Another Bike...

[Dustin07]

picked up this kawi on craiglist for a song yesterday. It did not run and the seller had no idea what it would take... neither did I. but I sold the last bike we chopped for twice what we paid so I figured at $200 I could get my money back out of this bike even if I couldn't get it running:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02744.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02745.jpg

So the first thing I did when I got it home was check the oil and hook it up to jumper cables. I new the gas was old, but it smelled ok...........

I got lights all the sudden with jumpers, but nothing more. Pulled the batter, dropped a new one for $39, and the bike started right up. I took it for a spin around the block.. pulled it back into the garage, and pulled the rear shocks. Going to weld the back end together pretty close to the height it sits at now:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02752.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02753.jpg

then we took the handlebars off:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02754.jpg

sectioned/chopped them:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02756.jpg

and this is basically how it sits now:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02758.jpg

those bars won't stay, they are just a mock up. but I will keep that same style.

the only plans for this bike are:


new back half to ride at basically this height (rigid, no rear shocks)
new spring seat
new handlebars
maybe a new fender if I can't make the rear one work
Flat black paint with either flat green, or flat yellow for the rims.


and that's it. should have less than $400 into when done. AT MOST I might pick up a few other items. I found a Model T headlight for like $15, i might swap that out. Maybe caddy bullet tails, just rat rod type stuff.

[camdenoilchange]

sounds good, got any pics of previous bikes you built?

[Chris.]

whats the deal with all this rat rod shit everywhere lately?

[22sierra22]

nice find

[SamCarroll]

ridgid :uhoh:

[BLK OH7]

Fawkin Sweet

[BlackedOutHoe]

awesome find! i wish i could get that lucky

[Dustin07]

yeah I can't believe this find man... you always hear about weird finds like this, just got super luck. It sounds KILLER now without the mufflers. I'll post a vid later.

whats the deal with all this rat rod shit everywhere lately?

before I even knew what a ratrod was, I was already getting into that. I just don't dig fancy paint jobs or the 'finished' look. To me it's a pain in the ass. The paint to me is kind of a superficial thing that really means nothing to the rest of the hotrod. I have respect for creative and well done paint jobs, dont' get me wrong........... I just have no interest in trying to protect one myself!

sounds good, got any pics of previous bikes you built?

the last one we ONLY used parts off the of the bike to change bike. No new metal or anything else added (aside from wirefeed...). So we cut off metal brackets we didn't need, and reused them on the bike. Unfortunately I don't have any 'before' shots.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02724.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02729.jpg

[camdenoilchange]

looks good. i like the rotor/kickstand!

[Dustin07]

LOL... yeah we lowered that one so much the kickstand was basically worthless. even sectioned it couldn't do it's job anymore.

[J-man67]

before I even knew what a ratrod was, I was already getting into that. I just don't dig fancy paint jobs or the 'finished' look. To me it's a pain in the ass. The paint to me is kind of a superficial thing that really means nothing to the rest of the hotrod. I have respect for creative and well done paint jobs, dont' get me wrong........... I just have no interest in trying to protect one myself!


I hear that man.... Here is my 07 Street bob. Still not done with it yet, but a lot more flat black is coming...

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/J-man67/86f2cbfa.jpg

[SamCarroll]

drag bars would make your street bod sick as fuck :imo

Maybe not drag bars but bars like my dads bike...i think it would look good.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/SamCarroll/Dads%20Bike/bike1.jpg

[Dustin07]

yeah Sam those bars are pretty tight. i was looking at a pair just like those. The ones I have on there now are actually the originals we just chopped 'em up and welded them back together to see different positions and get a feel for what we like most.

hey Justin that Harley is clean as hell! I usually don't like Harley's (no offense) because a lot of Harely guys out here buy a ton of bolt on crap and they just have so much clutter, but that one is veerrryyy nice yes.

[J-man67]

I like those bars too. I am thinking a drag style bar or bigger apes. I think taller apes would really set that bike off. I didn't really like Harleys either, but this one just grabbed my attention. Those pipes came chrome. I sanded them down, cleaned them, then hit them with some high-temp BBQ paint. Came out pretty good. They look better then my buddies expensive ceramic coating does after a year and a 1/2. I also just finished making a air cleaner cover. Just cut some sheet metal and painted it with the same high temp black BBQ paint. Next I want to shave the fender, maybe "bob" it and get a side mount for the plate. We will see. I have other toys that need attn too. I REALLY want to concentrate and save for a lift for my truck too....it NEVER ends.

P.S. Sam: Your Dad's Big Dog is pretty damn sweet and Dustin: I love the last bike you did. I love that street-fighter/cafe racer cruiser look.

[SamCarroll]

i want a bike so damn bad.

[BlackedOutHoe]

do bigger apes..i love apes!

[Dustin07]

i want a bike so damn bad.

just jump on craigslist and search for keyword "runs" for under $500 :hmm:

[Dustin07]

I like those bars too. I am thinking a drag style bar or bigger apes. I think taller apes would really set that bike off. I didn't really like Harleys either, but this one just grabbed my attention. Those pipes came chrome. I sanded them down, cleaned them, then hit them with some high-temp BBQ paint. Came out pretty good. They look better then my buddies expensive ceramic coating does after a year and a 1/2. I also just finished making a air cleaner cover. Just cut some sheet metal and painted it with the same high temp black BBQ paint. Next I want to shave the fender, maybe "bob" it and get a side mount for the plate. We will see. I have other toys that need attn too. I REALLY want to concentrate and save for a lift for my truck too....it NEVER ends.

P.S. Sam: Your Dad's Big Dog is pretty damn sweet and Dustin: I love the last bike you did. I love that street-fighter/cafe racer cruiser look.


those pipes were the first thing I noticed on your bike! I was thinking about leaving certain things chrome on the new one, but I think I'll do like you did with the flat black on the pipes. After cutting the mufflers off the flames shoot right below the feet... so I think i'm going to extend the straight pipes another 12" or so and go flat black. If you do the fender work I'd like to see the update. I like that style of fender, but I've seen it bobbed too and it looks good.

[SamCarroll]

just jump on craigslist and search for keyword "runs" for under $500 :hmm:

the bikes you picked up would look like toothpicks for me

[Dustin07]

http://www.dailyhaha.com/_pics/fat_man_bike.jpg

[racer19]

nice project bike

[Dustin07]

it's officially chopped... we did work last night, I'll post pics when they are done. I personally really like when the frame lines are cleaner and straighter, so we are trying to carry the top tube all the way down to the drop out following the line from the gas tank. I know we can make the line work, I already have a steel tube in there, I'm just worried about strength... but probably wont' be an issue.

[PewterRado]

man i wanna find a cheap old bike like that now for a DD and just to mess around with. for <500 it would pay for itself in 3 or 4 months if driven alot.

[mooreman163]

Looks sweet. I've been wanting to build another bike. Time to start looking at ebay.

[Dustin07]

man i wanna find a cheap old bike like that now for a DD and just to mess around with. for <500 it would pay for itself in 3 or 4 months if driven alot.

oh for sure man. although with the rain we get out here I wouldn't drive mine much during the winter anyways... but it's still fun.

[ROCKNROLLGANGSTA]

wow the first few pics already look better after you took all the gay shit off. so are you making a "bober"

[Dustin07]

bobber/chopper definitions are wierd... I deem bobbers to be something that has been stripped of anything not needed. Whereas 'chopper' starts when you start cutting...

since I've already removed the back half the frame I'd say it's been chopped. I will be removing some of the extras, like the tack, but will probably leave the turn signals just to avoid the po-po, so I don't know if you'd call it a bobber or not. a lot of bobber guys ditch the signals.


the giant 16 person seat is being replaced with a single. plastics removed, excess shielding around the air filter removed, passenger pegs removed, so I guess bobbed and chopped.

[ROCKNROLLGANGSTA]

from my understanding a chopper had long raked out forks with the raised and stretch frames. a bobber is small compact and handles somewhat better that a chopper 18ft long. Im no biker but thats what i have accumulated in streetchopper mags and what not. to me its the difference in a top fuel rail and a pinto

[Dustin07]

I would settle for short chop if you wanted: http://www.invaderwheels.com/invader5_016.htm

But with all the terms floating around out there (rather loosely) who cares.

Street truck, lowrider, donk, rat rod, hot rod, bobber, chopper, muscle, etc. meh.

[ROCKNROLLGANGSTA]

werd I dont really care either

[chevyman992002]

Nice project man.

[Dustin07]

werd I dont really care either

it's all rock n roll to me

Nice project man.

thanks man :shake:

[Dustin07]

Couple more pics. Frame is done, exhaust is back on (1/2 cut muffs), and the tank and fenders are painted. I'm going to flat black the exhaust and the rims, and now I just need a single seat... also, I think my IC just went bad, appears to only be firing two coils.... oh well.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02766.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02768.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02774.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02780.jpg

[PewterRado]

looks sick!

[racer19]

sick bike

[Dustin07]

thanks guys. I got a lot more work done, the bike is basically finished for now. Built a seat using the old one and some 16ga sheet metal as a pan.

Finished the handlebars, painted the wheels 'oregano', it's a darker, more olive color than the fenders/tank, I flat blacked the bottom half of the forks (below the boot), and moved the turn signals to the rear drop outs. Also picked up a bullet taillight from Schucks for $3.99.

[Dustin07]

pictures suck but I have the jeep in the garage cause it's raining and I don't have the top on all the way:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02786.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02783.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02784.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02782.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02785.jpg

that rear fender isn't actually bolted on in the pic, just mocked. that's why the wire is sitting there. I think I'll flat black the exhaust too. then call it a day. That... and I'm thinking about pulling the front brake entirely. it would clean up the handlebars and the wheel.


remember the old taiL:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02746.jpg

[OrangeCrush]

Why oh why did I click this thread....looks sick Dustin, great idea, looks fun as hell too.

...peeps CL...

[Dustin07]

LOL it is fun, and cheap. It's nice having something that fits in the garage comfortably and doesn't cost a lot to rat out. For what the suspension alone costs on our trucks you could build a badass bike.

[bakerboy]

WOW, nice man.................you opening up a shop soon????

[Dustin07]

LOL for these pieces of junk? ;)

I'm looking at Honda Shadow 1100 next. I want to build a bigger one, the 450 and 550 are fun, but I like the rumble of a bigger engine.

[OrangeCrush]

Whatre you doing as far as modifying the frame in the rear?

Where are you bracing and how? Pics highlighting this would be awesome.

My buddy has a 2cyl yamaha I think, 400cc? 1980 piece, I would love to take that and molest it in this fashion. Dunno If my 110v welder is up to the task though...

[Dustin07]

Whatre you doing as far as modifying the frame in the rear?

Where are you bracing and how? Pics highlighting this would be awesome.

My buddy has a 2cyl yamaha I think, 400cc? 1980 piece, I would love to take that and molest it in this fashion. Dunno If my 110v welder is up to the task though...

you can kind of see the frame in this picture. The swingarm is welded into place and that by itself is probably strong enough, but we also used matching steel tubing to continue the frame down from the end of the gas tank down to the rear dropouts:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02782.jpg


It's super strong and is oddly a better ride now than when it had shocks back there. I think because you sit lower compared to the handlebars, your back is straighter and it makes it more comfortable.

What is your 110 rated for welding? (thickness) I bet if you crank it all the way up it would hold. We use the 220 (lincoln 175) on levels B and C for this ( goes up to "E") just miggin it with some .030 wire.

[Dustin07]

If you look at this picture, you'll see that tube going from the tip of the gas tank to the rear dropout doesn't exist, but I think ours looks like it's supposed to be there, the frame lines just messhed really well IMO.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02745.jpg

[Tigger]

Nice build, looks great.
What other bikes have you built/modded?

[Dustin07]

this is only the third total, really only the 2nd one with frame mods though. But I think I'm going to try to build the entire frame on the next one.

[Tigger]

My forman does some customizing. He did the same thing to an old Triumph. Came out pretty good. He also built a couple WCC bikes. He also built a frame jig. I'll see if I can get some pics of it. It looks pretty simple.

Keep up the good work.

[Dustin07]

that would be cool man, thanks. I'm thinking about picking up a pipe bender, that would help significantly...

[ROCKNROLLGANGSTA]

looks like a fun and cheap project. I want one

[OrangeCrush]

I already emailed 3 guys last night on CL. fucking dustin.

I cant even weld well hahahaha, better start practicing.

I really like those two bars you added, looks clean.

[Dustin07]

I got the same disease! I did find a 1929 Chevy coupe for $2300 OBO though, and it's COMPLETE minus the interior. Do I spend a little more and try to pull that coupe for $2k, or do I pick up another beater bike to weld the hell out of ?

[OrangeCrush]

Do the street rod no doubt.

I say this because my dads flipped two of them already in the last year, making BANK on every one.

Thsi rat rod shit is huge, interior doesnt even matter as long as there arent holes in the floor and thats not a problem for you...

[Dustin07]

holy floors would be no big deal. And actually being a rat rod, you could pick up some pretty nice seats on CL from just about any vehicle for under $100...

[Dustin07]

someone just offered me a Washburn MG-122 + 30W amp for this bike:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/msg/846143324.html

[OrangeCrush]

fuck that. tell him an acoustic + cash!

[Dustin07]

LOL I was going to say the washburn, but NO AMP (I have one) plus cash. $200-300 buys me another rat rod bike to shred.

[el semental]

nice job a love that two tone green :)

[J-man67]

Man, I would love to have something like that. Impressive for 25 man. I am 25 and all I can do is ride the damn bike haha. Where are you from?

[Dustin07]

thanks man it's been fun. we just make it up as we go. we're in WA so bike riding season is coming to a screeching hault... rain rain rain has arrived.

[Dustin07]

so the Kawi 550 sold and we bought another bike. I picked up this TITLED CB100 for
$140 not running. cleaned the points and had it running that night......

originally what it looked like:


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/cb100.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/cb100frontpic.jpg

[Dustin07]

it actually was kinda a cool bike. the tank was destroyed though, missing side covers, fenders are pretty dinged. IF I restored it, I think I could finish it for around $600 and sell it between $1400-2000... but that's boring. so instead, this is what we did today:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02793.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02791.jpg


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02787.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02788.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02789.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02790.jpg


And now I need to go clean my garage.

we were going to go with a 'frameless' design. the idea was a tank that mounted between the rear wheel and engine, under the seat. the batter would be hidden behind the headlight, and basically from the engine back there would be no frame. Would have been pretty cool, but I like the look of the downtube/chopper approach and it will be much stronger.

[chance]

This looks like so much fucking fun.

[Dustin07]

man fun... and cheap. including a new battery, new headlight, new rear tire, and registration/sales tax, fuel filter, probably longer chain, I'll be into this thing for right about $300. Actually, maybe closer to $320, but I'll probably have a leftover 10FT section of steel tubing.

[chance]

I wish I knew how to do that kind of shit haha.

[bighead38]

Bike looks good.

[OrangeCrush]

love it

[Evan]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/Dustino7/Choppers/DSC02790.jpg

Won't that, uh, go up your ass while riding? :crazy:

[servlo]

Whats the specs on that frame? How much of an angle on the top and how long did you extend the swing arm?

[deranged]

Are you calculating any rake/trail figures or just raking it out there and hoping it isn't deadly? :crazy:

[Dustin07]

Are you calculating any rake/trail figures or just raking it out there and hoping it isn't deadly? :crazy:

yes :crazy:

being that it's a CB 100 engine, that on a good day can barely make 45mph, I'm not too worried. This thing will be a bar hopper at most. the front is only tacked on so it may not be the final rake. I was going to shoot for a 35degree rake, but I didn't have an angle finder handy so I just winged it :crazy: I might leave it there, spin it around the neighbor hood and see if it works well, then reinforce, or I may change it later. I'm headed to TX this week and won't be able to work on the bike anymore till next week anyways :flame:

[Dustin07]

Whats the specs on that frame? How much of an angle on the top and how long did you extend the swing arm?

We actually built an entirely new 'swing arm' but it will be rigid. it's about 8 inches longer than OEM. My buddy KC wants to go with the 'frameless' design and see if we can build it rigid enough to hold up without the downtube from the tank, but I like the look and I like the extra strength.

The tubing is 1" steel to match OEM. When I get my angle finder, I'll let you know what we end up with on the rake.

[Matthew]

Dustin, I had no idea you did this type of shit. Looks sweet. I'm not really into bikes but after seeing this it has caught my interest. Very cool stuff man.

[Kid_Rock_GTX]

Fucking SWEET dude!!!! I love the look of those little bikes all cut up to fuck and back. Here is a link to a bike rodeo I went to. You can see my buddie tiny's and scott's bobbers/cafe racers. I wouldnt mind making one also one day.

Link to pictures (http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134289)

[Dustin07]

Dustin, I had no idea you did this type of shit. Looks sweet. I'm not really into bikes but after seeing this it has caught my interest. Very cool stuff man.

Hey Matt what's up?

It kinda happened on accident. my buddy bought a CB450 in parts and as we were putting it together we started getting ideas... We had all the tools since I tooled up for the bag project so one thing led to another and three bikes later....

they're fun. we constantly find good buys on craigslist for under $300. I think he bought another one for $100 running! This last one I was working on came with a title for $140.. just needed the points cleaned and it runs like a top now.

Fucking SWEET dude!!!! I love the look of those little bikes all cut up to fuck and back. Here is a link to a bike rodeo I went to. You can see my buddie tiny's and scott's bobbers/cafe racers. I wouldnt mind making one also one day.

Link to pictures (http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134289)

those are some great pics man! while I was down in TX I saw some awesome bobbers. It was crazy, those guys all ride without helmets too :crazy:

[oldschoolchevy]

Heres you some more inspiration. Bikes that my friends have built.
http://a481.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/113/l_4b3d6db25a176269ce096fd36ea123c8.jpg
http://a851.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/39/l_87fac21e3b8b54bfd0bbb60b363fe98a.jpg
http://a95.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/9/l_c604b69b63700d4a1eaf7be91301b356.jpg

[LittleItaly]

that last bike doesnt look to comfortable to ride

[OrangeCrush]

Heres you some more inspiration. Bikes that my friends have built.


fucking COOL!

[Kid_Rock_GTX]

if I where to ride that last bike my ass would be hanging out like a mother fuckin plumber! I would love to build one!

[OrangeCrush]

where can i find more pics of these hacked up j-bikes?

[Dustin07]

Heres you some more inspiration. Bikes that my friends have built.
http://a481.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/113/l_4b3d6db25a176269ce096fd36ea123c8.jpg
http://a851.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/39/l_87fac21e3b8b54bfd0bbb60b363fe98a.jpg
http://a95.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/9/l_c604b69b63700d4a1eaf7be91301b356.jpg

that's some badass stuff man!

I lost my memory card for my camera!! :angry: but as soon as I find it I'll post latest pics of the CB100. It's totally unpractical, but who cares.. it looks bad ass. we flared the backside of the frame and added some deadly spearpoints... mostly just did it to see if I was getting handy enough with the sheet metal yet :crazy: