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Post by odie2ooo on Mar 22, 2009 22:13:48 GMT -5
Looks and sounds really good. I have 1 ? though? Is your muffler going to melt your fan cover? Thats the only thing I would be concerned about.
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Post by schoei1 on Mar 22, 2009 22:27:39 GMT -5
Great build rocket! I love the exhaust and it sounds great.
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Post by ad4par on Mar 23, 2009 4:30:17 GMT -5
looking good! Without any mount support on that exhaust, are you concerned about the mounting flange/bolt taking on too much pressure? It would seem that a couple of good bumps and you might break the seal, if not the mounting studs. Perhaps it's just so light the flange bolts are plenty to hold it?
What says you all might and knowing builder of a kick @$$ custom!
Alex
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Post by gy6rocket on Mar 23, 2009 8:04:20 GMT -5
I'm hoping the heat does not melt the plastic! It has a good 1/2" of clearance - more than the clearance between the engine bore and head cooling fins which also get really hot. It's not a normal plastic on that shroud, it's made to resist heat otherwise it would have melted long ago. I'll let ya know but just from running it so far has heated up and not had any ill effects on the plastic. I also have sprayed an industrial wrinkle finish coating on the shroud plastics that helps repel the heat some.
The muffler is really REALLY light - under 3 lbs, and using only the flange it is solid! Since it is so short and light it really puts no pressure at all on the flange, I'd be willing to gamble it puts even less pressure on the flange than the KM racing did. I am very confident in the exhaust design and will report back after some time and mileage has passed.
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Post by odie2ooo on Mar 23, 2009 12:36:46 GMT -5
From the video I couldn't see how much clearance there was between the shroud and the muffler. A good 1/2" should be good clearance. Your doing a really good job. Keep up the good work.
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Post by gy6rocket on Mar 23, 2009 21:40:30 GMT -5
Thx guys, I just got done going through my front brake master cylinder, and converting all the hardware on it to capscrews. I'm in the process of swapping out all the engine bolts with hex cap screws also so I will only need one simple small lightweight tool to take it all apart. I am aiming to build my tool kit very lightweight too Also swapped out the front shock hardware for some 10.9 grade flange bolts They were 8.8 but I finally found the 10.9's at ace hardware today.
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Post by gy6rocket on Mar 27, 2009 21:21:31 GMT -5
Have been very busy with work and stuff so have not had much time to work on the strada but I did manage to find a sweet billet aluminum neck for my handlebars for $20 from a local hardcore mountain bike shop. Its perfect, strong lightweight and has a 7/8" horizontal bore for mounting handlebars and a 1-1/8" vertical bor to attach to the stem. This allows handlebar positioning and centering with the wheel. Also got the OEM Nissan ballast and D2S H.I.D. lamp mounted and fired up. Getting close Also the handlebar kit was missing a part for the throttle but the seller on ebay apologized and sent one out first class USPS. So after I get that part I will have the parts to complete the throttle linkage. The next had part is going to be removing the section of 7/8" I.D. and 1-1/8" O.D. From the OEM handlebar neck so it can be bolted to the stem, then the aluminum neck will slide over that. The setup is sweet, maximum adjustable!
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Post by cagedodger on Mar 27, 2009 23:09:15 GMT -5
Almost there! That's looking very slick so far. It's like a radioactive ruckus with a comfy looking seat.
Are you gonna mount machine guns to the sides there? Looks like you have the brackets already set for it.
Machine guns work a lot better than a 139db horn! You only need to get their attention once.
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Post by gy6rocket on Mar 30, 2009 0:14:14 GMT -5
Did some more tinkering today, Shaved off the stem part of my old handlebars and an working it into shape to fit my aluminum neck. It's about 1MM to big all the way around, and I don't want to bend the aluminum neck outward to fit. So I dremel and sand at it I'm ebaying some stuff so I grabbed a couple pix' Be prepared to see some more super strong, very lightweight tie bars. Such as this little guy made from 1" x 1/4" solid aluminum. Different angle I'm a tech guy, and since I need a speedometer to be legal, this GPS unit will be mounted somewhere. Plays MP3's too but I will never use it for that. Per her clothes back on for a minute just to see.. The primer lasted ok over the winter of being tossed around in the garage. I will paint it.. if I ever decide to use it again... The real "KEYS" to the green machine. It's ironic, perhaps some sort of karma that the craftsman metric "all-in-one" hex wrench tool comes from the factory in a very similar green! This tool can take apart about 80% of the bike, including every bolt on the handlebars.
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Post by gy6rocket on Mar 30, 2009 0:46:49 GMT -5
Looking through old pictures, I did a "ghost" photoshop of the bike from last year when the frame and engine mount were stock, and the pic above. As you can see by the wheels the front has been dropped about 2" and the rear has been extended by about 1.25" Eriee! it's like looking at the soul of the bike lol!
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Post by rghoskins on Mar 30, 2009 14:01:21 GMT -5
Make her "clothes" matte black. That looks awesome...
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Post by owenbrau on Mar 30, 2009 15:01:26 GMT -5
What do you guys think about the gas tank being mounted to the tie bar, motorcycle style? It would be so easy to plumb, like 1 foot of line to the carb, plus have gravity and forward motion pushing it into the carb. I had wondered why you didn't put it under the seat. It doesn't seem to me the the shorter fuel line will matter all that much, and the gas isn't going to be "pushed" by the forward motion, only when you are accelerating. Even the brace by itself makes it lose some of the essence of "scooterness" to my eye, and the plain plastic tank doesn't really fit the rest of the tricked-out appearance, kind of like an after-thought.
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Post by stradarx150te on Mar 30, 2009 15:20:24 GMT -5
That tank looks sweet. I also think thats what he was going for nothing on the scooter looks like a scooter
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Post by gy6rocket on Mar 30, 2009 23:08:58 GMT -5
I like the gas tank Yes its more motorcycle look but its the best spot for the fuel if the gravity feed and weight distribution are taken into account. The gas tank just sort of ended up there, it doesn't fit under the seat all that well. Maybe if I find a long box type tank I'll mount it under the seat. FOr now I'm keeping it like this, the best part is I can just look down to see my fuel level, not missing the guage any Took some pics of the new aluminum bracing, I finished the tie bars and turned and sanded the neck untill my new aluminum neck fit perfectly into place. It took awhile! So yeah I need a one more tie bar to connect the front and rear boxed sections. This is great the steel frame is soft of acting like my jig for a new aluminum frame !!! Phone Pix I also got the front master cylinder mounted up, wife came out to the garage and was sitting on making engine noises, wonder if she'll attempt a ride?
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Post by stradarx150te on Mar 31, 2009 7:17:14 GMT -5
Looks like you need to enter into AutoRama next year.
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Post by YellowScooter on Mar 31, 2009 14:00:40 GMT -5
That is one wild lookin scoot dude! Reading this makes me want to get mine off the ground quicker than money will allow ATM. This great depression-II has really put a damper on my plans
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Post by phaze on Mar 31, 2009 16:14:12 GMT -5
rocket, they have some tanks for a wheeler that are flat and come in different sizes maybe stand it up under the nut buster?
its getting there, another idea is called a tour buddy its a aux fuel tank for a sled. might be a shape they have that'll work imo
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Post by gy6rocket on Apr 2, 2009 8:47:05 GMT -5
Thx guys for the comments and the tips, I should mention my scoot is always changing, I'm sure i'll try a different fuel setup sooner or later, however I will not give up the tie bar, OEM frame is too weak for my liking. Its fine for 35mph but when you start creeping into the 50-60+ mph range the tie bars come in REAL handy!
I've started constructing an oil catch can system, should be completed in the next couple days, also on a hunt for throttle and brake cables.
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Post by shookupart on Apr 2, 2009 21:12:33 GMT -5
well done my verde veritas....I love the ghost shot best of all about this thread. That was insane. GREAT WORK on the bars and neck and if anyone wants an aluminum scooter frame we are definately in the works for that....pm me if you want one. There seems to be no end to this mod madness.
Thanks rocket.
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Post by Andy on Apr 3, 2009 1:39:13 GMT -5
Looks great man!
I have the Pirelli SL26 (I think) tires, same as yours on my scoot. They are the BEST tire out there. Stiff and a good foot print. I also lean my scoot all the way over on thos tires until i start to scrape hard parts and they hold true. A perfect tire in my book. I am on my 3 rear and 2nd front with them. You wont be let down by that tire.
And dont be afraid to lean her over once the tires get warm they grip!
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Post by Andy on Apr 3, 2009 1:41:25 GMT -5
Oh, and have you thought about not putting the black plastic body pannels back on it. Leave the green frame exposed? It looks really cool that way (yes, ruckus look, but oh well) And as for the gas tank. I hope you put it under the seat! It would look weird with a fuel box sitting over your knees.
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Post by gy6rocket on Apr 4, 2009 2:01:06 GMT -5
shook, I will be in touch about the aluminum frame, I have a few frame designs in AutoCAD in 3d, along with a bore design that has large horizontal fins, yes a bore that needs no fan to stay cool...
Andy, I'm a lean freak too! I used to scrape the centerstand running the kenda's and those tires are pretty bad, I can't wait to test out some nice shoes on this bike. I probably won't run the panels for awhile, not until I refinish them anyway. The entire front section is also a maybe, I may just do 2 6" circle headlight, zuma/ruckus style.
The green machine is getting there. I spent a good 2 hours re-engineering my throttle cable to work with the moto-x twist grip. Smooth as silk now, Just need to finish the brakes and I can take her out! Oh yeah some nice wetaher wouldn't hurt either!
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Post by gy6rocket on Apr 7, 2009 17:58:32 GMT -5
Ok, so much for the nice weather lol, it's been cold and snowing for the past 2 days. I have not had too much time to wrench on the strada this week, but I did get the oil catch done, and the handle bars + all levers and front brakes. I placed an order to PFS for a rear drum brake cable. Should be here in a few days. Also I finally was able to give her a spin around the block on sat, and HOLY CRAP is the green machine nimble!! Every aspect of the ride felt better, tighter, faster, lighter, and the seating position with the new handle bars is much more comfortable. I don't feel all hunched over any more and my hands are even with my shoulders. Before my hand were closer together than my shoulders making my upper back hurt after a few hours of riding. The Pirelli's are SICK!!! Instant favorites. I leaned over so much I actually scraped the side stand!! Looking into getting that to retract a bit more. No top speed runs as I only have 1 brake but that will be soon! MuHahaha Anyways I'm loving it, the engine mount really located the engine good, there is no play at all, at idle it makes the handlebar stem section vibrate like a harley lol. The MotoX twist grip is much better also. Man I cannot wait to test the limits, I know shes going to be faster this year I could feel it just in acceleration. My GPS'd top speed, flat street, tucked no wind was 67mph last year so I am hoping I can break 70 due to the weight reduction. Since I am moving less weight I will probably step my roller up a gram or 2. Im running 3x 11g and 3x 13g right now. OH, Almost forgot about the exhaust note, it's killer and performed well at WOT!! Sounds absolutely insane, nothing like it did with the KM racing. It's really quite at idle but when shes loaded and revving it sounds good, like a lot of muscle no rasp or popping at all. I would say it actually runs better with the new exhaust as-is than it did with the straight through KM. Anyway lots to say, trying to wrap a few more things up before I leave on vacation. Going to Phoenix / West Coast for 10 days. Won't be back until April 19th, Hopefully i can find a scoot rental store The temp oil catch, found a good all aluminum can at meijer, with energy drink inside for $2! I'm going to paint it and figure out a more permanent mounting solution.
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Post by rghoskins on Apr 7, 2009 22:59:02 GMT -5
lol, Meijer in Detroit. We go back every few years for the auto show and that place is a staple. Gotta stop there everytime.
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Post by phaze on Apr 8, 2009 15:49:59 GMT -5
looks clean, maybe you can make brackets out of sheet aluminum with holes big enough, to accept the can. Then bolt to frame or weld? then silicone the can to the brackets.
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Post by gy6rocket on Apr 9, 2009 11:25:39 GMT -5
I got the new stuff from parts for scooters. They sent it in an oversized Chinese takeout box, I was laughing so hard when I opened my mailbox. Anyway I ordered new turn signal lenses since one of mine was cracked and those look good. Glad I got L and R because the new ones are somewhat different than the older ones. Then came the rear brake cable. Well ran into a snag. The cable is about a foot to short. I'll attribute it to having the stretched wheel base and the handlebars which are much higher/larger then the OEM. Then out of frustration I accidentally cracked the lever housing trying to pry it open a bit so the cable would fit. So I'm back to ground 0 on the back brake lol. So I bought a complete takeoff lever/switch/cable, in chrome, from a 2008 similar scooter. This will be better anyway since the one I broke was black, didn't match, and had no brake light switch. It was actually for a clutch on a xr50 but it fit the scooter brake cable ok. Anyway, that was my night, ended up with still no rear brake. I'm thinking I may have to custom make a cable, or somehow splice the two with a lever device. I'm sure i'll come up with something. Won't be until I'm back from vacation though.
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Post by stradarx150te on Apr 9, 2009 12:14:36 GMT -5
You should go to a bike shop and get some brake cables
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Post by phaze on Apr 9, 2009 18:20:25 GMT -5
thats the question i have is how do you take care of the gas and brakes?
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Post by xs650 on Apr 9, 2009 18:30:34 GMT -5
Anyway, that was my night, ended up with still no rear brake. I'm thinking I may have to custom make a cable, or somehow splice the two with a lever device. I'm sure i'll come up with something. Won't be until I'm back from vacation though. Your lever idea sounds good. You could tweak the lever arrangement to get the balance of mechanical advantage vs hand lever travel that you want.
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Post by gy6rocket on Apr 11, 2009 10:50:31 GMT -5
Well the gas is already done, I had to modify the stock cable a bit but it worked out pretty good considering I am using a xr50 twist grip. I had to straighten out the curved part in the beginning of the cable since the new twist grip has a side exit vs. the bottom exit. The gas is hooked up and works great, I much prefer the aluminum twist grip housing compared to the cheesy plastic one that came with the bike. The front brakes were easy too, nothing modded there, I did reassemble WITHOUT the pressure relief valve (aka Chinese ABS lol) So all that is really left mechanically is to figure out the rear brake. Then I am going to repaint the panels, I'm still on the fence about using them but my idea of converting the dual headlamp housing into 1 headlamp and 1 ram air intake keeps invading my dreams
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