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So …………………. thanx to the Kaptain I have effectively ended up with a second spare engine. Actually – the Mk1 from my original bike with the 40DCOE + high level 2 > 1 exhaust. It is an early engine and in reality I need a late engine as a back up for the Glemseck lump.
That means I will have a spare engine sat on the bench with no home ! Then I got talking to my pal Brian [ donating the workshop space ]. When I was diagnosed with the Chronic Kidney Disease some years ago, I threw all my toys out of the pram – almost literally – and sold off most of my long term projects. Bikes and my Vanguard Estate Hot Rod. One of the projects was a Yamaha TR1 1000cc V twin [ “Cafe Creme” ] to be built in the Boardtracker style. VERY simple lines and essentially nowhere near as costly to build as a Cafe Racer – or even a restoration ! THEN we got talking about the resurgence of interest in the old 1920s / 30s Boardtrack racers and the fact that people are beginning to use them in various competition / parades. So there is an end use – not simply a design exercise. Essentials for the Boardtrack style are – simple frame, 21″ wheels, girder forks, rigid rear and as stripped down as possible. Normally NO front brake – but self preservation [ and MOT ! ] calls for some sort of brake – albeit vestigial. The French made a whole bunch of such spec road bikes in the early 20’s and early 30’s and they frequently come up on E Bay for around £400 – £500. NOT that I have £400 – £500 spare [ not even £50 ! ] but what is life without a plan?
TAKE ENGINE “A” + DONOR “B” AND END UP WITH “C” !!
ENGINE “A”
DONOR “B”
Moving along nicely now – most of the major parts are either in stock or on the way !
Mocked up the Bantam forks with the Honda XLR250 front wheel – yep it will all fit. I wanted the style of girder forks that Motobecane [ and others ] use
– a banana shape. I came up with a cunning plan to mod the Bantam forks to give that look. Again – POC using a piece of liberated garden hose shows it will work. A bit of imagination required as I ran out of hose ! There will be a couple of functioning barrel saddle springs at the top to add to the illusion – and actually they will add some suspension.I must admit Beachcomber I am a little lost with the depth some of your ideas as to whether or not they are the right thing to do but I am so interested and mesmerised with the developing projects.
Keep it going mate
I get a little lost sometimes too !!
This is the overall look I’m going for – but in my own way. Forks will be different and of course the KZ750 lump. This one was £75,000 !!!
Yes Phil,
Colourways are important to get the period feel. I had already decided [ 7 years ago with the aborted TR1 B/T ] colours would be a light coffee with cream [ buttermilk ] contrast. Then I came across the H-D tracker pictured above and that convinced me. Hence the bike name “Cafe Creme”
I’ve had to abandon the styling cue of the Motobecane forks – as the springs [ top ] will interfere with the lock of the steering. Second choice was a slimmer version of the H-D springer. Only this time I intend to use a single
coil over RAMSHOX unit at the top – which give the look of the springer but with a practical solution to the fact that the Bantam forks have NO hydraulic dampening !!One of the perks of being the instigator and development guy on the RAMSHOX is that when I want a special for myself – I can just ask my pal Adrian ! He’s bringing up a sample of my order tomorrow – and while he’s here I can also ask him for the twinshox for the Glemseck !! tee hee.
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