Honda XL70 Bobber 2.0

[petercscherer]

Welcome back! Herein begins the 2nd Bobber that I'll building based off the Honda XL70 dirt-bike. The last build thread can be found here: http://community.ratsun.net/topic/70035-honda-xl70-bobber/page-1

This time around, I'll be following similar methods, but changing a few things to overcome some issues I had the first time around. I'll list out these items below:

 

1.) Stretching the frame.

       I'll be doing this partially to gain more length to the bike and make room for larger riders, but also to give room to mount the 125cc Engine/4spd transmission. This will also have the added benefit of fitting a larger gas-tank. 

 

2.) Installing a battery-box and associated wiring, so I can run 12V lights and possibly even turn signals. 

 

3.)Modifying the rear swing-arm to allow for a wider street tire, rather than the dirt-bike knobby one. 

 

4.) Fully sprung seat, utilizing two coil-over mini-shocks; this should allow for a better ride and support of larger riders.

 

5.) Full fenders front and rear, bobbed (of course), but this will enable me to ride in inclement conditions.

 

6.) Full custom paint job: Flakes, Lace, Candies, Striping, Fades, etc...

 

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So, here's the starting point. Another 1974 XL70 from my stash of bikes. No previous damage to the frame, front forks need to be rebuilt, really cruddy at the moment.

 

Got it mostly torn down this evening:

 

Old parts get put back in the shed for future projects. No waste with me, everything can be re-used in some manner!

 

So, where are we going with this one? Well, since my first bike was a rather simple traditional bobber, I decided to take this one up a notch. I'm looking at the Frisco-Style Bobbers of the 1960's-70's, and really digging the colors, lines, and flavors. So here's just a peek at my inspiration:

 

So, you can see where things are headed. This one's bound to get a little hairy, but I'm thinking the result will be epic!

 

Stay tuned

~Peter

[Draker]

I enjoyed the first two threads. Looking forward to seeing where this one goes.

[LTJ]

The last one was epic, this looks like it will be even better!

[petercscherer]

Bit of a change in plans. I sat on the floor today and stared at my frame for awhile, and ultimately chose not to use it. It's simply too straight and unmolested, I'll probably save it for a stock build in the future. Instead, I went out and grabbed a beater SL70 frame that had a whole bunch of welds, ground off tabs, etc... Basically ruined for a stock-build.

 

SOOOOO, I chopped it to hell!

 

It turned out that my engine stand was just the right height to build off of, so I'll mount the engine, and build the frame around it!

 

Mounting the front forks will take some doing, but I can handle it:

 

 

I'm stuck waiting for my DOM tubing to arrive for building my frame. Should be here mid-week, so until then, no real work planned. Otherwise, full steam ahead!
 

~Peter

[Draker]

Welp.. no turning back now.

[petercscherer]

Update:

So here's the beginning of a frame:

 

All DOM tubing in thickness greater than the original bike frame, this ensures that the new metal won't be the weak-link.

 

Beginning the Spine of the bike: 

 

Installed:

 

This bit may look a tad odd, because it's where I joined the old & new, but it should add some curve-appeal on the completed bike!

 

Tomorrow I'll mount the front head-tube and begin the lower rails. My main goal is getting a flowing frame that allows removal of the 125cc motor without damaging paint and chrome.

 

Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen.

~Peter

[datsunfreak]

I really just need to drop off my bike at your house and you call me when it's done...    :rofl:

[petercscherer]

Update: 

Started off today by tacking the head tube in place at the proper rake and height.

 

A little mock-up:

 

I then spent the afternoon mocking out and welding the side rails, followed by some contemplative mock-up time:

 

That wiggle in the lower rail is for clearance of the kick-starter and also for the clutch housing.

 

Plan for tomorrow is double-checking that the frame is square before I clean the front up even more and begin my prep for the rear frame build. I'll try and get a complete mock-up done within the next week.

 

~Peter

[Aibast]

I'm not a bike guy, but more I look @ this thing they more I think the frame will flex and fatigue metal in the connections. Some triangulation would stiffent things up.

[petercscherer]

Yes, gussets are planned. Further bracing will be done on an as needed basis. Important thing with these frames is to get the perimeter welded fully, this prevents warping as you weld further supports in.

[Lockleaf]

Do you put slugs in your frame seams?

[petercscherer]

Do you put slugs in your frame seams?

Yes, frame fully slugged. 

[petercscherer]

Due to unforeseeable events today, this build is on hold until further notice. I'll post again when I can get to it.

[datzenmike]

Per OP's request this post is closed/inactive and may be restarted by him again at a later date that we all look forward to.