Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

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I have thought about the frame, not any time soon. As it is the frame is the only thing I have not touched, other than some krylon.
 
bwolfie said:
Made a decision, this thing is going to be as much alloy as possible. It's my medium, must be all those years in aviation working with it.quote]


It is...been wrenching on Boeing machines myself for 25 years...everytime I see a aircraft part, I wonder if there is a way to make it fit on a motorcycle
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Funny.. I often had the same thought. That might explain the many boxes of aircraft parts I have in the garage. It's amazing what one collects over the years. It's good to know the right people, especially the parts guy.
 
Alloy brake plate arrived this morning, Nice. Ordered 12" x 48" .250 7075 aluminum plate. Time to make set #2 of trand and front mount, plus an alloy PR head steady. If I can't add HP (for reasonable money and time outlay) the least I can do is remove weight. So far I have less than $2000 into this bike after 14 years of working on it and 5 different changes to it. I love bartering and buying and selling parts. I do not know and don't want to know the hours I have put in, that would make me cry, but it's all for fun.
 
I got my RGM alloy yokes yesterday and installed them today. Shiny and 3lbs lighter. Ill get pictures up in a day or two. My computer crapped out and im getting a new one tomorrow.
 
The end is near. I made a to do list, it fit on less than a page. Only 3 or 4 more parts to buy and install (mufflers, caliper, hub). Build up the front wheel, install the front caliper, wrap the exhaust pipes and install the mufflers. I need to fab an alternator mount and primary cover. The worst job is to figure out the seat, either make one or purchase one. I'll try making one first, otherwise RGM has one I like for 95 pounds. Tomorrow my Trucklite LED headlights show up, so I can install that. Got a deal on 2 of them.

The end is near, spring reveal is a go!!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!
 
I started laying out and cutting parts for alloy front mount and cradle. Here is the progress so far. These are version 2.0. I sold version 1.0 last month.
I got to use my new 6" hole saw on my new 15" Ridgid drill press. Makes quick work of it, and the plug piece will be used for my alternator mount.

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!
 
I must get some pics up of my commando, I have been building it up for a while and have a similar problem with fitting the alternator, I used to run an open primary but with a smaller front sprocket, I have gone up in size for the front sprocket and the next hurdle begins! great looking bike. Are you going to modify the pivot for the swinging arm while you are at it?
 
I will make the cradle tube better with clamps. I still want stock pieces to fit, I am not making a new swingarm (yet!). This time I am going to machine the tubes out of billet. Last time I used tubing. Here is the first set I made.

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!
 
I ordered aluminum and will pick it up tomorrow, I am going to build a swingarm also. The front mount is made, needs to be welded. trans cradle sides are cut, the round stock will be here tomorrow. I also made my RGM order for the last pieces. Onlything left will be the wiring. My mufflers came friday, really nice, exactly what I wanted. Off to do some more fab work.
 
It's been a while so here's an update. Front mount is done and installed. Transmission cradle is done, ready to install. Swingarm is, not started, I have the aluminum. I fabbed up a quick work stand, works well. It's all coming together nicely. Alternator mount is done and installed. I ordered front spokes, should be here next week so I can get the front wheel done. Pictures of the progress.

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!

Now going custom with alloy bodywork!!
 
I am pretty sure that aluminum has half the stiffness of steel and often less tensile strength, plus it work-hardens and cracks when it is cyclically put to a bending force.

The original steel part often is upgraded to be able to do it's various jobs. Aside from offering a shiny appearance I don't see anything else attractive about switching the material for the rear engine/tranny-cradle/swingarm mount to aluminum.....But it is a trendy thing to do.
 
Between the front, mid and swingarm I'm looking at almost 10lbs weight savings.

Add that to all the other parts that are not there and the other alloy pieces, it adds up.

It's very costly and reliability goes down trying to squeeze HP out of the engine, but weight shedding is cheaper and sometimes free.

As far as strength and durability, proper alloys will hold up very well, and for me If it does wear out or break i'll just repair it or make another.

I don't pile on the miles (unfortunatly my life does not allow that) so It would be a long time before I see any problems.
 
Maybe a dumb question but on the RHS plate of the cradle what do the cuttouts near the middle bolt hole do?
 
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