Quick update
Although I don't have many photos at present, there has been quite a bit of progress over the last 2 weeks.
The frame modifications have now been completed. Although the pic below shows the mule rather than my frame, this is the state of play with the headstock heavily modified and the swing arm bearing support plates in place.
As I enjoy taking my boys out for rides, Gavin has designed a solution where the rear footpegs will be demountable. They won't be fitted normally, keeping the lines of the bike really sweet, but can be easily added when required. Neat.
The exhaust was always going to be a challenge, but it turns out that Elefant headers can be made to fit the monster without too much hassle. Good news, that could have been quite a bit of work.
An adjustable link rod has been manufactured for the rear shock - hopefully that means we'll be able to get the whole plot sitting level and suspending as it should.
A new, longer stem was manufactured and pressed into place, so that the Elefant Yokes and massive bearings can now be fitted, along with matching forks and in fact much of the Elefant front end.
It's just the more detailed stuff now - positioning the speedo sensor, lengthening the side stand, manufacturing a 'rallye prop' to go opposite the stand to allow wheel changes, that kind of thing. Also, everywhere there are currently washers that were used to get things lined up, proper spacers need to be turned to fit.
At the same time, CT has commenced his paintshop wizardry. We agreed colours, but with his words
"we don't want it to look like a sign outside a pizza shop, do we"? buzzing in my head, I've left CT to it. I'm hoping to head over to his place next week for the Grand Reveal. Can't wait.
In the first week of July I can collect the complete dry-built rolling chassis. I'll take that to CT where we'll dissemble everything, send bits in different directions for finishing, then I'll be wringing my hands waiting for it all to come back so we can do the final build.
Exciting? Oh yes.....