More Triumph Progress

I wasn't happy with the lines of my first set of pipes, so I set out to redesign them. Much better now. While I was in the mood, I also tackled a new sissy bar since the first one was a bit wonky. 

Triumph Progress

Been making some slow progress on the chop. Trying out a new pipe design. Think I like it so far. Pretty damn close to getting this thing ready for tear down and paint.

Triumph Chop - Rabbit Ear Bars

Work on the bike has been pretty stagnant lately so I decided I would try and get some bars done this weekend to kick it back into gear. 

Started out making some aluminum inserts for the top clamp since I had a 7/8" hole to fill. Then bent up some 7/8" DOM and made some bungs that got welded into the bottom and threaded for 1/2-13. I haven't welded in the brace yet, but you get the idea. Will post some pics of the finished product when I get it done. 

Triumph Chop - Microphone Tail Light

You can turn pretty much anything into a tail light. This is the method that I've used before but never taken pictures of. Bought a vintage microphone and removed the mic from it. I always have to draw out what I want to do so I don't screw it up. Bought an 1157 Red LED light and an 1157 socket. From there, it's just working with what you've got. My mic body has a little lip on the inside so I turned a washer down to fit snug on that lip. Welded a 2" pipe to it and then used another washer for the light socket. A couple really basic tabs with some bolts and there you have it. I like using the Red LED cause I don't have to use a lens. Hope you all find this info helpful. Before I had a lathe I always did the exact same thing with my bench grinder and hand files. 

Triumph Chop - Headlight Perch

Worked on the headlight perch yesterday. First got the triple tree all cleaned up and bored out the hole where I'd be mounting the headlight. Cut off a section of hex leaded steel and turned down the end to fit the hole then drilled and tapped it. Cut off half the upper section lengthwise and drilled it to accept the headlight.

Triumph Chop - Fender and Oil Tanks Mounts

Bungs! Feels like I've just been making bungs the past couple days but I did get my oil tank and fender mounted. The tank is an old Santee horseshoe tank. Thank god for my JD2 notcher because it made the coped angles super easy. After spending a few hours on the lathe drilling and threading all the bungs, I got them all tacked in place. 

Triumph Chop - Finishing Seat Mount

Put some final touches on the seat mount. Threaded a piece of 3/8 rod for 2 1/4" socket head bolts. Made it look real clean. Also got the spring perches done. Just need to burn it all in and move on to the next project.

Triumph Chop - Seat Mount

Finally got to work on the seat mount since it seems like nothing else is happening on the bike right now. Pretty simple concept and not too fancy but I think it'll work well.

More Triumph Chopper

Set the tank, fender, oil tank and seat on to see how it'll look. The seat is pretty goofy right now. I've already stripped the cover and foam off. I'll trim the seat pan so the back is thinner and fits the fender. The new foam will be low profile and won't have the humps. Imagine narrow T bars and a sissy bar and I think I'm on the right track. 

New Triumph Inspiration

Been thinking about the next phase of my Triumph for a while now. I know I don't want to go full on chop but I need to do something. I've been digging cafes and brats lately and think I have an idea to combine the two. The guys over at Garage Company build some awesome bikes and have done a few cafes that look pretty sweet. Slammed them with rigid struts, cut off the rear frame, built cafe tails and seat pans as well as chopping the tanks and adding smaller headlights and clip-ons. 

My deal is that I still want to retain the ability to throw a passenger on. Think I'll use their idea of slamming the bike but I'll build a brat style seat with a possible removable tail section. Will add a different headlight, clip-ons and leave the tank stock. Should be pretty sick. 

Here's my inspiration. 

Triumph Candy

Cruising through Jockey Journal and just thought I would share this piece of art. Check out the build thread HERE.

Triumph 750 OIF

Little Triumph Progress

Made a few changes to the trump. Removed all the crap off the front end. Still got to lower the bike and get rid of that stupid 16" rear wheel. Guess I just need to cruise ebay to find an 18". Need to make a set of bars and pipes and I think she'll be sitting pretty.

Riding the Triumph

The old girl run's like a top! Was on the freeway the other day and she will cruise at 65 in 4th gear. Nice to have that 5th gear in reserve for really hitting some good speeds.

Super solid bike although there are a couple oil leaks. One is what you would expect. The plate on the bottom of the bike that holds the oil filter is leaking. That's just an old gasket. Easy to replace. The other leak is from the front lifter. Should be an easy fix as well.

Almost There

Made a lot more progress on the Tiger. Got the wiring all buttoned up although I still need to run wires to the brake light. Need to get the fuel hose run, screws for the brake light cover, grips, and the master cylinder and all the assembly will be done. Fluids after that and she'll be ready to start.