Triumph Chop - Speedo Drive Cover

Since I'm still a beginner on the lathe still, I can use all the practice I can get. I know that I can buy a speedometer drive cover for like $40 but decided I would just go ahead and make one since I had the aluminum on hand anyway. My little lathe isn't up to the job of parting so I just had to cut it with a hacksaw and face it after the cut. Turned out pretty well after I made a couple HSS tool for the inside cuts. 

1996 KZ1000P

If you've seen even a fraction of the posts on my blog, you know that stock bikes aren't my thing....but since a 1978 KZ650 was my first bike, I have a soft spot for the Kawasaki KZ. I've seen the KZ1000's making awesome time on the 1/4 mile not to mention the badassery that was the KZ in Mad Max.

My problem is that since I'm always working on a bike, I never have one to just hop on and ride. I'm saving up for a Shovelhead but in the meantime, I couldn't resist picking up this former Twin Falls County Sheriff bike. This thing runs like a dream. It is the antithesis of every bike I've had. It's quiet, fast, smooth, comfortable, all the electronics work, has good gauges and is clean. Long live the KZ!

Work and New Additions

Been making some progress on the Triumph. Also brought in a 75 Ironhead to do some fab work on for Dallas. Also just brought home a 96 KZ1000-P for Twin Falls County Sheriff Bike. 22K on the clock and beautiful.

How to Ship a Motorcycle Frame

1. Place frame on bench
2. Get beer
3. Collect boxes and plastic wrap
4. Cut, rap, repeat!

New Motorcycle Work Bench

So I really need to get started on my bike and since moving I've tried to make the most of the little work space that I have. After I got my new lathe and band saw, space was at a premium and I didn't have room for a work bench. Did a little digging online and found a picture of a bench that I liked. Made up my own dimensions and got to work.

It's 7' long, 2' wide and about 25" high. I may add some wheels to it later so I can roll it around the garage when needed, but for now It's gonna be perfect. Just sold my old Triumph OIF frame so I get to use the new bench tonight to take that thing apart.

If you're interested in building the same one, shoot me a comment and I can post the number of pieces and dimensions for each.

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. 

Triumph Chopper in the Works

I've been out of pocket for the past 3 months with another educational pursuit, but now that I'm back in town, it's time to hit the projects again. My last post was looking for inspiration for my Triumph and I'd said that I didn't want to do a full blown chop, but I changed my mind and I've got a kick ass little project started. Here's a pic of where it's at. The front loop is from a 1970 Triumph. The hardtail is a Factory Metal Works creation. My 73 motor will bolt right up and is out being rebuilt by Lucas at Union Motorcycles here locally. The front end is an idea from Todd at Small City Cycles in Boise. The front end is from a 69 Honda CB350. It picks up that vintage Triumph front end look without the cost of one. Todd spun up a spacer on his lathe for me to make the whole thing work together. The front wheel is also from an old Honda.

I've got a tank, seat, oil bag, and some other goodies I'll post up pretty soon.