| Project "Bluebird" |
Bluebird is our Chassis project. Using a Bonneville 865 motor as a base, the Bluebird will have a
trellis style frame built of Reynolds 631 motorcycle tubing. The front end is salvaged from a
Suzuki GSXR600, and the rear hub, bearings, brake and drive from a Triumph Sprint ST. We will
build the single sided swinging arm from 631 as well.
So far, the geometry has been laid out at 55.5 inch wheelbase, 23 degree head angle, 1.25 inch
rake, approximately 3.6 inches trail, seat height target is @ 30 inches.
We are collecting the necessary items as we go along, using some used and some new items,
and we will be making many of the parts for the project as necessary. If we can, we will use BST
carbon wheels... all comes down to dollars! Brakes will come from Braking, Italy. Rear
suspension from Hagon. Tires from Avon.
trellis style frame built of Reynolds 631 motorcycle tubing. The front end is salvaged from a
Suzuki GSXR600, and the rear hub, bearings, brake and drive from a Triumph Sprint ST. We will
build the single sided swinging arm from 631 as well.
So far, the geometry has been laid out at 55.5 inch wheelbase, 23 degree head angle, 1.25 inch
rake, approximately 3.6 inches trail, seat height target is @ 30 inches.
We are collecting the necessary items as we go along, using some used and some new items,
and we will be making many of the parts for the project as necessary. If we can, we will use BST
carbon wheels... all comes down to dollars! Brakes will come from Braking, Italy. Rear
suspension from Hagon. Tires from Avon.
Our engine is in the shop! We are not
planning any major performance
enhancements to the motor right now...
this project is all about the chassis.
Motor mods may come later.
We are taking a departure on the
intake for this one. We will be using a
single 41mm Keihin FCR, and making
a manifold to suit. Yeah, its not the
usual thing, but we will see how it
works out!
Exhaust will be a 2 into 1 system of our
own, as well.
planning any major performance
enhancements to the motor right now...
this project is all about the chassis.
Motor mods may come later.
We are taking a departure on the
intake for this one. We will be using a
single 41mm Keihin FCR, and making
a manifold to suit. Yeah, its not the
usual thing, but we will see how it
works out!
Exhaust will be a 2 into 1 system of our
own, as well.
The tubing has arrived. Yeah!
Years ago, as a custom bicycle frame builder, I
used a lot of Reynolds 531 and 753. I've worked
with other tubing as well, but there is just nothing
like Reynolds. It has a feel, a smell and a sound
all its own. There is a reason for the legendary
status of this steel...
Years ago, as a custom bicycle frame builder, I
used a lot of Reynolds 531 and 753. I've worked
with other tubing as well, but there is just nothing
like Reynolds. It has a feel, a smell and a sound
all its own. There is a reason for the legendary
status of this steel...
1/15/12
Finally getting back to this project. I've made
bearing housings for the swinging arm and got
to bending and cutting tubing for the rear of the
frame and swinging arm. Head tube and head
bearing housings are also done. The 1 1/4
diameter tubing is proving to be tricky to bend,
so I am taking a different tack on some of the
parts by minimising the number and degree of
bends. I'll be tacking the subframe bits that
have been cut and initial swinging arm parts this
week, and, hopefully having them finish welded
by the end of the week.
Finally getting back to this project. I've made
bearing housings for the swinging arm and got
to bending and cutting tubing for the rear of the
frame and swinging arm. Head tube and head
bearing housings are also done. The 1 1/4
diameter tubing is proving to be tricky to bend,
so I am taking a different tack on some of the
parts by minimising the number and degree of
bends. I'll be tacking the subframe bits that
have been cut and initial swinging arm parts this
week, and, hopefully having them finish welded
by the end of the week.
