix of upper shock mount pls?
 
assuming a vfr800 swingarm is being used here, looks like there were 2 variants covering model years

98 -01

02 - 09

https://www.motorparts-online.com/en/ho ... l/swingarm

thread/post with measurements
http://www.customfighters.com/forums/sh ... ostcount=5

i'm not seeing the lower shock mount on these swingarms as shown in this thread

edit - ok, this pix shows a lower shock mount on the swingarm like in this thread, described as " NT650 Hawk GT"
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk25 ... 650SSS.jpg

http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.p ... post348360
 
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